Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Stuart Birkwood as the cluster GM

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Stuart Birkwood as the cluster GM for Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City and Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City.

In his new role, Birkwood will spearhead the strategic operations of the hotels, which boast a combined total of 400 rooms, diverse award-winning dining venues, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, and a stellar reputation for hosting large-scale catering events.

Birkwood’s career spans over 30 years in the global hospitality sector, including opening and managing flagship properties, notably introducing the Radisson RED brand to the Middle East in 2019 as GM. His tenure at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis in Digital Park earned accolades for ground-breaking initiatives, such as establishing the first standalone podcast studio and achieving the Great Place to Work certification for the hotel. 

Previously, Birkwood also held leadership roles with other international hotel brands, including Aloft, Sheraton, and Le Meridien, delivering transformative results in guest experiences and revenue growth. His hands-on approach and visionary mindset have consistently positioned him as a leader in the industry.

Birkwood shared his enthusiasm: “I am honoured to join the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City and Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City. These iconic properties represent the epitome of Dubai’s vibrant hospitality sector. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated teams to further elevate the guest experience and drive continued success.”

Radisson Hotel Group Elevates Namit Vijh to Area General Manager for Central India

Namit Vijh has been elevated as the new Area General Manager, Central India, Radisson Hotel Group, while continuing his leadership as General Manager at Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar.

With almost two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Namit has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational prowess. As the former Cluster General Manager for Rajasthan and Agra, he led initiatives in revenue growth, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction, setting new standards for the industry.

Namit expressed his gratitude, stating, “Assuming the role of Area General Manager is both an honour and a responsibility. I am deeply grateful to the RHG leadership team for entrusting me with this pivotal role. My vision is to leverage the unique strengths of each market, capitalize on emerging hospitality trends, and foster synergies across properties to enhance sales & marketing strategies, operational excellence, and, above all, deliver unparalleled guest experiences. Together, we will solidify Radisson’s position as a leader in the hospitality sector and cultivate innovative partnerships with industry stakeholders.”

Namit’s outstanding leadership has earned him widespread recognition, including achieving top rankings in guest satisfaction within the region and receiving numerous accolades for operational excellence and innovation. His contributions have been instrumental in elevating the brand’s presence and reputation across various markets.

Radisson appoints Nikhil Sharma as Managing Director and ASVP for South Asia

Radisson Hotel Group announces the appointment of Nikhil Sharma as the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, effective April 1, 2024.

In his new role, Nikhil Sharma will lead Radisson Hotel Group’s operations in the dynamic South Asia region, which boasts over 165 hotels in operation and development. He brings a wealth of experience and will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s leadership in the Indian market, nurturing relationships with its valued partners, driving revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence. Nikhil will also lead the Group’s vision of being an employer of choice for dynamic talent in the hospitality ecosystem.

Nikhil joins Radisson Hotel Group from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR) where he served as Market Managing Director Eurasia, overseeing Business Development, Operations, New Openings, and Sales & Marketing. Before his time at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Ginger Hotels, a renowned brand under the IHCL conglomerate. He was also a founding member of the Lemon Tree Hotel Company and a significant contributor to the growth of India’s upscale hotel segment.

“Nikhil’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving strategic growth in South Asia. This region is a key market for us, and with Nikhil’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” said Chema Basterrechea, Global President & Chief Operations Officer at Radisson Hotel Group

“In the past 25 years, Radisson Hotel Group has become synonymous with unparalleled hospitality and delivering memorable moments to millions of guests. We have leveraged the collective efforts of our teams to establish a first-movers advantage that has resulted in the expansion of our footprints in markets that are unique to the Group. We are pleased to welcome a dynamic leader like Nikhil to steer us ahead in this journey and wish him the best for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s next phase of growth in South Asia,” said K B Kachru, Chairman, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group

“I am thrilled to be part of Radisson Hotel Group and to lead South Asia during this exhilarating period of growth. With a diverse portfolio of brands and hotels, the Group is poised to be the top choice for travelers and asset owners alike. I am grateful for this opportunity to drive innovation, deliver exceptional results, and elevate the brand while creating value for our stakeholders,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP), South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group.

Nikhil is an active contributor to the hospitality sector in India, serving on committees for various federations, associations, and industry bodies that drive transformative decisions within the industry. He is also a published author and a regular contributor to leading hospitality publications.