Dharmendra R S Appointed Senior Vice President – Hospitality, Health & Tourism at Sona Valliappa Group. In this leadership role, Dharmendra will steer strategic growth initiatives across the group’s diversified hospitality, wellness, and tourism verticals, strengthening its presence in India’s rapidly evolving service ecosystem.
Dharmendra brings over two decades of robust experience across hospitality, entertainment, food services, retail operations, and large-format facility management. Prior to joining Sona Valliappa Group, he served with distinction at the Gilly’s chain of Restobars, where he held multiple leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Manager – Sales & Operations. Across his seven-year tenure, he was instrumental in expanding regional footprints, elevating guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and driving profitability across multiple properties.
His career also includes a significant 16-year journey with the HM Group (Amoeba, Three Quarter Chinese, Twenty Feet High, InChina, and ADA Hind Ki), where he served as General Manager – Bangalore Operations. During this period, Dharmendra managed an expansive portfolio of hospitality, gaming, entertainment, and retail businesses. He led P&L operations, marketing, events, promotions, store expansions, and merchandising initiatives—including global sourcing from China—contributing to the brand’s strong presence in the region.
With expertise spanning pre-opening management, operational planning, customer experience, yield management, F&B operations, and large team leadership, Dharmendra has built a reputation for driving structured growth, elevating service standards, and creating thriving customer-centric environments. His ability to combine analytical decision-making with people-oriented leadership has been a hallmark throughout his career in the service industry.
As Senior Vice President at Sona Valliappa Group, Dharmendra is expected to lead transformative initiatives across hospitality, health, and tourism, aligning business performance with the group’s long-term vision. His appointment underscores the organisation’s focus on strengthening operational excellence, expanding service portfolios, and enhancing customer experience across its diverse businesses.