Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre Appoints Prithvi Pal Singh as Director of Sales and Marketing

Embarking on a journey of inspiration and success, the dynamic Prithvi Pal Singh Anand takes the helm as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the prestigious Novotel Hyderabad and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), India’s largest state-of-the-art convention hotel complex. With an awe-inspiring career spanning over 17 years in the realm of hospitality, Prithvi brings a remarkable blend of expertise, passion, and a proven track record of excellence.

A trailblazer in the industry, Prithvi has left an indelible mark during his tenure with renowned hotel brands; including the likes of Taj Hotels, Accor, ITC Hotels, Bharat Hotels, and his last stint of 7 years with Trident and the Oberoi Group. His repertoire boasts an unrivalled proficiency in Business and Account Strategy, International Conventions, Exhibitions, and Associations, alongside the mastery of corporate and social sales.

A true visionary, Prithvi played a pivotal role in the pre-opening teams of the iconic ITC Grand Chola Chennai and the splendid ITC Maurya New Delhi, where he meticulously crafted strategies that propelled these establishments to the forefront of MICE and Catering Sales.

An alumnus of Hyderabad Public School, holding a bachelor's degree in arts from the esteemed University of Huddersfield, U.K., Prithvi specialized in Hotel Management from renowned IHM Aurangabad, honing his skills to perfection. 

With an extraordinary fusion of knowledge, unwavering leadership acumen, and an unyielding dedication to excellence, Prithvi is poised to revolutionize the Sales and Marketing landscape, further solidifying Novotel Hyderabad and HICC as the quintessential haven for both discerning business travellers and leisure seekers alike. 

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, expressed his excitement, stating, "It is our pleasure to have a leader join our Sales and Marketing department, whose experience in the hospitality industry, coupled with his exceptional skills and strategic mindset, will be instrumental in driving our sales efforts and achieving new heights of success. Prithvi’s leadership and industry knowledge will further solidify and extend Novotel Hyderabad and HICC's positions as a premier destination for world-class events and conventions ahead."

Alma Resort Welcomes Francesco Leone as Italian Chef de Cuisine

CAM RANH, Vietnam (June 2023) A seasoned chef with more than two decades of hospitality experience in Asia and Europe has been appointed as Alma's Italian chef de cuisine.

Italian-born Francesco Leone has joined the 30-hectare family resort Alma, overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, to take charge of the trattoria-style Italian restaurant La Casa, a highlight of the resort’s rich culinary landscape comprising 14 dining venues.

Before joining Alma, Leone was Italian chef de cuisine and corporate Italian chef for a Ho Chi Minh City-based F&B company.

He was an Italian culinary advisor for various hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Cebu, Boracay, and Manila in the Philippines, Italian chef de cuisine for Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Italian specialty chef, chef patron, and executive sous chef at Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, and a sous chef at The Foreign Merchant’s Club in Pampanga in the Philippines.

Leone started his career as a demi chef de partie in 2002 at Atahotels Tanka Village Resort and Golf Hotel in Sardinia and in Madonna di Campiglio before working as a senior chef de partie for various employers in Milan and Rome. He then moved to Asia in 2011, first working in Singapore as chef de cuisine at Pasta Fresca da Salvatore before moving to the Philippines to work as executive chef for Aria Cucina Italiana in Aklan. He has also studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in restaurant and culinary management at IPSSAR Molfetta in Italy.

Alma’s executive assistant manager Ingo Stöneberg said Leone brought rich experience from Italy and Asia to his role overseeing the resort’s authentic Italian cuisine, as well as excellent interpersonal skills in interacting with diners and strong leadership and training to benefit his team.

Faiyaz Ansari has been appointed as the Rooms Division Manager at Le Meridien Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Le Meridien Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Faiyaz Ansari as the Rooms Division Manager. A seasoned hotelier, Faiyaz will be responsible for room division operations and will be helping to scale up the property’s offerings for guests by creating a superior experience.

Faiyaz brings with him 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering the highest standards of services. He attributes his success to meaningful collaborations with his team members, and his ability to develop strong guest relationships. 

Faiyaz began his hospitality career in 2000 and has worked across various verticals in the hospitality segment. His last assignment was with DoubleTree by Hilton in Varanasi as the Rooms Division Manager. 

