Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the promotion of Prajeesh Nair as Front Office Manager.

Chennai, February 2023 – Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the promotion of  Prajeesh Nair as Front Office Manager. He will be responsible for overseeing the front office  operations, quality services in guest satisfaction while ensuring service standards for business  excellence.  

He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry with brands, such as ITC, Marriott  and Hyatt; Prajeesh possess good leadership skills and is capable of working as part of a team  in a professional and fast-paced environment. He has good project leadership abilities and  personal management skills with strong expertise in the hospitality sector.  

At Hyatt Regency Chennai, he will be responsible for overseeing the front office operations,  quality services in guest satisfaction while ensuring service standards for business excellence. Prajeesh places a great emphasis on training associates on the job and harnessing their talents.  He is a dedicated professional with the drive and skillset to excel in a fast paced leadership role  enhancing a company’s ability to improve customer retention rate and growing revenues. 

On a personal level, he is passionate about playing Cricket and Table tennis and loves to explore  the local market and the unexplored destinations.

Hyatt Regency Chennai has appointed Lakshmi N., as Human Resource Manager.

Chennai, February 2023 Hyatt Regency Chennai has appointed Lakshmi N., as Human Resource Manager. She will be seen developing, recommending, and implementing human resources strategies and policies in support of business objectives.

Lakshmi completed her MBA in HR and has over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Having completed her MBA with a specialization in Human Resources Management, Lakshmi gained immense knowledge working with eminent brands in Chennai such as Courtyard by

Marriott, The Ascott Limited, Holiday Inn OMR, and Radisson Blu. In her tenure, she coordinated with senior managers to ensure smooth activities are completed and issues addressed to reinforce an assertive outlook of the organization, championed communication with the necessary use of compensation systems, tools, programs and policies, facilitated learning and development sessions and other key strategies.

She has been part of 2 pre-opening hotels in the city and was also nominated for the HR Manager of the Year by Hotelier India and won the “Because I-care Award, both in 2012. Being a creative thinker, with strong communication and grooming skills, Lakshmi aims to balance the organizational mission and the interests of the employees.

Leading Lifestyle Resort Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club Appoints John Parker as General Manager

Avani Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of John Parker as General Manager of Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Thailand as of February 2023. 

Joining the Avani team from Mari Beach Club in Bali, operations expert John Parker will focus on positioning Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club as the island’s leading lifestyle resort, as well as elevating SEEN Beach Club Samui’s visibility both regionally and internationally.

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Trinh Quan Huy-Philip appointed to Corporate Team @ La Business Card Hospitality

TRINH QUAN HUY PHILIP – CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF F&B

Proudly announces the appointment of Trinh Quan Huy-Philip to its corporate team at La Business Card Hospitality. As the Brand’s Director of Food & Beverage, Philip will implement and lead strategic operations to help continually enhance and innovate offerings in F&B outlets across a varied portfolio of the company.

Philip brings 20 years of extensive hospitality experience to his new role, with the majority of his career spent in travelling across Asia through Europe and currently in the US. Most of destinations including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Myanmar then later on with Holland, Belgium, France and Germany. Before joining the company, Philip served as the Taskforce Food & Beverage Director for the portfolio of Aimbridge Hospitality and travelling around the states.

In his new role Philip will be responsible for developing Bars & Beverage programs as well as Restaurant concepts that drive foot traffic, revenue, and new customers. He’ll also aid in the concepting, elevate service and operational efficiency of both current and future outlets. He is a true hotelier who debuted his career on the field of F&B operations with deeply experienced in pre-opening setup team.

Marc Selinger Takes Charge of Meliá Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, Thailand (February 2023) – A seasoned professional with substantial hospitality experience in Europe and Asia has been appointed general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai.

Spaniard Marc Selinger has taken charge of the 260-key hotel that opened in April last year in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north. 

Marc Selinger has worked for Meliá Hotels International for the past seven years. Before joining Meliá Chiang Mai this month, he was the acting general manager and hotel manager at Meliá Hanoi in Vietnam, and the director of operations at Meliá Yangon in Myanmar.

He started his career in room division and F&B internships at various properties in Spain, Switzerland and the UK from early 2009, before moving to Vietnam in 2012 to become a cruise manager with Paradise Cruises in UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay and then operations manager at Blue Ocean Resort in Mui Ne.

Marc Selinger also has a bachelor’s degree from San Pablo CEU University in Madrid, Spain, and a diploma from EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“Marc has been with Meliá Hotels International for seven years and has grown with the company to become a general manager due to his strong leadership abilities, his genuine enthusiasm for hospitality, his talent, and his ability to learn quickly,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Meliá Hotels International. “Knowing the brand as he does, and with his rich and diverse experience, he is the obvious choice to oversee Meliá Chiang Mai.”

