Dusit International appoints Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations, responsible for overseeing the operations of properties in EMEA, India, the Philippines, Singapore, the Maldives, Japan, and selected properties in Thailand.

Khun Prateek first joined Dusit 14 years ago, in 2008, as General Manager of Dusit Thani Manila. In January 2013, he became General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai. Two years later, he was promoted to Area General Manager – UAE, followed in 2017 by his most recent role: Regional Vice President – EMEA.

During his tenure, Mr Kumar has spearheaded the successful opening of several new Dusit Hotels and Resorts in EMEA while overseeing multiple operating and preopening properties.

In his new role as Senior Vice President – Operations, he will be responsible for enforcing brand quality standards, enhancing customer satisfaction, and delivering optimum financial returns at each property under his supervision. He will also continue to drive business development in EMEA and India, which have strong potential for Dusit’s brands. His working base will remain to be Dubai, where he will continue to serve as General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai.

Mr Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Griffith University, Australia. During his career, he has worked in senior management positions for the former Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Renaissance/Marriott Hotels in Australia. Prior to joining Dusit, he worked for Raffles Hotels and Resorts and was responsible for the successful preopening of Ascott Raffles Place, Singapore.

Testament to Khun Prateek’s expertise and talent, he was recently featured on Hotelier Middle East’s renowned Executive Power List 2022, which features the 50 most influential hospitality leaders in the MENA region. It is the fourth time he has made the prestigious list, having also appeared in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

In recognition of his innovative approach to brand building and customer management in the Gulf region, he was also named one of GCC’s Best General Managers (Hospitality) at the World Leadership Congress and Awards in 2018.

“A talented leader with a keen eye for strategic planning and a relentless focus on customer experience, Prateek Kumar has played an integral role in driving sustainable business results for Dusit in the MENA region, and we are delighted to expand his role and scope of responsibilities with this much-deserved promotion,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “His track record in enhancing operations speaks for itself, and we are confident he will achieve even more outstanding accomplishments as we continue our mission to put Dusit at the forefront of the hospitality industry in the post-pandemic world.”

Innovating the Dining Experience: Praveen C Takes Charge as the F&B Manager at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

Visakhapatnam: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is thrilled to welcome Praveen C as the new Food and Beverage Manager. With 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Praveen brings a strong passion for excellence and a drive to achieve the highest quality and service standards.

In his previous role as Assistant F&B Manager, Praveen showcased exceptional skills in coordinating marketing and promotions, leading and evaluating his team, and managing the overall F&B budget. His collaboration with various departments resulted in successful presentations, revenue packages, and F&B promotions, leading to increased guest engagement and revenue. Praveen's ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and align corporate objectives with operational goals made him a valuable asset to his organization.

As the Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Praveen will oversee F&B promotions, events, and marketing efforts, while managing multiple outlets. He will collaborate with sales managers to plan promotions, set sales goals, and provide staff training. Praveen's attention to detail and dedication will ensure the smooth delivery of food and beverages for hotel functions, maintaining the highest standards.

Commenting on the new addition to her team, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor says, "He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to our team. We are confident that his expertise in food and beverage service, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences will further elevate our offerings at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. We warmly welcome Praveen and look forward to the innovative ideas and contributions he will bring to our F&B department."

With a proven track record of effectively managing day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines, implementing efficient staffing and scheduling, and maintaining and developing standard operating procedures for cost efficiency. His extensive experience and expertise will contribute to the continued success of F&B operations at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.

Siddhant Salgaonkar Ascends to the Helm of Sales Leadership at Hilton Goa Resort

Hilton Goa Resort is delighted to announce a key leadership transition: Siddhant Salgaonkar, a long-standing member of the Hilton family, has been promoted to Director of Sales. This move underscores Siddhant's significant contributions to the organization since he joined in March 2019, and his journey with Hilton has seen him ascend from Sales Manager to Associate Director of Sales, before his current promotion.