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, Le Meridien Hyderabad, stated, "We are thrilled to have Faiyaz join our team. With his extensive expertise in the sector, he will offer a fresh perspective to the guest experience and implement strategies that deliver service to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our guests. 

Le Meridien Hyderabad is nestled in Gachibowli, the business hub of Hyderabad and is the most preferred option to stay for business as well as leisure guests. 

The Ummed Ahmedabad appointed Sunny Prasher as the new General Manager

A visionary who is known for his impeccable aptitude and understanding of client satisfaction  measures, Sunny Prasher, the newly appointed General Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad, is a  dynamic personality who believes in the strength of action more than words.

The hospitality virtuoso has been a part of the industry for more than a decade and has been known for his detailed planning and immense understanding of the Brand Protocols and Standards that leads to enhanced strategy sessions for the brands. He has been known for achieving some of the highest Audit scores for the hotels he has associated with and has been exceptionally well at managing a large number of inventories.  

Sunny had started his career as the F&B Associate for Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi in 2000 and had worked his way up through grit and determination, to become the Assistant Front Office  Manager with the same hotel by 2010. He thereon moved to varied other prestigious names like  The Lalit New Delhi and The Leela Palace New Delhi wherein he slowly went on to become the  Head Concierge in the latter. However, his mettle shone in his decisive demeanor and situation handling as he came to be the Front Office Manager at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity (Marriott  International) in 2019. His last assignment before his current position was as Rooms Division  Manager of The Westin Resort and Spa in the Himalayas, (Marriott International) Rishikesh,  Uttarakhand in 2022. Through the years, the industry veteran has developed his skills in pertinence to leisure marketing that emphasizes guest satisfaction and worked earnestly to keep himself at par with the industry developments over the decade.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, New Delhi, Sunny has always been a staunch believer of honesty in work that seeks to shine through his personality as well. The experienced  Hotelier shall be bringing forth with him his gamut of industry knowledge and a keen ability to turn around situations to make it more feasible for the brand, in his new role as the General  Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad.

Hilton Goa Resort Expands IT Leadership with Malcolm Moniz as Cluster IT Manager for all three Hilton properties in Goa

Hilton Goa Resort is proud to announce the promotion of Malcolm Moniz from IT Manager to Cluster IT Manager. Having joined Hilton Goa Resort as an IT Manager in August 2018, Malcolm has made significant contributions to the resort's technology infrastructure and operations. His dedication and exceptional skills have been instrumental in enhancing the guest experience through efficient and reliable IT services. With his extensive experience in the IT industry spanning over 17 years, Malcolm brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to his tenure at Hilton Goa Resort, Malcolm held key positions in renowned brands including Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Alila Diwa Goa, The Radisson White Sands Resort, and Holiday Inn. His diverse background has allowed him to gain valuable insights and expertise in managing IT operations within the hospitality industry.

As the newly appointed Cluster IT Manager, Malcolm will oversee the information technology functions for three prominent properties, namely Hilton Goa Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji. His responsibilities will include managing IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations, implementing innovative technological solutions, and providing exceptional support to the hotels' guests and staff.

Commenting on his promotion, Malcolm Moniz expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, "I am honored and thrilled to be appointed as the Cluster IT Manager for these exceptional properties and look forward to working closely with the teams at Hilton Goa Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji to enhance the technology landscape, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

Malcolm's promotion to Cluster IT Manager is a testament to his exemplary performance and dedication to excellence. Hilton Goa Resort is confident that under his leadership, the IT infrastructure across the cluster will continue to thrive, ensuring a seamless and technologically advanced experience for guests and team members alike.

Sunny Prasher, the newly appointed General Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad

A visionary who is known for his impeccable aptitude and understanding of client satisfaction measures, Sunny Prasher, the newly appointed General Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad, is a  dynamic personality who believes in the strength of action more than words. 

The hospitality virtuoso has been a part of the industry for more than a decade and has been known  for his detailed planning and immense understanding of the Brand Protocols and Standards that  leads to enhanced strategy sessions for the brands. He has been known for achieving some of the  highest Audit scores for the hotels he has associated with and been exceptionally well in managing  large number of inventories.  

