Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi appoints Bhawishya Rituparn as Director of Sales & Marketing

Dedicated Sales & Marketing professional, Bhawishya Rituparn, Ascends to New Heights at Radisson Blu, Pune

Pune, India – Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the appointment of Bhawishya Rituparn as the Director of Sales and marketing for their prestigious Radisson Blu in Hinjawadi, Pune. With an illustrious career spanning 14.5 years and a proven track record of driving sales success, Bhawishya brings extensive expertise in strategic revenue planning, market analysis, and cultivating enduring client relationships.

A stalwart in the realm of hospitality, Bhawishya Rituparn has carved an indelible mark through his transformative leadership roles. Previously serving at Kyriad Hotel, Pimpri, and Courtyard by Marriott, Hinjewadi, Pune, he showcased unparalleled acumen in elevating operational efficiency, devising winning marketing strategies, and fostering robust customer loyalty.

In his current role, Bhawishya is steering the ship at Radisson Blu, leveraging his adeptness in creating and executing both short and long-term marketing strategies to meet sales targets. His proficiency extends to talent acquisition and motivation, driving new business while fortifying relationships with patrons, and meticulously evaluating market trends to optimize pricing strategies.

Recognized for his proactive approach and astute ability to identify business opportunities, Bhawishya Rituparn is hailed as a strategic thinker capable of steering organizations toward sustained profitability and heightened business performance. His remarkable journey through various leadership positions has not only showcased his proficiency in sales and marketing but also highlighted his dedication to meeting organizational goals with integrity and diligence.

A distinguished alumnus of the International School of Business & Media, Pune, Bhawishya Rituparn holds a PGDBM in Marketing & Finance and a BA in Political Science from Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune. His array of skills spans needs assessment, presentations, sales forecasting, quality management, and customer service, underpinning his multifaceted expertise.

Bhawishya Rituparn's commitment and excellence in the sales domain have been repeatedly acknowledged through various awards, including the Sales Tiger of the Year Award, Star Performer recognitions, and the prestigious Top Gun Award for Best Salesperson.

In his new role at Radisson Blu, Pune, Bhawishya Rituparn is set to elevate sales and marketing paradigms, solidifying the hotel's position as a beacon of luxury and unparalleled service in the vibrant city of Pune.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Strengthens its Senior Leadership Team

The Fern Hotels & Resorts announces the appointment of key professionals to senior management positions across its prestigious properties.

Piyush Bhasin - General Manager, The Fern Residency, Ajmer

The Fern Hotels & Resorts welcomes Piyush Bhasin as the newly appointed General Manager of The Fern Residency in Ajmer. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Mr. Bhasin is renowned for his impactful contributions to revenue performance, growth, and service excellence in esteemed organizations. Piyush's wealth of knowledge and commitment to strategic leadership position him as a valuable asset, poised to elevate standards and contribute significantly to the continued success of the organization.

Vikas Chaudhary - General Manager,

The Fern,

Alwar-Sariska (Rajasthan)

Vikas Chaudhary assumes the role of General Manager at The Fern, Alwar-Sariska, bringing over a decade of hospitality experience. A certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Post Graduate Diploma holder in Sales and marketing, Mr. Chaudhary's customer-centric approach and robust expertise in guest management make him an ideal fit for the position. Beyond his professional prowess, he is known for his forward-thinking approach, passion for exploring wildlife, and commitment to charitable causes.

Vardan Saxena General Manager

The Fern Leo Resort & Club, Junagadh

With a stellar career spanning over 25 years in the hospitality sector, Vardan Saxena takes charge as the General Manager at The Fern Leo Resort & Club in Junagadh. His extensive experience and leadership roles in renowned organizations such as Sarovar Hotels, ITC Hotels, Carlson, IHG, and Ramada showcase his commitment to driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and strong stakeholder relationships for enhanced profitability.

