Sommet Education acquires majority stake in Indian School of Hospitality
The investment paves the way for Sommet Education to expand the reach of École Ducasse and Les Roches in India, supporting the hotel sector’s need for highly trained talent.
A landmark deal has been agreed that could help raise standards across Indian hospitality.
A new partnership
Sommet Education has bought a majority stake in Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), which offers degree, diploma and certificate programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level and operates the highly regarded Gurugram campus. Following the move, ISH will strengthen its portfolio and offer additional opportunities for students to learn abroad, starting their studies in India before going on to finish them in one of the network’s other institutions – or join new programmes such as an MBA at Les Roches in Switzerland.
Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, said: “Sommet Education is shaping and growing the leading worldwide network of hospitality and culinary education. This leads us to be present in countries where growth in hospitality and related sectors form a major part of the economic dynamic.
“We are happy to partner with ISH by providing Indian students, within the country, with globally renowned standards of hospitality, culinary and management education.”
Dilip Puri, founder and CEO of Indian School of Hospitality, added: “Our philosophy has always been to provide students with an exceptional quality of education through an international curriculum and pedagogy, world-class technology and infrastructure as well as renowned academic and research faculty.
“Partnering with Sommet Education will enable us to strengthen our offerings, expand our presence pan-India and in neighbouring countries, and be part of Sommet’s prestigious network of 18 campuses across eight countries, and 60,000 influential alumni. We will also be able to further support industry demand for hospitality leaders by bringing two of the world’s best brands in hospitality management and culinary education to India.”
Future development
This partnership will mark the debut of École Ducasse in India, with plans to develop a network of schools across the region over the next three years, offering programmes in culinary and pastry arts aimed at young students and professionals.
The 1954-founded Les Roches will add further opportunities to ISH’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through academic and research exchange and workshops. Students of ISH will be given the chance to study at this institution’s campuses in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Marbella and Shanghai, with postgraduates also having the opportunity to pursue an MBA in Switzerland or master’s degree in Spain. Moreover, the alliance is expected to lay the groundwork for the creation of a second campus in India within the next three years.
Domenget concluded: “We are delighted to welcome ISH into the Sommet family of world-class hospitality education institutes. Together, we will be better able to address the industry’s need for specialised talent and expertise.
“Hospitality management and culinary arts aspirants in India and neighbouring countries will now be able to benefit from our combined expertise and knowledge and explore international career opportunities. This development brings two truly global education brands, École Ducasse and Les Roches, closer to home for Indian students.”
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