Sunny had started his career as the F&B Associate for Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi in 2000 and  had worked his way up through grit and determination, to be become the Assistant Front Office  Manager with the same hotel by 2010. He thereon moved to varied other prestigious names like  The Lalit New Delhi and The Leela Palace New Delhi wherein he slowly went on to become the  Head Concierge in the later. However, his mettle shone in his decisive demeanor and situation  handling as he came to be the Front Office Manager at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity (Marriott  International) in 2019. His last assignment before his current position was as Rooms Division  Manager of The Westin Resort and Spa in Himalayas, (Marriott International) Rishikesh,  Uttarakhand in 2022. Through the years, the industry veteran has developed his skills in pertinence  to leisure marketing that emphasizes on guest satisfaction and worked earnestly to keep himself at  a par with the industry developments over the decade. 

An alumni of Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, New Delhi, Sunny has always been a staunch  believer of honesty in work that seeks to shine through his personality as well. The experienced  Hotelier shall be bringing forth with him his gamut of industry knowledge and a keen ability to  turn around the situations to make it more feasible for the brand, in his new role as the General  Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad. 

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints new Corporate Human Resources Manager

New Delhi, May 2023: Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Anant Chauhan as its new Corporate Human Resources Manager. An experienced professional, Chauhan has been a part of the industry for more than a decade. Prior to joining Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, he was associated with many hospitality brands including Royal Orchid, Wyndham, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Sterling Holidays.

In his new role at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Chauhan will be responsible for managing employee development policies, with a focus on creating a work culture that will support Cygnett Hotels & Resorts' ambitious growth plans. With a Post Graduate degree in Human Resource Management from SCDL and a background in Hotel Management from Punjab Technical University, Chauhan is an out-of-the-box thinker with a proven track record in crisis and talent management. He is also known for his expertise in creating a teamwork environment that enhances workforce efficiency, as well as his skillful liaisoning with internal departments and external authorities such as consultants, contractors, and government authorities for seamless operations and timely completion of projects. When he's not working, Chauhan enjoys traveling, playing chess, and watching movies.

Rajkumar Ganesan, Director of Finance at Hyatt Regency, Chennai

Chennai, May 2023 – Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajkumar  Ganesan as the new Director of Finance. He brings extensive experience and expertise in financial  management, budgeting, and strategic planning. 

With an MBA in Finance, Rajkumar has held various leadership roles for over two decades across various  brands within India and overseas. He has demonstrated his capability to handle and oversee intricate financial situations effectively and possesses deep understanding and knowledge in Capital Management, stakeholder relations, Financial Planning, analysis, and tactics that will promote expansion and profitability. 

As the Director of Finance, Rajkumar will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the company, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. He will work closely with the general manager and the corporate team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the company's growth and expansion plans. His last assignment was with Radisson Blu Resort, Vishakhapatnam.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Rajkumar to our team as the Director of Finance," says Ruban Das, General  Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai. "With his impressive background and expertise, we are confident that he will help us achieve our financial goals and drive our company forward. 

Please join us in welcoming Rajkumar Ganesan to the Hyatt Regency, Chennai team. We look forward to the valuable contributions he will make as the new Director of Finance. 

Espire Hospitality Group names Akhil Arora as Chief Executive Officer

New Delhi, May 2023: Espire Hospitality Group named Akhil Arora, the hospitality company’s Chief Operating Officer, as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Akhil is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and is qualified as a ‘Certified Hotel Administrator’ (CHA) from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. In his fresh role at Espire Hospitality Group, he will spearhead the company’s overall business, continuing to focus on the expansion plans.

Akhil Arora joined Espire Hospitality Group in May 2021, with 13 years of experience of working with India’s leading hospitality brands including Oberoi, Leela, Hyatt, Renaissance and The Imperial, after which he moved to Hotelivate to set up and successfully run their Asset Management division. His diverse knowledge in hotel operations and business strategy encompasses experience of working in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage service, Sales & Marketing and Revenue Management which adds great value towards the growth objective of the company. 

Akhil has successfully expanded the portfolio of Espire Hospitality Group from two to currently 10 operating hotels. With six more hotels planned to open in 2023, the group will have 16 hotels in its portfolio by the end of this year.

Under his leadership, Espire Hospitality Group launched the Luxury Boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’, with the opening of its first hotel in Udaipur, in September 2022. In a short time of its inception, the ZANA portfolio will grow from just one hotel to five by the end of 2023.

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, owns and operates a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operates a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top-notch hospitality.

