Early Life
Sushma Khichar, a prominent hotelier and General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, grew up in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Her early life was shaped by a highly protective family environment, where she was not encouraged to venture out independently.
Over time, this upbringing transformed into a strong drive for independence and exploration. She describes her journey as a complete personal evolution from a shy, protected individual to a confident and self-reliant leader in the hospitality industry.
She completed her education in Rajasthan, earning a B.Sc. along with a Diploma in Travel & Tourism, which laid the foundation for her entry into the hospitality sector.
Career
Ms. Khichar began her professional journey at The Oberoi, Mumbai, where she worked as a Front Office Assistant, gaining hands-on experience in guest relations, check-ins, and operational processes.
She went on to build a strong foundation in Mumbai’s competitive hospitality landscape, working with renowned properties such as The ITC Grand Maratha and The Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre.
In 2006, she joined Marriott International, marking the beginning of a long and impactful association with the brand. With over two decades of experience, she has evolved into a transformative leader known for driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and innovation.
As General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, she has been instrumental in positioning the hotel as a leading luxury and business destination. Her leadership blends precision with creativity, particularly in the food and beverage space, where she has championed distinctive dining concepts and collaborations.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Sushma Khichar is known for her vibrant and adventurous spirit. A passionate advocate for work-life balance, she enjoys activities such as motorbiking and trekking interests that reflect her journey from a sheltered upbringing to a bold and Independent lifestyle.
She is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals in the hospitality industry and believes strongly in creating inclusive, people-centric work environments. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, resilience, and the belief that empowered teams drive exceptional guest experiences.
Known for her grounded personality and forward-thinking mindset, she continues to inspire those around her by balancing high performance with a genuine focus on people development and well-being.
Achievements & Recognition
Notable Achievements in the Last 3 Years:
- General Manager of the Year – Restaurant Awards (April 2025)
- ET F&B Achievers & Conclave (July 2025)
- South Asia’s Best General Manager – South Asian Travel Awards (2024)
- Leading F&B Hotel – South Asian Travel Awards (2024)
- Leading Luxury Hotel – South Asian Travel Awards (2024)
- Leading City Hotel – South Asian Travel Awards (22 September 2025)
- Leading Meeting & Conference Hotel/Resort – South Asian Travel Awards (September 2025)
- Business Hotel of the Year – SATTE Awards (February 2026)
These accolades reflect both her individual leadership excellence and the hotel’s continued success under her stewardship.
Previous Media Mentions
Sushma Khichar, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, has been widely featured across leading hospitality and business publications for her leadership, innovation, and contributions to the industry.
Recent media coverage includes:
- Hospitality News (2026) – Redefining Hospitality: Meaningful Luxury & Future-Ready Innovation
https://hospitalitynews.in/hotelier-community/redefining-hospitality-sushma-khichar-on-meaningful-luxury-and-future-ready-innovation - Voyagers World (March 2026) – Cover Story: The New Face of Indian Travel – Women Leading the Way
https://voyagersworld.in/2026/03/09/the-new-face-of-indian-travel-women-leading-the-way/ - Hospitality Tip of the Day (February 2026) – International Women’s Day 2026 Feature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07syxe5Rpko
(Insights on leadership, career growth, and women shaping the future of hospitality) - Hotel Business Review (2026) – Game-Changing Promotion Strategies of GMs
https://www.magzter.com/stories/business/Hotel-Business-Review/GAMECHANGING-PROMOTION-STRATEGIES-OF-GMS - Voyagers World (February 2026) – Reimagining Urban Luxury
https://voyagersworld.in/2026/02/27/reimagining-urban-luxury-sushma-khichars-vision-for-sheraton-grand-bangalore-hotel/ - Hospitality Biz (March 2026 Issue) – Feature coverage
https://hospitalitybizindia.com/FlipBook/march2026/March_2026.html - Tourism India (2026) – Breaking Ceilings, Building Cultures
https://tourismindiaonline.com/breaking-ceilings-building-cultures-sushma-khichar-on-leading-with-purpose-at-sheraton-grand-bangalore-at-brigade-gateway/ - Hospitality News (2026) – Women’s Leadership in Hospitality
https://hospitalitynews.in/news/sushma-khichar-highlights-womens-leadership-in-hospitality
Additionally featured in: - World of Hospitality (June 2025) – Housekeeping & Brand Sustainability
- Hotel Business Review – Diversity Drives Hotels Forward and GM profiling features
External Links
- Official Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/blrgs-sheraton-grand-bangalore-hotel-at-brigade-gateway/overview/
