Top in-house-bred executive takes over helm at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

Sandeep Walia has been appointed the new general manager (GM) of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. Prior to this, the new GM worked had worked in the hotel as a deputy GM in charge of operations. Specifically, he was instrumental in positioning the elite brand as Moscow’s leading hotel that won local and international accolades in the past three years. “We are very delighted to have such a dedicated leader who knows the hotel and its staff so well,” Bob Kharazmi, senior vice president Ritz-Carlton International, said. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership during the last three years and has substantially contributed to the successful realization of the hotel’s recent initiatives.” 

Walia studied at the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (Mumbai) and The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (New Delhi), and completed studies in Hospitality Quality Management at AHMA in the United States. He began his career in the hotel industry as a Butler services manager at The Oberoi, Mumbai. Later he worked with The Oberoi group in several hotels in India in different hotel management operational positions. He moved up the career ladder very quickly and was appointed to handle food and beverage operations at The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh in Egypt. 

In 2005, Walia joined The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. to pursue a career in luxury international hotel operations as Executive Assistant Manager, Food and Beverage. Over the last several years, Walia has assisted in the openings of Ritz-Carlton hotels in Tokyo, Doha and Dublin. In 2009, he completed The Ritz-Carlton Leadership training in Washington D.C.

Commenting on the new developments, The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow General Manager Oliver Eller, who is returning to Germany, said he had wonderful times in Moscow and praised replacement as highly qualified to take the management baton.  “I have had five memorable years in Moscow and witnessed both the times of tremendous growth and the influence of global economic decline. I am proud of my team in Moscow and believe that it will continue to hold leadership positions in all of Eastern Europe, now with Walia as General Manager”.