JW Marriott, Chandigarh appoints Saheli Chaudhuri as Marketing and Communications Manager

JW Marriott, Chandigarh is pleased to announce the appointment of Saheli Chaudhuri as the new Marketing and Communications Manager. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Throughout her career, Saheli has worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Zuri Group Global, IHG, and The Den Bengaluru. She has also collaborated with communication agencies specialized in the hospitality segment. 

Her areas of expertise include media-influencer relations, creative direction, events management, campaign strategy, and launching/re-launching properties.

"We are delighted to welcome Saheli to our team, her extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector and her passion for marketing and communications will be invaluable as we continue to provide our guests with exceptional experiences will further strengthen the hotel's position as a leading luxury destination",   said Vishal Singh, General Manager of JW Marriott, Chandigarh. 

During her leisure time, Saheli enjoys immersing herself in various activities, including reading about Civil laws, exploring local cuisine, volunteering at old age homes, and finding stress relief through shopping and driving around the city.

Gopi Nandakumar Appointed as the Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences

Pune, India – Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Gopi as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Gopi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, Chef Gopi has worked with several reputable establishments, including Indian Hotels Company Limited, Colonial Gourmet Foods, Heritage Park Australia, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Chef Gopi's passion for culinary has honed his skills in Asian, Western, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine.

In his new role, Chef Gopi will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants and banquet facilities. He will work closely with the hotel's culinary team to create innovative menus and dining experiences that reflect the hotel's commitment to quality and excellence.

"We are thrilled to have Chef Gopi join our team at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences," said Mr. Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences. "With his extensive experience and passion for culinary, we are confident that Chef Gopi will take our food and beverage offerings to new heights."

Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is committed to providing its guests with exceptional dining experiences that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. With Chef Gopi at the helm, the hotel looks forward to delighting its guests with an array of culinary delights.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre appointed of Mr Saurav Batabyal as the Director of Sales

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr Saurav Batabyal as the Director of Sales for the property.

In his new role, Saurav will be responsible for charting and executing the sales strategy of the hotels, driving revenue growth, and exploring new business opportunities.

Saurav brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, having held various leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining NHCC and HICC, he served as Director of Sales at Le Meridien Hyderabad and was previously associated with HICC as Associate Director of Sales. He has also worked with Taj Mahal Palace and Grand Hyatt Mumbai.    

A dynamic and results-driven leader, Saurav is known for his ability to generate revenue growth and provide top-notch guest experiences. His appointment marks a significant addition to the NHCC and HICC team and is expected to propel the hotels to new heights of success and productivity. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the MICE market will be instrumental in attracting and catering to large-scale events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, said, "We are delighted to welcome Saurav back to the NHCC and HICC family. With his extensive industry experience and focus on business expansion, we are confident that he will make a significant contribution to our success and growth."

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Announces Three New Leadership Appointments

Mahabaleshwar, May 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced several new appointments for heads of departments.

Deepraj Vijay Vanju has been appointed as the Food & Beverage Manager. He has a diverse range of experience spanning over 16 years in the hospitality industry. Deepraj will be in charge of leading and overseeing the food and beverage operations, including restaurants, lounges, events, and catering while upholding strict standards for customer satisfaction. In order to increase brand recognition for the hotel’s food and beverage division and boost revenue, Deepraj will be undertaking fruitful collaborations.

Deepraj completed his Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from the International School of Business Management, Lucerne, Switzerland. Part of the Marriott system, Deepraj has previously worked with hotels like St. Regis and Sheraton Grand Pune, which has helped him gain invaluable experience to master the nuances of the F&B vertical.

Commenting on his new appointment, Deepraj says, "I’m honoured to be a part of this beautiful hotel with some of the most picturesque Food & Beverage outlets. I aim to contribute to its success and continue leveraging the esteemed reputation of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar."

Bharath Kumar Bohini has been hired as the Human Resources Manager, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience. He believes in the synergy of his team’s operations to improve employee performance and achieve organisational effectiveness, and has a track record of managing operations successfully in situations that are incredibly competitive.

Bharath takes on the role by overseeing all aspects of human resources management and working closely with the management team to develop and implement strategies in HR that align with the hotel’s overall business objectives.

Another notable appointment is that of Bharati Kumari as the Housekeeping Manager. In her new role, she will oversee the overall upkeep and maintenance of the hotel to ensure the highest level of service. Bharti Kumari brings 8+ years of rich experience with her in hospitality from reputed brands like JW Marriott Mussorie, The St. Regis Mumbai, and The Four Seasons Mumbai.

