Remil Raveendran is now the Food & Beverage manager at Holiday Inn Cochin

His last appointment was with Tocho International as Restaurant General Manager

A passionate hotelier with a career spanning over 17 years with various brands like Hyatt, IHG, Swiss-bel hotels, Atlantis the palm Dubai, Remil is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and profitability in his previous roles.

Outside the realm of work, he enjoys travelling and experimenting new cuisines. 

Shangri-La Bengaluru appoints Nishesh Seth as its new Executive Chef

Nishesh Seth will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations across eight restaurants and bars, along with the banqueting operations of Shangri-La Bengaluru

With over 15 years of experience working in some of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the country, Chef Nishesh Seth will bring to the table creativity and exemplary culinary skills.
 
Chef Nishesh has extensive knowledge of varied cuisines, culinary operations, innovative culinary techniques, and has a talent for creating new and exciting dining experiences. 
 
He is set for his second stint at Shangri-La Bengaluru, where he is poised to elevate the dining experiences for guests with his creative new concepts and use of locally sourced quality produce, while maintaining the hotel’s excellent service and food hygiene standards.

Chef Nishesh says, “I am very excited to return to Shangri-La Bengaluru. There is currently a keen focus on sustainability in the city which resonates with my culinary ethos. My father is very passionate about his food, which over the years, has inspired me to develop new food and beverage concepts that not only tantalize taste buds, but also support local communities and the environment through a contemporary and sustainable approach to cooking.”

ITC Maratha, Mumbai appoints Saransh Mehan as the Food & Beverage Manager.

In its commitment to people growth vision 2023, ITC Maratha Mumbai appoints; Saransh Mehan as the Food & Beverage Manager for its 380 rooms & 7 Restaurants and Bars, large scale luxury operations.

Prior to this role, Saransh was associated with ITC Grand Goa as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager; and holds an impressive business track record of 5 years with the group.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of experience in food & beverage in the hospitality, Saransh’s well-rounded experience makes him the ideal leader for this key role where his responsibilities will include managing a host of branded cuisine outposts of the group such as Dum Pukht and Peshawri; and soon to launch Avartana and Yi Jing.

A native of Delhi, Saransh started his career as the STEP under-trainee from Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development- The Oberio Vanyavilas, before moving two major new opening projects The Ritz Carlton Bangalore and JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. Apart from this, he also has had an international stint with Hotel Emirates Palace Kempinski- Abu Dhabi and later with Lite Bite Foods, adding perspective to his well-rounded approach to the world of dining.

He considers his soft-skills in people management as his biggest strength; creating memories for guests through unique dining experiences has always fascinated Saransh. He thrives on developing new ideas and concepts, innovative and creative ways to improve the service standards to delight guests.

As the F&B manager at ITC Maratha, Mumbai; Saransh plans to invest time in growth and development of associates and empowering them to provide exceptional guest service. He would also like to focus on innovation and implementation of new trends in food and beverage operations.

A social media enthusiast, he enjoys exploring the newest trends in Food52 to keep himself up to date on International and Local dining trends. His roots in bartending and mixology are well reflected in his collection of certificates in courses in the beverage world.

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Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Kishwar Jahan As The New Marketing & Communications Manager

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Kishwar Jahan as their new Marketing & Communications Manager. With nearly 9 years of experience in the field of Sales & Marketing and nearly 3 years of entrepreneurial experience, Kishwar brings a wealth of expertise in advertising, hospitality, entertainment, beverage and fitness industries.

Kishwar is recognized for collaborating with clients and advising them on new marketing techniques and prospective target audiences. She has a route-to-market expertise with notable skills in devising brand management and positioning strategies, developing brand identity, and rolling out innovative campaigns.

“Kishwar’s expertise in marketing will be an asset to our team”, said Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport. “Her innovative thinking, strong communication skills, and excellent problem-solving abilities will help us drive brand awareness and profitability”.

Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Kishwar was a Senior Manager - Key Accounts at John Distilleries in Hyderabad, where she developed and analyzed new business opportunities and worked across multi-brand sales channels and marketing campaigns. She has also managed end-to-end marketing plans, events, and campaigns, coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Kishwar has an MBA in Marketing & Finance from IIPM, Delhi and a B.A. in Economics from Fergusson College. Her areas of exposure include strategic marketing planning, brand management & positioning, market research & analysis, revenue generation, 360 degree marketing campaign, and marketing & communication plans.

