Vikram Aditya Singh joins The Leela Palace Udaipur as General Manager

Key Take Away

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Vikram Aditya Singh as the General Manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. 

He comes with a rich experience of over two decades wherein he has been associated with some of the iconic domestic and international hotels.

Singh has spearheaded many successful projects and has risen to fame with his distinguished approach and proficiency.

For More Information Click Below:

www.hotelierindia.com/operations/11221-vikram-aditya-singh-joins-the-leela-palace-udaipur-as-general-manager

Chef Parimal Sawant joins Meluha, The Fern an Ecotel Hotel, Mumbai as the Director Culinary

Key Take Away

Chef Parimal Sawant has joined Meluha, The Fern an Ecotel Hotel, Mumbai as the Director Culinary.  In his current role, he will be leading a team of chefs from Meluha, The Fern, and Rodas, an Ecotel hotel in Mumbai.

He has been working in the kitchen for the last 25 years and has worked with some of the best Indian and international brands. His areas of expertise include Food preparation, Planning menus, Cost control, etc.

For Information Click Below :

www.hotelierindia.com/operations/11203-chef-parimal-sawant-joins-meluha-the-fern-an-ecotel-hotel-mumbai-as-the-director-culinary

Rosewood Hotel Group appoints new chief brand officer

With the appointment of Joanna Gunn as a Chief Brand Officer, Rosewood Hotel Group has added strong leadership to the company’s brand, marketing, and communications team.

She brings more than 23 years’ luxury experience to her new position. Previously, she was a Chief Brand Officer for Lane Crawford, a luxury multi-brand retailer.

More Appointments

NRAI launches New Chapter in Chandigarh, appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head

Key Take Away

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) represents the interests of 500000+ restaurants across India. The Indian Restaurant Industry’s leading Association India launches New Chapter in Chandigarh and appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter

Commenting on his new role as Head of NRAI’s Chandigarh Chapter, He said, “It is my honour to take up the responsibility as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter. “

For More Information Click Below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/NRAI-launches-New-Chapter-in-Chandigarh-appoints-Sunveer-Sondhi-as-the-Head-/03-06-2020-194118/

Asif Iqbal joins as Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway

Key Take Away

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway appoints Chef Asif Iqbal as their Executive Chef. Armed with over 14 years of culinary experience, He brings a dynamic and innovative energy to Holiday Inn Chennai’s diverse culinary scene.

By joining Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway as an Executive Chef, it would be his second innings with the IHG Brand.

He firmly believes, “‘Respect for food’ has always been significant value in my family and my inspiration to pick up this profession is my ‘Mother’.  Food is the harmony of life and kitchen is the cradle where I want to spend the rest of my breaths.”

For More Information click below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Asif-Iqbal-joins-as-Executive-Chef-at-Holiday-Inn-Chennai-OMR-IT-Expressway/05-06-2020-194286/

Rajesh Namby appointed as general manager of The Lodhi, New Delhi

Key Take Away

The Lodhi, New Delhi has announced the appointment of Rajesh Namby as the general manager of the hotel. Having rich experience spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry. He was associated with renowned hotel chains like The Leela, Hyatt, Hilton, and Taj Group.

His last assignment was as general manager of The Leela Palace. He was associated with the Leela Group for 17 years and was an integral part of their culinary operations. Under his leadership, The Leela Palace, Udaipur saw new developments and consecutively won several accolades.

For More Infomation

www.hotelierindia.com/operations/10973-rajesh-namby-appointed-as-general-manager-of-the-lodhi-new-delhi

Six Senses Con Dao Appoints New General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing

Key Take Away

Eric Hallin appointed as a New General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing brings more than 40 years of international hospitality experience. With her goal-oriented and strategic mindset, and a great deal of passion for high-end travel, he makes a perfect fit for Six Senses Con Dao

He brings a fresh breeze to the resort and its hosts, sharing his working philosophy that a general manager is only as good as his ability to inspire, motivate, and empower his team.

For More Information

www.sixsenses.com/en/corporate/media-center/press-releases/2020/six-senses-con-dao-appoints-new-general-manager-and-director-of-sales-and-marketing

Vakkaru Maldives Appoints Iain McCormack As General Manager

Key Take Away

Vakkaru Maldives has announced the appointment of Iain McCormack as its new General Manager. A hotel management graduate of Southampton College, Iain started his career path working at many renowned hotels with over 36 years in the hospitality business and a career

With Iain’s rich multi-faceted experience in resorts worldwide and his passion for top-notch guest services, he will be a key player in enriching the stellar reputation of the Vakkaru brand.

