IHCL PLANS NEW SKILL CENTRES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HEAD HELD HIGH FOUNDATION

MUMBAI, OCTOBER 5, 2023: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced its partnership with Head Held High (HHH), India’s foremost non-profit driving youth transformation, women empowerment and economic empowerment in rural communities across India.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said, "This collaboration is a testament to IHCL’s commitment to social progress and inclusive growth, and is in line with our ESG + framework of Paathya. IHCL will establish skill centres in select locations across the country to train youth for employment across industries, including hospitality. We are delighted to partner with Head Held High Foundation.”

The skill centres will serve as hubs of empowerment, fostering the development of essential skills that bridge the gap between rural youth and the professional world. They will focus on tailored training modules that align with the demands of today’s competitive job market, ensuring that participants are work-ready upon program completion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pankaj Singh Thakur, Chief Executive Officer, Head Held High Foundation said, “This association will address the unique challenges faced by rural youth, empowering them to unlock their full potential and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are delighted to partner with IHCL for this initiative.”

Head Held High’s efforts in reducing inequity in all its forms include needs assessment, expanding social protection, rural entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, skills-based training, livelihood support, career guidance & counselling and more.

Regarded as the custodian of Indian hospitality, IHCL under its Paathya framework continues to invest in building industry-relevant talent pools with an aim to develop and support deserving youth and their families, while contributing to the overall growth of the industry.

For more information on Paathya, please visit here.

About Head Held High (HHH) Foundation

HHH is a non-governmental organization empowering youth through foundational life & work skills training and access to education and employment opportunities.

Head Held High Foundation aims to catalyze economic opportunity and build resilience at scale by strengthening cross-sector, community-based approaches to address poverty related challenges. It collaborates with households, youth cohorts and women in vulnerable communities to examine the vital components - systems, policies, thought leadership, and transformative shifts - essential for the journey from “Poverty to Dignity.”

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as India’s Strongest Brand 2023 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 271 hotels including 79 under development globally across 4 continents, 11 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: www.ihcltata.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.seleqtionshotels.com; www.vivantahotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com

For more information, please contact: kirti.dhingra@ihcltata.com