In her new role at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Kishwar will be responsible for designing marketing strategies and plans, deploying successful marketing campaigns, and creating & implementing go-to market strategies to promote overall positioning of the brand. She will also evaluate data for strategic decision-making and work in close coordination with the Marketing, Operations and Sales Teams.

The Novotel Hyderabad Airport team is excited to have Kishwar onboard and is confident that her experience and skills will prove invaluable in driving the brand’s growth and success.

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Vakkaru Maldives Appoints Janice Vigo as New Director of Spa

Vakkaru Maldives is pleased to announce the appointment of Janice Vigo as the new Director of Spa, responsible for overseeing daily spa operations, including staff training, treatments and retail, fitness facilities, including yoga, meditation and wellness programmes.

With over 17 years of experience in the luxury spa and hospitality industry, Janice brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in spa and wellness management to the team. Prior to this, she held senior positions at Six Senses Laamu Maldives. Other leading luxury properties she worked at include One & Only Kanuhura Maldives, Constance Ephelia Seychelles, Fregate Island Private Seychelles by Oetker Collection, and Babylon Warwick Hotel Baghdad.

Janice has diplomas in Spa Start-up Management from the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) and Spa Management from Raison d’Etre Spa & Wellness Consultancy. She is also certified in Oncology Massage for Cancer, Bentosa Fire Glass Cupping, Bamboo Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, Facials, Body Treatments, and Singing Bowls. She logged 200 hours in the RYT Hatha Yoga Teachers’ Training. In addition, she has also trained with international spa product brands such as Pevonia Botanica, Shiseido, Subtle Energy and Organic Pharmacy, and she has an excellent working knowledge of different spa-related software.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Vakkaru Maldives family and grateful to the management for placing their trust in me to lead the Merana Spa team and bring the spa experience to the next level,” said Janice. “The spa & wellness industry is becoming increasingly important and necessary. I believe that a holistic approach to enhance the quality of life, boosting emotional and physical well-being, and achieving balance within the body and mind is vital in today’s world,” she added.

Commenting on her appointment, Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said, “Janice Vigo’s appointment as Director of Spa will further strengthen our commitment to providing guests with an exceptional spa experience. We are confident that her vast experience and spa and wellness management expertise will bring new ideas and innovations to the resort.”

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Sandipan Bose as the new General Manager, Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Bringing with him over two decades of experience in the Indian hospitality sector, Sandipan Bose will lead the operations at Mementos Udaipur and strengthen the brand

Bose has been associated with the property since its pre-launch phase and he will strive to aptly position the ITC Hotels’ new luxury hospitality brand in the thriving hospitality market of Udaipur.

Holding a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Meerut, he began his career 23 years ago. He joined ITC Hotels at ITC Maurya in 2000 and since has worked in different roles at various major hospitality brands across India.

Having worked in different roles, he brings with him a unique combination of extensive operational excellence, blended with a financial and food and beverage product concepts. Hence, working in different markets in a variety of roles has helped him carve a niche for attaining operational excellence. 

On the personal front, he is an ardent traveller and cyclist and prefers spending time with his family in his leisure.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Anirban Putatunda as the new Food & Beverage Manager

Serving in the hospitality industry for close to two decades, Anirban possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his previous roles

Anirban’s most recent position before the current one was as Assistant F&B Manager at Alila Diwa Goa.
 
As Food & Beverage Manager with the Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, Anirban will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring prompt and efficient service, and creating strategies to increase revenue. He will also be tasked with maintaining the highest standards of guest satisfaction.
 
When he’s not hard at work, Anirban enjoys playing a variety of sports, such as tennis, badminton, and cricket. He also likes exploring the city, trying new cuisines, and spending time with his family and friends.
 
On his appointment, Varun Mohan, General Manager of Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, said, “We are delighted to have Anirban join our team at Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore. His wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and enthusiasm for success will be a great asset to us and we look forward to the innovative ideas and strategies that he will bring.”

Saj Hotels appointed Zamir Khan as new CEO

In his new role, Zamir will develop strategies, drive growth and foster innovation for the Hotels and Restaurants verticals of the Group.

