Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport strengthens leadership team with triple elevations

Shashank Goel, Food and Beverage Manager; Rahul Sharma, Director of Sales – MICE & Travel Trade; Atul Arora, Director of Sales, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport

Shashank Goel has been promoted as Food and Beverage Manager, Rahul Sharma as Director of Sales – MICE & Travel Trade and Atul Arora is now Director Of Sales - Catering Sales

Shashank Goel

With an impressive 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shashank brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. He was working as a valuable team member at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport and in a short span of 1 year and 2 months, where he made significant contributions to the success of the organization, he had this promotion.

Prior to his tenure at Radisson Delhi, Shashank held key positions as Food and Beverage Manager at renowned establishments including Oberoi, Taj, ITC & JW Marriott.

As the Food and Beverage Manager, Shashank will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing the food and beverage operations of the hotel.

Shashank’s strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal fit for the Food and Beverage Manager role.

Rahul Sharma

Rahul brings an impressive 15-year background in the hospitality industry, with a decade dedicated to Radisson Group hotels and nearly 5 years of valuable experience at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport.

In his new role, Rahul will take the lead in driving sales initiatives in the MICE and Travel Trade sectors, seizing opportunities and fostering growth.

Atul Arora

With an impressive career spanning over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Atul Arora brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. In 2017, he joined Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport as a Senior Sales Manager and quickly progressed to the role of Associate Director of Sales. Now, as the Director of Sales – Catering Sales, Atul will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and profitability of the catering sales division.

As the Director of Sales – Catering Sales, Atul will lead and strategize the catering sales efforts, working closely with our team to deliver exceptional catering solutions and exceed our client’s expectations.

Hyatt Regency Pune onboards Jazib Husain as Food & Beverage Manager

Shashank Goel

has been promoted as Food and Beverage Manager, Rahul Sharma as Director of Sales – MICE & Travel Trade and Atul Arora is now Director Of Sales - Catering Sales

Hyatt Regency Pune has recently announced the appointment of Jazib Husain as the Food & Beverage Manager. Jazib will be responsible for overseeing the restaurant operations, catering, and events with impeccable leadership and attention to detail.

He is known for his commitment to customer service, ensuring high-quality service, building productive relationships, resolving complex issues, and fostering customer loyalty.

Jazib holds an MSc in Hospitality Management from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Netherlands, and a BA (Hons) in Hotel Management from Huddersfield University, UK, affiliated with the Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad. His educational background has equipped him with a solid foundation in the principles of hospitality and management.

Throughout his career, Jazib has worked with esteemed luxury brands such as Taj, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, and Compass Group. His previous roles include Assistant General Manager at Compass Group, Food and Beverage Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown, and Food and Beverage Manager at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

The Westin Goa announces the appointment of Harish Gopalakrishnan as the new General Manager

The Westin Goa, a renowned property that guarantees a buzzing Goa experience, has appointed Harish Gopalakrishnan as its new General Manager. With over 23 years of hospitality expertise, Harish will provide strategic oversight to the senior management and operations teams of The Westin Goa. His primary responsibility will be to develop business strategies and operations for the hotel.

Harish brings a vast experience to Westin Goa, having held pivotal roles in Middle East & India. He was last associated with Grosvenor House, Luxury Collection in Dubai and prior to that, he held the position of Multi Property General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Kochi and Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Harish is a seasoned professional who will equip The Westin Goa team with a wealth of experience. He will be responsible for developing strategic plans, enhancing organizational effectiveness, creating a motivating work environment, implementing innovative changes that align with Marriott standards, looking for growth opportunities and enhancing financial performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Harish said, “I am thrilled to be joining The Westin Goa team and to be a part of one of the most vibrant hospitality companies in the country. With Westin Goa's exquisite facilities, my goal is to build on our current reputation and make sure guests have an unforgettable visit.”

Harish’s leadership will be instrumental in the future development of the hotel and ensuring a memorable experience for visitors through top-notch service.

Raghav Reddy has been escalated to EAM - Sales & Rooms at Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City

Hyderabad: Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City nestled in the business hub of Hyderabad is pleased to announce the escalation of Raghav Reddy to EAM Sales & Rooms. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Raghav is poised to elevate the hotel's sales & marketing strategies and guest experiences to new heights with a keen eye for detail and an unparalleled commitment to excellence. 
Raghav brings over 20 years of rich experience in the hospitality industry. He has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing. He has in-depth knowledge of the market and takes a strategic approach to sales and marketing, adding continuous value to the hotel. 

As EAM Sales & Rooms, Raghav will be responsible for developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth, enhancing the hotel’s operations, ensuring that high standards of guest satisfaction are always met, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing guest experiences. He will work closely with the hotel's leadership team to create innovative campaigns, engage with guests, and ensure an exceptional guest experience.

On his growth, Mr M.V.Ganesh, CEO of Manjeera Hotels & Resorts said, “Raghav’s affluence of experience in the industry & his long-term tenure with Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City, makes him nothing less than a great asset for us. Being a seasoned sales leader, he will spearhead hotel plans to deliver profitability and continue the successful growth trajectory. Raghav is synonymous with being result oriented, with an analytical and passionate approach to marketing, sales, revenue management and guest experiences.  We wish him all the success and look forward to the amazing strategies and developments that he shall bring up to the table.”

JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata appointed Sunil Kumar as General Manager

Sunil Kumar

With over two decades of experience and strong leadership skills in the luxury hotel industry, Mr. Sunil Kumar has joined JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata as General Manager. His primary responsibilities at the hotel include enhancing productivity, ensuring customer satisfaction, and implementing strategic initiatives. With his dynamic personality, passion for the industry, and wealth of knowledge, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.

Sunil has previously served as the General Manager of The Westin Goa for over two years, where he established the brand in the highly competitive market and ensured that it achieved great success. Kumar, an enthusiastic hotelier, possesses exceptional business acumen, strategic foresight, and the ability to cultivate high-performing teams, positioning him as the driving force behind several highly prosperous hotel launches. Prior to this, Sunil has also been associated with JW Marriott Juhu, St. Regis Mumbai, Four Seasons, The Westin Mumbai, Grand Hyatt, and The Oberoi Group. Sunil’s expertise lies in organizational development and growth, process orientation, and personnel management, which makes him a valuable asset to our team. He has an eye for detail and never settles for anything but the best. With a robust background in the realm of luxury, Kumar's impressive track record will enable him to further enhance the stature of JW Marriott in Kolkata.

Beyond his professional endeavors, this dynamic leader finds joy in the companionship of his beloved pets and derives immense pleasure from exploring new destinations through travel

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.