He’s a seasoned hospitality professional with almost two decades of experience. As an F&B professional, he is here to streamline both the mood and the taste at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata. t2 got in conversation with Manu Nair, general manager, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, on Calcutta, culture, cuisine and more. Excerpts...
Congratulations on your new role. What drew you to Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, and what excites you most about this chapter?
What drew me to Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata was its unique positioning: vibrant, design-led, and deeply connected to the culture of the city. Ballygunge, as a location, gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase Calcutta in a way that feels contemporary, yet rooted in its heritage.
What excites me most is the chance to further elevate the hotel as a preferred destination for travellers and Calcutta’s residents alike. With a passionate team, strong local storytelling and Hyatt’s people-first culture, this chapter feels both exciting and meaningful.
With over 18 years at Marriott properties, how has your journey shaped your approach to leadership and hotel management?
My 18-year journey with Marriott has shaped me to value both consistency and adaptability. Working across different properties and markets taught me that while systems and standards are important, hospitality is ultimately driven by people.
As a leader, I believe in being approachable, empowering teams and creating a culture of trust and accountability. When associates feel valued and aligned, it reflects naturally in the guest experience. My approach is rooted in empathy, operational discipline and attention to detail.
You’ve held key roles across operations and food and beverage. How do these diverse experiences influence your overall strategy as a general manager?
Operations and F&B have given me a holistic understanding of hotel performance. F&B taught me the importance of creating memorable experiences and driving revenue, while operations strengthened my focus on consistency, efficiency and seamless execution.
As a general manager, this helps me balance guest satisfaction, team collaboration, innovation, and business performance with a more well-rounded perspective.
At Fairfield by Marriott Rajajinagar, you delivered strong operational and financial results. What were some key learnings from that role that you plan to implement here?
At Fairfield by Marriott Rajajinagar, my key learning was that strong results come from strong fundamentals, operational discipline, cost efficiency, market agility, and consistent service delivery. It also reinforced my belief that empowered teams drive better guest satisfaction and stronger financial performance. These are principles I look forward to building on at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata.
Hyatt Centric is known for connecting guests to the heart of the destination. How do you plan to translate Calcutta’s cultural and culinary vibrancy into guest experiences at the property?
Calcutta has a very distinct cultural and culinary soul, and Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata is perfectly placed to bring that alive for guests.
The focus will be on blending authentic local experiences with a contemporary lens, through curated menus, chef-led experiences, local art, music, neighbourhood discoveries, and city trails. From YAYAvar’s storytelling-led regional cuisine to Cal-On’s vibrant rooftop energy, every touchpoint should help guests experience Calcutta like a local. The aim is to make every stay feel connected to the city, not just the hotel.
Strengthening the hotel’s culinary positioning is a key focus. Can you share your vision for its restaurants and dining concepts?
My vision is to position our restaurants as destination dining experiences, not just hotel outlets. Each concept has its own personality while staying connected to the city’s energy.
YAYAvar will continue to celebrate regional Indian flavours through immersive, story-led dining. Tess brings in a vibrant, contemporary bistro experience, warm, social and perfect for casual indulgence. Cal-On, our prized possession, will continue to grow as a lively rooftop social hub with fresh home brews, cocktails, inspired food, music and a strong city connect. The focus will be on innovation with consistency, seasonal menus, chef collaborations, and experiential events that keep our dining spaces relevant, loved and commercially strong.
You are recognised for building motivated and accountable teams. What is your leadership philosophy when it comes to nurturing talent?
My leadership philosophy is people-first and purpose-driven. I believe that when you invest in the right talent, recognise effort, and create space for growth, people naturally take ownership. For me, nurturing talent is about clear expectations, open communication, trust and continuous learning. I also believe in being present and approachable as a leader. When teams feel valued, they perform better and grow into future leaders, which is one of the most rewarding parts of hospitality.
Having received several industry accolades, what do you believe sets you apart as a hospitality leader in a competitive landscape?
I believe it is the balance between being people-centric, performance-driven and adaptable. Accolades are important, but what matters more is how those results are achieved: through strong teams, consistent execution and staying close to both guests and operations. My leadership style is hands-on and collaborative. I like to remain connected to the business while giving teams the confidence to take ownership. At the same time, I believe in staying relevant, innovative, and responsive to evolving guest expectations.
What are your immediate priorities for Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata in the first year of leadership?
My immediate priorities are to strengthen team culture, elevate guest experiences, and drive sustainable business growth. We will strongly focus on empowering associates, sharpening service standards, and further building the hotel’s positioning, especially across F&B. I also want Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata to continue growing as a preferred address for both travellers and the local community. The larger goal is to balance heartfelt hospitality with strong commercial performance.
On a more personal note, how do you unwind outside of work, and how do your interests influence your perspective as a leader?
Outside of work, I like to keep things simple. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 16-month-old son, exploring new culinary experiences, travelling, and staying active. Food and travel help me stay curious, open-minded, and empathetic, qualities that are very important in hospitality. They also give me fresh perspectives that I can bring back to the guest experience and to the way I lead teams.