Siddhant's remit in this role will extend beyond merely overseeing all sales operations. He will also be in charge of a diverse portfolio that encompasses proactive sales, reactive/catering sales, reservations, and revenue generation. His mandate will be to align sales plans with the overarching business strategy, identify potential risks, and implement robust measures to mitigate any budgetary exposure.

Additionally, Siddhant will be working hand in glove with the revenue strategy team to stay abreast of market trends. His role will be pivotal in ensuring that the resort remains competitively priced to sustain and grow its fair market share.

In response to his elevation, Siddhant Salgaonkar said, "I am both honored and excited to step into this new role. I am committed to driving Hilton Goa Resort's growth trajectory and leading our accomplished sales team to new heights. Above all, my focus will be on exceeding our guests' expectations and ensuring they continue to choose us for their unforgettable stays."

Siddhant's record of achievement demonstrated through his pivotal role in increasing sales revenue at Hilton Goa Resort, speaks volumes of his capabilities. His extensive experience and intricate understanding of the sales landscape will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates his new role. The Hilton Goa Resort is confident that Siddhant will continue to be an asset in his position as Director of Sales, propelling the resort to even greater success.

VAISHALI SHAHI JOINS PARK HYATT HYDERABAD AS THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the wonderful team at Park Hyatt Hyderabad. I plan to work with the team and look forward to implementing new ideas for further success.”

Hyderabad, Telangana (May 2023) Park Hyatt Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Vaishali Shahi as Director of Human Resources at Park Hyatt Hyderabad. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Vaishali is a seasoned professional who has worked with leading hospitality groups like Accor Hotels InterContinental Hotels Group, and Marriott International. 

Her last assignment was at Hyatt Regency Pune as Director of Human Resources. Her journey with Hyatt commenced in 2020 at Hyatt Regency Chennai, an organization where she has anchored her skills to achieve a high-performance culture, emphasizing care, empowerment, quality, and people development. Vaishali shares that Hyatt completes her as a professional and allows her to be herself. Hyatt is like a family and she enjoys every bit of it. 
Her assiduity and dynamic streak in achieving excellence in every task urges her to raise the bar each time. An exuberant personality, Vaishali loves spending time with her family and playing with her son during her leisure time. Her Mantra in Life: “We always have a choice- Make the right one”

Ramandeep Marwah joins Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences as General Manager

Ramandeep will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, sales and marketing, revenue management, and human resources

Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences announced the appointment of Ramandeep Marwah as the General Manager. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Ramandeep is poised to lead the hotel to new heights of excellence.

Ramandeep brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role as General Manager of Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences. He has held various senior management positions in renowned hotels across India, including 10 years at Marriott, The Oberoi, The Leela, Taj, and Shangri -La for a brief period. He has a proven track record of successfully managing operations, driving revenue growth and ensuring guest satisfaction.

His leadership skills and industry expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences continues to provide exceptional service to the guests and remains a top destination in Pune.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences team,” said Ramandeep. “I look forward to working with the talented staff and leadership team to build on the hotel’s success and deliver an exceptional experience for our guests.”

Monideep Jas is now the General Manager of Greenpark Chennai

He brings with him 21 years of hospitality expertise

Monideep brings with him 21 years of expertise in attaining operational excellence and driving growth across major hospitality brands such as Marriott and GRT Hotels. Over the years he has worked in various roles in the F&B division, allowing him to garner a robust understanding of the F&B industry and attain strong insights on consumer behaviour across various categories

In his new role, Monideep says, “I’m excited to be a part of Greenpark Chennai, a property that enjoys a strong reputation in the city. My focus would be on consistently working towards providing memorable stays and exceptional F&B experiences to all our guests.”

The group believes that as a seasoned hospitality veteran, Monideep has developed a distinctive leadership style, strategic decision-making skills, and an ability to empathise with guests which would facilitate him to contribute towards the growth and success of the property..

Neha Kapoor takes over as the new General Manager Of Hyatt Place Vadodara

Having started her career as part of the Front Office Team, Neha​ has risen through the ranks steadily and brings in over 19 years of versatile hospitality experience. 

