Mandar V Bhitale joins Alcon Victor Group as Director of Marketing

As the Director of Marketing, Bhitale’s role represents a unique challenge and opportunity to drive strategic marketing initiatives, enhance brand visibility, and boost revenue generation

Mandar V Bhitale will be contributing to the growth and success of a renowned hospitality brand in two thriving locations – Goa and Pune.  

His new role involves developing comprehensive marketing plans, harnessing the power of digital marketing, managing brand consistency, conducting market research, and leading a high-performing marketing team with a deep understanding of the local market dynamics. 

He will also be leading the digital transformation, leveraging social media marketing, content marketing, SEO, PPC advertising, and email marketing to enhance the group’s visibility and reach in the digital landscape.

The Leela Gandhinagar strengthens leadership team

Gandhinagar: The Leela Gandhinagar, the luxury hospitality destination in the twin city of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, has strengthened its leadership team by bringing on board more highly experienced and accomplished industry professionals.

Umapathy Amirtham is appointed as the Hotel Manager. Umapathy is an acknowledged hospital industry professional with 27 years of extensive domain expertise across hotel operations and management. He has a proven track record of improving operational turnaround and is known for his business acumen in managing hotels.

Umapathy has been a part of The Leela family for seven years now. Prior to joining The Leela Gandhinagar, he was associated with The Leela Ashtamudi, The Leela Palace Jaipur and The Leela Palace Chennai and was also associated with other hospitality chains such as Hyatt and ITC.

Mallika Das appointed as the Director of Finance. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Mallika is a strategic planner with a proven ability to improve operations and maximize profits through solid financial management, cost reductions and productivity improvements. She was previously the financial controller at IHCL. In a career of over 15 years, she has a stellar experience with Accor, IHG and Hyatt.

Harshvardhan Dengwekar appointed as the PR & Marketing Manager. Harshvardhan has more than 13 years of experience in sales and marketing at premier properties in India and overseas. He is responsible for structuring all marketing and PR-related communications for The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Center. He has been a part of Accor, Hyatt, and Marriott where he fulfilled diverse roles.

Subin Venugopal appointed as the food & beverage manager. A highly result-oriented professional, Subin has worked in highly competitive environments in multiple cities in India and overseas in a career spanning more than 15 years. He was last associated with Le Meridien in Hyderabad and has also been a part of other hospitality chains like Marriott and Intercontinental in the past.

Speaking on the additions to the leadership team, Vikas Sood, General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “I am happy to welcome the new team members to The Leela Gandhinagar. They bring with them diverse national and global experiences and positive attitudes. I am confident they will add a lot of value to The Leela Gandhinagar and contribute to offering guests a truly memorable experience with the warmth of the signature Leela hospitality.”Located atop the concourse of the Gandhinagar railway station, The Leela Gandhinagar offers 318 tastefully appointed spacious rooms. Just a short drive from Ahmedabad and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Leela Gandhinagar blends modern splendour with the vibrant old-world traditions of Gujarat. It has become the preferred luxury destination for leisure and business travellers.

THE ST. REGIS DOWNTOWN DUBAI & DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT, DUBAI INVESTMENT PARK WELCOME NEW MULTI-PROPERTY GENERAL MANAGER

DUBAI, UAE, May 2023 – The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park, part of Marriott International, are pleased to announce the appointment of Vipin Khattar as the new Multi-Property General Manager.

A seasoned leader with comprehensive experience as a hospitality professional, including time spent with prominent brands such as Marriott International and Hyatt International, Vipin is a passionate hotelier with more than two decades of illustrious experience primarily in the UK, Middle East, and Africa. In his role, Vipin brings a wealth of expertise to oversee the properties' operations, cultivate bespoke guest experiences, further enhance its F&B portfolio, and improve associate satisfaction, among other responsibilities.

