Appointments | Courtyard by Marriott, Vadodara appoints Neil James as General Manager

Courtyard by Marriott, Vadodara - NOMA Hotels’ third managed property, owned and developed by NewCrestImage, USA has announced Neil James as General Manager. He assumed his new responsibilities effective March 1st, 2021.

In his new role, Neil will be responsible for overseeing the entire hotel operations. He has over 15 years of work experience; primarily with Marriott, IHG, and Starwood; and since 2018 with Auro Hotels (India) at Surat.

Starting as a hotel operations trainee, Neil worked his way through the rooms division hierarchy with stints at the Four Points Sheraton, Pune; Holiday Inn, Dubai; Le Meridien, Mahabaleshwar; and Le Meridien, Kochi, before joining Auro Hotels (India) at the Courtyard by Marriott, Surat as Rooms Division Manager. Based on his performance, he was later promoted as Director of Rooms at the Surat Marriott Hotel, where he played a vital role in the pre-opening activities; and, during the COVID-19 period.

Daxesh Patel, Owner and Chief Operating Officer for NewCastleImage, adroitly said, “Neil possesses the leadership skills, and the balanced approach required to operate and manage the Courtyard Vadodara Hotel.”

D.J. Rama, President & CEO, Auro Hotels, commented that “We are proud to see Neil growing and taking this leadership role. Growing our people is very satisfying company culture.”

Suresh Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, NOMA Hotels says that “Neil has been with our company for over three years. During this time Neil has shown values of sincerity, humility and aspiration. With his high energy, agility, leadership proficiency, caring for associates and guests, and, result-oriented approach, Neil’s performance has always exceeded expectations. As recognition of his efforts, Marriott International rewarded him with the 2018 “Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award”. Neil is an asset.”

Jane Brophy, Vice President, Full Service Operations & Shared Services at Auro Hotels said, “Neil is an exceptional leader with a proven track record who works tirelessly to elevate guests, associates, and owners' experiences by developing strong teams with a passion for the industry.”

In addition, Neil championed his team at Courtyard Surat win the coveted “Platinum Circle Award and the “Leadership Excellence Award” in 2018, and in 2019, the “Diamond Circle Award” and the “Stellar Guest Voice Performance Award in 2019.

Neil hails from the culturally rich city of Pune and is a true travel enthusiast and explorer who takes a deep interest in exploring newer locations that are historically and culturally rich and vibrant.

Appointment | Nishanth Vishwanath joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune as General Manager

Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune has appointed Nishanth Vishwanath to lead the luxurious downtown hotel as General Manager.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

A veteran hotelier, driven by passion and creativity, Vishwanath is a multi-cultural hospitality icon with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having commenced his career with Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (2001) as part of the Food & Beverage team; he has swiftly moved up the ranks across Marriott International's myriad brands spanning the last two decades.

He has a proven record of implementing strategic initiatives delivering financial success in tandem with customer satisfaction. During his operational tenure, he has played a critical role in building F&B Reputation and establishing hotels such as Renaissance Mumbai and JW Marriott Pune as leading conference and wedding venues in the country.

Within two and half years, he moved to JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as the Director of Operations. Following a very successful stint at positioning JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as a premier destination in the city, he was then promoted as the General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

His most recent role comprised that of the prestigious Area Director - Operations for South & East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. While his early years allowed him to hone his skills to develop award-winning concepts and drive revenue and reputation; his role as Area Director and General Manager over the last few years has given impetus to his growth and appointment into the luxury market.

Vishwanath uses his creative flair to increase employee engagement, implement standards, drive guest voice scores, build relationships with key stakeholders and grow hotel market share at exemplary levels.

He has also been a key Mentor and part of many Core pre-openings task force assignments and has been a recipient of several notable recognitions in his career and has consistently exhibited excellent leadership skills. His track record shows an innate ability to drive excellence across associate engagement, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Armed with a degree from Mangalore University, Vishwanath is an avid traveler and takes a keen interest in exploring new places, history, and culture. He is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys reading in his leisure time.