She has spent over 13 years with Hyatt and has worked for various brands under the Hyatt India umbrella. Her first stint was at the flagship property, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, in 2004 where she was a Front Office Team Leader. After two years of acing in the same hotel, she moved as Sales Executive, from where her new journey in Sales and Marketing began.

In 2014, she moved to Park Hyatt Hyderabad as the Director of Sales and subsequently to Hyatt Regency Pune as the Director of Sales in 2017. She supported both the properties with strategies that established their positioning in the individual markets then. Neha then took up an assignment as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Place Hyderabad Banjara Hills in 2019 which is predominantly a corporate hotel, a market leader amongst hotels of similar category. 

She eventually developed a keen interest in Operations and was elevated to Assistant General Manager at the same property in 2021, overseeing Front Office, Housekeeping and Security operations. Her strong operational and leadership instincts, contribution to revenue growth, ability to foster a deeper sense of teamwork, empathizing and problem-solving skills to enhance guest experience will be instrumental in furthering Hyatt Place Vadodara’s objective of capturing a larger market share and enhancing service standards in the city. 

She also worked with hotels such as JW Marriott Mumbai, Sofitel Mumbai (Preopening) and Palladium Hotel Mumbai in various capacities within the Sales Department. 

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences announces Jaideep Anand as new Vice President & GM

With an extensive experience of almost three decades with the brand, Jaideep has demonstrated an accomplishing record in improving hotel performances and offering unmatched luxury nuances

An industry veteran with over four decades of experience, Jaideep Anand has been associated with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts since 1995. He oversaw the turnarounds of The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi and The Leela Ambience Gurugram before moving to The Leela corporate office as Vice President – Development and Pre-Opening. He has led the pre-opening tasks for The Leela Palace Jaipur, The Leela Gandhinagar and The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, managing pre-opening teams and ensuring that these properties reflect The Leela brand across all touch points.

Prior to joining The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, Jaideep held the position of Vice President and General Manager at The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre Complex.

He has previously also worked with The Oberoi Hotels and Ananda in the Himalayas.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, elevates Biswa Ranjan Mohapatra as Director of Operations

[Nashik,May 2023] – Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik announced the elevation of Biswa Ranjan Mohapatra to Director of Operations. 

Mohapatra has already made numerous contributions to Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik's success, with his last role as Director of Rooms seeing him implement plans to raise room revenue, and refine guest service and operational efficiency. His commitment to excellence, precision, and personalized guest experience led him to be the perfect choice.

Jatish Ghai, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik, expressed, "Mohapatra has displayed constant extraordinary leadership and appreciation for the needs of our guests. His appointment to the role of Director of Operations underscores our confidence in his potential to foster operational brilliance and deliver a fantastic guest experience. This promotion serves as recognition of his excellent performance and allows him to make a greater influence in his new position. We are honored to have him on our managerial team."

As Director of Operations, Mohapatra will lead a dedicated staff and collaborate closely with department heads to improve processes, streamline efficiency, and guarantee the highest standards of quality throughout the hotel. This promotion reinforces the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik's commitment to empowering internal talent and continuing to provide exceptional service and incredible experiences to guests.

Mohapatra expressed his joy, "I am honored to have been promoted to the role of Director of Operations at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik. I look forward to this fresh challenge and contributing to the hotel's success with our remarkable team while surpassing customer expectations and elevating our operations."

Kiran Muniraj Promoted as Director of Operations at Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai

Vashi | Navi Mumbai | May 2023: Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, Vashi announces the promotion of Kiran Muniraj to the position of Director of Operations. In this new capacity, Kiran will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives that will enhance the property's visibility and revenue generation. Kiran joined Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai as Director of Rooms in July 2022. 

With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kiran has worked with some of the top hotel groups, including Hilton Worldwide, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, and The Oberoi Hotels. Kiran has been an exceptional leader during his tenure at Marriott International, consistently demonstrating his commitment to driving quality and excellence. His efforts as Director of Rooms were integral to shaping the guest and associate experiences, exceeding expectations, and earning him recognition as the Most Influential Hospitality Professional in Hyderabad, one of the nation's 40 under 40, and Marriott Bonvoy Connector of the Year in the APEC region.