Vipin has held various significant and career-defining roles, including his last stint as the General Manager of JW Marriott New Delhi. Under his leadership, the hotel reported exceptional performance in 2022, with sequential improvements in RevPAR and record-breaking rooms, restaurant and lounge revenue. Vipin’s commitment to achieve key business objectives alongside his guest-driven approach, has undoubtedly contributed to his tremendously rewarding career journey.

An alumnus of Hotel Management and Catering Technology from IHTTI School, Neuchatel, Switzerland with a specialisation in Hospitality Operations, Vipin is known for his exceptional sales and marketing skills and effective leadership style. He has filled the role of Raja Zeidan, who is now the Chief Operating Officer at RDK Group.

Commenting on his new appointment, Vipin Khattar said, "I am honoured to be at the helm of two incredible properties and be part of the Marriott International brand. I look forward to working alongside both teams to continue to uphold Marriott's hallmark of awe-inspiring service, unforgettable culinary offerings, and unparalleled attention to detail. By taking care of our people, I look forward to achieve new milestones for both hotels, with the ultimate goal to lead in their luxury and premium-select segments."

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is pleased to announce the appointment of Saarang Vikas Amritkar as its new Sales Manager

Pune, May, 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is pleased to announce Saarang Vikas Amritkar as the new Sales Manager for the hotel. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Saarang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at the Hotel. He has previously held sales positions at various hotel brands, including Radisson, Hyatt and others. 

In his new role at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, Saarang will be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies that drive revenue growth for the hotel. He will also lead the sales team and work closely with other departments to ensure smooth functioning within the property. 

Saarang has been working in the hospitality industry since 2010.  Since then, he has gained an extensive background in various key sales positions within the hospitality industry. Together, with his colleagues Saarang will oversee the sales department to achieve the goals set for the year and to increase business at the property. 

"I am proud to be a part of this team and looking forward for  this new role. I am hopeful that with my expertise and skills and with the constant support of my team, I will be able to further elevate the growth strategy for the hotel and achieve desired results.," said Saarang Vikas Amritkar.

The team is excited to have Saarang onboard and looking forward to working  him in his new endeavour. 

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat Appointed Mallika Sehgal, the Marketing and Communications Manager

Meet Mallika Sehgal, the Marketing and Communications Manager of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat.  A highly experienced and passionate Marketing Strategist with over 11 years of experience in the space of content creation and marketing. With her expertise in managing PR, Marketing, and Communication functions, Mallika has a proven track record of utilizing offline marketing as well as digital and social media to effectively enhance brand positioning, strategic planning, customer loyalty, and brand recognition.

Armed with a Postgraduate Degree in Marketing Management, Mallika has worked across diverse industries, which has honed her expertise and knowledge of brand development and identity. Her leadership and people management skills make her a strong team player. She has a great track record, with excellent communication skills, strong analytic and presentation abilities, and complete understanding of corporate brands.

Prior to her current role, Mallika has been an entrepreneur for a decade & has been the force behind Circle Workshops & events curating over 600+ workshops in different hobby & skill area, she further went on to build her own brand & marketing agency called Urban Circle. Being a social media influencer, herself has honed her brand building & marketing skills furthermore. 

In the corporate space she has worked with some of the prominent brands like Spectra Hospitality, Senior World & Red FM to name a few. In addition to her marketing and communication skills, Mallika also has experience in entrepreneurship, strategy, public relations, brand building, strategic partnerships, and event management industries. She possesses excellent entrepreneurial skills, presentation, and public speaking skills, and is a team player with strong interpersonal ability.

Mallika's passions include exploring new destinations, indulging in the serenity of meditation, nurturing her green thumb through gardening, immersing herself in the captivating world of cinema & blogging on fashion, travel, beauty & lifestyle.

JATINDER PAL SINGH APPOINTED AS AN EXECUTIVE CHEF AT SHERATON GRAND BENGALURU WHITEFIELD HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

Bengaluru, April/May 2023: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center announces the appointment of Jatinder Pal Singh as their Executive Chef.