Rajeev Singh

General Manager, The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort, Diu

Assuming the role of General Manager at The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort in Diu, Rajeev Singh brings over two decades of experience and an MBA in Marketing. Renowned for exceptional operational performance, Mr. Singh's leadership has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and elevating guest satisfaction at various esteemed establishments. His key skills encompass Revenue Management, Team Leadership, Guest Satisfaction, Financial Management, Relationship Management, and Digital Initiatives.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts looks forward to the dynamic contributions of these seasoned professionals, confident that their expertise will further enhance the brand's reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Appoints Jayant Sood As Director Of Rooms

PUNE, January, 2024 : The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Jayant Sood as Director of Rooms. Jayant has been in the industry with over 15 years of experience behind him and has worked with various brands including Marriott, The Leela, The Trident, and Claridges. His most recent position was as the Front Office Manager for JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai.

In his new role as Director of Rooms, Jayant will be responsible for 198 keys at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune as well as spearheading and overlooking various verticals including Front Office, Housekeeping, and Guest Relations. Jayant believes that being adaptive, flexible, and finding solutions to recognize and improve customer experiences plays a major role in creating guests for life.

Vaibhav Kakade Takes the Helm as Purchase Manager at The Orchid Hotel Pune

Pune January 2024- The Orchid Hotel Pune proudly announces the appointment of Vaibhav Kakade as the new Purchase Manager, strengthening its commitment to excellence in procurement and hospitality services.

With an illustrious 15-year career in various renowned brands, including Radisson, Oakwood, and Flight Catering, he brings a wealth of experience to his role. Starting as a storekeeper at Sun and Sand Hotel, Accor Group, Kakade's journey reflects a progression driven by his dedication and expertise in the field.

Currently serving as the Purchase Manager at Orchid Hotel Pune, he views this as a significant opportunity to contribute to one of the city's largest hotels with an expansive banquet area. His focus is on delivering top-notch services by ensuring cost-effectiveness, timely delivery, and maintaining the highest quality materials for guests.

His dedication extends beyond the professional realm. A passionate cricketer, he spends his Sundays on the cricket field with friends. His love for music, particularly 90s songs, reflects his diverse interests and adds a vibrant touch to his personality.

Orchid Hotel, a reputed name in the Indian hotel industry, stands out as the largest hotel in Pune, boasting a considerable room capacity and expansive banquet lawns. His decision to join Orchid Hotel is fueled by his eagerness to contribute his best, gain knowledge, and embrace new challenges within the hotel industry.

He added, "In the next few years, I envision myself proudly holding the position of Corporate Purchase Manager within the Orchid Hotel Group of hotels. With unwavering dedication, hard work, and a passion for excellence, I am confident that I will achieve this milestone and contribute to the continued success of the organization."

Looking ahead, he envisions himself as a Corporate Purchase Manager within the Orchid Hotel Group in the coming years. Confident in his hard work and passion, he is poised to ascend to new heights, further contributing to the success and reputation of Orchid Hotel Pune.

Holiday Inn Agra has appointed Shivraj Singh Rathore as the Director of Sales.

Holiday Inn Agra has appointed Shivraj Singh Rathore as the Director of Sales. In his new role, Shivraj will be spearheading the Sales strategy at the hotel, in addition to building a dynamic team.

Shivraj brings with him an impressive 16 years of experience in the industry, with

a strong focus on Sales. He has worked extensively with renowned

organizations such as the Taj group, Ananta and Hilton. In his previous role, he served

as the Associate Director of Sales at the Radisson, Gwalior.

Shivraj has completed his MBA in Sales & Marketing from Rajasthan.

Shivraj will work towards optimising the hotel Sales and Revenue performance across the verticals of Room Sales, Social and Mice business. He will also be working closely with Food & Beverage team to enhance visibility of the various outlets and drive Revenues for the segment.

Shivraj is happily married to Sona and the couple spends quality time in nurturing their sons Jai and Vinay aged 11 and 7. Shivraj is fond of Retro and old music.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Renowned Culinary Maestro Chef Prakash Chettiyar as Director of Culinary.

Mumbai: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to welcome Chef Prakash Chettiyar, a culinary luminary with over 20 years of exceptional experience, as the newly appointed Director of Culinary. This strategic move aims to elevate the dining experience at the luxurious hotel to unprecedented levels of sophistication and innovation.

