Anant Leekha takes over as General Manager, Novotel Pune

Novotel Pune assigns Anant Leekha the role of General Manager. Anant’s extensive industry experience spanning 20 years will contribute a blend of sales and operations expertise and motivate and develop dynamic teams.

Anant, in his new role, will lead initiatives to drive business growth and enhance guest experiences through strategic and technological advancements. He is dedicated to delivering heartiest experience to guests and team members alike. This appointment marks Anant’s return to Pune, where he initially served as General Manager in 2016, marking the beginning of his journey.

Anant’s 16-year tenure with Accor provides him with deep insights into the company’s goals, service standards, and brand identity. Prior to joining Novotel Pune, Anant held significant roles within Accor, most recently as Cluster General Manager overseeing ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, ibis Navi Mumbai, and ibis Thane (totalling 631 rooms), all achieving consistent year-on-year excellence in performance metrics. In his new role, Anant will oversee the overall operations and management of Novotel Pune Nagar Road and focus on enhancing guest engagement and profitability while further establishing the hotel’s reputation.

Anant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management & Catering Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys playing cricket, spending beachside holidays with his family, and celebrating life with those around him, which fuels his motivation to excel.

Taj Lakefront Bhopal appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

As Cluster General Manager for Operations and General Manager of Taj Lakefront Bhopal, Sharma will oversee the operational aspects of Taj Lakefront and provide leadership to Taj hotels across Madhya Pradesh

Taj Lakefront Bhopal announces the appointment of Vishal Sharma as General Manager. In his new role as Cluster General Manager for Operations and General Manager of Taj Lakefront Bhopal, Sharma will oversee the operational aspects of Taj Lakefront and provide leadership to Taj hotels across Madhya Pradesh, excluding Ginger Indore.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Vishal Sharma stated, “It’s an immense privilege to take on this dual responsibility within the Taj family. I am fully committed to leveraging my extensive experience and insights to maintain the brand’s reputation and to guide Taj Lakefront Bhopal towards unprecedented success, setting new benchmarks for the hotel.”

With over two decades of experience, Vishal Sharma embarked on his career journey as a Food & Beverage Associate under IHCL Selections. His dedication and proficiency swiftly earned him leadership roles, including his tenure as Food and Beverage Manager at Vivanta Mangalore and Taj Tashi Bhutan. Before joining Taj Lakefront Bhopal, he served as General Manager at prominent hotels such as Vivanta Dal View in Srinagar and Vivanta Kolkata on EM Bypass, along with a stint as Operation Manager at Taj Mahal in Lucknow.

Vishal Sharma’s extensive experience spans various regions, demonstrating his adeptness in diverse markets and his ability to foster relationships with stakeholders while driving revenues, particularly in food and beverage-oriented establishments. His sharp business acumen and market understanding position him well to excel in his expanded role.

Fortune Hotels welcomes Ajinkya Salunkhe as General Manager of Fortune Select Global, Gurgaon

Ajinkya Salunkhe

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group has appointed Ajinkya Salunkhe as the new General Manager of Fortune Select Global in Gurgaon.

This strategic addition to the leadership team underscores Fortune Hotels’ unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled services and exceptional guest experiences.

Bringing nearly two decades of invaluable industry expertise and demonstrated leadership prowess to his new role, Ajinkya Salunkhe is poised to steer Fortune Select Global toward new heights of excellence.

Salunkhe embarked on his illustrious journey in the hospitality realm at the iconic Taj Mahal Mumbai. Since then, he has cultivated his skills and honed his craft through various prestigious appointments with renowned hospitality brands, including InterContinental The Lalit Mumbai, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, Marriott Hyderabad, J W Marriott Bengaluru, J W Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Courtyard Marriott Pune, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, and most recently, The Waverly Hotel & Residences Bangalore, where he served as General Manager.

As the newly appointed General Manager of Fortune Select Global, Gurgaon, Salunkhe will oversee all facets of operations, ensuring seamless execution, exceptional guest service, and effective team management. His rich blend of experience and proven track record positions him as an invaluable asset to the Fortune Hotels family.