“The first five-star hotel to open since the onset of the global pandemic with an incredible future ahead, Meliá Chiang Mai is the most exciting project I’ve worked on hitherto, with a design that pays homage to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture, an excellent culinary landscape inspired by Spain’s famed gastronomy, and a collection of outstanding facilities including Chiang Mai’s highest rooftop bar,” Marc Selinger added. 

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MUMBAI WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF ROOMS: ENA ROY

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai welcomes Ena Roy as its new Director of Rooms. Towering above Mumbai’s upscale commercial hub, Four Seasons combines chic modern style with an intimate, boutique atmosphere and panoramic sea views. Combining state-of-the-art technology, sleek Western design and authentic Indian traditions, the property fully captures Mumbai’s cosmopolitan style.  In her new role Ena will oversee the operations of several departments, including Concierge, Front Office, Housekeeping and Spa, Health Club operation at the beautiful property.

With a keen eye for detail and personalised service, Ena brings seasoned expertise to the hotel and believes in ensuring splendid customer service to inspire fellow colleagues and delight guests. Ena is looking forward to further elevating the guest experience at this vibrant luxury abode.

Born in Kolkata, Ena has traveled across India. In her deep experience with hospitality, Ena has been a part of Park Hyatt Chennai, Novotel Kolkata, before moving to Hyatt Regency Chandigarh, and Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi. In 2003, she joined a luxury hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas, and eventually graduated from being a housekeeping executive to managerial roles across Chandigarh, Dubai, and New Delhi. Before joining the Four Seasons family, she served with the Grand Hyatt in Kochi.

“We look forward to welcoming Ena and are confident that she will uphold the standards of the rooms in line with the Four Seasons standards of service,” says Sunil Narang, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Bringing forth a wealth of experience and luxury hospitality expertise, Ena looks forward  to beginning her new role and leading her team at the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai with great success.

Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks Appoints Sharin Joseph As The Commercial Director

Bengaluru, February 2023: Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks is proud to announce the appointment of Sharin Joseph as Commercial Director, effective immediately. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Sharin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

In his new role at Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, Mr. Joseph will be responsible for driving the hotel's commercial strategy, maximizing revenue, and developing strong relationships with key stakeholders and will work closely with the hotel's leadership team to ensure the property continues to deliver the exceptional guest experience for which Hilton is renowned.

Sharin’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the property, and the team is confident that his experience and passion for the hospitality industry will enable the property to continue to grow and thrive in the coming years.

Commenting on his appointment, Tejus Jose, General Manager, said, "We are thrilled to have Sharin Joseph join the team at Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks and look forward to contributing to the success of this exceptional property. The hotel's reputation for delivering an exceptional guest experience is second to none, and I am eager to build on this foundation to drive growth and revenues."

Mr. Joseph has a proven track record in sales and marketing, having held various positions at Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Regency, Lemon Tree Hotels & Royal Orchid Hotels in India. Most recently, Sharin served as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road. 

Vinayakk Kaamble has been appointed as the Director of Human Resources at the Westin Goa

Vinayakk Kaamble

Director of Human Resources

The Westin Goa

We’re happy to announce the appointment of Vinayakk Kaamble as the Director of Human Resources. With 18+ of experience in Human Resources and Training, Vinayakk started his journey with the Royal Orchid Hotel, Navi Mumbai in 2012 as an HR Manager and after the completion of two successful years, got an opportunity with Four Points by Sheraton, Navi Mumbai-Vashi as an HR Manager and Trainer.

He was further promoted to the role of Director of Human Resources within two years of his tenure with the brand. After completing five years with Marriott hotels, Vinayakk got an opportunity in Abu Dhabi UAE to Head the HR and Training for the Food Services Division of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which is considered to be one of the world’s best and most renowned hospitals.

His interest in Human Resources led him to pursue his post-graduation in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources. With a strong belief in putting people first, he takes pride in helping his teams to grow and excel in their careers through learning and development and takes a personal and keen interest in the organizational and personal growth of the brand and colleagues, respectively.

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Appoints Nitin Gosain As their new Front Office Manager

Visakhapatnam: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach recently appointed Nitin Gosain as the new front office manager. The property, which is located along Visakhapatnam's serene coastline and has a view of the Bay of Bengal, is eager for Mr. Gosain to join the team. Nitin Gosain brings a decade's worth of experience in front office operations and has accomplished many milestones, such as being an ACDC Champion and being awarded Manager of the Year 2014–15, along with undergoing service excellence workshops and many more.