As the Director of Operations at Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, Kiran will continue to inspire and lead the team with his unwavering focus on creating an inclusive and sustainable workplace to make Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai the preferred choice for guests and associates in the region.

Kiran's passion for the hospitality industry and his drive to deliver exceptional experiences have made him an asset to the team.

Sanjay Patti is the new General Manager at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri

He brings over 25 years of rich experience in the hospitality industry and has majorly been associated with Hyatt Hotels Corporation for over 20 years

His first stint was with Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces in 1997, wherein he looked after the Food & Beverage division for close to five years before moving to Hyatt. 

His Hyatt journey began at Goa and he served through the ranks across various positions in the region, he demonstrated a passion for delivering exceptional guest service and experiences.

Sanjay’s remarkable journey as a General Manager with the brand kicked off in 2015 with Hyatt Centric, Goa pre-opening. With his unwavering dedication and expertise, he has consistently delivered results across several Hyatt brands in India.

His vast knowledge and expertise in the hospitality domain has contributed immensely to the success of the group.

Sanjay will play a crucial role with his new assignment at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, New Delhi, and will be responsible for driving the overall hotel operations with his strategic thinking and leadership skills which will strengthen the brand in the city. 

He will also play an instrumental role in developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth and increasing the market share. 

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie promoted Mr Anit Saklani as Executive Assistant Manager

Mr Anit Saklani has been promoted as Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) - F&B at The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie. Earlier he was the Executive Chef at the same property.

Anit has been associated with the industry for more than 15 years and has worked with some of the best hospitality brands. Before joining The Fern Hotels & Resorts he was associated with The Fairmont, Jaipur, DoubleTree by Hilton, Ahmedabad, Courtyard Marriott, Umed Bhawan Palace and Jaypee Palace, Agra. His international assignments include working in Muscat and the Middle East. He is well versed in menu planning, recipe development, standardization, cost control and budgeting. Anit is a creative & open-minded person with proven ability to lead, follow directions and a willingness to learn from challenges.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh Welcomes Le Spa Manager Hoang Nguyen Minh Anh

CAM RANH, Vietnam (May 2023) – Alma Resort has appointed Hoang Nguyen Minh Anh, a hospitality professional with almost two decades of wellness experience at some of Vietnam’s leading resort spas, as spa manager.

Born and bred in Vietnam’s mountainous Dalat, Minh Anh joins the 30-hectare family resort’s Le Spa after working as the spa manager on the Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh’s pre-opening team and at The Anam Cam Ranh.

Prior to that, she was the spa manager at nearby Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa and spa supervisor at InterContinental Nha Trang.

After studying massage and anatomy at Khanh Hoa Medical College, Minh Anh started her career as a spa therapist at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay before working as a therapist at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa and Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang for a total of eight years.

Her CV also features a stint in India setting up Six Senses Spa at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort.

Minh Anh said she put her skills in client service management, employee coaching, problem solving, creative thinking, budget administration and planning services to good use in her new role at Le Spa.

“Steadily climbing the career ladder working with luxurious international brands, Minh Anh is a homegrown talent with an excellent track record of genuinely motivating her teams and developing remarkable spa and wellness offerings,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

Le Spa features 13 separate treatment villas sprinkled onto the landscape, each named after a different Vietnamese flower, as well as ‘his and hers’ saunas and steam rooms, two lounges, and a beauty salon.

Hilton Goa Resort elevates Abishek Chandran to Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications

Abishek Chandran

Hilton Goa Resort is proud to recognize Abishek Chandran's outstanding contributions to the brand and his promotion to Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications. Throughout his tenure, Abishek has demonstrated his exceptional skills and knowledge of the hospitality industry, as well as his ability to lead effective marketing and communication strategies for both the resorts – Hilton Goa Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa at Arpora.

