Lemon Tree Hotels , India's largest midmarket and upscale hotel chain, has unveiled significant changes to its top management, marking a new chapter in the company's leadership structure.

Key Leadership Changes

Patanjali Govind Keswani, the co-founder and current Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, will transition to the role of Executive Director and Chairman for an 18-month period, effective October 1, 2025. Keswani, who has been at the helm since the company's inception in 2002, will step down from his position as Managing Director on September 30, 2025.

In a strategic move, Neelendra Singh has been appointed as the new Managing Director for a five-year term, also beginning October 1, 2025. Singh brings over 26 years of leadership experience to the role, having previously held key positions at companies including Adidas India, Arcus, Hutchison, and Shoppers Stop.

Additionally, Kapil Sharma, a long-standing member of the Lemon Tree team since 2004, has been named Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for a five-year term starting October 1, 2025.

Shareholder Approval and Market Response

These leadership changes were approved by the company's shareholders at the 33rd Annual General Meeting held on September 25, 2025. The meeting, conducted through video conferencing, saw the passage of several resolutions related to these appointments and their respective remunerations.

Following the announcement, Lemon Tree Hotels' shares experienced a slight decline of 1.90% on the National Stock Exchange, closing at ₹166.30.

Future Direction

Under the new leadership structure, Keswani will focus on shaping the company's long-term vision and strategic direction. His role will include expanding the technology platform and ensuring the company's sustained success. He will also be involved in leadership development and mentoring, nurturing the next generation of leaders as Lemon Tree Hotels continues its growth trajectory.

Neelendra Singh, as the incoming Managing Director, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the company's operations and strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors.

Kapil Sharma's elevation to Executive Director and CFO recognizes his significant contributions to the company over the past two decades, particularly in areas such as mergers & acquisitions, private equity, project financing, and capital markets.

These changes represent a significant milestone for Lemon Tree Hotels as it prepares for its next phase of growth and development in the competitive hospitality industry.

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited , a leading hospitality company in India, has announced significant expansions to its portfolio with new properties in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

New Agreements in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

Lemon Tree Hotels has signed two new agreements:

1. A Franchise Agreement for Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:

   • 153 rooms
   • Amenities include a restaurant, banquets, conference room, swimming pool, fitness center, and spa

2. A License Agreement for Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh:

   • 50 rooms
   • Two restaurants, a banquet hall, and a swimming pool
   • To be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited

CEO Vilas Pawar stated that this expansion aligns with the company's vision of becoming the most preferred hospitality chain across different segments in the Hindi heartland.

Fifth Property in Andhra Pradesh

In addition to the above expansions, Lemon Tree Hotels has launched its fifth property in Andhra Pradesh:

• Location: Krishna, Vijayawada (third property in the city)
• Brand: Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels
• Features:
  • 44 well-appointed rooms
  • A multi-cuisine restaurant named Keys Café
  • A boardroom for business meetings
  • Efficient service and an affordable value proposition

Strategic Expansion

These new additions to Lemon Tree Hotels' portfolio demonstrate the company's commitment to expanding its presence in key markets across India. Vijayawada, known for its rapid urbanization and strategic location, presents a promising opportunity for the hospitality sector.

About Vijayawada

Vijayawada, the location of the new Andhra Pradesh property, is a city rich in cultural heritage and modern development:

• Home to the iconic Kanaka Durga Temple, a revered pilgrimage site
• Features the Prakasam Barrage spanning the Krishna River
• Known for its educational institutions and vibrant cuisine
• Offers a blend of deep-rooted traditions and evolving urban landscape

Lemon Tree Hotels' Growing Portfolio

With these new openings, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to strengthen its position in the Indian hospitality market:

• Operates over 120 hotels across 75+ cities in India and abroad
• Offers seven distinct brands catering to various customer segments
• Serves more than 1.5 million guests annually
• Has a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties

The launch of these new properties underscores the company's expansion strategy and its focus on tapping into the potential of emerging cities in India. As Lemon Tree Hotels continues to grow its footprint, it remains committed to delivering consistent quality and a warm, refreshing experience to its guests across various market segments.