Jitendra Taak, General Manager of ITC Kohenur – A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad, was recently honoured as the General Manager of the Year at the 2025 Hashtag Awards, held during the prestigious HVS ANAROCK HOPE Conference. Taak’s distinctive leadership style, forward-thinking innovations, and unwavering commitment to sustainable luxury have distinguished him in today’s evolving hospitality landscape.
In a conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Taak shared his vision for ITC Kohenur and the strategies driving the hotel’s growth.
A seasoned hotelier with nearly two decades of experience, Taak’s journey with ITC Hotels began in 2001 through the prestigious Welcomlegionnaire Program. Over the years, he has held key roles at ITC Grand Chola, ITC Mughal, ITC Grand Bharat, Sheraton New Delhi, and ITC Maurya, where he served as Hotel Manager.
“My journey with ITC Hotels has been transformative. From managing iconic properties to leading high-profile events like the G20 Global Summit, each experience has strengthened my ability to adapt, innovate, and uphold ITC’s legacy of luxury and sustainability,” Taak said.
“These experiences have equipped me with a 360-degree perspective on luxury hospitality—from finer aspects of F&B operations to managing large teams, optimizing financial performance, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. At each property, I’ve learned to adapt to the unique market dynamics, guest demographics, and cultural nuances, which has been invaluable in preparing me to lead ITC Kohenur.”
Now at the helm of ITC Kohenur, he aims to position the hotel as Hyderabad’s premier luxury destination, blending heritage, sustainability, and innovation to elevate guest experiences.
With Food & Beverage (F&B) Service as his forte, Taak is spearheading innovative culinary strategies at ITC Kohenur.
“Food and beverage have always been at the heart of ITC Hotels. At ITC Kohenur, we are focusing on sustainability, innovation, and personalisation to enhance our dining experiences,” he explained.
Expanding local sourcing to ensure fresh, sustainable ingredients, introducing immersive dining experiences such as chef-led curated menus and themed pop-ups, and leveraging technology to customize dining experiences based on guest preferences are all part of his vision. With award-winning restaurants like Peshawri, Dum Pukht Begum’s, Yi Jing, Ottimo, and Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur is solidifying its place as Hyderabad’s top culinary destination.
With award-winning restaurants like Peshawri, Dum Pukht Begum’s, Yi Jing, Ottimo, and Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur is solidifying its place as Hyderabad’s top culinary destination.
As Hyderabad emerges as a leading business and leisure hub, ITC Kohenur is aligning with ITC’s Responsible Luxury ethos to drive sustainable growth.
“Sustainability is at the core of ITC Hotels. Our focus at ITC Kohenur is to integrate eco-conscious practices into every aspect of operations, from energy efficiency and water conservation to supporting local artisans and culinary traditions,” Taak said.
By optimising resources and implementing innovative green initiatives, ITC Kohenur is setting a benchmark for sustainable luxury in Hyderabad.
Like every major hospitality brand, ITC Kohenur has faced challenges, from fluctuating occupancy rates to external economic factors. However, Taak’s agile leadership approach has helped the hotel adapt and thrive.
“The hospitality industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. At ITC Kohenur, we stay ahead by implementing flexible booking policies, enhancing safety protocols, and diversifying revenue streams through F&B takeaways, Lavanderia services, and Sleep Boutique products,” he shared.
These strategies ensure continued revenue generation while maintaining high guest satisfaction and loyalty.
With Hyderabad emerging as a key hub for global conferences and business travel, ITC Kohenur is uniquely positioned to cater to this growing demand.
“Our state-of-the-art event spaces, strategic location near HITEC City, and commitment to personalized luxury make ITC Kohenur the preferred choice for corporate events and MICE gatherings,” Taak explained.
Additionally, the hotel’s design and interiors, inspired by the Kohinoor diamond, create a distinct blend of heritage and modernity, making it a standout venue for high-profile events.
With Hyderabad’s luxury hotel sector becoming increasingly competitive, ITC Kohenur differentiates itself through a unique combination of culture, sustainability, and culinary excellence.
“From our architecture reflecting the grandeur of the Deccan region to our award-winning F&B experiences and sustainable initiatives, ITC Kohenur is redefining luxury hospitality in Hyderabad,” Taak said.
The hotel’s eco-conscious operations, including energy tracking, plastic reduction through Sunya Aqua, and locally sourced produce, reinforce its commitment to sustainability while maintaining a world-class luxury experience.
Looking ahead, Taak sees Hyderabad poised for substantial hospitality growth, driven by its expanding IT sector, robust infrastructure, and increasing prominence as a global business hub.
“The city’s rising demand for experiential luxury and eco-conscious hospitality presents exciting opportunities. Hotels that offer authentic local experiences while maintaining high sustainability standards will lead the industry’s next phase,” he said.
With ITC Kohenur at the forefront, Taak remains committed to shaping the future of luxury hospitality in Hyderabad—one innovative, sustainable, and unforgettable experience at a time.
