In conversation with Rajit V. Shetty, Managing Director of Ramee Group of Hospitality, we uncover how a legacy hospitality brand is transforming into a modern lifestyle powerhouse. With deep roots in communication and psychology, and a bold vision for the future, Rajit shares how he’s reimagining experiences, inspiring teams, and expanding horizons.
In an industry where tradition tends to dominate innovation, Rajit V. Shetty is a leader who naturally straddles both universes. As the Managing Director of Ramee Group, Rajit embodies the next generation of hospitality leadership—one that fuses tradition, creativity, and a steadfast focus on guest experience.
From Roots to Reinvention
Rajit started his career life well-armed with a three-dimensional education—psychology, pre-law, and communications at the University of Tulsa. This three-dimensional education influenced his style of leadership—analytical, strategic, and compassionate.
Entering the Ramee family business in 2016, Rajit didn’t merely enter a ready-made structure—he reimagined it. With a keen eye for market trends and customer habits, he reoriented the group’s image from a traditional hotel chain to a contemporary lifestyle brand that appeals to today’s sophisticated travelers.
“Hospitality today isn’t just about a bed and a meal. It’s about crafting memorable experiences. That’s the direction I’ve been passionate about steering Ramee towards,” says Rajit.
Curating Experiences, Not Just Stays
With Rajit at the helm, Ramee Group has undergone a renaissance. Whether luxury guest experience or cutting-edge F&B concepts, Rajit has turned the corners at every step. From boutique hotels in city centers to award-winning nightlife venues, Ramee’s product now resonates with a wider, experience-oriented demographic.
This evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed. The group has been honored with accolades like:
- Hospitality Icon 2023
- F&B Leadership 2023
- Times Food & Nightlife Awards for its standout restaurants and nightlife venues
At the heart of all this lies Rajit’s belief in design thinking and creativity—particularly in food & beverage, where he actively leads innovation. For him, every plate served and every space designed must tell a story.
Vision 2030: Hospitality for Every Tier
Rajit’s ambition for the future is vivid. In the next five years, he wants to expand Ramee Group’s footprint in tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 cities and make the brand name equivalent to lifestyle hospitality in India.
At the same time, he is strongly dedicated to global growth and innovation in digital guest interactions, sustainable operations, and edited local experiences—pillars of next-generation hospitality
The Values That Power It All
While innovation drives the brand forward, Rajit credits his father, Mr. Raj Shetty—Founder of Ramee Group—as the guiding force behind his values. Integrity, transparency, and an unshakeable focus on guest satisfaction remain central to every decision made.
“The brand may evolve, the designs may change, but our values remain the same. Hospitality is personal—and we treat every guest like family.”
Inside the Mind of a Lifestyle Hospitality Visionary: Rajit V. Shetty on Ramee’s Evolution
Q: How has your unique academic background influenced your leadership style at Ramee?
My academic background is rooted in communication and psychology, which has deeply influenced how I approach leadership and teamwork. Hospitality is, at its core, a human-driven industry. We engage with people constantly—guests, team members, collaborators—and my education has helped me develop a strong sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. It’s allowed me to better understand team dynamics, motivate people effectively, and lead with a more collaborative and intuitive style. Whether creating a great work culture or enhancing guest experiences, this foundation helps me look at every situation with a more people-first perspective.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in transforming Ramee into a lifestyle brand?
The biggest challenge was getting people to align with the long-term vision. Change can be uncomfortable,especially when people are used to how things have always been done. There were moments when current pain points made it hard for some to see the bigger picture—but that’s part of any transformation. I’ve learned that you don’t need everyone on board at once. You need a few passionate, committed people who believe in the shift.
They’re the ones who help drive momentum and inspire others to join. Over time, as the culture evolves, it becomes easier to attract diverse minds and perspectives.
Q: Can you share one innovation that best reflects the new Ramee experience?
We’ve started focusing more on creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences beyond just nightlife. From curated brunches to fine dining concepts that push boundaries, we’re building spaces that appeal to a broader audience.Years ago—pre-COVID—we were actually among the first in India to experiment with immersive dining, something that blends food with storytelling and atmosphere. Today, concepts like Ocho and Ramee Icon showcase our intent: offering one destination with multiple venues and moods under one roof. It’s all about mood-driven experiences now.
Q: What’s your vision for bringing lifestyle hospitality to tier 2 and 3 cities?
We have a very ambitious, long-term plan—ideally spanning 10 years—that aims to introduce lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences in tier 2 and tier 3 markets. These cities are evolving rapidly, and a growing demand for elevated yet accessible hospitality. The key for us is to not just enter these markets for scale, but to do it thoughtfully with the right team and right timing. We're being careful not to roll out prematurely. The goal is to create meaningful, high-quality experiences tailored to the local context while still delivering the essence of the Ramee lifestyle brand.
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