Who is Priya Paul?
Priya Paul is one of India’s most influential and respected businesswomen, best known as the Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited. She is widely credited with redefining luxury hospitality in India by introducing the concept of design-led boutique hotels through The Park Hotels brand. Over the years, Priya Paul has emerged as a visionary leader who blends art, culture, innovation, and business strategy, making her a role model for women entrepreneurs in India.
Born into the prestigious Apeejay Surrendra Group, Priya Paul transformed a traditional hotel business into a modern, globally admired hospitality brand. Her leadership style, focus on aesthetics, and bold business decisions have earned her national and international recognition, including one of India’s highest civilian honors.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Priya Paul |
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1967 |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Hotelier |
| Known For | Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels |
| Education | Economics |
| College | Wellesley College, USA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Awards | Padma Shri |
| Net Worth | Estimated, not publicly disclosed |
| Company | Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited |
Priya Paul Early Life
Priya Paul was born on 30 April 1967 in Kolkata, into the well-known Paul family, founders of the Apeejay Surrendra Group. She grew up in an environment where business discussions, leadership values, and entrepreneurship were a part of daily life. Her father, Surrendra Paul, was a respected industrialist who played a key role in building the group’s diversified business empire.
Despite belonging to a prominent business family, Priya Paul’s upbringing emphasized discipline, independence, and global exposure. From an early age, she showed interest in creativity, culture, and international perspectives—qualities that later became the foundation of her business philosophy.
Priya Paul Education
Priya Paul completed her schooling in India before moving abroad for higher education. She pursued a degree in Economics from Wellesley College, USA, one of the world’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges for women.
Her education in economics gave her strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, while exposure to Western culture shaped her understanding of global hospitality standards, art, design, and customer experience. These influences later became visible in the way she reshaped India’s luxury hotel industry.
Priya Paul Family
Priya Paul belongs to the influential Paul family, which heads the Apeejay Surrendra Group.
- Father: Surrendra Paul (Industrialist, Founder of Apeejay Surrendra Group)
- Mother: Not publicly disclosed
- Siblings: Information kept private
After the untimely passing of her father, Priya Paul took over the hospitality business at a young age, a turning point that shaped her leadership journey. She has married to Sethu Vaidyanathan and is known to maintain a private personal life, focusing strongly on her business vision and cultural interests.
Priya Paul Career
Early Career and Entry into Business
Priya Paul officially entered the family business in the early 1990s. In 1992, after the death of her father, she assumed responsibility for the group’s hospitality division. At that time, the hotel business was conventional and competitive, dominated by traditional luxury players.
Instead of following existing models, Priya Paul chose to reimagine hospitality.
The Birth of The Park Hotels Brand
One of her most significant achievements was the transformation of The Park Hotels into India’s first design-focused boutique luxury hotel chain. She believed hotels should be more than places to stay—they should be cultural and artistic experiences.
Under her leadership:
- Hotels integrated contemporary art, modern architecture, and bold interiors
- Each property reflected the local culture of the city
- Guest experience became the central focus
This approach was revolutionary in the Indian hospitality industry and quickly set The Park Hotels apart from competitors.
Expansion and Brand Diversification
Over the years, Priya Paul expanded the group’s portfolio to include:
- The Park Hotels
- Zone by The Park
- Zone Connect
- Flurys (iconic bakery brand from Kolkata)
She successfully positioned Flurys as a premium lifestyle brand and recently announced plans to expand Flurys across major metro cities in India, making it a national brand.
Recent News & Business Developments (2024–2025)
In recent years, Priya Paul has been in the news for major strategic moves:
- IPO of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited:
The company raised around ₹920 crore through its IPO, marking a major milestone. - Debt Reduction Strategy:
Priya Paul stated that post-IPO, the company aims to remain largely debt-free for the foreseeable future. - Aggressive Expansion Plans:
The group plans to expand its hotel portfolio to over 4,600 keys within the next five years, including owned, leased, and managed properties. - Focus on Sustainable Growth:
Emphasis on operational efficiency, design innovation, and premium guest experiences remains central to her leadership strategy.
These developments reaffirm Priya Paul’s position as a forward-thinking business leader shaping the future of Indian hospitality.
Priya Paul Personal Life
Priya Paul is known for her private, independent, and minimalist lifestyle. She has consciously chosen to stay away from the limelight of celebrity culture. Outside business, she has a deep interest in:
- Contemporary art
- Architecture
- Design
- Culture and travel
Her passion for art is evident in the curated artworks displayed across The Park Hotels. She is also associated with several cultural and tourism initiatives, supporting India’s creative ecosystem.
Controversy
Priya Paul has maintained a clean and controversy-free public image throughout her career. She is respected for her professionalism, ethical leadership, and focus on innovation rather than public disputes.
Priya Paul Social Media
| Platform | Presence |
| Limited / Private | |
| Business-related mentions | |
| Public Appearances | Business forums, hospitality events |
(She maintains a low social media profile.)
Priya Paul Net Worth
| Income Source | Details |
| Hospitality Business | The Park Hotels, Zone Hotels |
| Bakery Brand | Flurys |
| Corporate Leadership | Apeejay Surrendra Group |
| Investments | Private & Undisclosed |
⚠️ Exact net worth figures are not publicly available. Estimates place her among India’s most successful business leaders.
Priya Paul Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Description |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Appearance | Elegant, professional |
Interesting Facts about Priya Paul
- Priya Paul pioneered boutique luxury hotels in India.
- She took over the hospitality business at just 25 years old.
- She is a Padma Shri awardee for contributions to trade and industry.
- Art and design are central themes in all her hotels.
- She studied Economics in the USA.
- Flurys, under her leadership, is expanding nationwide.
- She avoids media attention and focuses on business excellence.
- She is considered a role model for women entrepreneurs in India.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Priya Paul?
Priya Paul is an Indian businesswoman and Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited.
Q2. What is Priya Paul famous for?
She is known for introducing boutique luxury hotels in India.
Q3. What is Priya Paul’s age?
She is 58 years old as of 2026.
Q4. Is Priya Paul married?
No, she is unmarried.
Q5. Which company does Priya Paul lead?
She leads Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited.
Q6. Has Priya Paul received Padma Shri?
Yes, she received the Padma Shri for her contribution to industry.
Q7. What is her education?
She studied Economics at Wellesley College, USA.
Q8. What is Priya Paul’s latest business news?
Her company’s IPO and large-scale hotel expansion plans.
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