Goa Marriott Resort and Spa appoints Chef Rahul Gurav as the new Pastry Chef

Rahul's primary will be to introduce new ideas into the bakery and dessert operations

Goa Marriott Resort and Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Rahul Gurav as the new Pastry Chef, who comes with a distinct culinary experience. A seasoned chef, he has worked with some of the most eminent Indian and International hospitality brands including Marriott International, ACCOR, The Oberoi Group, and IHG Hotels and Resorts

Rahul’s primary responsibilities at the hotel will be to introduce new ideas into the bakery and dessert operations. He will also enhance the gastronomic experience at Goa Baking Company, the in-house Deli, and one of Goa’s most popular patisseries, with his signature dishes, which have garnered him numerous accolades and appreciation from guests over the years. He was also awarded a bronze medal in the Hospitality Qatar 2018 | Salon Culinaire.

With a passion for all things gastronomic and a flair for International as well as Indian cuisine, he emerges as a strong team player when it comes to innovative cooking techniques and management experience.

Davesh Rawal has been appointed as Director Of Sales at JW Marriott Pune

In his new role, he will be responsible for streamlining constructive sales strategies, demonstrating a creative approach for optimizing revenues and growing market share for the hotel

Davesh is extremely zestful and a driven hospitality professional armed with a wealth of experience in the hospitality domain spanning over a decade. He has worked with renowned hospitality brands like Accor and Hyatt where he has orchestrated and accomplished impactful business strategies and sales initiatives to drive business growth and greater brand awareness.

In his new role at JW Marriott Pune, he will be responsible for streamlining constructive sales strategies, demonstrate a creative approach for optimizing revenues and growing market share for the hotel.

Davesh is a fitness enthusiast, a passionate guitarist, an avid reader and an ardent traveller. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family in his leisure time.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC appoints Maharaj Pratap Swami as Chef of Tuskers

The all-vegetarian specialty restaurant will benefit from Maharaj Swami’s expertise, including his deep-seated knowledge of Marwari, Punjabi and Gujrati cuisines

Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the elegant, luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, introduces Maharaj Pratap Swami as the new Chef at Tuskers. 

The all-vegetarian specialty restaurant, serving traditional local cuisine, will benefit from Maharaj Swami’s expertise, including his deep-seated knowledge of Marwari, Punjabi, and Gujarati cuisines. 

Maharaj Pratap spent the bulk of his professional career with the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba, cooking for their Indian restaurants and banqueting events, especially weddings. He began learning cooking techniques and recipes from an early age from his father, who was also a Maharaj. He was also a part of the outdoor catering teams for a number of the Taj Group’s most prolific events, in places across the globe including Switzerland, Dubai, and Morocco.  

In his free time, Maharaj Pratap enjoys watching cricket and soccer, the latter of which he used to play in his youth. He is married, with three children.

Aartee Thadani has joined The Westin Goa as their Marketing & Communications Manager

Her new role entails handling the overall marketing and brand positioning of The Westin Goa, across platforms both online and offline

With 8+ years of working across industries in the hospitality, entertainment and events sector and having completed her post-graduation is advertising at the ISDI | WPP School of Communication, Aartee comes with a strong background in marketing and advertising both.

Aartee’s new role entails handling the overall marketing and brand positioning of The Westin Goa, across platforms both online and offline, and driving creative strategies to meet and exceed the forecasted revenue figures alongside numerous stakeholders and management, both at the property and brand level.

Experiential Travel Expert Michael Robinson Joins Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort as General Manager

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is proud to announce the arrival of their new GM, Michael Robinson. The New Zealand national has been appointed as General Manager effective January 2023 at the 11-acre urban escape on the Chao Phraya River and brings with him a wealth of hotel experience spanning the USA, Middle East and Asia.

In his new role, Michael will oversee all operations, including 281 guestrooms and 95 suites, 11 restaurants and bars, luxury river cruise Loy Pela Voyages, Anantara Spa, BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat, and extensive meeting and event facilities.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Appoints Joseph Colina as New General Manager

SIEM REAP, Cambodia January 2023 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic 90-year-old luxury hotel on the doorstep of the ancient Khmer archeological sites of Angkor, has appointed Joseph Colina as its new General Manager.