Zamir has been part of the founding team of prestigious brands like Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd, and Wrapster Foods Pvt Ltd, and worked with leading indigenous business houses like Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Dabur (India) Ltd, Avantha Group, DLF Retail Ltd, to name a few. 

He has also spearheaded the communications mandate for conglomerates such as Telcordia, Emirates Airlines, EMC Corporation, TetraPak, Nokia, among others. As the CEO, Zamir brings with him a wealth of experience and astute business acumen that will strengthen the brands’ position, build advocacy, and complement the growth of the company. 

Speaking about his appointment, Zamir Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd, said, “After having spent over two decades in one of the most challenging industries, I feel humbled to have been given this opportunity to join Saj Hotels, among the fastest growing hospitality organizations in the country. As part of the senior management team, I look forward to steering Saj Hotels to greater heights, while working towards building world-class hotels, resorts and dining destinations in India and capturing its untapped beauty. I would like to express my gratitude to the promoters and board of directors, especially the Chairman –Rahul Timbadia for showing their faith in me.” 

“We are confident that Zamir’s leadership and strategic vision will take Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd to new heights. We are looking forward to scaling our brands to new heights under his guidance,” said Karna Timbadia, Director, Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd.  A dynamic professional and a dedicated family man, Zamir loves to spend time with his family. He has a keen interest in photography and is an avid traveller. 

Roshan Taank joins as Chief Engineer at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, South Delhi’s business and dining landmark is thrilled to announce the joining of Mr. Roshan Taank as the Chief Engineer. In his new role, Roshan would be responsible to lead our IHG Green Engage program by implementing sustainability lead initiatives and embracing novel renewable energy practices. 

Roshan is a seasoned leader from the hospitality and retail industry with an experience of 20 + years with organizations such as Cushman & Wakefield, The Taj Group of Hotels, Accor, Voltas Ltd., Pantaloon Retail India Limited and Radisson Group. His expertise lies in Energy & Environment Conservation Technologies, Automated Building Management System, Fire Engineering, electrical & mechanical utilities, HVAC systems & more.

According to Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager, “As a responsible business, our infrastructural growth is aligned with sustainability at the core of the operations. We are very confident that Roshan will help us live up to IHG’s Journey To Tomorrow commitment with his technical skill set and innovative mindset.”

Roshan is an Engineering Graduate from Osmania University with an MBA in Energy & Project Management. In his free times, he loves to do poetry and write couplets.

Alma Resort Appoints Jed Arricivita As Commercial Director

CAM RANH, Vietnam (April 2023) Jed Arricivita, a hospitality professional with more than two decades of business development, sales and marketing experience has been named Alma's commercial director.

Filipino national Arricivita comes to the 30-hectare family resort, overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, after working as director of sales at The Peninsula Bangkok for almost 10 years.

Previously, he was director of sales at Shangri-La Bangkok and Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu, and director of business development at Makati Shangri-La in Manila.

After studying for a bachelor of science degree in hotel and restaurant administration at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, Arricivita started working for the Makati Shangri-La in 1999 as a front desk agent and rose through the ranks as a sales manager and senior sales manager before his appointment as director of business development in 2005.

In his role at Alma, he will oversee commercial management, sales and marketing management, digital strategy and more, with focuses on leisure, business and MICE travel.

“On the back of his strong leadership and analytical skills, Jed brings to Alma an incredible track record of fostering creativity and motivation among his teams to drive excellent results in business development, business strategy, sales and marketing at hotels,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated Alma features 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other highlights include a science museum, 6000 square metre waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre, kid’s club, water sports centre, gymnasium and yoga room and an 18-hole putting green.

Minor Hotels Announces Craig Cochrane As New Chief People Officer

Craig Cochrane has been announced as the new Chief People Officer of Minor Hotels. The hospitality veteran joins the Bangkok-based group from his former role as Senior Vice President of Talent & Culture – Turkey, India, Middle East & Africa at Accor Hotels, a position he held from 2018.

In his new role, the British national will oversee people and culture functions for Minor Hotels, including, employee engagement, maintaining a strong company culture during Minor Hotels’ rapid expansion phase and leading learning and development programmes for the group.

