S Saravanaraj

About S Saravanaraj

Saravana Raj is a key member of the South Asia senior executive team at Marriott International. In his strategic and tactical role, he partners closely with the Regional Vice President, Market Vice Presidents, Continent Discipline Heads, and hotel Heads of Engineering to drive engineering excellence across the region. As Senior Area Director of Engineering for South Asia and the Maldives, Saravana Raj leads a high-performing team comprising Market Directors and Hotel Directors of Engineering. He is responsible for implementing engineering initiatives that align with Marriott’s global standards, including sustainability programs, energy conservation efforts, and climate action initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in new hotel openings in collaboration with Global Design Asia Pacific, ensuring smooth transitions into stable and efficient engineering operations. His leadership extends to guest satisfaction enhancements, product quality improvements, renovation projects, fire and life safety compliance, and the regional adoption of global engineering platforms. Saravana Raj also oversees a team of Subject Matter Experts and Mentors deployed to support and execute strategic initiatives across the region. He is deeply invested in upskilling engineering teams, nurturing future talent, and fostering innovation through technology integration. With a Fellowship (FIE), Master’s degree in Engineering and a career spanning over 33 years, Saravana Raj brings a wealth of experience from leading hospitality brands such as Marriott International, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Mövenpick Hotels, and Raintree Hotels. His early industrial experience at Lucas-TVS Diesel Systems (UK) Ltd. provided him with a strong technical foundation that continues to influence his approach to operational excellence. Having worked in culturally diverse and dynamic markets including Bangalore, Bangkok, Chennai, Doha, Dubai, Mumbai, Pune, and Singapore, Saravana Raj brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of regional nuances. He thrives in environments where people and technology converge to create value-driven outcomes. Currently based at the Marriott South Asia regional office in Mumbai, Saravana Raj oversees engineering operations for 180 hotels across 19 Marriott brands in South Asia and the Maldives.

Experience

1. Senior Area Director of Engineering (South Asia & Maldives) at Marriott International

   Marriott International

   Jan 2024 — Present · Mumbai, IN

   Responsible for engineering operation of 176 hotels across six countries.

Education

• Guindy Engg College, Anna university

  Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Air-conditioning

  2002 — 2005

• Instituion of Engineers, Calcutta

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Mechanical Engg

  1996 — 2001

• Ramakrishna Mission Technical Institute

  Diploma in Engineering, Mechanical / Automobile

  1989 — 1992