The American national brings nearly two decades of experience with Accor to his new posting in Siem Reap. Colina most recently served as General Manager of MGallery Sapa in northern Vietnam. He also previously worked as Hotel Manager for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, after launching his career in the U.S. with positions in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere.

“This is an exciting moment in Siem Reap not only as international travelers flock back to one of the world’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor writes the next chapter in its own legendary history, after celebrating its 90-year anniversary last year as a landmark heritage hotel in Southeast Asia,” Colina said.

The hotel reopened its doors in June 2022 following a major restoration project and pandemic-related closure that shut the hotel for nearly three years. Under the guidance of the Raffles Hotels group, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is once again at the forefront of travel to Southeast Asia. The hotel was recognized last year by the U.S.-based publication Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s top 500 hotels.

Nearly all of the hotel’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished in the restoration, including with all-new Italian tiling and fixtures in the bathrooms. One of the hotel’s most distinctive attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

Colina takes the reins amid other significant changes at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, including the launch of the Khmer fine-dining restaurant 1932 and the addition of the Raffles Marquee, an elegant events space overlooking a lush green lawn.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 and is a national treasure whose storied history is a testament to Cambodia’s colorful past. The hotel was originally built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat.

W GOA APPOINTS SUNIL DUTT AS THE NEW CULINARY DIRECTOR

India, January 2023: W Hotels announces the appointment of Chef Sunil Dutt as the new Culinary Director at W Goa. A culinary maestro with an illustrated career spanning over two decades of hospitality and culinary proficiency, Chef Sunil will not only oversee the hotel’s five vibrant dining venues but also spearhead the various experiential & eclectic culinary concepts at W Goa, all aimed at elevating the overall luxe guest experience.

With over 24 years of culinary expertise in kitchens across India, China, the Philippines, Seychelles & Maldives, Chef Sunil comes with exceptional skills in handling multiple clientele and expertise across purchasing, receiving and preparing culinary products with strong knowledge of Western, Asian, Japanese, Arabic, Indian, Italian, Mexican & Pastry. He has comprehensive experience in adhering to international standard service procedures, with a strong background in banquet operations, food and beverage management, public relations and customer relations.

Speaking of his new role at W Goa, Chef Sunil says, "I am thrilled to embark on this journey with W Goa. W is such a flamboyant brand, quite different & unique from any other luxury hotels and I'm really excited to be a part of such a young and dynamic team. In my capacity as Culinary Director of the iconic W Goa, I look forward to bringing in new dining styles and elevating the experience with my past international exposure around the globe. I aim to make the entire gastronomy experience more customer-centric and develop concepts that have a story attached to them. Furthermore, I believe my envisioned concepts would add to the positive vibe and energy at W Goa."

His culinary prowess extends across a wide variety of local and global cuisines ranging from European, Indian, Asian, Japanese, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. 

Chef Sunil joins W Goa from Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha wherein he served as the Executive Sous Chef. Proficient in numerous cooking techniques with a talent for working with ingredients from countries around the world, he has had successful stints at leading Indian and international luxury hotel chains such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts and the Shangri-La Group. 

With proven leadership skills and a track record of training, development, and fostering strong teams focused on quality, presentation, cost containment and safety, Chef Sunil is ready to undertake the exciting challenge of introducing new concepts to W Goa’s signature dining destinations. As the Culinary Director, while his roles are many, he believes his main focus would be to handle the young dynamic team at W Goa and push them to achieve greatness. 

About W GOA: W Goa captures the rustic and dramatic landscape of Goa as well as its cosmopolitan, multi-cultural vibe, injecting Vagator with the exuberant spirit uniquely known to W Hotels. W Goa offers 121 stylish and spacious guest rooms and villas discreetly spread out across the private coastal setting with breathtaking views of the sea. Relish Insider access to the hip local culture of Goa with annual local festivals and street parties to further amplify the vibrant scene. Kickback on the WET® deck or at The ROCKPOOL to catch that holiday sun-kissed body. Four dining venues Fuel the fun, while FIT and the indulgent AWAY Spa reboot your body. We invite you to live it up and take it easy!