THE ST. REGIS CHICAGO ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE TEAM AHEAD OF MAY 2023 OPENING

Industry Veterans Team up to Deliver on Iconic Luxury Brand’s Standards of
Service, Tradition and Excellence at Chicago’s Best Address

CHICAGO – March 2023 - St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced its executive team of St. Regis Chicago, ahead of the hotel’s May 2023 opening. Designed by world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang and developed by Magellan Development Corporation, the 101-story St. Regis Chicago is the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect, and will offer guests a waterfront luxury oasis with best-in-class services and amenities. Led by General Manager Oliver Gibbons, the executive leadership team brings together seasoned luxury hospitality experts who will carry through the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style, and bespoke service.  

“Building a dynamic team to exceed on the brand’s rich legacy of service and uncompromising commitment to excellence was crucial to introducing the iconic St. Regis brand to Chicago,” said Oliver Gibbons, General Manager at St. Regis Chicago. “We have curated a team of highly accomplished, passionate, and gracious leaders, with impressive luxury hospitality experience, and we look forward to introducing guests to Chicago’s premier destination, offering five-star accommodations, ultra-luxury living, elevated dining, and restorative wellness experiences.”

The St. Regis Chicago Executive Team Includes:
Oliver Gibbons, General Manager at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences

Gibbons will lead The St. Regis Chicago team and oversee the day-to-day operations of the property, which includes a 192-room hotel, 393 ultra-luxury residences; two restaurants in partnership with Chef’s Evan Funke and Hisanobu Osaka; a holistic wellness, spa, and fitness center; and more than 10,000 square feet of dynamic meeting and event space. Gibbons has played a vital role in leading the team through the completion of the hotel’s development over the last two years.

With extensive knowledge and more than two decades working in the international luxury hospitality industry, Gibbons has held leadership positions at esteemed properties, including the Forbes Five-Star recognized L’Ermitage Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Chicago, which followed over a decade’s tenure with Accor luxury hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

Frederick J. Pérez, General Manager at The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago

As the General Manager of The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago, Pérez will oversee day-to-day operations of The Residences and ensure resident satisfaction at the 393-unit ultra-luxury property. Beginning his career with Marriott in 2000, Pérez has worked in a variety of hotel roles over the last two decades, most recently as Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences, Vail, and as Director of Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Mexico City.

Yago del Rincon

Director of Operations at The St. Regis Chicago

With more than two decades of luxury hotel leadership experience across seven Ritz-Carlton hotels (including Hotel Arts Barcelona – a Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Forbes Five-Star Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park) and executing nearly 20 hotel openings, del Rincon joins the team as Director of Operations, with the goal of enhancing operations through his commitment to impeccable service and industry-leading innovation.

Jackie Collens, Director of Sales and Marketing at The St. Regis Chicago

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Collens is responsible for exceeding guestroom and catering sales, revenue, and marketing goals. Collens brings two decades of experience from flagship, luxury hotels throughout New York City. Collens held leadership positions at the famed Waldorf Astoria and Towers as well as The St. Regis New York. Previously, she was the Asset Manager for Ty Warner, owner of Four Seasons Hotel New York. These iconic hotels further validate her invaluable industry experience and deep insight into the luxury marketplace. 

Becker Lara, Director of Engineering at The St. Regis Chicago, Hotel and Residences

Lara will lead the engineering teams and projects for both The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences. Lara has vast experience in the Chicago hotel market, including leading engineering operations for the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, during a successful, major renovation.

Kamil Kowalski

Director of Finance & Accounting at The St. Regis Chicago

As Director of Finance & Accounting, Kowalski will be responsible for guiding all financial operations. Kowalski has served in leadership roles across several Marriott Chicagoland hotels, including Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.  

Rita Grant, Director of Human Resources at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences

Grant will lead human resources efforts for both The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences including building, acquiring, and retaining top talent across all divisions and levels. Grant has held a number of human resources roles, most recently at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, where she was a member of the 2015 opening team and contributed to the property winning many accolades.

 Megan Candioto, Director of Revenue Management at The St. Regis Chicago

Candioto brings nearly two decades of experience working with international hotel brands and will be responsible for hotel’s top line revenue strategy. She has held positions at the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lake; Four Seasons Resort Nevis; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara; and most recently with Park Hyatt Chicago, relaunching the property after an extensive renovation.

