By Mewati Sitaram
In a strategic leadership transition aligned with its long-term growth vision, Tamara Leisure Experiences has appointed industry veteran Samir M.C. as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 16, 2025. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to values-driven, sustainable expansion and positions it for its next phase of development in the global hospitality landscape.
Samir succeeds Shruti Shibulal, who will now serve as Executive Vice Chair of the Board. The leadership restructuring is designed to ensure continuity, focused stewardship, and strong momentum as the company scales its operations across geographies.
With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Samir brings a rich blend of operational and strategic insight. An MBA-qualified professional, he has held senior leadership roles at ITC Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he played a pivotal role in driving regional profitability, operational excellence, and long-term brand positioning.
His professional footprint spans India, Southeast Asia, and Korea, with extensive hands-on experience in hotel operations, pre-openings, stakeholder and owner management, brand marketing, hotel development, regional portfolio management, board directorships, and corporate governance. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Samir continues to lead with purpose and vision, shaping the future of hospitality.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at such a ground-breaking and values-driven organization,” Samir said in a statement. “Through its intensive and innovative commitment to responsible hospitality, Tamara has carved for itself a distinctive position in the market. I look forward to building on that foundation by working closely with Shruti and the broader team to lead the company into its next phase of growth.”
Founded with a mission to redefine sustainable luxury, Tamara Leisure Experiences has steadily expanded across India and Europe. The leadership change is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s position as a pioneer in responsible hospitality.
EDUCATIONAL ASSETS: Samir began his academic journey at St. Xavier’s High School with a commerce background. He went on to earn a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management, followed by a specialization in Hospitality Revenue Management from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. To deepen his business knowledge, he pursued a Post Graduate Certificate and an MBA from the University of Southern Queensland. He is currently a Doctoral Scholar (DBA) at SP Jain School of Global Management, an institution renowned for its global academic excellence.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