Ira by Orchid Hotels, Nashik Appoints General Manager

Nashik - Ira by Orchid Hotels, a new establishment renowned for its exceptional hospitality and commitment to excellence, proudly announces the appointment of Amol Dhurve as its new General Manager. With a rich and illustrious career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Amol Dhurve brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

His journey in the hospitality industry has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for delivering unparalleled guest experiences. His career trajectory showcases a remarkable dedication to professional growth and a commitment to leadership roles in renowned establishments both in India and abroad.

Having begun his academic journey as a science student, Amol Dhurve pursued his passion for hospitality by completing his Diploma in HMCT, B.Tech in HMCT, and Higher National Diploma in Hotel Management from London. He further honed his skills with a Postgraduate degree in Hotel Management, alongside prestigious certifications such as the 2A certification course in fire and hygiene safety from the Royal House of England and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from APS University, an esteemed sister organization of Oxford University in London.

His extensive professional journey includes notable tenures at esteemed establishments such as Hilton Hotels in various locations across the UK, as well as positions at Green King Pub, Paparazzi, and Beefeater Fine Dinner Restaurant. In India, he has played pivotal roles in the opening teams of prominent establishments including Nashik Sony Plaza, Pizza Hut Juhu Mumbai, and St. Laurn Hotel Shirdi. His tenure with Great Destination Hotels and Resorts saw him spearheading the opening of 17 hotels in the South region and Maharashtra as an Opening Corporate General Manager.

In his previous roles as General Manager at Tropical Retreat Igatpuri, Manas Lifestyle Resort, Mystic Valley Resort and Spa, and My Space Hotel Igatpuri, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and operational prowess. He has consistently driven financial success, enhanced guest experiences, and fostered a culture of operational excellence.

His appointment as the General Manager of Ira by Orchid Hotel, Nashik, underscores the hotel's commitment to elevating its standards of hospitality and reinforcing its position as a premier destination for discerning travelers. His proven track record of leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to guest satisfaction align seamlessly with the hotel's ethos of excellence and innovation.

In assuming his new role, Amol expresses his enthusiasm and dedication to furthering the legacy of Ira by Orchid Hotels, Nashik. He envisions leveraging his expertise to enhance guest experiences, drive operational efficiency, and position the hotel as a beacon of hospitality excellence in the region.

The entire team at Ira by Orchid Hotels extends a warm welcome to Amol Dhurve and looks forward to a successful journey ahead under his leadership

Concept Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kumar Manish as General Manager at The Fern Residency, Mundra

Kumar Manish takes over as General Manager of The Fern Residency, Mundra.  With over 25 years of expertise in the hospitality sector, Mr. Manish has been associated with The Fern Hotels & Resorts as General Manager for the last 8 years, having led different Fern Hotels in several national and international locations - Mundra, Seychelles, Aurangabad, and Navi Mumbai - before moving back to Mundra. He started his career with The Trident Chennai. He has previously worked for Marriott Hotels, ITC Hotel, and East Park Hotel, where he handled daily operations and monitored the efficacy of all processes.

In his current position, he will be in charge of a wider spectrum of roles and responsibilities including developing strategic plans and implementing innovative upgrades in accordance with The Fern Standards enhancing operational and financial performance, and exploring opportunities for expansion and growth.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a distinguished environmentally conscious hotel chain and one of India's fastest-growing brands, proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone. With 100 hotels and resorts either opened or set to open in 85 locations worldwide, their commitment to sustainability and unmatched hospitality experiences shines through. The Fern encompasses multiple brands, such as The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Fern Habitat, Zinc Journey by The Fern, and Beacon Hotels. This achievement stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility, consistently raising the bar in the industry.

Monideep Jas is now the General Manager of Greenpark Chennai

He brings with him 21 years of hospitality expertise

Monideep brings with him 21 years of expertise in attaining operational excellence and driving growth across major hospitality brands such as Marriott and GRT Hotels. Over the years he has worked in various roles in the F&B division, allowing him to garner a robust understanding of the F&B industry and attain strong insights on consumer behaviour across various categories

In his new role, Monideep says, “I’m excited to be a part of Greenpark Chennai, a property that enjoys a strong reputation in the city. My focus would be on consistently working towards providing memorable stays and exceptional F&B experiences to all our guests.”

The group believes that as a seasoned hospitality veteran, Monideep has developed a distinctive leadership style, strategic decision-making skills, and an ability to empathise with guests which would facilitate him to contribute towards the growth and success of the property..