Source

Appointment | Aramness appoints Vijay Krishnan Vazhvelil as the General Manager

Vazhvelil brings with him over 25 years of experience with leading hospitality brands

Aramness, a luxury adventure travel company that owns and operates lodges and arranges guest’s journeys to the most beautiful wilderness areas in India, recently appointed Vijay’ Krishnan Vazhvelil as the General Manager to soft and grand open four Wildlife Safari Luxury Lodges.

Vazhvelil brings with him over 25 years of experience with leading hospitality brands such as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Associated with Starwood brands such as Le Meridien, Four Points by Sheraton & Design Hotels), American Express Banking Corporation, Alila Hotels & Resorts - Boundless Lifestyle Brand of Hyatt Hotels International and Windsor Golf Resort & Country Club.

He brings an array of skills and core competencies to the table & he is extremely proficient in the fields of Managing Complex Hotel, Resort & Safari Lodge Operations, Soft & Grand Opening Hotels & Resorts, Marketing & Sales, Business Planning and Project Management Processes, Room Division Operations, Food, Bar & Nightclub Management, Revenue Management & Electronic Marketing Management. His last operational role was being the General Manager of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi, Kenya – A Relais & Chateaux Golf Resort.

Vazhvelil’s principal skills lie in the seamless functioning of all activities in the hotel & resort Management Operations as well as Marketing & Commercial Strategy of the functioning of a hotel, along with smooth communication between his office and the other areas. His vast experience with various kinds of employee engagement activities and environments has given him the right knowledge to maximize human capital productivity through the use of multi-skilling, multi-tasking, and multi-flexible scheduling to meet the financial goals of the business as well as the expectations of the guests.

With exceptional leadership skills to boast of, he strongly believes that a leader is only as good as his team and he ensure his team is satisfied and reaching its highest potential through regular communication and strong company values. Not only that, he also constantly evaluates local, national, and international market trends in Hotel Management and Operations, Designs of Hotels, Resorts & Safari Lodges, New Nightclubs & Bars Designs, Marketing & Revenue Management to make sure that the hotel’s management remains competitive and of cutting edge.

Aramness Gir National Park will be the first luxury lodge in a planned portfolio of luxury lodges across India and perhaps beyond.

Source

Apppointments | Benjamin Lalhmangaiha is the new Chef De Cuisine of Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel's pan-Asian restaurant- Zega

Benjamin Lalhmangaiha is the new Chef De Cuisine of Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel's pan-Asian restaurant- Zega

Chef Benjamin Lalhmangaiha is the newly appointed Chef De Cuisine at Zega, the award-winning specialty Pan-Asian restaurant at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel.

In his new role, he is responsible for creating unique menus and overseeing culinary operations at Zega.

A dynamic epicurean, Chef Benjamin is on a quest to explore quirky and unusual ingredients to offer guests an extraordinary Pan-Asian dining experience. His forte lies in crafting innovative creations and infusing unique flavors in conventional dishes.

Prior to his positioning, he was the Senior Sous Chef at The Novotel Hotel Kolkata. He has worked his way from being a Commis to achieving the position of Chef De Cuisine at Sheraton Hyderabad. He has also been associated with Vivanta by Taj Begumpet Hyderabad. His zeal to provide gourmet experiences through personalized attention appeals to his audience and his outstanding guest reviews are a testimony to the great foundation he has set.

Chef Benjamin holds a Master’s degree in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK through the International Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata. In his leisure time off, he loves to play the guitar and spending quality time with family.

Source

Appointment | Mr. Mandar More Appointed as Executive Housekeeper at Hilton Mumbai International Airport.

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Mandar More as Executive Housekeeper at Hilton Mumbai International Airport.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to him as he becomes part of the Hilton Mumbai International Airport family.

Mr. More aims to make an effective change in the domain of Housekeeping within the daily operational practices at Hilton Mumbai International Airport.

Appointments| Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall appoints Sachin Maheshwary as General Manager

Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall appoints Sachin Maheshwary as General Manager

Sachin Maheshwary joins Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall – the sixth property by Accor in Bengaluru, as the General Manager.

In his leadership role, he has spearheaded the opening of the 212-keys property and is responsible for leading the operations and business development of the recently launched hotel.

In his previous role, Maheshwary opened the first Novotel in Kerala, successfully introducing the brand to the city of Kochi.

