Samir is the Founder & CEO of Tasanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. which specializes in consultancy work for the hospitality and retail industries and technology companies. Areas of work include advising start-up concepts, food technology companies, foreign brands on entry strategy, existing chains on operational optimization, delivery and cloud kitchen brands, digital marketing and social media, growth strategies for F&B brands, executive search and organization development, hotel/restaurant companies on fund raising/sale and PE/VC funds on investments/acquisitions. He is a network consultant with leading international networks including GLG, Coleman and Alpha Sights.
Samir Kuckreja has over 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has worked in a variety of leading domestic and international brands and partnered with a PE fund. He was CEO & MD of Nirula’s from June 2006 till April 2012. Samir was a co-investor with Navis Capital Partners in the business. He earlier worked with Yum Restaurants and Mars Hotel & Restaurants.
Samir is the Chairman of GLEAM India which is focusing on mentoring for young professionals from the foodservice industry. Â He is also a founding member of the Governing Body of the National Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council and Heads the HR and Training Committee.
Samir was a Trustee from 2014 to 2019 and the President of National Restaurant Association of India from 2009 to 2014. Â The body represents leading domestic and international chains and does industry research, training programs and advocacy with the government.Â
Samir is a graduate from The Doon School with a BA in Economics Honours from St. Stephens College, Delhi and a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, USA.