Samir Kuckreja has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has worked in a variety of leading domestic and international brands and partnered with a private equity fund. His key skills include operations, business development, franchising, strategy, concept creation, interiors, kitchen design, menu strategy, fund raising, financial management and a strong industry network.

Samir set up Tasanaya Hospitality Private Limited in September 2012, a company that specializes in advisory/consultancy work for the hospitality and retail industries. Areas of work include advising start-up concepts, foreign chains on entry strategy, existing chains on menu and cost optimization, new store planning, systems and franchising, restaurant companies on fund raising, PE/VC funds on acquisitions, service providers on market penetration. The company also provides executive search and people solutions with expert partners. The company is currently working on over 15 projects across India and other countries.

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 a Trustee and was the President of National Restaurant Association of India from 2009 till 2014.

He holds bachelor's in Economics Honours from St. Stephens College, Delhi along with a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, USA.