In his new role, Mr. Gosain will be responsible for cultivating professional connections with guests in order to encourage customer retention, alongside developing strategies to achieve goals and budget targets in full compliance with both internal and external audit recommendations. Additionally, he will be tasked with overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the customer service team, ensuring that all team members are trained and equipped to provide exceptional service to guests. Furthermore, he will be responsible for monitoring guest feedback and using it to continuously improve the customer experience. As the front office manager, Mr. Gosain will be working closely with other departments to ensure seamless integration and cooperation in achieving the overall goals of the organization.

Prior to this opportunity, Nitin Gosain had a diverse career in the hospitality industry, having worked on brands such as Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, Accor Hotels, and the Taj Hotels group of resorts and palaces. Alongside his operational duties, Mr. Gosain will have a significant impact on financial management and coordination at the hotel.

Ravi Rai, the Cluster General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor, and Novotel Vijayawada, expressed confidence and stated, “Nitin Gosain will be a valuable asset to their team and ensure high guest satisfaction while making them feel at home. With his decade of knowledge and his expertise and passion for the industry, we are sure he will be a resource to the hotel as well as to the department”

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune appoints Aniket Jadhav as Executive Housekeeper

Aniket comes with an impressive experience of 7 years in the hospitality industry

Having worked his way up in the Housekeeping department with renowned hotels like The Westin Chennai Velachery, St. Regis Mumbai, and W Goa. Most recently, Aniket served as the Deputy Housekeeper with Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

A result-oriented team player, Aniket has a philosophy for creating a culture of excellence, which navigates the high-performing team to drive guest satisfaction.

In his role at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Aniket will be responsible for overseeing the entire operations of the housekeeping department, from managing priorities while solving problems; to training, developing, and fostering a strong team focused on quality, presentation, cost containment, and safety.

Fairmont Jaipur appoints Dinesh Maan as the new Director of F&B

His role also includes forecasting F&B trends, menu planning, food and beverage revenue

Dinesh Maan has joined Fairmont Jaipur, India’s first outpost of the luxurious global hotel chain, as the new Director of F&B. With over 14 years of professional expertise in the hospitality industry, he is a multi-faceted director who will look after the F&B operations across 5 restaurants and bars at the luxury property. His role also includes forecasting F&B trends, menu planning, and food and beverage revenue. 

Graduate in Bachelor of Hospitality Management from the National Institute of Hotel Management Dehradun, he has spearheaded the management and launch of multiple, multi-cuisine and specialty restaurants. He has worked with luxury properties with the likes of Trident Gurgaon, Taj Palace, New Delhi, Marriott Bilaspur, Crowne Plaza, Greater Noida, and Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida.

Talking about the appointment, Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager said, “We are excited to welcome Dinesh as the Director of F&B at Fairmont Jaipur. He is a performance-driven professional, whose expertise lies in the maximization of employee productivity and providing excellent customer service to meet financial and business goals. The team looks forward to his new leadership role.” 

Siddarth Noronha joins Sheraton Grand Pune as Executive Chef

With over 16 years of culinary expertise, Chef Siddarth has been spearheading myriad kitchens across leading brands

Blending the fine line between tradition, innovation, and authenticity, Chef Siddarth has a flair for inventive cooking, retaining simplicity at the core of every recipe he curates. With over 16 years of culinary expertise, Chef Siddarth has been spearheading myriad kitchens across leading brands.

In his role as the Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Pune, Chef Siddarth will be overseeing the entire functioning of F&B offerings across banqueting, in-room dining, and outlets.

In pursuit of his passion for cooking, Chef Siddarth completed his Diploma in Hotel Management Catering Technology from Rizvi College. He started his career as a trainee with the Taj Mahal Hotel and moved on to work with international hospitality brands including Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Grand Hyatt Goa, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Sofitel BKC. During his tenure at Novotel Hotels and Resorts Goa, he conceptualized the utilization of unused spaces at the property to create three new restaurants, including the signature restaurant ‘Vero Cibo’.

In his leisure time, he enjoys keeping up with the constantly evolving culinary world and exploring new ways to imbibe innovation. An adventure seeker, he vouches for bike rides as a sure remedy to restore energy.

Vishal Hariharan is elevated to F&B Manager at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa

He will be responsible for forecasting, planning, controlling and evaluating the overall Food & Beverage operations at the hotel

Vishal Hariharan has been elevated to the position of Food & Beverage Manager at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa. With a rich experience of over 10 years in the hospitality industry, Vishal has grown within Hyatt over the decade gone by with Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place & Hyatt Centric as in his current job role.

Vishal will spearhead the young and vibrant team at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa to achieve greater heights of success. In his new role, he will be responsible for forecasting, planning, controlling, and evaluating the overall Food & Beverage operations at the hotel.

Apart from listening to his rock and metal favorites and watching football, in his leisure time, he is always on the lookout to explore and enjoy the local food & beverage offerings that Goa has to offer.

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.