How I feel about winning this award

I am deeply honored and humbly proud to receive the 'Most Admired GM Award.' This recognition means so much to me and is a testament to the incredible dedication, loyalty, and support of my entire team. They are the reason I am able to lead with confidence and purpose, as they truly admire and stand by our shared values and culture—a culture that prioritizes creating a home away from home, both for our guests and for each team member.

From the beginning, it has been my goal to foster an environment where people feel genuinely welcomed and supported, no matter the challenges we face. My team’s commitment and shared passion for excellence have been instrumental in shaping our work culture. Their loyalty and trust in my leadership have not only brought us closer but have also allowed us to deliver outstanding experiences that guests remember and appreciate.

Receiving this award reinforces my belief in the power of team spirit, resilience, and a positive work environment. I feel immensely proud that our collective efforts have brought us to this moment of recognition. This award will undoubtedly inspire us to continue striving for excellence, and I am eager to celebrate this achievement with my team, who have made every step of this journey meaningful.

BIOGRAPHY

GITANJALI CHAKRAVARTHY

GENERAL MANAGER,

HILTON YALA RESORT

In September 2019, Gitanjali made history for Hilton Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan tourism by becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to serve as General Manager for a global brand, leading the Hilton Yala Resort. An inspirational figure, her remarkable passion and commitment to excellence in hospitality can be traced back to her roots at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM).

A proud SLITHM alumna, Gitanjali brings over 30 years of local and international experience, having held senior roles at esteemed hospitality chains such as Mövenpick, Taj, Como Hotels & Resorts, and Shangri-La. Before returning to Sri Lanka in 2014, she served as Group Rooms Division Director for COMO Hotels & Resorts in Singapore, contributing to properties worldwide.

From 1998 to 2003, Gitanjali also contributed as a Senior Lecturer and head of the housekeeping faculty at SLITHM, nurturing the next generation of hoteliers. Prior to joining Hilton Yala, she was General Manager of Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, an award-winning resort and the first in Sri Lanka to rank across four Asian categories in the 2019 TripAdvisor accolades.

With over three decades of dedication to the hospitality industry, Gitanjali’s passion for learning remains strong. In 2021, she earned her Master's in Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management from the University of Colombo, with her thesis exploring factors influencing women’s career progression in Sri Lankan hotels.

In recognition of her contributions, Gitanjali has received numerous accolades, including the Pioneering Woman Leader Award at the World Woman Leadership Congress, the Gold Award for Hospitality at the Top 50 Career Women Awards, and the Global Woman Leader award. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate in hospitality management from Washington Digital University for her outstanding contributions.

Known for her exceptional public relations skills and customer focus, Gitanjali stands out in the male-dominated field of hospitality. Her community initiatives have significantly elevated local living standards. Her charisma, engaging personality, and refined style make her a unique and invaluable asset to Sri Lanka's Hospitality & Tourism industry—and a professional to watch.