Indu Verma: Leading Hospitality Finance with Vision, Integrity, and Impact

Strong leadership in hospitality finance combines strategic insight, operational excellence, and a people-first approach. Indu Verma embodies all three. With more than two decades of rich and diverse experience, she stands as a distinguished leader in the field of hospitality finance. Currently serving as the Area Director of Finance at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, she has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of strategic insight, operational acumen, and people-centric leadership. Her journey through some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands reflects not only her professional prowess but also her commitment to excellence and ethical leadership.

Her Journey in Hospitality

Indu assumed her current role in July 2022, during a critical pre-opening phase for Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. Entrusted with establishing the hotel’s financial framework, she was instrumental in laying the foundation for what has become a benchmark property in India’s luxury hospitality sector. From establishing robust financial systems to implementing comprehensive risk management frameworks, Indu ensured that every financial operation aligned seamlessly with the brand’s high standards and long-term strategic goals.

Her professional journey spans leadership roles at globally acclaimed hotel chains including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, The Leela, Oberoi, and IHG. Across each of these roles, she brought a unique blend of precision, foresight, and operational efficiency. Her ability to translate complex financial challenges into actionable strategies has enhanced bottom-line performance while reinforcing organisational resilience in an ever-evolving industry.

Leading with Expertise

Indu’s core competencies encompass a wide spectrum of financial disciplines, including budgeting, forecasting, management information systems (MIS), taxation, auditing, statutory compliance, and process optimisation. These technical proficiencies are complemented by her strong leadership capabilities, particularly in building and mentoring high-performing finance teams. She cultivates a culture where continuous learning, innovation, and accountability are not just encouraged but ingrained in the work ethic.

One of her defining traits is her clarity of vision. She approaches financial management not as a back-end function but as a strategic pillar supporting long-term business sustainability and growth. Indu’s leadership is rooted in three core values: clarity, accountability, and integrity. These principles have guided her through challenging projects, large-scale transitions, and critical decision-making processes impacting multiple stakeholders.

People-Centric Approach

Indu’s contributions have been widely recognised. In 2023, she was named among the Global 200 Power Leaders in Finance, highlighting her influence within her organisation and across the wider hospitality and finance sectors. Colleagues and industry peers admire her for her humility, strategic thinking, and unwavering focus on results without compromising ethics.

But what truly sets Indu apart is her people-first approach. While deeply analytical and detail-oriented, she never loses sight of the human side of leadership. Whether mentoring young professionals or working alongside C-suite executives, she builds relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

A Legacy of Vision and Impact

As the hospitality industry continues to navigate complex financial environments and shifting consumer expectations, leaders like Indu Verma are more crucial than ever. Her visionary thinking, grounded in operational excellence and ethical governance, makes her a trusted force in steering organisations toward a future that balances profitability with purpose.

In an industry that demands both precision and adaptability, Indu Verma exemplifies what it means to lead with intelligence, integrity, and impact. Her legacy is not only in the systems she builds or the results she delivers but also in the people she inspires and the standards she sets for the future of finance in hospitality.