Chef Prakash is widely celebrated for his dynamic and innovative approach to culinary arts, showcasing mastery across an array of cuisines, including Italian, Western, Thai, Chinese, Coastal, and Indian. Noteworthy highlights of his illustrious career include overseeing the Indian Cuisine Section at the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, and representing India in the 2008 Incredible India campaign.

With leadership roles at prestigious establishments such as Marriott Kochi, The Oberoi Cecil Shimla, and JW Marriott Kolkata (as the Executive Chef), Chef Prakash has consistently demonstrated his commitment to culinary excellence. He played a pivotal role in the pre-opening teams for Marriott hotels like Ritz Carlton Pune and Fairfield by Marriott, Kolkata, contributing significantly to their culinary identity.

Chef Prakash's influence extends beyond the kitchen, with significant contributions to high-profile events such as the G20 Summit, South East Asia GM Conference of Marriott, and NRAI events. Collaborating with industry veterans, he has curated memorable pop-up dinners featuring renowned restaurants like Indian Accent, Masque, and Bombay Canteen.

In his new role as Director of Culinary at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Chef Prakash brings a vision of unparalleled innovation and dedication to excellence. His culinary craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with the high standards synonymous with the JW Marriott brand, promising guests an extraordinary gastronomic journey.

Under Chef Prakash's leadership, the hotel's restaurant offerings are set to reach new heights of excellence. Guests can anticipate an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the very best of fine cuisine, as he brings his visionary approach to the heart of JW Marriott Sahar.

Sreevidya Singh has been appointed as the Director Of Sales at The Den, Bengaluru

Sreevidya Singh joins The Den Bengaluru, strengthening its leadership team and commitment to exceptional guest experiences

Bengaluru, India - Dec 2023: The Den Bengaluru, state-of-the-art luxury hotel for the millennials announces the appointment of Sreevidya Singh as the Director of Sales, She comes with a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and has previously worked with leading luxury brands such as LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru, LaLiT Bekal, LaLiT Golf Resort Goa, RSO Chennai and Hyderabad, and also overlooked the sales activities for 3 properties of The Oterra Electronic City, Bengaluru (Earlier known as the Crown Plaza).

With an extensive experience of 19 years in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of driving sales strategies, and contributing to revenue generation, Sreevidya brings a wealth of expertise to elevate sustainable growth for The Den. Sreevidya is a seasoned industry veteran who comes with almost two decades of expertise across various famous hospitality brands in India.

In her new role, Sreevidya will be leading the hotel in reaching its hotel in achieving its key revenue budgets, managing business growth initiatives, and overseeing all parts of the sales at The Den.

Enthusiastic about her new role, Sreevidya states, “It is an honor to join The Den, Bengaluru, and work alongside a dynamic team committed to sheer excellence. I eagerly look forward to leveraging my skills to build strong partnerships, and deliver innovative and sustainable growth for The Den.”

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Sharing thoughts on the recent appointment, Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den, Bengaluru, expressed his gratitude, stating “We are delighted to have Sreevidya on board as Director of Sales. Her vast wealth of experience, knowledge, and strategic mindset will be invaluable in driving our sales efforts and enhancing sustainable growth. We are confident that under her leadership, The Den, Bengaluru will continue to be positioned as a market leader in the hospitality industry.”

About The Den, Bengaluru

The Den, Bengaluru, the first hotel expansion by the renowned Israeli hospitality chain, Dan Hotels. Crafted for modern travellers, this premium staycation destination opened its doors in India in 2017. With its sleek pad of comfort and modern touch, The Den appeals to both the modern globetrotter and classic travellers. Located in the prime business hub of Whitefield, The Den stands out as an urban haven of quiet and relaxation amidst the bustling outer world. The Den, Bengaluru offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to every guest's needs. Whether guests are here for business or pleasure, The Den ensures a seamless and memorable stay experience. With its commitment to excellence, The Den stands above the rest, providing genuine hospitality and creating an environment where modern travelers can experience luxury and comfort in perfect harmony.