With a meritorious experience of over 20 years, Jatinder has worked with renowned hospitality brands including Taj, The Leela, Le Meridian, Westin and Sheraton. In his last assignment, Jatinder was associated with The Leela Bhartiya City, Hotel Convention & Residences, Bengaluru as the preopening Executive Chef. His seasoned experience in culinary operations, as well as avant-garde gastronomy, makes him ideal for the diverse Food and Beverage offerings of the hotel.

His cooking expertise range from distinct evolution of Indian to global cuisines, Chef is trained under the best of the Michelin chefs during his culinary journey of 20 years. He is a maestro of innovative buffet set-ups, fine dining presentations and voluminous catering for banquets and conventions. Along with customizing and catering every palate, to understanding the nitty-gritties of various techniques, Jatinder expresses his love for food by supporting an edgy and intricate tattoo of a knife. 

Jatinder has earned many accolades to his merit, including Top Most Hospitality Icons 2023, Power 25 Culinary – Top 6 Asia, Middle East and Africa 2022, FHRAI Hotel Chef of the Year 2016-17 and IPR Solace Chef of the Year 2016-17. His profound knowledge and willingness to experiment will ensure smooth operations and an unparalleled dining experience at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center.

Jatinder is a graduate in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and is an alumni of IIHM Kolkata. Jatinder is an avid biker and his idea of unwinding is through cooking for his son and travelling while exploring cuisines around the globe.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®️, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

JAIVEER SINGH RATHORE is the New Director of Human Resources |JW Marriott Kolkata– Marriott International

JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Jaiveer Singh Rathore as Director of Human Resources. He brings with him over 16 years of experience in corporate experience in HR, with deep-rooted experience in developing, recommending & implementing Human Resource Strategies with complete accountability of Goal Setting, Leadership Development, Manpower, and Staffing. In his current role, he will be responsible for driving strategic HR initiatives and enhancing employee engagement in the pursuit of organizational objectives.

Jaiveer comes onboard with diversified industries experience, during his career he was associated with various brands like Vodafone, Randstad (Mafoi), Louvre Hotels, Peerless Hotels and  Accor Hotels. In his recent assignments he was associated with Accor group of Hotels for more than 9 years which includes ibis Jaipur, Novotel Kolkata, Novotel Guwahati, ibis New Delhi Aerocity and recently with Fairmont Jaipur.  Last he was heading Human Resources function of multiple Peerless group of Hotels as Corporate General Manager – Human Resources.   

A dynamic professional,  Jaiveer In his tenure, has commissioned 3 successful hotel pre-openings He was recognized as HR top talent at Accor, delivered on operational & business objectives with knowledge in multiple sub-domains, and received numerous other accolades. He was also instrumental in developing many HR professionals who are heading Leadership position in various brands. 

This highly motivated and versatile HR leader has enjoyed an exponential career growth with top tier hospitality brands since completing his graduation in Bachelors of Commerce and Dual Masters in Commerce (Business Administration and Economical & Financial Management) from Rajasthan University, Jaipur and Post-Graduation in Labor Law.

Jaiveer is a travel enthusiast and loves playing cricket and badminton 

Bharat Raheja, Indian Industry Heavyweight, Joins Atmosphere Core as Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing South Asia

Atmosphere Core, a dynamic hospitality company operating eight resorts in the Maldives, appoints Bharat Raheja as the Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for South Asia. The company is expanding its footprints, with carefully chosen hotels and resorts to open within three brands – THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and COLOURS OF OBLU.

Stephane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer Atmosphere Core says “As we accelerate our growth in South Asia, Bharat is exactly who we need to carve out our niche in luxury hospitality, through refreshing new experiences.  Atmosphere Core offers three powerful brands – and Bharat’s ground knowledge and commercial expertise will support us in taking this unmatched portfolio forward.”

