Radha Arora

Alumnus, Radha Arora, has held leadership positions at some of the biggest names in the business, in some of the most glamorous locations in the world

My passion for travel and hospitality was sparked at an early age. As my father was a diplomat, we were constantly on the move throughout the world. I’ve always believed that the best hotels are those that connect to their local cultures and communities. It’s something I try to emphasize in my current role with Rosewood.

“I like to think of it as the ‘Ivy League’ of hotel schools.”

 

I graduated from Les Roches in 1982. I like to think of it as the ‘Ivy League’ of hotel schools. It was the place where you could learn your craft; the skills of the trade. For people who took hospitality seriously, Les Roches was the place to go.

A stellar career

Since graduation, I’ve enjoyed a 30-year career in luxury hospitality. I started in London with one of the most famous names in the hotel business – The Savoy – before joining Four Seasons, Intercontinental and then Four Seasons again.

During my second career with Four Seasons, I added another iconic hotel to my resume, as I had the honor to be General Manager of the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles, USA, as well as being the company’s Regional Vice-president.

Setting new standards in ultra-luxury

I joined Rosewood in 2011. Since then, it has been a thrill to play my part in relaunching the brand and expanding our footprint globally, including opening our first hotel in Asia, Rosewood Beijing, in 2014.

“I’ve always believed that the best hotels are those that connect to their local cultures and communities.”

I’ve also had the privilege of launching two iconic properties within our brand: the re-opening of the historic Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, which – within its first year – earned the coveted ‘Palace’ distinction; and, most recently, our new global flagship, Rosewood Hong Kong, which has set a new standard for ultra-luxury properties globally.

We now operate in 15 countries and are rightly considered to be among the world’s leading luxury hotel groups. I’m very thankful to Les Roches for giving me such a great start to my journey in hospitality.