In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Reetu Gupta, Chief Executive Officer and Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, shares how the company has become one of Canada’s largest and longest-standing privately owned hotel owners, developers, and operators. She discusses The Gupta Group’s commitment to redefining hospitality through innovation, exceptional guest experiences, and a portfolio of award-winning properties, including Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville and Revery, a Curio Collection by Hilton.
Drawing on her extensive leadership experience, Reetu reflects on building a purpose-driven business, championing women’s advancement, and creating lasting community impact. She also shares insights from her journey as an author, philanthropist, and investor in the Toronto Tempo, highlighting her vision for sustainable growth, authentic leadership, and leaving a meaningful legacy in Canadian business.
What does receiving Hilton’s inaugural Ownership Award mean to you and The Gupta Group?
Receiving Hilton’s inaugural Ownership Award is an incredible honour for our entire organization. To be the first Canadian recipient of an award being presented for the very first time makes it especially meaningful.
For us, this recognition is not simply about performance or growth—it is about people. Every hotel we own is more than a building; it is a place where journeys begin, celebrations unfold, connections are made, and lifelong memories are created. Being entrusted with those moments is a responsibility we cherish.
This award belongs to our teams. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to hospitality are what bring our vision to life every day. They are the soul of our hotels.
It is also a reflection of the strength of our longstanding partnership with Hilton and our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and proud of what we have built together.
Which leadership values have mattered most in how you’ve grown The Gupta Group?
The values that have guided me most are integrity, courage, kindness, and service.
I believe leadership is not about power; it is about responsibility. It is about creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Throughout my career, I have learned that success is never built alone. It comes from investing in people, listening deeply, leading with empathy, and having the courage to make decisions that align with your values even when they are difficult.
I also believe in leading with purpose. When your focus is solely on profit, growth can be limited. When your focus is on creating value for guests, employees, partners, and communities, growth becomes a natural outcome.
The most important lesson I have learned is that how you build something matters just as much as what you build. Character, trust, and relationships are the foundation of lasting success.
How do you keep guests, teams, and partners feeling “seen and valued” across all your hotels?
We are a family business, and family is at the heart of everything we do.
That philosophy influences how we welcome our guests, how we support our teams, and how we build relationships with our partners. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for.
For our guests, that means creating experiences that feel personal. Hospitality is not simply about providing a room; it is about creating a sense of belonging. We want guests to feel at home, feel recognized, and know that they matter. Often, it is the smallest gestures that leave the greatest impression.
The same principle extends to our team members and partners. When people feel respected, appreciated, and supported, they are empowered to do their best work and build meaningful connections with others.
At its core, hospitality is about making people feel special. If our guests leave feeling cared for, our teams feel valued, and our partners feel respected, then we have succeeded in what matters most.
How do you balance business growth with your commitments to philanthropy and community impact?
I do not view business and philanthropy as separate. I believe they should strengthen one another.
Business gives us the opportunity to create jobs, support families, contribute to local economies, and build communities. Philanthropy allows us to extend that impact even further.
Through the Gupta Family Foundation and our community partnerships, we focus on initiatives that support education, youth, women’s empowerment, food security, healthcare, and disaster relief. These causes matter because they create opportunities for people to thrive.
For me, success is most meaningful when it creates opportunity for others.
Growth is important, but growth without purpose can feel empty. When businesses use their resources, influence, and expertise to make a positive difference, everyone benefits—employees, communities, customers, and future generations.
Purpose and profit are not competing goals. The most successful organizations understand that they work hand in hand.
What is your key advice for the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs in hospitality and beyond?
Lead with courage, confidence, and conviction.
There will always be people who question your vision, doubt your ideas, or tell you that something cannot be done. If you believe in your purpose, trust yourself enough to pursue it. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in life come from having the courage to take a chance on yourself.
Confidence is not about having all the answers; it is about believing in your ability to learn, adapt, and grow. Conviction is what allows you to stay true to your values and keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
At the same time, never lose sight of the human side of business. Relationships matter. Reputation matters. How you make people feel matters.
Work hard, stay curious, embrace challenges, and remember that setbacks are often the greatest teachers. Most importantly, build something that reflects your values.
Success is not simply about what you achieve—it is about the impact you have on the people around you. When you lead with courage, confidence, conviction, integrity, and kindness, you create something far more powerful than a business. You create a legacy.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Our platform is dedicated to fostering dialogue and sharing insights that inspire and empower small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.