Abishek's remarkable achievements in his previous role as Cluster Marketing & Communication Manager have been instrumental in driving the success of the Hilton Goa Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Arpora - Baga. He has consistently delivered exceptional campaigns, managed brand standards effectively, and built strong relationships with key stakeholders, which have resulted in the growth of the resort’s and brand's reputation and revenue.

Abishek stated, "I am thrilled to take on this new role and look forward to working with our team to drive growth and success for the properties. I am grateful for the support and opportunities that the organization has provided me over the years and am excited to continue this journey. I am committed to driving innovative marketing and communication strategies that will strengthen Hilton Goa Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Arpora - Baga in the coming days. .”

In his new role, Abishek will leverage his wealth of experience and dedication to excellence to drive the marketing and communication strategies across the cluster. He will work closely with the Cluster Commercial Director, General Managers and teams at the Hilton Regional Office to develop and execute innovative campaigns, drive brand growth, and foster stronger relationships with key stakeholders.

Abishek's promotion is a testament to his hard work and dedication to Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Hilton Goa Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Arpora is confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the organization's success, and we look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership on the cluster's marketing and communication strategies.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BENGALURU AT EMBASSY ONE APPOINTS VISHESH MAHAJAN AS DIRECTOR OF CATERING

On joining the Four Seasons Bengaluru team, Vishesh adds, “It is a privilege to join such an excellent team of dedicated professionals at Four Seasons Bengaluru. I look forward to leveraging my years of experience in the industry to deliver exceptional events and dining experiences to our guests. With the support of the talented staff and resources at Four Seasons, I am confident that we can create unforgettable moments for our clients and leave a lasting impression on each and every guest.”

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, a leader in luxury hospitality announces the appointment of Vishesh Mahajan as the new Director of Catering. Vishesh is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience from seventeen years in the hotel industry. In his new role he looks forward to overseeing all aspects of a profit and service-driven catering department while holding a 360-degree view of hotel events including catering sales, conference, meeting and wedding services to further elevate the dynamic MICE experience that Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is known for. 
Raised in New Delhi, Vishesh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management from Shimla, and has been a successful opening team member of the Hyatt Place and Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. Prior to his appointment at the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, Vishesh served as Director of Sales – MICE, Events and Planning at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, as Associate Director of Event Sales and Planning at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, as Banquet Sales Manager at Oberoi & Trident Gurgaon, and Hyatt Place Gurgaon. Vishesh looks forward to reinforcing the strong relationships he has developed with clients and guests over the years, to extend Four Seasons’ position as a luxury leader.

Throughout his career, Vishesh has demonstrated solid analytical and team management skills and has been successful in increasing revenue, developing sales strategies, and training team members. His wealth of experience makes him a valuable addition to Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru.

FUSION APPOINTS THREE NEW GENERAL MANAGERS OF VIETNAM PROPERTIES

HO CHI MINH CITY (May 2023) As Fusion continues to expand its reach throughout Vietnam, the hotel group has made a trio of management appointments in several of its key properties.

Marc Bittner becomes Fusion Hotel Group Director of Operations and General Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Fusion Hotel Group’s new Director of Operations and General Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre embodies the company’s spirit of vitality. The Canadian & French citizen has over a decade of experience working in some of Asia’s most luxurious hotels, including Fusion’s Maia Resort Quy Nhon, where he joined as the pre-opening General Manager in 2019.

With a career that has had him living around Asia and North America, Marc speaks multiple languages in addition to his native tongues, English and French. Prior to joining Fusion, he was General Manager of a luxury resort in Indonesia. He has a strong background in food & beverage, having started his hospitality career as a sommelier and holding positions as head sommelier, beverage manager, and director of food & beverage.

“With his prior Fusion experience, Marc brings with him a solid knowledge of our business, brand, and corporate office as he steps into the role of director of operations,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “In addition to his broad range of experience throughout Asia will be an asset as he helps set Fusion’s strategy and streamlines business operations.”