Bharat Raheja steps into his role with a mandate to develop new markets and facilitate the company’s fast-growing presence in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Based in India, Bharat will also contribute to commercial strategies and build performance-driven sales and marketing teams.

Regarding his appointment, Bharat says “Atmosphere Group’s core philosophy, Joy of Giving, strongly resonates with South Asian cultures – where there’s an innate sense of hospitality. I believe that this unique approach blended with exceptional world-class standards sets us apart. We assure property owners maximum flexibility and convenient turnkey solutions – especially with the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand featuring seven innovative sub-brands. While travellers can look forward to distinctive spatial experiences inspired by the local culture.”

Bharat Raheja has over 25 years of hospitality industry experience. Before joining Atmosphere Core, he worked with Minor Hotels, Whitbread, and Hilton Worldwide. Bharat initiated his career in hospitality with The Oberoi Group and thereafter at Taj. 

One of the company’s key development strategies has been to bring in the best talent. Bharat Raheja joins the impressive leadership team comprising Cyrus Madan, SVP Business Development, and Souvagya Mohapatra, MD for India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka operations. 

Fairfield By Marriott Kolkata appointment Nabajyoti Kaushik as the new Food and Beverage Manager

Fairfield By Marriott Kolkata announces the appointment of Nabajyoti Kaushik as the new Food and Beverage (F&B) Manager at the hotel. In his current role, Nabajyoti is responsible for managing the entire performance of the Food and Beverage operation and events sales, working closely with General Manager and other departmental heads on business planning and day-to-day operations, implementing innovative methods to create guest connections, and maintaining constant guest contact to build relationships and monitor customer satisfaction.

With a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Subhas Bose Institute Of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Nabajyoti has honed his skills in menu pricing, cost efficiency, and guest satisfaction. In addition to their educational qualifications, he has achieved numerous certifications, including a Wine License Holder for wine up-selling skills and a Certified Departmental Trainer. Prior to his current role, Nabajyoti has worked with some of the leading hotels in the country, such as The Taj Holiday Village,Goa, Taj Garden Retreat, Chikmagalur, Hyatt Regency, Kolkata, Ritz Carlton, Pune, and The Stadel, Kolkata.

Nabajyoti is a highly effective individual with a proven track record of achieving impressive results. Over the course of three years, he has consistently achieved revenue budgets despite facing fierce competition from numerous new entrants. With his outstanding management skills, Nabajyoti has successfully executed over 130 weddings, resulting in exceptional feedback on TripAdvisor. Additionally, he earned the second position in Hyatt NPS for meeting planner among all Hyatt hotels in India for two consecutive years (FY 2017-18 and 2018-19). Moreover, Nabajyoti has maintained a 100% employee retention rate during those same financial years.

With a zest for life and a desire for new experiences, this individual finds great enjoyment in participating in a range of activities, such as swimming, and cycling, and embarking on solo adventures to explore new places.

Prasad Patil appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Westin Goa

Prasad is a seasoned professional with over 15.5 years of experience in Hospitality Industry. He started his career in 2007 and has worked with leading brands like Marriott International, Starwood Hotel & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotel Group & Indian Hotel Company Limited. Prasad has a great hand in resolving problems, improving customer satisfaction & driving revenues. He is enthusiastic and is always eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills.

Prasad has an in-depth understanding in operations front for Food & Beverage department. He has joined Westin with a clear to continue and elevate Westin Goa success story achieving guest satisfaction and revenue targets while creating innovative service offerings. In his new role, he will review and launch new menus, curate award-winning services, conceptualize and improvise, enhance food & beverage offerings, additionally train and empower staff to curate bespoke experiences for guest in his capacity as Director of Food & Beverage.

During his tenure at various notable hotel groups, he has received awards for being ‘All Rounder of the year’, ‘Best Performer of the year’ and had recently received ‘Manager of the year’ in the year 2019. Prasad has consistently demonstrated a track record of being guest-focused and enhancing performance.

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.