A seasoned hotelier with extensive experience in operations and food & beverages, he started his journey with AccorHotels in 2016 following his appointment at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach as an Executive Assistant Manager. He was responsible for the hotel operations along with guest engagement and experience in a very competitive market.

Prior to joining AccorHotels, Maheshwary has worked with Taj Hotels and Resorts for over 14 years across multiple disciplines, including the front office, food & beverage, and sales.

Maheshwary holds a diploma in hospitality from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Mumbai, a Post Graduate Diploma from Symbiosis Pune, and then went on to earn a Master’s in Hospitality Management from Cornell University and Nanyang Technological University.   

Maheshwary is a passionate explorer and ventures out on several long drives seeking new experiences. He is also a movie buff who enjoys action thrillers.

Source

Appointments | Nithilavalavan Baskar joins Park Hyatt Chennai as Director of Food & Beverage

Baskar will be responsible for the entire Food & Beverage operations of Park Hyatt Chennai and delivering a unique, worldly, and sophisticated approach to food and wine.

Nithilavalavan Baskar has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Park Hyatt Chennai. A native of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu he holds a Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology.

With his strong Food & Beverage understanding and fresh insights, Baskar will be responsible for the entire Food & Beverage operations of Park Hyatt Chennai and delivering a unique, worldly, and sophisticated approach to food and wine.

Baskar began his career in 2008 with The Oberoi Amarvilas and then went on to work with brands like Madinat Jumeirah, ITC Hotels, Alila Hotels, and The Leela. He joined the Hyatt family in 2017 at Grand Hyatt Goa as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, which was also his last assignment.

In his leisure time, he enjoys biking and adventure sports.

Source

Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts as Managing Director of IMEA region

Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as Senior Advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Haitham Mattar as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), effective 18 April 2021.

In his new role with IHG, Haitham Mattar will take on a broad leadership agenda to drive IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a strong pipeline of over 100 properties, representing IHG’s brands across luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections.

Haitham Mattar is a well-known industry veteran in the IMEA region, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism and an outstanding network across the industry.

Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as Senior Advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

Before then, Haitham spent four years as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reporting to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Guided by His Highness’ vision, Haitham was responsible for developing and implementing the first ever tourism strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global adventure tourism destination, connecting the world to the emirates’ natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 

Haitham previously spent 11 years at IHG Hotels & Resorts from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales & marketing positions based in IMEA.

In his new role, Haitham will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEAA). 

Commenting on the announcement, Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, IHG said: “I am very pleased to welcome Haitham back to IHG and lead our business in IMEA at such a crucial time for the travel and tourism industry. Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. I am confident that his knowledge, diverse experience, along with cross-continent and local expertise will be invaluable, as we look to continue driving our recovery”

Haitham Mattar said: “I am delighted to join the IHG family once again and have an opportunity to lead such a diverse region with enormous potential. The tourism and hospitality landscape in IMEA has transformed significantly in recent years, providing us with a tremendous opportunity to offer world-class hospitality options to both domestic and international travelers. Building on IHG’s strong performance track record and growth plans, I look forward to working with the team, as well as our partners, as we look ahead to the next chapter of travel in the region.”

Source

Appointment | The Roseate Ganges appoints Deepak Singh Rana as Executive Chef

Chef Rana is an enterprising person and constantly works toward honing his skills and learning innovative methods.

The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh has announced the appointment of Deepak Singh Rana as Executive Chef. With over 16 years of experience across the Indian and global subcontinents, Rana has worked with leading brands like Vana Wellness Retreat Dehradun, Hilton in Bangalore, Carnival Cruise Line, Miami, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and many more.

His forte lies in wellness cuisine using select organic ingredients which is in alignment with The Roseate Ganges’ mantra of farm to fork in the lap of nature.

Rana's passion for culinary and his global exposure have helped him excel in his career. He is well-versed in advanced culinary techniques like Molecular Gastronomy and mastery over health and wellness meal curation taking inspiration from the world of Ayurveda which has medicinal and healing properties.

Chef Rana is an enterprising person and constantly works toward honing his skills and learning innovative methods. He has been recognized for his achievements in the culinary industry for the opening of Bloomsbury’s Boutique Café & Bake, headed earlier by Michelin Star Chef Atul Kochhar and Hygiene Excellence Award. He is also a certified internal auditor for Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000-2005 Standard) by Bureau Veritas.

