Ajit Nandakumar

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2008
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island; Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru; The Ritz Carlton Bangalore; Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Education

• Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kovalam, India

Birthplace

• Kerala, India

Languages Spoken

• English and Hindi

While the hospitality industry was not on Ajit Nandakumar’s radar, even though he studied it in college, his first position of room intern at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai was an eye opener. “My first assignment with Four Seasons built my perspective of hospitality and developed my dedication to excellence and exceptional customer service,” he says, having found a genuine sense of purpose. There has been no looking back since, carving a diverse and enriching journey for himself.

Through a variety of responsibilities and roles – in front office, food and beverage management, collaborative team building, global training programs, and implementing new software systems – Ajit has ensured seamless operations and unforgettable guest experiences across the various Four Seasons hotels that he has worked at in India and further abroad. “As a member of the APAC Rooms Council, I actively engage with industry professionals, staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices within Four Seasons global network,” he says, with an endearing passion for learning.

Ajit is eager to bring all of his skills together in his role in a unique tented camp setting in Thailand. “My exposure to diverse environments and cultures, along with my ability to adapt quickly, is invaluable in navigating the challenges of working in a new country,” he says, adding, “The opportunity to immerse myself in nature is incredibly motivating.”

A self-declared foodie and road-trip enthusiast, Ajit can’t wait to drive through country and explore the local cuisine, especially in the Golden Triangle. “I haven’t visited every part of the world, but I get to experience it all through the guests I meet,” he says. His immediate priority has been to learn the basics of Thai, “to help with communicate better with my own team and show respect for the culture.”

Known for his sense of humour as well as his calm demeanour in challenging situations, Ajit keeps bringing the conversation back to people: his family, his colleagues, the guests and everyone who he encounters, as they are the ones who keep him passionate. “At Four Seasons, the essence lies in fostering genuine human connections and cherishing every member of the team. Throughout the most trying moments of my life, I found unwavering support from both my colleagues and the company itself, without hesitation or reservation.”