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim appoints Vinayak Prabhavalkar as Director of Sales & Marketing

Vinayak comes with 15-plus years of experience in the field of Sales & Marketing

Vinayak has previously been associated with IHG and he has spearheaded sales and marketing for Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna, where he was responsible for strategic planning and ensuring successful implementation across multiple markets pan India based on their vision and strategic plan for growth.

The new position as Director of Sales & Marketing requires someone with excellent communication skills, who can build long-term relationships with business partners and customers by understanding their needs and being able to deliver results through effective marketing strategies, pricing policies, and procedures that are consistent with IHG’s values, culture, and standards for customer service.

Noel Mendes was appointed as F&B Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

His varied experience makes him the ideal leader for this key role where his responsibilities include managing a host of outlets at the hotel

A seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of experience in food & beverage in the hospitality, Noel Mendes joins Four Seasons Mumbai as the Food & Beverage Manager, heading the F&B operations of the property. His varied experience makes him the ideal leader for this key role where his responsibilities include managing a host of outlets, including San: Qi and the soon-to-be relaunched AER.

A native of Mumbai, Noel started his career with Grand Hyatt Mumbai, before moving to Renaissance Mumbai and St. Regis Mumbai, where he was also given the title of Subject Matter Expert for the company at a national level. Apart from this, he also has had a stint with Massive Restaurants, adding perspective to his well-rounded approach to the world of dining.

He considers his creativity in problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning to be his key strengths which support him in assuming a role as important as this. A social media enthusiast, he enjoys exploring the newest trends in digital marketing and optimizing those for operational requirements. His roots in bartending and mixology are well reflected in his collection of certificates in courses in the beverage world.

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach appoints Amartya Chakraborty as the new Director of Sales and Marketing

Amartya will be responsible for planning and implementing the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, maximizing revenues, exploring new business opportunities, setting annual budget and putting together strategies amongst other duties

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is delighted to announce the newest addition to their team – Amartya Chakraborty, as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Amartya will be responsible for planning and implementing the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, maximizing revenues, exploring new business opportunities, setting the annual budget and putting together strategies amongst other duties. 

Prior to joining Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Amartya was associated with Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences as the Director of Sales and Marketing, where he was responsible for maximizing hotel revenue during and post-covid, increasing market visibility, and improving hotel positioning. A diligent professional with 18 years of experience in his field, Amartya has been credited with organizing many successful initiatives and was honoured with the ‘Best Sales Person of the year 2019’ in Accor South Asia Hotel Award. 

Amartya pursued his Bachelor in Commerce from Calcutta University and continues his advanced learnings with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore. In the hospitality industry, his career took a start with Sarovar Hotels in 2005 and eventually moved to Unit Hotel Sales and was responsible for the Kolkata unit until 2013. After which he joined Accor Hotels at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences.

Commenting on his appointment, Gorav Arora, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach said, “We’re thrilled to have Amartya join our team at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. His experience in the industry and his unrivalled determination to succeed make him a huge asset to the team. We look forward to continuing to innovate and grow together in this new position.”

Outside the realm of work, he enjoys listening to retro music and keeps a close eye on current affairs and Business news. Chess being his favourite game he spends his leisure evenings playing and as well helps him to widen his thought process.

Nitin Gohri has been appointed as the Director of Sales at ‘The Westin Goa’

The Westin Goa is pleased to welcome Nitin Gohri, a highly driven professional with over 12 years of experience in IHCL as their Director of Sales. He adds a great deal of industry knowledge and expertise to the MICE business.

Nitin will be further taking up the responsibility to lead and manage strategic sales, developing MICE strategies, and expanding the wedding portfolio for The Westin Goa. He has always focused on building long-term customer relationships and is respected for his ability to scale new business segments. Nitin is dedicated to deliver the finest standards of service.

Nitin began his career with the Regional Sales Team in Delhi before moving to the Taj Palace in New Delhi where he worked on several convention segments. Nitin’s last assignment was with Taj Lands’ End, Mumbai as the Director of Catering Sales, where he played an instrumental role in transforming the hotel’s positioning and delivering remarkable commercial excellence for the property.