Fusion appoints Juliana Liew as General Manager of Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Juliana Liew steps into her third General Manager role as she makes the move from Fusion Suites Saigon to the coastal city of Vung Tau, where she will be managing the brand’s flagship Fusion Suites property. Originally from Malaysia, Juliana has held key management positions in her home and Mauritius before relocating to Vietnam in 2017. With a strong background in Sales and Marketing, she will be instrumental in successfully driving results and elevating property performance while playing a pivotal role in achieving operational excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

“Juliana is an asset to the Fusion team having expertly navigated Fusion Suites Saigon through the pandemic,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “In this new role, she will have the opportunity to flex her skills in this popular oceanside destination.”

Fusion appoints Jakub Sippl as General Manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon

A seasoned hospitality professional with a wealth of food & beverage and management experience has joined the Fusion team to lead the group’s inaugural culinary-focused property, Maia Resort Quy Nhon. Jakub Sippl, the Czech-native began his career in the restaurant industry nearly two decades ago on the island of Malta before pursuing a hospitality career that has brought him to the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam where he has most recently based in Phu Quoc.

“Jakub brings to his new role a strong background in food & beverage management, as well experience in managing of large-scale events and luxury properties,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “As General Manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon, Jakub’s expertise will play an important role in elevating Maia’s culinary-focused programs and services to new heights.”

For more information visit: www.fusionhotelgroup.com

Halim Ali Khan appointed as the new Executive Chef at Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel

Chef Halim brings with him over 16 years of rich culinary experience and exceptional leadership skills

With his extensive culinary experience and passion for creativity, Chef Halim is a valuable addition to the hotel’s culinary team. His journey in the hospitality industry has taken him to different parts of the world, where he has honed his craft and created unique culinary experiences for guests.

In his new role, Chef Halim will oversee the culinary operations of the hotel’s three outlets: R Kitchen – the multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant, Kuro – The Asian Bistro, and Mill & Co – Coffee House, along with the Banquets.

Chef Halim’s culinary journey began in India, where he developed his expertise in local and international cuisines. His passion for culinary arts led him to the Philippines, where he worked as a Restaurant Operations Chef at a luxury hotel in Manila. He has also explored the culinary landscape of Nepal, where he served as Executive Sous Chef at a renowned hotel in Kathmandu. There, he showcased his culinary skills and developed a deep understanding of the local culinary traditions, infusing them with his own unique style. His culinary passion has led him to master the art of various cuisines, including North Indian, Brazilian grill, French, Asian, and Filipino.

Chef Halim enjoys exploring local cuisines, practicing spirituality, and listening to Sufi songs in his free time.

Holiday Inn Cochin is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef Shankar Dhakal

Chef Shankar Dhakal

A passionate hotelier with an impressive experience of around 17 years in hospitality industry

Dhakal was associated with various brands like Leela Kempinski, Park Hyatt and IHG with expertise in Italian, Western, Indian and Asian cuisines.

He boasts of a rich and diverse culinary background, including both classic cooking and modern techniques and has the expertise to deliver a luxury experience in all food and beverage departments of the hotel.

Outside his realm of work, he enjoys cooking, travelling, trekking, wildlife photography, music, and reading.

Gorav Arora joins Jaipur Marriott Hotel as the General Manager

Arora will oversee all aspects of the hotel, including operations, guest services, and team management

Working in the hospitality industry for over 22 years in Operations, Sales, Marketing, Revenue, F&B, and Operations, Gorav brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the hotel.

An alumnus of IHM Jaipur, he has gained an understanding of the hospitality industry and has demonstrated a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

His career began at Hyatt Regency Delhi, where he worked in F&B Operations before moving on to the Sales Marketing function of The Oberoi New Delhi.

His last assignment was with Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach as General Manager, where he spent over four years including the years of the pandemic. During his time at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Gorav played an integral role in renovating all rooms and suites at this hotel.

Throughout his career, Gorav has been fortunate to work twice with each of the three major hotel chains – Hyatt, The Oberoi Group, and Accor. His diverse experience and proven track record of success makes him the ideal choice for the role of General Manager at Marriott, Jaipur.

In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the hotel, including operations, guest services, team management, and stakeholder management.

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.