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Rahul Choudhary as Director of Revenue

Hyderabad, December 2023 - Novotel Hyderabad Airport located at GMR Aerocity, Hyderabad appoints Mr. Rahul Choudhary as the Director of Revenue. With over 12 years of expertise in yield management and comprehensive revenue strategies, he brings invaluable insights and leadership to drive the hotel’s financial success and revenue management.

His illustrious journey in the hospitality sector showcases a consistent track record with a focus on maintaining financial discipline and driving growth. He is renowned for his strengths in demand management and marketing with a specialisation from Cornell School of Hotel Administration.

He has been associated with brands like ITC, Accor, and The Park, where he has demonstrated his ability to drive revenue growth, enhance profitability, and elevate brand positioning.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport, expressed enthusiasm about Rahul's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Choudhary to our team. His extensive experience and notable achievements in revenue management align perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences while driving revenue growth. We are confident that Rahul's expertise will further elevate our strategies and reinforce our position as a leader in the industry."

Novotel Hyderabad Airport anticipates Rahul Choudhary's visionary leadership and profound expertise, expecting them to play a pivotal role in propelling the hotel towards new horizons of revenue growth and operational excellence.

Dimpy Wason joined Marriott International as Market Director of Revenue Management

Chandigarh, December 2023: Dimpy Wason has joined the Market Director of Revenue Strategy for Punjab and Chandigarh's Marriott International managed properties. From Starwood Hotels to Fairmont Hotel and Hyatt, his’ 18 years of professional journey encompasses pivotal roles in diverse international brands, including Goa and the Belagavi Market for Marriott International. Wason's proficiency assures elevated revenue strategies for the region.

On this occasion, Vishal Singh, General Manager of JW Marriott Chandigarh, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Dimpy Wason to lead our revenue strategy in Punjab and Chandigarh. His extensive experience and passion will elevate our offerings and drive success for Marriott International."

Dimpy Wason added, “I am honored to join Marriott International as Market Director of Revenue Strategy for Punjab & Chandigarh. I look forward to contributing my expertise to drive growth and success in this dynamic market."   

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa Announces Mr. Sanjay Malvia as Room Division Manager

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Sanjay Malvia as the Rooms Division Manager. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has worked with multiple renowned hospitality chains namely, Oberoi, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels.

Speaking on his appointment, Shiv Bose (General Manager) was quoted “We are delighted to welcome Sanjay in our team. His immersive expertise in the hospitality industry will juxtapose with the heightened service experience we provide to our guests at our experiential resort. I look forward to working with Sanjay and collaborating on projects for service enhancements.”

As a Room Division Manager, Sanjay's responsibilities will include managing the daily operations and delivering personalized guest experiences. He will be responsible for leading his team to greater heights in service delivery and driving consistency in offerings. He will also be responsible for imparting training and developing the skill set of his team.

An ardent animal lover and travel connoisseur, Sanjay loves to spend time with his pet dog, whom he has fondly named “Whiskey”.

Peerless Hotels Ltd appoints Ashutosh Nath Shukla as the hotel Group’s new General Manager HR

He comes with a rich experience spanning 15 years assisting in people management and is poised to enhance the HR focus of the group and improve the overall HR practices.

Peerless Hotels Ltd (Hospitality Division of PGFI) has appointed Ashutosh Nath Shukla as the hotel group’s new General Manager HR. Ashutosh comes with a rich experience spanning 15 years assisting in people management and is poised to enhance the HR focus of the group and improve the overall HR practices.

With a track record of pre-openings, planning and executing new hotels pre opening , developing and implementing effective plans to augment HR transformation leading a change aiming towards modern HR practices without forgetting the roots and traditions, Ashutosh has a keen pulse on HR strategies positioning the brand visibility.

Our hotel group is currently transforming into a distinguished iconic hospitality address, and, post the upgradation we aim to put it on the national map more prominently. I am excited to have Ashutosh join the Corporate leadership team, bringing with him an experience of bringing internal guest satisfaction as priority. After all, it is our vision to enhance the peerless values with our people first, says Kuldeep Bhartee CEO Peerless Hotels Ltd.