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Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) appoints Mr Rubin Cherian as the General Manager

Hyderabad: January 2023:  Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) today announced the appointment of Mr Rubin Cherian as General Manager. Rubin is a well-rounded hotelier with over two decades of experience in the Hospitality Industry. An exemplary leader he is proficient in heading multicultural teams and has excellent management skills.

In his current role as General Manager NHCC & HICC, he will focus on delivering strong business results through optimizing profitability, business management and increasing revenue.  His priority areas will be enhancing services, increasing business growth and developing a talented and committed team to manage hotel operations. Rubin will lead the hotel to greater heights of success with his extensive experience and industry knowledge. Rubin will be working closely with the team at NHCC & HICC for bringing in force the overall vision and future direction of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. With an impressive track record, he will work towards bringing in higher efficiency in all aspects of hotel management and financial planning.

Rubin has been with Accor for close to 2 decades and has carved a niche for himself through his dedication and hard work. In the past, Rubin has led different leadership portfolios throughout his career. Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, he was General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Airport and has held significant positions at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, and Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. He has won many awards and accolades including "General Manager of the Year" by BW Hotelier in 2019 & “Best General Manager of the year”  in 2019 for Accor South Asia Hotel Awards within India & Srilanka hotels. He has also been recognized for serving Accor for more than a decade.

Rubin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Karnataka University. He also holds a degree in commerce from Nagpur University. He is a technology enthusiast and loves surrounding him with latest gadgets. He has a great passion for bikes and also enjoys travelling.

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar welcomes Aalok Jaiswal as the New Associate Director of Sales

Mahabaleshwar, January 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is pleased to welcome Aalok Jaiswal as the Associate Director of Sales. A seasoned professional, Aalok brings with him a wealth of expertise in hotel sales with over 14 years of rich and diverse experience in top hotels of India.

Aalok will be playing a pivotal role in driving the revenue of the hotel through room and catering sales and creating a distinct brand positioning in the destination market segment. A diligent and result-oriented sales lead, he believes in driving strategies powered through dedication and hard work.

Aalok holds a diploma in Business Management from Wellingkar Institute of Management- Mumbai and started his glorious stint in hotel sales at ITC Grand Central Mumbai as Industrial Trainee, moving on to Sun and Sand Group, Sahara Star Aamby Valley City wherein he handled a corporate portfolio of South Mumbai. His last stint was with Zuri Hotels & Resorts where he served for more than a decade and was leading their sales division. 

An avid traveler himself, Aalok has a flair for fire juggling and loves to reconnect with the world through music. 

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Savio Fernandes As Director Of Food And Beverage"

Born and raised in Mumbai, Savio completed his Post-Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from Goa. He started his hospitality career with Goa Marriott and then moved as a Guest Service Coordinator in Taj Exotica Goa over the past two decades and worked his way up the ranks as Director of Food & Beverage, with his recent move being to Taj Cidade de Goa.  Savio is known to create memories with Guest experiences and delightful moments being the forte, and has been actively involved in refurbishing and reconceptualizing their entire F&B. Savio has an innovative mindset, is product obsessed, and comes across as someone who builds strong relationships with this team – a perfect blend of a Four Seasons person.  

Additionally, we can also look at exploring opportunities for features, and interviews for Mr. Savio Fernandes.

Holiday Inn Katra is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Ritesh Sharma as The General Manager

He brings with him over two decades of voluminous experience in the hospitality industry.

He looks forward to spearheading operations, As a Pre-Opening hotel he will kick start the operations with his innovative strategies and manage an effective and enthusiastic team. He did his Hotel Management at IHM Bhopal.

Mr. Ritesh Sharma believes in “The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have”

Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi appoints Anuj Majumdar as Assistant General Manager

Pune, December 2022: Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi is pleased to announce the appointment of Anuj Majumdar as Assistant General Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Anuj’s expertise will play a vital role in elevating the property to new heights.

A passionate hotelier, over the years, having worked with several brands across the country, Anuj has gained deep knowledge and experience in dealing with a broad spectrum of situations and challenges, including pre-opening properties.

