By Chandran Iyer

Mr Vishal Kamat Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd  is the force behind the success of iconic brands such as The Orchid, Asia’s First 5 Star Ecotel Hotel, Fort JadavGADH, and IRA By Orchid Hotels. He has been instrumental in the financial turn-around of the Kamat Family which had affected them since 2012, due to the global slowdown that lasted almost a decade. Currently, he is now focused on human resources, acquisitions for growth, and business planning.. He has been appointed as the Chairman of CII..

Excerpts from the Interview

1. Congratulations on your recent appointment as the chairman of CII in Maharashtra! How does it feel to be the first hotelier to hold this prestigious position in the state? It’s truly humbling to be appointed as one of the youngest chairmans in Maharashtra, particularly within the hospitality industry. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by our former presidents, seniors, and colleagues, who believed I was suitable to represent a diverse range of members – from our smallest self-entrepreneurs to multinational conglomerates. I extend my gratitude to all the members of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for their support.
2. As a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, how do you envision leveraging your expertise to drive growth and innovation across diverse sectors within Maharashtra through your role at CII?
   
   My extensive experience across diverse industries within the CII space, including energy, finance, and taxation, played a significant role in my selection. Additionally, my background in hospitality has equipped me with the skills to navigate different people and situations effectively. The exposure to various sectors has provided me with a diverse range of experiences. Furthermore, the support from my mentors at CII has been invaluable in my learning journey, complementing my industry expertise.
3. What specific challenges do you foresee in bridging the gap between the hospitality sector and other industries, and how do you plan to address them during your tenure as chairman? There’s no gap between the hospitality sector and other industries within CII. As a comprehensive platform, CII encompasses all sectors, supporting business policies, advocacy, and various other pivotal roles essential for generating the right business environment and fostering the desired image for Maharashtra. CII operates nationally and locally, undertaking numerous initiatives. The real challenge lies in realizing our vision of propelling Maharashtra towards a trillion-dollar economy and contributing to the development story of a prosperous Maharashtra and India.

4. Given your extensive experience in the hotel business, what key insights or strategies do you believe can be applied from the hospitality sector to enhance the overall business landscape in Maharashtra?

What’s needed more than just focusing on the hospitality industry is a comprehensive vision document, along with a consistent commitment from Maharashtra’s leaders to work towards those visions. CII is prepared to collaborate with the newly elected or existing members at all levels, from local representatives to various ministries, and ultimately, the Chief Minister. Additionally, CII is actively engaged in CSR and other social development initiatives, recognizing that business success should also prioritize adding value and contributing to society.

5. In what ways do you plan to collaborate with government bodies and other stakeholders to promote policies that support economic development?As Chairman of CII Maharashtra, my approach is all about forging strong partnerships with government bodies and stakeholders to craft policies that drive economic growth. Our focus is on advocating for initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, boost job opportunities, and champion inclusivity. Ultimately, we’re striving to create an environment that fosters sustained economic progress and prosperity for Maharashtra.
6. As chairman of CII Maharashtra, what are your top priorities or initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth across various sectors in the state?

As Chairman of CII Maharashtra, my foremost objective is to foster entrepreneurship and address labor challenges, ultimately aiming to mitigate unemployment. Central to this goal is cultivating a diverse workforce characterized by inclusivity and embracing diversity in its entirety. By championing initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, enhance employment opportunities, and foster an inclusive workplace culture, we can drive sustainable economic growth and societal progress across Maharashtra.