For More Information

www.traveltrademaldives.com/vakkaru-maldives-appoints-iain-mccormack-as-general-manager/

Sarovar Hotels appoints Sanjay Rai as Sr. VP Sales & Marketing

Key Take Away

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Sanjay Rai as Sr. Vice President- Sales & Marketing.

He will be responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of sales, marketing, and product development programs for each brand targeted towards existing and new markets. A seasoned professional with an experience of close to four decades

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/sarovar-hotels-appoints-sanjay-rai-as-sr-vp-sales-marketing/75890039

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announces new Asia Pacific Leadership

Key Take Away

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has appointed Joon Aun Ooi as President of the Asia Pacific region. Our focus in the region and continued commitment to making hotel travel possible for all remains unchanged

The company has brought together its South East Asia and Pacific Rim business with its Greater China operation to establish the Asia Pacific region.

For More Information:

https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2020/05/18/wyndham-hotels-resorts-announces-new-asia-pacific-leadership/1589755730?utm_source=Mailer&utm_medium=ET_batch&utm_campaign=ethospitality_news_2020-05-18&dt=2020-05-18

Marriott announces North American, international leadership changes

Long-time Marriott International senior executive Dave Grissen has decided to step down from his position as group president, the Americas, toward the end of 2020 and retire from Marriott in the first quarter of 2021

Grissen leads all aspects of the company's biggest region, the Americas, which generates more than two-thirds of the company's fee revenues

Under Grissen's leadership, Marriott's Americas organization has grown from 2,928 hotels to 5,640 properties today, with another 1,800 hotels in the pipeline

New North American and International Leadership

Marriott also announced plans for the company's lodging operations to be consolidated under two long-time Marriott leaders after Grissen steps down from his current role. Under this plan, Liam Brown will take on the role of group president, North America and Craig S. Smith will take on the role of group president, International.

Brown currently is group president, Europe, Middle East & Africa. Brown was president, Europe, and before that, president, select brands and owner and franchise services, North America.

The company expects that David Marriott, currently president, U.S. full service, managed by Marriott, will join the company's board of directors in 2021

‌Lorraine‌ ‌Sinclair Appointed Executive Chef At Pan‌ ‌Pacific‌ ‌London‌, United Kingdom

Pan‌ ‌Pacific‌ ‌London‌ ‌announce‌d‌ ‌the‌ ‌appointment‌ ‌of‌ ‌Lorraine‌ ‌Sinclair‌ ‌as‌ ‌Executive‌ ‌Chef.‌ ‌Located‌ ‌in‌ ‌London's‌ ‌new‌ ‌landmark‌ ‌tower,‌ ‌One‌ ‌Bishopsgate‌ ‌Plaza,‌ ‌this‌ ‌multi-award-winning‌ ‌chef‌ ‌returns‌ ‌to‌ ‌her‌ ‌home‌ ‌country,‌ ‌following‌ ‌years‌ ‌honing‌ ‌her‌ ‌craft‌ ‌at‌ ‌Sheraton‌ ‌Saigon‌ ‌Hotel‌ ‌&‌ ‌Towers,‌ ‌where‌ ‌she‌ ‌was‌ ‌Director‌ ‌of‌ ‌Culinary‌ ‌Operations‌ ‌for‌ ‌four‌ ‌years.‌ ‌

On‌ ‌joining‌ ‌the‌ ‌hotel,‌ ‌Lorraine‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌responsible‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌entire‌ ‌food‌ ‌and‌ ‌chef‌ ‌operations.‌ ‌Widely‌ ‌recognised‌ ‌as‌ ‌one‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌top‌ ‌female‌ ‌chefs‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌world,‌ ‌She ‌will‌ ‌lead‌ ‌the‌ ‌hotel‌ ‌brigade‌ ‌and‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌putting‌ ‌her‌ ‌own‌ ‌stamp‌ ‌on‌ ‌restaurants‌ ‌and‌ ‌menus.‌ ‌

Her‌ ‌nearly‌ ‌thirty‌ ‌years'‌ ‌experience‌ ‌in‌ ‌top‌ ‌kitchens‌ ‌in‌ ‌Europe,‌ ‌Asia‌ ‌and‌ ‌the‌ ‌Middle‌ ‌East,‌ ‌has‌ ‌seen‌ ‌Lorraine‌ ‌hold‌ ‌eight‌ ‌Executive‌ ‌Chef‌ ‌positions.‌ ‌She‌ ‌was‌ ‌selected‌ ‌as‌ ‌the‌ ‌first‌ ‌female‌ ‌Executive‌ ‌Chef‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌number‌ ‌of‌ ‌different‌ ‌locations‌ ‌including‌ ‌Bahrain,‌ ‌Istanbul‌ ‌and‌ ‌Hong‌ ‌Kong,‌ ‌and‌ ‌most‌ ‌recently‌ ‌in‌ ‌Dubai,‌ ‌in‌ ‌her‌ ‌position‌ ‌at‌ ‌the‌ ‌Fairmont‌ ‌Hotel.

