Chalet Hotels Limited elevates Stephen D’Souza to AVP – Cluster Operations

Chalet Hotels Limited, a leading hospitality company, announces the elevation of Stephen D’Souza to the position of Associate Vice President (AVP) - Cluster Operations with effect from April 2023. With a remarkable tenure of over four years with the company, Stephen has consistently exhibited exceptional leadership skills and contributed significantly to its success. Equipped with an extensive background of more than 22 years in the hospitality industry, including stints with renowned brands, Stephen brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

In his new capacity as AVP - Cluster Operations, Stephen will undertake the responsibility of seamlessly managing Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai in Vashi, The Resort Mumbai, and The Dukes Retreat in Lonavala. He will play a critical role in overseeing the operational success of these hotel properties, ensuring seamless guest experiences, and upholding Chalet’s commitment to exceptional service.

Furthermore, he will continue in his current role as the General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, Vashi.

With an exemplary track record of leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, Chalet Hotels is confident that Stephen will contribute significantly to the ongoing growth and success as the Company navigates the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.

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Dusit International appoints Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations, responsible for overseeing the operations of properties in EMEA, India, the Philippines, Singapore, the Maldives, Japan, and selected properties in Thailand.

Khun Prateek first joined Dusit 14 years ago, in 2008, as General Manager of Dusit Thani Manila. In January 2013, he became General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai. Two years later, he was promoted to Area General Manager – UAE, followed in 2017 by his most recent role: Regional Vice President – EMEA.

During his tenure, Mr Kumar has spearheaded the successful opening of several new Dusit Hotels and Resorts in EMEA while overseeing multiple operating and preopening properties.

In his new role as Senior Vice President – Operations, he will be responsible for enforcing brand quality standards, enhancing customer satisfaction, and delivering optimum financial returns at each property under his supervision. He will also continue to drive business development in EMEA and India, which have strong potential for Dusit’s brands. His working base will remain to be Dubai, where he will continue to serve as General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai.

Mr Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Griffith University, Australia. During his career, he has worked in senior management positions for the former Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Renaissance/Marriott Hotels in Australia. Prior to joining Dusit, he worked for Raffles Hotels and Resorts and was responsible for the successful preopening of Ascott Raffles Place, Singapore.

Testament to Khun Prateek’s expertise and talent, he was recently featured on Hotelier Middle East’s renowned Executive Power List 2022, which features the 50 most influential hospitality leaders in the MENA region. It is the fourth time he has made the prestigious list, having also appeared in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

In recognition of his innovative approach to brand building and customer management in the Gulf region, he was also named one of GCC’s Best General Managers (Hospitality) at the World Leadership Congress and Awards in 2018.

“A talented leader with a keen eye for strategic planning and a relentless focus on customer experience, Prateek Kumar has played an integral role in driving sustainable business results for Dusit in the MENA region, and we are delighted to expand his role and scope of responsibilities with this much-deserved promotion,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “His track record in enhancing operations speaks for itself, and we are confident he will achieve even more outstanding accomplishments as we continue our mission to put Dusit at the forefront of the hospitality industry in the post-pandemic world.”

Bharat Raheja, Indian Industry Heavyweight, Joins Atmosphere Core as Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing South Asia

Atmosphere Core, a dynamic hospitality company operating eight resorts in the Maldives, appoints Bharat Raheja as the Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for South Asia. The company is expanding its footprints, with carefully chosen hotels and resorts to open within three brands – THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and COLOURS OF OBLU.

Stephane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer Atmosphere Core says “As we accelerate our growth in South Asia, Bharat is exactly who we need to carve out our niche in luxury hospitality, through refreshing new experiences.  Atmosphere Core offers three powerful brands – and Bharat’s ground knowledge and commercial expertise will support us in taking this unmatched portfolio forward.”

Bharat Raheja steps into his role with a mandate to develop new markets and facilitate the company’s fast-growing presence in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Based in India, Bharat will also contribute to commercial strategies and build performance-driven sales and marketing teams.

Regarding his appointment, Bharat says “Atmosphere Group’s core philosophy, Joy of Giving, strongly resonates with South Asian cultures – where there’s an innate sense of hospitality. I believe that this unique approach blended with exceptional world-class standards sets us apart. We assure property owners maximum flexibility and convenient turnkey solutions – especially with the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand featuring seven innovative sub-brands. While travellers can look forward to distinctive spatial experiences inspired by the local culture.”

Bharat Raheja has over 25 years of hospitality industry experience. Before joining Atmosphere Core, he worked with Minor Hotels, Whitbread, and Hilton Worldwide. Bharat initiated his career in hospitality with The Oberoi Group and thereafter at Taj. 

One of the company’s key development strategies has been to bring in the best talent. Bharat Raheja joins the impressive leadership team comprising Cyrus Madan, SVP Business Development, and Souvagya Mohapatra, MD for India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka operations.