Patu Keswani
Patanjali Govind Keswani | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 9, 1959 |
| Education | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (B.Tech, 1981) Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (PGDM, 1983) |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, hotelier |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Founder and Executive Chairman of Lemon Tree Hotels |
| Title | Executive Chairman, Lemon Tree Hotels |
Patanjali Govind Keswani (popularly known as Patu Keswani; born 9 February 1959)[1][2] is an Indian entrepreneur and hotelier. He is the founder of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., one of India's largest hotel chains, and currently serves as its Executive Chairman.[3][4][5][6]
Early life and education
Keswani was born on 9 February 1959.[1][2] He graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in 1981. He subsequently earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta in 1983.[4][6]
Career
Tata Group
After completing his studies, Keswani joined the Tata Administrative Service (TAS) in 1983. He spent 17 years with the Tata Group, primarily in the hospitality division. His last role was as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Taj Hotels group, where he oversaw operations including second-tier properties.[6][5]
Transition and consulting
At age 39, Keswani left the Tata Group, citing a mid-life desire for greater independence. He briefly joined the management consulting firm A.T. Kearney as an Associate Consultant and Director in New Delhi.[6]
Founding Lemon Tree Hotels
In 2002, Keswani founded Lemon Tree Hotels with an initial plan to build a single mid-market hotel as a retirement investment. Recognizing a major gap in India's hospitality market for branded mid-scale and economy options amid rising middle-class demand, he opened the first 49-room property in Gurugram in May 2004.[6][5]
He developed a fully integrated model—acquiring land, designing, building, managing, and branding properties—which became distinctive in the Indian hotel industry. The company expanded into upscale (Lemon Tree Premier) and budget (Red Fox) brands and became the third-largest hotel chain in India by rooms.[4][5]
As of 2026, Lemon Tree operates over 130 hotels across more than 80 destinations with more than 130 in the pipeline.[7][8]
Leadership transition
Effective 1 October 2025, as part of a long-term succession plan, Keswani transitioned from Chairman and Managing Director to Executive Chairman of Lemon Tree Hotels and its subsidiary Fleur Hotels.[3]
He has served on bodies including NSDC’s Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Travel and Tourism and Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD); University Grants Commission; IIT Delhi Board of Governors.[4][9]
Inclusion and social initiatives
Approximately 18% of Lemon Tree's workforce comes from disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. The company has received multiple National Awards from the President of India for its inclusion initiatives, including three times for Best Employer of Persons with Disabilities and creating barrier-free environments.[4][10]
Awards and recognition
- Distinguished Alumni Award - IIT Delhi (2011)
- Distinguished Alumni Award - IIM Calcutta (2012)
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame - FHRAI (The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India) (2010)
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame - Hotelier India (2012)
- Excellence Award (inclusion/diversity) - Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards (2018)[9]
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame - IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) (2019)
- Lifetime Achievement Award - IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) (2021)[9]
- Lifetime Achievement Award - IHC (International Hospitality Council) (2021)[9]
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Hotelier India (2024)[11]
References
- ^ a b "PATANJALI GOVIND KESWANI - Director Info". MyCorporateInfo. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Lemon Tree Hotels SHARE PRICE". Bajaj Broking. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Lemon Tree's Keswani to transition from dual role at top in succession planning". Livemint. 8 August 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "One courageous vision, 120 Lemon Tree Hotels, 110 in pipeline". Hotelier India. 27 October 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d "How Patanjali G. Keswani placed a big bet on India's middle class with his Lemon Tree Hotels, and won". Business Today. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Patu Keswani, entrepreneur by chance". The Economic Times. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Lemon Tree Hotels Limited - Conference Call Transcript" (PDF). NSE India. 21 January 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Lemon Tree Hotels Share Analysis". Congruence Advisers. 5 October 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani". HVSHOPE. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Environmental Social Governance Report" (PDF). Lemon Tree Hotels. 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "15th Hotelier India Awards: Patanjali Keswani receives the Lifetime Achievement Award". Hotelier India. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2026.