India, 14th July 2025: Marriott International is delighted to announce that Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia has been conferred the Bharat Gaurav Award 2025, at a stellar ceremony hosted at the House of Commons, British Parliament in London. This national level honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions towards nation building through their professional excellence and personal integrity. This award comes with a legacy of esteemed awardees such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gaur Gopal Das, and Indra Nooyi.
Held annually, the Bharat Gaurav Awards celebrates those who exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to societal impact. This year, Ranju was recognized not only for her stellar contribution to the hospitality sector but also for her unwavering focus on diversity, inclusion and people-first leadership.
With almost three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranju has played a pivotal role in shaping Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio, leading with the mantra -‘Pursuit of excellence with humility in leadership’. She has consistently broken barriers and set benchmarks as one of the few women leaders in the hospitality sector, inspiring future generations with her strategic vision, empathic leadership, and steadfast advocacy for gender equity in the workplace.
A true change-maker, Ranju has led several pathbreaking initiatives aimed at cultivating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Among these is Project Pranita, an industry-first initiative launched under her guidance to increase the representation of women in leadership roles across Marriott hotels in India. The program focuses on structured mentorship, upskilling, and career acceleration for women associates, resulting in a tangible rise in women leaders within the organization.
In addition, she has championed a number of employee-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, promote inclusion, and support the hiring and integration of persons with disabilities. Her deep belief in inclusive hospitality goes beyond policy—it is embedded in the way teams are built, voices are heard, and opportunities are created at every level of the organization.
Sharing her thoughts Ranju Alex commented- “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Bharat Gaurav Award 2025. To me this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a powerful affirmation of the values we hold dear at Marriott International where we put people first, nurture young talent, and drive inclusive growth. I dedicate this award to every individual and team I have had the privilege to lead and learn from, and to every woman who dares to dream beyond limitations. At Marriott, we believe in creating spaces that are not only exceptional but inclusive and this award reaffirms that belief”.
Under her leadership, Marriott International’s South Asia portfolio has expanded its footprint while continuing to champion employee well-being, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth values that reflect the very essence of the Bharat Gaurav Awards. As a champion of diversity, Ranju Alex’s recognition comes at a time when industries across India are seeking stronger, more empathetic leaders who can drive purpose led growth and lasting change.