The iconic hospitality group Peerless Hotels from Kolkata currently owns and operates 5 hotels & resorts across 2 states in West Bengal & in Hyderabad Telangana as well as the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar.

Peerless Hotel Kolkata welcomes Biswa Ranjan Mohapatra as their new General Manager

Biswa Ranjan's primary responsibilities will involve spearheading the entire operations, upholding high-quality standards, improving efficiency, and ensuring utmost guest satisfaction.

The Peerless Hotel Kolkata is one of the most iconic hotels in Peerless Hotels Ltd portfolio & an icon of hospitality in East India, has announced the appointment of Biswa Ranjan Mohapatra as its General Manager. Biswa Ranjan will be responsible for spearheading the entire operations, upholding high-quality standards, improving efficiency, and ensuring utmost guest satisfaction.

Commenting on his appointment Kuldeep Bhartee CEO Peerless Hotels Ltd said that in the current stage of transformation of the brand Biswa Ranjan will be actively involved assisting him in overall areas of operations of the Kolkata hotel. His primary responsibilities will involve supervising the hotel operations, upholding high-quality standards, improving efficiency, leading the renovation of the hotel and ensuring super delight pertaining to guest satisfaction.

Biswa started his career in 2006 with Grand Hyatt Mumbai and has gained valuable experience working at renowned establishments such as Hyatt Regency Kolkata, Accor Hotels Chennai & Bengaluru & Radisson Blu Nashik. He is known for his analytical and problem-solving approach, & guest centric innovative approach and people focus.

Atlantis The Royal appoints Jeremy B. Kerschen as Account Director, Sales.

Kerschen will oversee high-end leisure sales, driving luxury business from the Americas, across both Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal.

Jeremy B. Kerschen has been appointed Account Director of Luxury Consortia Sales across Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. As a tri-national and tri-lingual with over a decade of experience in various markets and segments across the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East, Kerschen brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. 

Kerschen joined the team at the end of November, announcing his appointment on LinkedIn. He said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Marcela Bizachi and Kyp Charalambous for this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to work under their leadership alongside a team of dedicated sales professionals, driving high-end sales at Dubai’s most iconic resorts: Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal!”

In his role, Jeremy B. Kerschen will be responsible for the management and development of new business, strategically driving luxury sales for Atlantis Dubai Resorts. His focus will be on international leisure markets, with a particular emphasis on the USA and South America, in addition to consortia markets

Before joining Atlantis Resorts, Kerschen was co-leading the commercial division at Royal Hideaway Dukes The Palm as Senior Manager, Sales for several markets. His outstanding contributions earned him the distinguished Barceló Hotel Group award of Leader of the Year 2022

Renowned for leading impactful commercial strategies and excelling in new business development, Kerschen's expertise extends from Owned & Managed hotels to Franchised properties and Head Office responsibilities. His career journey began with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Shanghai, Hotel du Collectionneur in Paris, and further enriched with roles at the Leading Hotels Of The World® headquarters and Hilton Worldwide Sales EMEA.

Jeremy B. Kerschen holds a bachelor's degree (BA) in hospitality and luxury brand management with Honors and Distinction from Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland. Beyond his professional achievements, he is an avid horseback rider and passionate traveler. A dedicated foodie, Kerschen cherishes quality time with family and friends during his leisure.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts appoints Mr. Deepak Kadam as the General Manager, Marketing

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain and amongst the fastest-growing hotel brands in India, with over 100 hotels in 85 locations, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Deepak Kadam as the company's new General Manager, Marketing.

"We are excited to welcome Mr. Kadam to our team. His proven expertise and leadership in the field of marketing will be instrumental in shaping and implementing our strategic marketing initiatives," said Mr. Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, The Fern Hotels & Resorts.

