Mumbai: Fairmont Mumbai has announced the appointment of Chandra Sekhar D as Director of Finance, further strengthening its executive leadership team as the luxury hospitality destination continues to expand its operational and business capabilities in India.
Bringing close to two decades of experience across globally recognised hospitality brands, Chandra joins Fairmont Mumbai with deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, compliance, business partnering, hotel openings, and operational excellence.
In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s financial strategy and governance agenda, focusing on strengthening fiscal performance while supporting Fairmont Mumbai’s long-term growth ambitions.
Prior to joining Fairmont Mumbai, Chandra served as Cluster Director of Finance at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Nepal, where he played an instrumental role in supporting business strategy, improving financial outcomes, and building high-performing finance teams across multiple properties. His career journey also includes senior finance leadership roles with Marriott Hotels India, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ascott Limited, and The Raintree Hotels.
At Fairmont Mumbai, Chandra will oversee financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, compliance, risk management, cost optimisation, and strategic business decisions. His experience across hotel pre-openings, finance systems implementation, and process transformation is expected to further support the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and sustainable business growth.
Speaking on his appointment, Chandra Sekhar D said, “Fairmont Mumbai represents one of the most exciting luxury hospitality projects in the country today. I am delighted to join a team that is committed to setting new benchmarks in guest experience and service excellence. My focus will be on building a strong financial foundation that supports innovation, operational agility, and long-term value creation, while enabling the hotel to achieve its ambitious growth objectives.”
Recognised for his collaborative leadership approach and strong commercial acumen, Chandra has consistently partnered with operational teams to improve profitability, enhance efficiencies, and strengthen governance structures. His expertise spans budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, cost controls, and large-scale hotel openings across varied hospitality markets.
Over the course of his career, he has led finance functions through critical growth phases, implemented automation and fintech initiatives, and navigated teams through complex operational and commercial environments. His ability to combine strategic financial oversight with operational execution has positioned him as a trusted business advisor within the hospitality sector.
Outside of work, Chandra is passionate about mentoring young professionals and has a keen interest in teaching and playing chess. He is also an advocate for continuous learning and technology-led innovation within finance functions.
Commenting on the appointment, Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai & Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel, said, “Chandra’s depth of financial expertise and progressive leadership experience make him a valuable addition to Fairmont Mumbai’s executive team. His strategic mindset and strong understanding of hospitality operations will play an important role in driving sustainable growth, operational agility and long-term success for the hotel.”