Supporting the executive leadership team are Director of Wellness, Kerri Stokes, and Executive Butler, Rafael De Valdes. Stokes joins the team with more than a decade of luxury wellness and spa experience, including the Spa & Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Chicago, and The Spa at the Peninsula Chicago, and will oversee all spa, wellness and fitness operations. As Executive Butler, De Valdes will oversee the St. Regis Butler Service team, a personalized, signature offering that ensures each guest’s individual preferences are understood and anticipated at every turn. De Valdes previously held the role of Director of Guest Services at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where he managed a team of 25 Butlers.

Chandan Sharma is the New Director of Sales of JW Marriott Kolkata – Marriott International

With over 10 years of luxury hospitality sales experience in Gurgaon and Bengaluru, a passionate individual, Mr. Chandan Sharma has been appointed as the Director of Sales at JW Marriott Kolkata. 

In this current role, this result-driven professional is in charge of planning and implementing the hotel’s sales strategy, maximizing revenues, exploring new business opportunities, setting the annual budget, and putting together strategies amongst other duties. He establishes effective sales strategies in all market sectors to increase hotel earnings, developing sales strategies based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions and selling luxury experiences to the guests.

Chandan hails from Delhi and pursued his Bachelor of Arts: in Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management from RIG Institute of Hospitality & Management, Greater Noida. Bringing on board a wealth of experience in the hospitality and sales domain, Chandan has previously worked with leading luxury brands including  The Oberoi Gurgaon, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Pullman Gurgaon (now Le Meridien Gurgaon) Marriott Gurgaon & Prrathaa Weddings, Bengaluru (Luxury Wedding Planning company), where he focused on handling Sales and Marketing, operations, revenue management, recruitment and training. He possesses excellent market connections and has a solid business acumen.

Known for a track record of success in directing sales teams and creating results for the sales division, his peers also regard him as the paradigm of a leader who sets the example and motivates his team to thrive in the face of adversity.

He enjoy playing table tennis & cricket and loves to travel.

Sharad Singh elevated to Director of Operations at the Westin Goa

Sharad Singh, who joined the Westin Goa as the Director of Food and Beverage, has been promoted to Director of Operations. Sharad will continue to lead day-to-day Hotel operations and relationship management in his new position. Additionally, he would also focus on business requirements and processes.

Sharad Singh brings his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in this filed with 17 years of extensive experience in operations, strategy planning, marketing and promotions, customer relationship management, and spotting hotel trends, Sharad will in his new appointment oversees all aspects of the hotel’s planning and service.

In addition to training with technical knowledge and customer handling which he believes it’s a paramount priority in today’s times, Sharad will also be primarily responsible of the smooth hotel operations across all verticals. Over the years, he has also become an expert in formulating standard operating procedures that keep the department functioning.

His core competencies lie in strategy planning, policies and procedure formulation, restaurant management, vendor and team management, budgeting, sales and marketing, advertising and promotion planning, and public relations to name a few. 

In his previous roles, Sharad was associated with reputed brands like Sheraton Grand, St. Regis in Mumbai, and various Marriott Hotels in USA, Pune, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

During his time, he received numerous awards and recognition, the most recent was the prestigious Marriott International Award for ‘Best Food and Beverage Operations’ in APEC. 

Fortune Hotels appoints a new layer of General Managers to drive growth and guest experiences

These four experienced professionals will take forward the brand's commitment to exceptional guest experiences across the country

New Delhi, March 2023: Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group is pleased to announce a future-forward, strategic decision of appointing four highly experienced professionals as growth leaders. These able leaders while owning specific areas of operation are expected to make a significant contribution to the brand's strategic goals. Fortune Hotels has created these positions to drive efficiencies within the chain and to further strengthen the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences across the country.

Commenting on the appointments, Samir MC, Managing Director of Fortune Hotels, said, “With our growth in sight, these four leaders have been chosen to consolidate our proven service offerings and value add to our legacy by preparing for the future. Each of our General Managers in their new roles including Ajay, Kunal, Saravanan, and Ricardo has had a solid performance track record. In the competitive business of hospitality, we look forward to their collective expertise propelling the Fortune Hotels brand positioning.”