With an impressive track record and extensive experience in Branding & Marketing, Mr. Kadam brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative strategies to elevate The Fern Hotels & Resorts' marketing efforts to new heights. He has demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and a knack for crafting successful marketing campaigns. In his new role, Mr. Kadam will lead the overall marketing strategy, overseeing brand development, digital marketing initiatives, public relations, and customer engagement. He will play a pivotal role in driving The Fern Hotels & Resorts' growth and strengthening its position as a market leader.

Mr. Kadam expressed enthusiasm about joining The Fern Hotels & Resorts and shared, "I am honored to be a part of The Fern Hotels & Resorts and look forward to contributing to its continued success. The company's commitment to building eco-sensitive hotels aligns perfectly with my own professional philosophy, and I am eager to lead the marketing team to new achievements."

Epigamia elevates Rahul Jain as Chief Executive Officer

Rohan Mirchandani, who was earlier Co-founder & CEO, has now moved into the role of Executive Chairman

Epigamia has announced the elevation of Rahul Jain, Co-Founder & COO, to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Rohan Mirchandani, who was earlier Co-founder & CEO, has now moved into the role of Executive Chairman. Ankur Goel, the founding member of Epigamia was elevated to the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“We are happy to have Rahul as our CEO whose strategic business acumen and dedication to Epigamia’s values make him the perfect fit for this role”, said Rohan Mirchandani, Co-Founder and executive Chairman, Epigamia.

Rahul Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Epigamia, said, “I am humbled by this new opportunity and look forward to a journey that is fueled by innovation and our team's collective passion. I envision a path in which every decision reflects our commitment to quality and our desire to lead change. Together, we will redefine the consumer product landscape and build a legacy that makes Epigamia the ultimate choice among its consumers."

Chef Akhil Multani appointed as CDC (Chef De Cuisine) at Bellona Hospitality Services Limited

Chef Akhil Multani has joined the culinary team of Bellona Hospitality Services Limited. Highly talented Chef Multani has been in the hospitality industry since 2006, specializing in Lebanese and Italian. He was the former opening chef of the iconic restaurant Bayroute under Mirah Hospitality.

In his new role, Chef Akhil Multani will be involved with certain Bellona Brands with the endeavor to constantly add value to the offerings. He will work closely with the culinary teams to create exciting and innovative dining experiences within the boundary conditions of the respective brands.

Bellona Hospitality Sevices Ltd, with 27 outlet restaurant brands and growing, across Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, provides the very best in hospitality and cuisine to make each dining experience a memorable one with 8 various concepts helmed by Director, Mr. Prashant Issar quoting “Our team is made up of passionate and experienced chefs and hospitality professionals, with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our customer experience and create an unforgettable experience”.

Harshad Nalawade appointed as General Manager, at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji

National, December, 2023: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji proudly welcomes Mr. Harshad Nalawade to their distinguished team as the newly appointed General Manager. With a rich career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Mr. Nalawade brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Having embarked on his illustrious journey in 2001 at the prestigious Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, Mr. Nalawade's career has been characterized by consistent growth. His formative years at the renowned establishment provided him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of the industry and the art of delivering exceptional guest service. Joining the Marriott group in 2003, Mr. Nalawade seized numerous opportunities to showcase his unwavering commitment to excellence. His leadership, particularly in the areas of food and beverage service and hotel operations, left an indelible mark across various brands and locations. His ability to enhance dining establishments and craft memorable guest experiences was evident in consistently outstanding guest satisfaction scores.

In his most recent role as the pre-opening Hotel Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai, Mr. Nalawade's visionary approach successfully positioned the hotel as a sought-after urban oasis within the bustling city landscape.

Upon his appointment, Mr. Nalawade shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am honored to join the esteemed team at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. It is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of this outstanding establishment."

A passionate sports enthusiast, Mr. Nalawade finds his stride in the worlds of football, motorsport, and cricket. During leisure moments, he seeks solace on sun-kissed shores, immersing himself in the culture and cuisine of beach destinations around the world.

Praveer Kochhar, Co-founder, KOGO Tech Labs

Praveer Kochhar is the Co-founder of KOGO Tech Labs with a rich experience of over 19 years spanning diverse industries such as retail and technology. Drawing upon his background in community-building and employing technology in the travel sector, Praveer co-founded Kogo Tech Labs with Raj K Gopalakrishnan, and together went on to create Mappls KOGO, India’s only AI Travel Expert App.