‌ ‌While‌ ‌in‌ ‌Hong‌ ‌Kong,‌ ‌two‌ ‌restaurants‌ ‌under‌ ‌Sinclair's‌ ‌direction‌ ‌were‌ ‌awarded‌ ‌Michelin‌ ‌Stars.‌ ‌She‌ ‌was‌ ‌nominated‌ ‌as‌ ‌a‌ ‌"Les‌ ‌Toques‌ ‌Blanches"‌ ‌Board‌ ‌Member‌ ‌and‌ ‌has‌ ‌published‌ ‌a‌ ‌charity‌ ‌cookbook.‌ ‌This‌ ‌is‌ ‌in‌ ‌addition‌ ‌to‌ ‌her‌ ‌receiving‌ ‌multiple‌ ‌accolades‌ ‌including‌ ‌the‌ ‌BBC‌ ‌Good‌ ‌Food‌ ‌award,‌ ‌Time‌ ‌Out's‌ ‌Best‌ ‌Steak‌ ‌House‌ ‌and‌ ‌being‌ ‌placed‌ ‌third‌ ‌in‌ ‌Best‌ ‌Restaurants‌ ‌in‌ ‌2013‌ ‌by‌ ‌Esquire.

Samira Clarke Appointed Director of Sales At Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island Garden City - NY, USA

Clarke brings her nearly 15 years of experience in the New York hotel industry, including most recently at OTO Development's AC Hotel New York Times Square, to the new Residence Inn as the director of sales.

Prior to her time with OTO Development's properties, Clarke built tremendous experience in the New York hotel industry with stints at the Courtyard Times Square West, Allegria Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central, among others.

She has served in a variety of roles, including front office coordinator, sales manager, and catering sales manager.

Optii Solutions Appoints Katherine Grass as Chief Executive Officer

Optii Solutions, the provider of the most advanced labor optimization solution for hotel housekeeping teams, announced the appointment of Katherine Grass as Chief Executive Officer as well as the creation of a Playbook designed to give hotels a head start in efficiently managing the challenges presented preparing properties for recovery in a post-COVID world.

 She has over 20 years in the IT and travel sectors. She joined Optii Solutions from their lead investor, Thayer Ventures, a travel-tech focused venture capital firm and has held senior-level positions with Amadeus IT Group and Amadeus Ventures.

The Playbook is a data-driven, lean operations guide discussing the universal challenges faced by each hotel and will propose strategies to overcome these challenges, turning operations into a lean and resilient machine.

"The Playbook is a guide to assist hoteliers with the monumental task ahead for reopening and getting back to being profitable," said Katherine Grass, CEO of Optii Solutions. 

Industry leaders agree that, once we come out of this crisis, our industry will need to be more nimble and creative across all departments. The Playbook outlines tips and strategies hoteliers can apply to their operations to overcome six fundamental challenges that lie ahead during these uncertain times.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA names Samy Boukhaled as vice president of operations in the UAE

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA has named Samy Boukhaled as vice president of operations for the UAE. Boukhaled has been instrumental in implementing the expansion strategy of the company in KSA while assuming the position of vice president of operations that cultivated great success. Thus, his new appointment comes to leverage his experience in UAE.

Renowned for his revenue-oriented approach, Boukhaled has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, having held several leadership roles with hotel companies such as Accor and Sofitel, across France, Bahrain, Morocco and the KSA.

He holds an MBA in International Hotel Management from Vatel International Business School Hotel & Tourism Management in France and a Baccalaureate Degree from Morocco, among other awards and certifications.

Avani Hotels and Resorts Announces Key Management Appointments in Asia and the Maldives

Avani Hotels & Resorts is announcing a number of key appointments for its new hotels in Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives.

Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort and Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort, Thailand

In Thailand’s south - Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort’s newly renovated 178-keys completed in January 2020 and Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort which will offer 87-keys and secluded access to the stunning white sand Klong Dao Beach which is scheduled to open by end of 2020 will be managed by Farah C. Jaber as Cluster General Manager.Farah started his career with Minor Hotels in 2013 as an Executive Assistant Manager at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas in Thailand.

Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, Thailand

Scheduled to open in late 2020, the brand new Avani+ Khao Lak Resort will offer 328-keys and direct access to the pristine beaches of Khao Lak, just north of Phuket. Stephan Moonen has been appointed as General Manager and Karun Cornell as Director of Sales & Marketing for the property.

Karun also brings more than 10 years’ hospitality experience and is a graduate of Thailand’s Mahidol University International College in Travel and Hospitality Management; upon completion of his study, he started his career with Bandara Hotels & Resorts while undertaking his Master degree prior to joining Fair House Group in Koh Samui as a Group Director of Sales & Marketing.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, The Republic of Maldives

Scheduled to debut in 2021, the 200-key Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is located in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is home to unique species of marine, fauna, and flora. Marlon Abeyakoon has been appointed as General Manager for the property.

Avani Seminyak Bali Resort, Indonesia

Scheduled to be rebranded in mid-2020, Avani Seminyak Bali Resort will introduce 21 residence-style accommodations and 16 private pool villas to the popular holiday island with the announcement of I Made Subrata as the new General Manager.

Made began his career in hospitality on his home-island Bali as the pre-opening team of InterContinental in 1993

Candy Marth has been appointed General Manager at IntercityHotel Rostock

43-year old Candy Marth is an experienced manager who has emerged from Deutsche Hospitality's own ranks. Candy Marth took over the reins at the 174-room IntercityHotel Rostock on the Baltic Coast with effect from 1 April.

Candy Marth has worked for the hotel group for 20 years. During this period, she has fulfilled various roles in the fields of management assistance and human resources as well as being Head of Events at the Intercity Hotel Stralsund.

Ms. Marth replaces Katrin Schissler as General Manager of the IntercityHotel Rostock.

Steven Drewery Named Executive Assistant Manager for the Pan Pacific London Hotel

Pan Pacific London announced the appointment of Steven Drewery as Executive Assistant Manager for Pan Pacific Hotels Group's first London property, opening in Autumn 2020.

Steven joins from The Biltmore Mayfair, where he was an integral part of the pre-opening and operational activity for the first London outpost of Hilton's most upmarket brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts.

In the new Executive Assistant Manager position, he will support Anne Golden, General Manager, on strategic decision making in addition to overseeing all Pan Pacific London's food and beverage operations. A highly established professional within the industry, Steven has an exemplary background in luxury hotel management and F&B operations, which includes positions at JW Marriott Grosvenor House; Fairmont Bab Al Bahr; Giorgio Armani, Ritz-Carlton and Conrad in Tokyo; Swissotel Singapore; and Peninsula Hong Kong.

Set to open its doors in Autumn 2020, Pan Pacific London will be taking reservations from Spring 2020. Located in a mixed-use development at One Bishopsgate Plaza, the City's new landmark tower, the hotel is currently under construction and will provide a new hospitality offering to The City of London. 

Kimpton Charlotte Square (UK) has announced the appointment of Kieran Quinn as General Manager

Kimpton Charlotte Square, has announced the appointment of Kieran Quinn as General Manager. Kieran will oversee the 199 room property located in the heart of Edinburgh and brings over 20 years of experience

He began his career in hospitality in his teenage years in his native Donegal in Ireland. He then qualified with distinction from Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland

His most recent position was General Manager for Crowne Plaza Edinburgh Royal Terrace where he was instrumental in completing the hotel’s renovation, increasing average rate and achieving record revenues for the hotel

Commenting on his new position as Hotel General Manager, He said: “The Kimpton ethos is one I'm incredibly passionate about. We believe that heartfelt human connections can really make a difference to people's lives. This goes for the team as well as our guests. It's the authentic personal touches that we deliver day in day out here at the hotel that make a real difference to our guests' experience.

Hilton Partners with Leading Companies to Find Temporary Jobs for Displaced Hotel Team Members

As the hospitality industry responds to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Hilton is partnering with leading companies to connect workers from temporarily suspended hotels with hundreds of thousands of short-term jobs created by the global pandemic.

Hilton Team Members, and others in the industry seeking employment, will be given direct access and in some cases expedited access to temporary jobs on the Hilton Workforce Resource Center at companies such as Albertsons, Amazon, CVS, Lidl, Sunrise Senior Living and Walgreens.

These partners recognize the power of a service culture and the value of hospitality skills training Hilton Team Members are known to receive. With a diverse range of experience reflected in the eligible candidate pool, these Team Members are an ideal fit to quickly step in and assist organizations in temporary assignments.

Hilton hopes to expand the program globally and plans to welcome these Team Members back when travel resumes.