Bharti has great command over housekeeping operations with her creative working style. She completed her hotel management degree from the International Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata in 2015. In her last assignment with JW Marriott Mussorie, she was awarded the Pillar of the Department honour for her impeccable work ethics.

She loves cooking very much, and to channel her inner creativity, she also likes to read short stories and update herself with hospitality trends and hair styling.

All the new arrivals will support the group's ambitious growth plans and lead the hotel's business development goals to greater heights through strategic leadership.

William Grant & Sons India appoints Kapila Sethi Kad as Head of Marketing

New Delhi, May 2023: Luxury spirits company William Grant & Sons is pleased to announce Kapila Sethi Kad as Head of Marketing. Kapila will lead the India marketing team and join the management team. She will be responsible for bringing to life the Company’s portfolio of Scotch whisky and premium spirits brands with disruptive experiences that deliver value for customers and consumers.

With an impressive career spanning 19 years in Brand Marketing, Kapila’s experience includes consumer insights, marketing communication, above and below-the line, influencer marketing, consumer and customer engagement and account development.

She has worked across consumer, durables, retail and service industries, with her most recent position being Head of Marketing for Luxury and Premium Retail at DLF Ltd. In the past, she has also worked with brands such as Kohler, Grohe and Samsung, in India and Asia Pacific markets.

Based at the Company’s head office in Gurgaon, Kapila will report directly to Sachin Mehta, Country Director for India, William Grant & Sons. Sachin comments, "I am delighted to welcome Kapila to the William Grant & Sons family. An accomplished leader with a proven track of keeping consumers at the heart, she brings a wealth of experience from across the marketing mix. Her experience in the luxury and premium category will enable further growth for the business.”

Discussing her new role at William Grant & Sons, Kapila Sethi Kad shared, "I'm thrilled to be joining William Grant & Sons.  The unique opportunity to join an independent family-owned Company with such an extraordinary history and heritage was irresistible to me. I am excited to contribute my vision for our world-leading portfolio of brands."

ABOUT WILLIAM GRANT & SONS

William Grant & Sons is an independent, family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is owned by the sixth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt, Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie®, a range of handcrafted single malts, and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Monkey Shoulder® Sailor Jerry®, Tullamore D.E.W. ® Irish Whiskey and Drambuie®.   

Chalet Hotels Limited Appoints Vishal Sharma as Senior Vice President – Projects

Mumbai | May 2023: Chalet Hotels Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Vishal Sharma as Senior Vice President - Projects. In this capacity, he will lead the Chalet Hotels design and projects team and shall report to Sanjay Sethi - MD & CEO, and Raman Sapru - Director-Design & Engineering.

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing Chalet's projects division, including managing project timelines, budgets, and quality control. He will oversee all the aspects of project management for Chalet’s upcoming hospitality properties. 

Vishal is a civil engineering graduate from Pune University and brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has a proven track record of successfully leading large-scale projects. He joins Chalet Hotels from Colliers Project Management Services, where he was heading hospitality projects. Prior to that, Vishal worked with Gulf General Investment Dubai, Dheeraj & East Coast Dubai, Taj Group of Hotels, and AL HABIB & CO. LLC (Muscat) in various capacities.

Speaking on the appointment, Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO of Chalet Hotels Limited, said, "With his extensive experience, expertise, and leadership skills, we are confident that Vishal will play a vital role in driving Chalet Hotels' growth in the hospitality sector. We are excited to welcome Vishal to the team and look forward to his contributions.”

Vishal also expressed his excitement about his new role, saying, "I am delighted to join Chalet Hotels and look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional hospitality projects. With the company's strong focus on innovation and sustainability, I am excited about the opportunities to create world-class projects that meet the evolving needs of our guests. I am committed to leveraging my experience and skills to help the company achieve its strategic goals and drive growth."

The appointment of Vishal Sharma is a part of Chalet’s growth strategy and reinforces the company's commitment to excellence in hospitality. 

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Dev Thakur as Director of Food & Beverage.

In this pivotal role, Dev will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s culinary offerings, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests. His in- depth knowledge and profound understanding of the industry make him an invaluable asset to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. 