The General Managers in their new roles are tasked with driving brand operations, improving the guest experience, and managing stakeholders to deliver consistent growth for regional hotels while focusing on the bottom-line results. Their previous experience of working with successful hospitality brands, multi-property management, and brand strategy, make them important growth drivers. 

Fortune Hotels has been on an aggressive path to expand its reach in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with its upscale to mid-market service offering for business as well as leisure travellers. The hotel chain has closely studied the growth and development of non-metros and spotted opportunities for the future. 

A brief introduction to the General Managers: 

Ajay J Sharma, Area Manager for North region: An experienced hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience who will be leading the North cluster of hotels. Ajay has previously held leadership roles in renowned hospitality brands like Oberoi Hotel, IHG, and Starwood, and is known for his dedication to exceptional service and guest satisfaction.

Kunal Banerjee, Cluster General Manager for East region: A seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in successfully launching several hotels across India. After joining Fortune Park Hotels Limited in 2013 as General Manager, he will now lead the East cluster. Kunal has previously worked with luxury and upscale brands like K Raheja Hospitality Mumbai, Holiday Inn Singapore, ITC Sonar Kolkata, Hotel HHI, and Kolkata Fern Hotels.

Saravanan Dhanabalu, Area Manager for South region: With 28 years in hospitality, Saravanan is a highly skilled and experienced hotelier, with a global education and leadership roles in prominent hospitality brands. He has a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities. In his new role, he will be responsible for brand operations and administration of units in the south region.

Ricardo D’Lima, Cluster General Manager for Goa & West Coast region: A talented hospitality management professional with over 22 years dedicated to pre-openings, F&B operations, revenue management, guest relations and overall quality assurance. He has been with Fortune Park Hotels for eight years, and he was recently promoted to Cluster General Manager for Goa and West Coast. 

Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the appointment of Saurav Datta as the new Director of Sales & Marketing

Chennai, March 2023 – Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the appointment of Saurav Datta as the new Director of Sales & Marketing. In his new role, he will lead the business retention and expansion efforts of the Sales and Marketing team in order to drive revenue growth and will also play a key role in catalyzing the branding and communications efforts of the hotel. 

In addition, his past experience with conventions & MICE along with F&B operations allows him a deeper & holistic understanding of the operational aspects of the hotel industry. Datta will lead the hotel's business development goals to greater heights through strategic leadership.  

In his nearly 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he began his career with Grand Hyatt Mumbai's pre-opening team. His career path then led him to Novotel Hyderabad Convention & Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Le Meridian  Hyderabad, and Le Meridian Nagpur which was his last assignment. 

He completed his MBA in Sales and Marketing and a degree in Hotel Management to round out his academic career. In his spare time, he enjoys going on long drives and spending time with family and friends.

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Appoints Sumit Kumar as the General Manager

Dehradun, March 2023: Hyatt Regency Dehradun announced the appointment of Mr. Sumit Kumar as General Manager. An experienced professional, Sumit brings with him over 20 years of extensive hospitality experience.

After successfully holding a degree in the field of Hotel Management from Mangalore University, he started his professional journey with The Oberoi Hotels. By being an integral part of the pre-opening team at Hotel Amarvillas, Agra as well as Trident Jaipur, he has added many feathers to his cap in the world of hospitality. Furthermore, Sumit has pioneered his success by playing a pivotal role in the opening of The Chedi Muscat.

Having worked in different capacities, he has been a strong pillar and a key resource for Hyatt Hotels since his first stint in 2003. Initially, Sumit began his association as a valuable part of the Hyatt family, when he joined Grand Hyatt Dubai. During his career span, he has independently handled multiple signature restaurants at Grand Hyatt Dubai and Grand Hyatt Muscat. Owing to his seasoned industry knowledge, Sumit was appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. He has successfully launched the brand Hyatt Place in India with the pre-opening of Hyatt Place Hampi and Hyatt Place Gurgaon as General Manager.

During his last stint as the General Manager at Hyatt Pune he has had a remarkable journey and achieved many milestones. The team at Hyatt Regency Dehradun now welcomes him aboard for yet another successful run in the heart of the hills.

