Cover Sandeep Gupta, executive director of Aria Hotels & Consulancy, writes about his personal and professional journey
Sandeep Gupta, executive director of Aria Hotels & Consulancy, writes about his personal and professional journey
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Hotelier Sandeep Gupta once faced barriers for simply being who he was. Now he ensures that he provides safe spaces for others
India, a country deeply rooted in social tradition, has been the backdrop for my personal and professional journey. Today I am a successful hotelier, leading Aria Hotels & Consultancy as its executive chairman. And while I have never encountered any abuse or overt confrontation about who I was, I can attest that I have experienced a silent resistance to my reaching the top, for no other reason than my identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
This resistance was palpable in both companies I worked for, primarily from board members within my late father Sushil Gupta's circle. Their traditional mindset held that only those who were married with children deserved to reach the top.
However, I remained confident in my abilities and knowledge. My foray into the luxury hotel industry began in 2013 when I collaborated with my father to establish the JW Marriott in New Delhi. We successfully positioned it as one of India's leading luxury properties. In 2022, I partnered with Michelin-starred chef David Myers to introduce ADRIFT Kaya, an experiential dining concept that has had great success.
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And yet there were still obstacles needlessly placed in my way. I sat on the board of one hotel company, for example; and despite my stellar performance, even during the three years of the Covid crisis, other board members—who, it must be noted, were old men in their 80s—were unjustifiably critical. They even tried to have me removed simply because I wasn’t married and didn’t have children. All of their support went to a non-performer who was married and had two non-working children. In their eyes, fitting into this very traditional mould was the most important qualification a leader should have.
Thankfully I was also armed with my father’s belief in me. So with this, I was determined to overcome the hurdles that were placed in my way. I told myself that I was not going to stand for it. I deserved to be at the top of the ladder. I exhorted myself to go and claim what I deserved.
I had to fight my way up and find a way to overcome these barriers—which, with grit and determination, I did. I am also fortunate to have had a strong support system of friends, family, and professional networks. Since joining YPO, a global leadership community of CEOs, in 2010, I have found encouragement and faith to persist in my goals. My YPO friends consistently reminded me to persevere. Additionally, my involvement in an LGBTQ forum provided further support.
My father, who always had my back, was able to see the results of my efforts before he passed away in October 2022.
Our association with Marriott fills me with pride, as the company is a steadfast supporter of gay rights. Marriott hotels, including ours, have long been safe havens for LGBTQ+ guests. Marriott supports diversity and LGBTQ+ people within their own organisation—even in top management—and consider their own corporate offices as Safe Places to work.
I am also involved with Inside Out, an organization in Delhi that fosters safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals to meet and mingle. Alongside Inside Out, I have hosted several events in our hotel, with strong support from the embassies of the US, the UK, and Canada. We hope to open doors in Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about India’s future. While the country remains traditional, attitudes towards inclusivity are improving with each generation. I believe it is crucial to view people holistically, beyond their sexual orientation and gender identity. As a leader at Aria Hotels, I am dedicated to promoting this holistic perspective. We strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their highest potential, whoever they might be or whomever they may choose to love.
Sandeep Gupta is the executive chairman of Aria Hotels & Consultancy and a member of Young Presidents' Organisation (YPO).
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