Neka Sulaiman, daughter of HiLITE Group Chairman P. Sulaiman, has officially taken charge of the group's hospitality division as Director of HiLITE Holdings. Her appointment marks a strategic move to expand HiLITE Group's presence into the hospitality sector, with an ambitious vision to develop 1,000 hotel keys across Kerala by 2030.
Strategic Expansion into Hospitality
HiLITE Group, traditionally known for its retail, residential, commercial, and business infrastructure projects, is now diversifying into hospitality. The group plans to build a diversified portfolio covering luxury, upscale, and midscale hotel segments. Kozhikode is expected to be a key focus market, leveraging the city's growing business, tourism, healthcare, and education ecosystem.
Neka Sulaiman emphasized that the group's target is not just about numbers but about creating the right hospitality infrastructure for a growing city. "This is the right time to strengthen Kozhikode's hospitality landscape. Our target is not just about numbers, but about creating the right hospitality infrastructure for a growing city," she said.
Leadership and Vision
P. Sulaiman, Group Chairman of HiLITE Group, expressed confidence in Neka's leadership qualities. "The true measure of a leader lies in character, judgement and responsibility. These are qualities I have seen in Neka over the years. I look forward to the fresh perspective she will bring to HiLITE Group," he stated.
Neka's prior experience includes her association with Hug a Mug, HiLITE Group's home-grown cafe brand, where she gained hands-on experience in operations, customer service, and team coordination during her educational period. She noted that this experience helped her understand business from the ground level.
Educational Background
Neka completed her schooling at The White School International, following the International Baccalaureate curriculum. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree and has also completed the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program, strengthening her foundation in finance, management, and business strategy.
Future Outlook
With Neka taking charge, HiLITE Group aims to build a strong hospitality vertical that supports Kerala's growing demand for quality hotel infrastructure while carrying forward the group's legacy through new-generation leadership. The group's hospitality division will focus on creating destinations that become integral to the city's business, cultural, and social life.
This announcement comes as HiLITE Group continues to expand its footprint in Kerala, with the hospitality sector being a natural extension of its existing expertise in infrastructure and development.