The Ambassador Mumbai welcomes Chef Sandeep Chowdhary as the new Executive Sous Chef

Mumbai, March 2023: India’s celebrated iconic hotel from the imperial times, The Ambassador, Mumbai has recently announced the appointment of Chef Sandeep Chowdhary as its new Executive Sous Chef. The hotel has been popular for its culinary fanfare over the past decades in-line with its bespoke, luxurious hospitality in the most popular locality of the maximum city.  

Chef Sandeep will overlook on further continuing the exemplary gastronomic history of the hotel while catering to contemporary guests with his years of expertise. Equipped with an experience of over 15 years in the culinary sphere, Chef Sandeep excels in preparing the choicest regional recipes from across the globe as desired by the guests. With great insights about the importance of seasonal and regional ingredients and the recipes, Chef Sandeep’s menu designing skills are indisputable.

Chef Sandeep previously worked with Mumbai’s popular hotels including The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai; Sun n Sand, Mumbai and The Resort, Mumbai. In his new role at The Ambassador, Mumbai, Chef Sandeep will ensure the smooth functioning of the kitchens of Flavours Café – an all-day coffee shop and The Society – the fine-dine multi-cuisine restaurant. He will also curate contemporary recipes and innovate experiential food concepts to suit the diverse guest palate.

Elated with the appointment, Chef Sandeep Chowdhary, said, “It’s an honour to serve the guests at The Ambassador Mumbai. One of the oldest hotels in the city, The Ambassador Mumbai has been catering to generations of new and revisiting patrons. It’s truly a pleasure to have gotten the chance to be able to present my culinary skills at the hotel while being able to learn better from the diverse and large chef team here.”

Manvendra Rashk, General Manager of The Ambassador, Mumbai, said, “Chef Sandeep is an asset to The Ambassador, Mumbai. His in-depth knowledge of global remote locations and their recipes is truly inspirational. His passion to serve the guests the best sensorial experience through his culinary creations says all of how the gastronomic fanfare of the hotel will elevate further. We welcome Chef Sandeep into The Ambassador Mumbai family.”

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor Welcome Sunal Thakur as the New Executive Chef

Visakhapatnam, March 2023: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunal Thakur as their New Executive Chef. With over 24 years of experience in revenue generation, client relationship management, liaison and coordination, inventory management, financial management, and team management, Sunal Thakur brings a wealth of knowledge to the hotel's culinary team.

In his new role, Thakur will be responsible for creating innovative menus for various outlets and events, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and consistency. As an asset to any hotel or hospitality establishment, he is expected to elevate the culinary offerings of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach to new heights.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor said,

"We are delighted to welcome our new Executive Chef, Sunal Thakur, to our team. With his exceptional expertise in managing kitchen operations, we are confident that he will elevate our culinary offerings and enhance guest satisfaction. His proven track record of upholding the highest standards of food quality and safety makes him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to his contribution in maintaining our reputation as a leading hospitality destination."

Sunal Thakur previously has worked in renowned properties such as previously The Radisson Hotel,  Vivanta By Taj where he opened “TADO”  the pastry shop, and Movenpick Hotel to name a few and has catered for numerous high-profile events, including the British Tobacco Company, Indian President Ms. Pratibha Patil, etc. His ability to deliver exceptional services to a diverse range of clients is a testament to his expertise and professionalism in the culinary industry. Moreover, his selection as an external examiner at the IHM, Gwalior, by the Tourism Department Govt. of India, and his service as a judge for various culinary and chef competitions reflect his outstanding credibility and expertise.

DoubleTree Hilton Goa - Panaji Appoints Nilesh Naik as their New Associate Director of Sales

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji is excited to welcome Nilesh Naik as their new Associate Director of Sales. Nilesh brings over 8+ years of experience in the hospitality industry, having previously worked in various sales and marketing roles in prominent hotels across India. He has exhibited great expertise as well as a passion for establishing and retaining long-term relationships with customers.

As the Associate Director of Sales, Nilesh will play a key role in driving our hotel's sales and marketing initiatives. His responsibilities include identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and managing our existing client base. Nilesh will also be working closely with our operations team to ensure that our guests receive the highest level of service and satisfaction during their stay.

We are confident that Mr. Naik's skills and experience will make him a valuable asset to our team here at DoubleTree Hilton Goa - Panaji.