Anuj’s extensive background has led him to be associated with several esteemed hospitality brands such as The Leela Mumbai, Holiday Inn Pune, Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur, The Corinthians Resort & Club Pune, and the Pride Hotel, Pune. He has also productively consulted for both greenfield and brownfield projects of mid-tier hotels & F&B retail establishments.

Commenting on his appointment, Anuj says, “Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi is a relatively new property, however, it is conspicuous because of its exclusive array of F&B offerings. It is an absolute honor to be appointed as the hotel’s first assistant general manager. I look forward to working closely with the dynamic team to deliver a seamless guest experience befitting our property.”

A seasoned professional, Anuj has an intrinsic understanding of hotel operations, fulfilling guest expectations, and great leadership skills. His journey at Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi will be instrumental in establishing the hotel as one of the most sought for in the city.

Devendra Kumar appointed as Human Resource Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla (IHG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Devendra Kumar as the Human Resource Manager. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Devendra is a seasoned professional who would be responsible for overseeing Human Resource management, hiring functions, employee engagement and strategic interventions by putting creative ideas into practice. 

Devendra brings with him a wealth of knowledge in terms of compliances, manpower planning, performance management, grievance handling, learning & development, payroll management,  budgeting and forecasting which would be crucial to achieve organization’s goals and objectives. He arrives at the Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla with a vision to sustain the hotel’s existing ‘People first’ positioning while establishing high performing, brand hearted, super engaged workforce through his innovative approaches. He will strive towards fostering IHG’s core value of ‘Room To Be Yourself’ while contributing towards Diversity & Inclusion culture. Devendra is known to demonstrate proficiency in conflict management and interpersonal skills that makes him a dynamic and passionate Human Resource professional. 

Prior to Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, Devendra has worked with leading international and national hotels chains such as Radisson, Marriott International, Amritara Hotels and Resorts and Four Points by Sheraton. In addition to work, Devendra enjoys watching classic movies, travelling and spending quality time with family & friends. 

Hotel Le Meridien Nagpur is pleased to announce the appointment of Ganesh Gouda as Human Resources Manager

With a prolific career spanning 7 years in the hospitality industry, Ganesh has managed the Human Resources department across level in flagship hotels in India. He started his hospitality journey with “Hilton Worldwide”. Ganesh has achieved recognition for his leadership dedication and hands on approach proficiently handling people in the area of Human Resources to consistently generate efficacy.

Ganesh has previously worked at Hilton Worldwide, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention CC & JW Marriott Chandigarh. He earned his MSW - Human Resources from the University of Mangalore in 2015 and has years of experience in the Human Resources profession. He comes to us from JW Marriott Chandigarh where he worked as Assistant Manager of Human Resources. 

Apart from work, he is very active, with daily home workouts, and hobbies that include swimming, and gymnastics.

Jitendra Sharma promoted as a Operations Manager for Hotel Le Meridien Nagpur

Jitendra Sharma is a veteran in the industry with over 15-year experience across India. He has managed the operation across the level in flagship hotels in India & Maldives.

Jitendra started his Marriott International Journey in 2019 with Le Meridien Nagpur as a Food and Beverage Manager. He has been previously associated with hotels like Hyatt Hyderabad, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Coco palm, a collection of Resorts, Maldives, and Radisson Blu Jaipur. He will focus on motivating the team, nurturing their spirit of striving for excellence, and providing guidance on developing strategies with an urgency that will drive flawless hotel operations.

Hotel Le Meridien Nagpur is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanjay Pandey as Executive Housekeeper.

Mr. Sanjay Pandey brings with him a 14 years of Housekeeping experience to his new assignment. Prior to this appointment he was Deputy Housekeeper  at Wow Hotel Indore.

Mr. Sanjay started his career as a Hotel operational trainee from Pride Hotel Ahmedabad , then he move to different flagship hotels of India like Jaypee Palace Agra, Le Meridien Ahmedabad ,Crown Plaza Dubai, J.W. Marriott New Delhi and  Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad.

He did his Diploma in Hotel management from SBIHM of Hotel Management and Catering Technology – Kolkata.