Neeraj Govil
National University of Singapore – The NUS Executive MBA
Age: 49
“An enthusiastically curious person, mindful and respectful of others’ space, values solitude, but always believes that people and relationships matter most.”
Hometown: Goa, India. Have been living in Singapore for the last 4 years.
Family Members: Spouse – Soma Roy
Fun fact about yourself: I thought I liked travelling. As it turns out, it’s a full-blown passion now. I have had the good fortune of having had the opportunity to have travelled to 87 countries and hopefully there will be many more to come.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Hotel Management from Institute of Hotel Management in India.
Where are you currently working? Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China) at Marriott International.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I have been on a board of a non-profit organization. I actively support and have been closely involved with several charitable, government-backed organizations. I’ve contributed to community outreach programs focused on education, mentorship, and charitable donations supporting causes close to my heart. I am particularly passionate about standing against animal cruelty and have supported organizations that advocate for animal welfare. In leadership roles, I’ve led cross-functional teams, mentored emerging professionals, and represented my organization at various industry and networking events.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Of the many wonderful experiences at NUS Business School, the ones I enjoyed the most was traveling to many Asian cities (Bangkok, Jakarta, Bangalore, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo, Sydney) with my cohort. Despite having been to each of these cities multiple times before, every trip felt like a new adventure. It wasn’t just seeing places in a different light, but sharing late-night conversations, tackling group projects on the move, and learning firsthand how different cultural nuances shape business and leadership. I am especially proud that these travels turned classmates into lifelong friends, and the memories we built outside the classroom ended up being just as valuable as what we learned inside. It reminded me that growth often happens when you step out of the familiar — and sometimes into a hotel lobby or onto a plane.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am extremely passionate about talent development, sustainability advocacy, and tech innovation in my line of work, which is the hospitality sector. The achievement I’m most proud of in my professional career is building and leading teams that not only delivered strong results, but also genuinely enjoyed working together. It’s easy to focus on balanced scorecards, targets and numbers, but creating a culture where people feel valued, motivated, and supported — that’s what makes success sustainable. Seeing individuals I have personally mentored grow into confident leaders themselves has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that while projects and accolades are great, the real legacy we leave is through the people we impact.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I have a full-time role. For me, the EMBA had to offer a confluence of location, relevance, flexibility, and excellence. I chose the NUS EMBA for several compelling reasons. First, its location in Singapore — I live and work here — was easy. Second, the program’s strong Asian focus was critical for me given my current role and my desire to live and work in Asia. I wanted a curriculum deeply rooted in the nuances of doing business across diverse Asian markets, rather than a one-size-fits-all global approach. Flexibility was another key factor. The program structure allowed me to balance the rigorous study with my professional commitments, making it realistic without compromising on quality. Equally important was the reputation of NUS Business School. Its global standing, strong alumni network, and consistent ranking among the top business schools reassured me I was making a future-proof investment. Finally, the caliber of the faculty — many of whom brought both academic excellence and real-world leadership experience — ensured the learning was practical, strategic, and immediately applicable.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I learned during the MBA was the immense value of diverse perspectives. Working closely with classmates from industries very different from my own opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and leading. It taught me that no matter how much experience you bring, there’s always something powerful to gain from someone else’s lens.
At work, I applied this by actively seeking input from colleagues across different functions and backgrounds. It made our solutions more creative, our strategies more robust, and ultimately helped build a more inclusive and high-performing team culture. I also learned to lean in unabashedly on my classmates. They were the secret weapon. I was not just building a network— I was assembling a support group, a think tank, and a survival team. A personal advisory board. Someone will help you understand that one impossible concept… and you’ll return the favor when they’re equally lost. No one gets through this solo—nor should you. The same can be applied to teams at work.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Ruthless prioritization was the key here. Balancing family commitments, work expectations, and education during the EMBA was a real test of discipline and focus. I have a demanding role that necessitates frequent travel across Asia, a family to stay connected with, and a very spirited dog who is always over the moon when I am home. After a long day of meetings overseas, I would often find myself logging into classes late at night (or early in the mornings) from hotel rooms — tired, jetlagged, but determined. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me that you don’t need perfect conditions to stay committed. The key was being intentional with my time: planning ahead, learning to say “no” to make space for what mattered, and accepting that sometimes ‘good enough’ was better than chasing perfection. That mindset helped me not only manage the workload, but also appreciate the journey along the way.
What was your biggest regret in business school? I really don’t have any regrets. However, if I reflect then it would be not making even more time to truly connect with people outside my usual circle. Between work, travel, assignments, and life, it was easy to stick with who I knew well or was more comfortable hanging out with. Some of the best moments — the ones that stayed with me — came from random conversations with classmates who saw the world completely differently. If I could do it again, I’d slow down a little. I’d say yes to that extra coffee, drink, spontaneous dinner after class, or that conversation with someone I barely knew. Because at the end of the day, the biggest lessons weren’t always in the classroom — they were in the people sitting right next to me.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Our cohort was amazing and made this EMBA super special. I am ever so grateful that it panned out that way. Some very inspiring folks that have some amazing life stories of grit, determination and ambition to share. Honestly, trying to pick just one classmate would be impossible — and dangerous! We were such a tight-knit, wonderful group that singling out one person for special mention would feel like trying to pick your favorite dish at a buffet — impossible, unfair, and guaranteed to upset one of the chefs! Every single person brought something unique, and together they made the experience unforgettable. So no, I’m not taking that risk. I admired something about everyone I had the privilege to learn with.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an Executive MBA because I wanted more than just lectures and assignments — I wanted real conversations, real connections, and real growth. Being surrounded by experienced leaders from different industries, learning together, challenging each other, and sharing perspectives in person was something I knew I couldn’t replicate in an online or part-time format. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, immerse myself fully, and be part of a community that would push me to think bigger and lead better. That kind of energy only happens when you’re in the room surrounded by senior professionals from diverse industries. For me, it wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about stepping into an environment that would stretch me personally and professionally in ways a purely online or part-time format couldn’t match. The organization that I work for was very supportive.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I’m fortunate that 50% of my EMBA was sponsored by my company, and I gladly invested the rest myself. I saw the value clearly — in the learning, the network, and the personal growth. I am confident it is one of the best investments I’ve made in my career and future.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to lead a major hospitality organization where service excellence, people development, and innovation go hand-in-hand. I’m passionate about shaping experiences that leave lasting memories for guests, creating a culture where associates can thrive, and helping the hotel and travel industry continue to evolve with purpose and heart. Over time, I also hope to serve on boards where I can contribute to the future of hospitality and champion service-driven leadership across industries.
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