Fairmont Udaipur Palace has announced the appointment of Keith Rajan as Hotel Manager, Anirban Sarkar as Director of Food & Beverage, and Sumit Pawariya as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. With extensive experience across their respective domains, Keith, Anirban, and Sumit bring deep operational expertise and a strong leadership ethos that further strengthens the hotel’s executive team.
“We are delighted to welcome Keith Rajan, Anirban Sarkar, and Sumit Pawariya to the leadership team at Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Each of them brings a distinct strength and a deep commitment to excellence, which aligns seamlessly with our vision for the property. Their combined expertise across operations and food & beverage will further elevate our service standards and enrich the guest experience as we continue to position Fairmont Udaipur Palace as one of the region’s most exceptional luxury destinations,” says Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, on the appointments.
Keith Rajan – Hotel Manager
Keith Rajan brings over two decades of global hospitality experience, including more than a decade with the Shangri-La group across South East Asia and the Middle East. Most recently, he was part of the leadership team at Shangri-La Bangkok, where he strengthened his reputation for operational excellence and intuitive guest service.
With a strong foundation in food and beverage, Keith is known for building teams that deliver with both precision and heart. His journey also includes leadership experiences with The St. Regis and Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai, shaping his perspective on luxury and guest connection.
Now appointed as Hotel Manager at Fairmont Udaipur Palace, he steps into a role that blends legacy with purpose.
On his appointment, Keith shares, “It is an honour to join Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a property that embodies the grandeur, warmth, and cultural richness of Rajasthan. I look forward to nurturing talent, inspiring the next generation of hoteliers, and creating experiences that stay with our guests long after they leave.”
Keith holds a degree from Madras University along with advanced hospitality qualifications and E Cornell certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
Anirban Sarkar – Director of Food & Beverage
Under the leadership of Anirban Sarkar, the F&B division is poised to elevate its culinary vision.
With over 17 years of experience, he was recently recognised as the F&B Person of the Year in 2025 by Hotelier India. His strategic insight across operations, revenue, planning, curation, and guest relations reflects a deep understanding of the F&B landscape. Anirban shares, “Joining Fairmont Udaipur Palace is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage while continuing to innovate for today’s global traveller. I’m eager to collaborate with our talented teams to create dining experiences that feel immersive, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine hospitality.” His journey across multiple Hyatt properties in India has been instrumental in shaping his expertise. Anirban is an alumnus of IHM Bhubaneswar with a degree in BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration.
Sumit Pawariya – Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
Sumit is known for driving high F&B revenue while maintaining a strong focus on guest satisfaction and team development. His strategic operational acumen, analytical approach, and extensive experience will play a pivotal role in advancing the hotel’s goals and offerings. “Becoming part of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is a meaningful step in my journey, and I’m excited to contribute to a property that sets such a high benchmark for hospitality. I look forward to strengthening our operational excellence and ensuring every dining experience reflects the warmth, precision, and authenticity our guests value,” says Sumit, highlighting the commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality. Over the years, Sumit has held several leadership roles, further strengthening his capabilities in large‑scale operations.
Sumit holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, complemented by a diploma in Food & Beverage Service from the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology.
At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, the culinary landscape spans global favourites and reimagined local specialties, presented with the timeless grandeur of the palace setting and the brand’s signature world‑class hospitality. With the new leadership appointments, the palace further strengthens its executive team, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional luxury guest experiences while driving strategic growth in the region.