Mumbai, May 2023: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dev Thakur, as the new Director of Food and Beverage. Dev has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership within the Food & Beverage division throughout his decade-long career. With an impressive background at esteemed hospitality brands such as The Leela Palace Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt International, Hilton Hotels, and Accor Hotels, Dev brings a wealth of experience in luxury, business hotels and destination resorts. 

His extensive experience has honed his skills in optimizing operational efficiency, devising successful F&B marketing strategies, fostering a dedicated and well-trained team, crafting exceptional culinary experiences, setting high service standards, and prioritizing guest satisfaction. Furthermore, Dev is well-versed in navigating the dynamic and competitive nature of the industry.  

By spearheading the hotel’s food and beverage operations, Dev will play a crucial role in further elevating its reputation as a premier destination renowned for its exceptional gastronomic offerings and is poised to reach new heights of culinary excellence. 

Holiday Inn Agra has appointed Priti Thakur as the Director of Sales and Marketing.

In her new role, Priti will be spearheading the Sales & Marketing strategy at the hotel, in addition to building a dynamic team.

Priti brings with her an impressive 11 years of experience in the industry, with a strong focus on Sales. She has worked extensively with renowned 

organizations such as IHCL and the Taj group. In her previous role, she served as the Director of Sales at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg.

Priti has done Academic Excellence in Service Marketing, CRM, Integrated 

Marketing Communications and Brand Management
In her new role, Priti will work towards optimizing the hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue performance across the verticals of Room Sales, Social, and Mice business. She will also be working closely with Food & Beverage team to enhance the visibility of the various outlets and drive Revenues for the segment.

Priti is happily married to Jatinjeet – an Airforce Officer and the couple spend quality 

time in nurturing their 2 years old son Samarjeet. Priti is an active traveler 

who loves hiking and exploring the world.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon appoints Chitra Awasthi as the Director of Sales & Marketing

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is pleased to announce the appointment of Chitra Awasthi as the new Director of Sales & Marketing. In her new role, Chitra will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing efforts, including developing and executing strategies to drive revenue growth and increase market share for the hotel.

Chitra is a recognized industry expert with over two decades of expertise, working for both domestic and foreign brands in the hospitality sector. Prior to joining Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, she has worked with several notable brands including The Oberoi group in Gurgaon, Marriott Group across Jaipur, Mussoorie, Gurgaon and Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai amongst others. With her in-depth knowledge of the industry alongside a goal-oriented approach, she will be instrumental in accelerating the hotel’s growth and profitability.

Chitra has a diploma from IHM in the field of catering technology & applied nutrition. She has received special awards from Marriott for excellent RevPAR (Revenue per available room) in pandemic times & for exemplary commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.

She has played a pivotal role in the areas of sales & marketing, business development, business analysis and revenue expansion throughout her career.

In her leisure time, Chitra likes to travel and discover new destinations.

Kunal Sabharwal joins Espire Hospitality Group as Director of Sales.

Kunal Sabharwal joins the group as the Espire Hospitality Group as Director of Sales. In his new role, Kunal will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sales initiatives and driving revenue growth.

Having spent over two decades in the hospitality industry, Kunal brings with him a wealth of experience. He has worked with India’s leading hospitality brands including Accor, Hilton, ITC, Ananta Hotels & Resorts and Radisson. His impressive background and demonstrated ability to build and nurture customer relationships, drive sales performance, and exceed revenue targets will contribute significantly to Espire Hospitality Group’s continued expansion and success.

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operate a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. The group plans to open 20 hotels and resorts in next 2 to 3 years.

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New Appointment | Sanjay Kumar, Director of Operations, Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group, a swiftly emerging hospitality company, is excited to announce the appointment of Sanjay Kumar as Director of Operations. With an impressive background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Sanjay will play a crucial role in optimizing operations, streamlining processes, and driving overall efficiency within the organization.

Sanjay brings over 15 years of experience in operations management and has demonstrated the ability to develop and implement strategic plans, optimize workflow processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Having worked with brands like DLF, Radisson Hotel Group,

Accor and Lemon Tree, Sanjay has consistently delivered exceptional results by effectively managing resources, fostering teamwork, and implementing innovative solutions.

As the Director of Operations, he will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the company, ensuring seamless coordination between departments, and implementing best practices to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. With his exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record of success, Sanjay is well-positioned to contribute to the continued growth and success of the group.