At Mappls KOGO, Praveer assumes a pivotal role, that of overseeing Product, Technology, and Community. His dedication to creating an innovative travel product is

equally matched by his passion for exploration and commitment to fostering an active and engaged community of travellers. As an avid biker, Praveer has driven around to cover over 150,000 km, leaving almost no part of this country unexplored.

Prior to this, Praveer at the age of 21 had co-founded Ideas & Solutions, a dynamic retail solutions enterprise. Following a successful run and subsequent exit, he strategically diversified his portfolio by investing in and expanding xBHP.com, which grew to be a vibrant online platform for India's biking enthusiasts. His subsequent ventures included the establishment of Shouut, a pioneering company specialising in big data and analytics.

Hailing from New Delhi, Praveer holds a Bachelors in Business Administration in Marketing from Amity University.

Raj K. Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder and CEO, KOGO Tech Labs

Raj K. Gopalakrishnan is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at KOGO Tech Labs, and has more than three decades of rich experience steeped in innovation and leadership. A serial entrepreneur, Raj is adept at building businesses from the ground up, and has founded and transformed six fledgling start-ups into successful corporate brands with a meticulous and strategic approach.

As the Co-founder and CEO of KOGO Tech Labs, Raj oversees business strategy, marketing, sales, finance, and investor relations

thereby ensuring the company's overall growth. He is dedicated to revolutionising travel and hyperlocal experiences through KOGO's proprietary AI technology, which leverages real-time data, geospatial intelligence, and generative AI. His profound understanding of travel content and video technology has played a pivotal role in the creation of KOGO, a company that embodies innovation and adventure. As an avid biker and traveling enthusiast, Raj has always fostered a deep passion for travel and culture, which has not only enriched his personal life but has also become a huge part of his professional journey.

During the initial phase of his professional career, Raj delved into advertising and live entertainment, thus establishing a solid foundation for his future endeavors. He began with Firefly Entertainment, a live entertainment company, and then expanded his ventures to include Blue Mango Films, a major player in India's non-fiction TV content sector, as well as Zeppelin Design, Yellout Tech Labs, and Dreamwood Estates.

Hailing from New Delhi, Raj completed his school education from the Delhi Public School and holds a Master in Business Administration in Marketing from the T. A. Pai Management Institute in Manipal.

Women in Leadership at THE OZEN COLLECTION

Elisabeth Alleyne and Monica Coppetta, join as the General Managers at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, respectively, continuing with the progressive brand’s tradition of women leading the resorts.

The Maldives, December 2023 – THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exceptional hospitality brand by Atmosphere Core, is thrilled to announce the appointment of two new General Managers: Elisabeth Alleyne at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, effective from October 2023, and Monica Coppetta at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, effective from November 2023. In their new roles, these two veteran leaders will continue to build upon the strong brand foundation of REFINED ELEGANCE, positioning their respective resorts as the destination of choice for sophisticated global travelers.

Elisabeth Alleyne, a Swedish-Barbadian National, brings over two decades of diverse hospitality experience across Europe, the Caribbean, and in leading luxury cruise liners. A passionate leader, Elisabeth is adept at running smooth operations, regardless of the size of the property. She will play a pivotal role as the General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, and says, “My leadership style involves inspiring colleagues with creativity, innovation, and dedication, ensuring opportunities for skill building, internal promotions, and professional development. I will always be hands-on and visible in operations, making sure our guests have an unforgettable visit.”

Italian hotelier Monica Coppetta possesses a strong business acumen, a drive for results, and the ability to articulate luxury, having worked in global boutique and luxury environments for over two decades. With a proven track record in delivering results, whether from the perspective of profit, process, or people, Monica is a perfect fit for the role of General Manager at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. She states, “I like to connect emotionally with my team, inspiring them to bring their best every day. Creating an inclusive work environment is very important to me, one where women – and all colleagues – are heard, cared for, and have equal opportunities.”