As Andhra Pradesh gains momentum as one of South India’s most promising hospitality and travel markets, the leaders shaping its hotels are becoming as important to the story as the destinations themselves. Across Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, two of the state’s most dynamic urban centres, Lakshmi Sridhar and Manish Kumar Pathak are bringing distinct leadership styles to a shared ambition: to create hotels that are commercially strong, deeply guest-focused and rooted in the communities they serve.
Lakshmi Sridhar: Leading with Purpose, Precision and People
At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, Lakshmi Sridhar has built a reputation for leadership that is calm, purposeful and deeply people centric. As General Manager, she has steered both properties with a clear understanding of what modern hospitality now demands: strong business performance, elevated guest experiences and a responsible approach to growth. Under her stewardship, the hotels achieved their highest Gross Operating Profit while also securing the prestigious Green Key Certification, a reflection of her ability to balance commercial discipline with sustainability-led thinking.
Lakshmi’s leadership is anchored in a simple but powerful belief: teams create the guest experience. Her “Team First” philosophy has shaped a culture where associates feel valued, empowered and accountable. That sense of ownership translates into service that feels personal rather than procedural, helping the properties stand out in a market where travellers increasingly seek warmth, consistency and authenticity alongside comfort.
Her impact has also been recognised beyond the hotels she leads. Named a “Game Changer in the Hospitality Space of Andhra Pradesh” and honoured with the “GM of the Year – Andhra Pradesh” award, Lakshmi represents a leadership style that is both strategic and humane. In a destination like Visakhapatnam, where business travel, leisure demand and coastal tourism are converging, her role has been instrumental in strengthening the city’s hospitality appeal.
Manish Kumar Pathak: Leading with Agility, Service and Impact
At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, Manish Kumar Pathak brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience to a property that sits at the intersection of business, MICE, leisure and regional growth. As Hotel Manager, his leadership is agile, hands-on and service-driven, focused on building a hotel that performs with operational rigour while retaining the warmth and responsiveness that define memorable hospitality.
Under his leadership, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has strengthened its standing as a preferred address for conferences, corporate travel and leisure stays. Manish has also championed a practical sustainability agenda, spanning the transition to PNG, solar energy adoption, food waste reduction and complimentary EV charging. These efforts have helped reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint and contributed to the property earning the Green Key Certification.
What makes Manish’s leadership especially relevant is the way it extends beyond hotel operations. During the 2024 Vijayawada floods, he mobilised his teams to support relief efforts, overseeing the distribution of 50,000 food packets to affected residents. His recognition as the Rising Star at the IHC–IIHM International Hospitality Awards 2026 in Vijayawada further underlines his growing influence in the region.
Together, Lakshmi Sridhar and Manish Kumar Pathak reflect the changing face of hospitality leadership in Andhra Pradesh. Their journeys are different, but their impact is connected by a common thread: people-first leadership, sharper guest experiences, sustainable practices and a commitment to the communities around them. As Andhra Pradesh continues to develop as a destination across business, leisure, coastal tourism and MICE, leaders like Lakshmi and Manish are helping place the state more firmly on South India’s hospitality map.