Source

Appointments | Luxury Escapes elevates Arun Ashok to Regional Head India and Middle East

Arun has been with Luxury Escapes for almost five years and has been instrumental in setting up the India operations from scratch

Luxury Escapes has elevated its India Country Manager, Arun Ashok to the position of Regional Head India and the Middle East, in recognition of the growing importance of these markets. In his new role, Arun Ashok will continue to grow the Indian base – Luxury Escapes’ fastest-growing international market while simultaneously exploring strategic growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“The Middle East is uniquely positioned to bounce back from Covid quicker and stronger than most markets, given their emphasis on regional travel and the aggressive vaccination drive that’s currently being executed across key locations” says Arun. “The advantage with a nimble organization like Luxury Escapes is that we can ramp up our operations in a new market like Saudi Arabia relatively quickly to capitalize on new opportunities while maintaining steady growth in our legacy international markets like India and US.”

Arun has been with Luxury Escapes for almost five years and has been instrumental in setting up the India operations from scratch. Prior to that he’s been associated with blue-chip hospitality brands like Marriott and ITC Hotels and is a Post-graduate from ISB Hyderabad.

Luxury Escapes has close to 4 million discerning members and is owned by Lux Group Limited, a privately-owned business based in Melbourne founded in 2009 by Jeremy Same and Adam Schwab. Launched in India in 2016, Luxury Escapes India has partnered with over 150 resorts in the region, including brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, The Oberoi, Four Seasons and more across the world.

From indulgent resorts to luxurious tours to exotic getaways, Luxury Escapes is a one-stop-shop for all things travel. With some of the best hotel brands in the world as partners, Luxury Escapes promises quality holidays, perfect for everyone: friends, families and couples. The indulgent VIP inclusions transform an average holiday into an extraordinary one. Travelers can expect to be pampered with all-inclusive meals, exclusive spa vouchers, free drinks, airport transfers and more on their Luxury Escape.

Source

Appointment | ibis appoints key leaders to head its hotels across India

Ajit Jose, Saumitra Chaturvedi, and Sandip Satange, the dynamic leaders to lead three key properties of ibis and Anant Leekha as Cluster General Manager in their new roles

ibis - a smart economy brand from the Accor stable, has recently announced the appointment of Ajit Jose and  Sandip Satange as General Managers of ibis Kolkata Rajarhat and ibis Coimbatore City Centre respectively, Saumitra Chaturvedi as the Deputy General Manager of ibis New Delhi Aerocity, and  Anant Leekha as cluster General Manager of ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli.

Their appointments are a testament to ibis’ belief in strong and dynamic leadership and deliver upon the values ibis stands for. In their new roles, they will head the hotel’s overall management and operations.

Commenting on the new appointments, Sylvain Laroche, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles, India said, “We are proud to announce the appointment of the four dynamic leaders. We are excited to have them on board with us. Ajit, Saumitra, Anant, and Sandip have been contributing to the Accor family for a long time now and we have immense trust in their leadership. They will play a key role in the day-to-day operations as well as the management of our Kolkata, Delhi, Coimbatore, and Mumbai properties. On behalf of the entire team, I extend a warm welcome and congratulate them on their new roles.”

Anant Leekha has been with Accor for 13 years in various roles. He is currently Deputy General Manager at ibis New Delhi Aerocity and in his previous assignment, he led the opening of ibis Pune Hinjewadi and managed the ibis Pune cluster for 2 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Anant Leekha, Cluster General Manager of ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli, said, “I am delighted and honored with the opportunity to be leading ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli – the 20th ibis hotel slated to open in Q3 of 2021. I am excited to have the chance to lead an exceptional team and we will always look for new ways to make our guests’ stay memorable.”

Ajit Jose comes with over 22 years of hospitality experience including 4 years with Accor India. He joined Accor in May 2016 as General Manager of ibis Kochi City Centre and was key to the successful opening and stabilization of the hotel.

Commenting on his appointment, Ajit Jose, General Manager, ibis Kolkata Rajarhat said, “I have been a part of the Accor family for 4 years now. I started my journey with ibis Kochi City Centre and I look forward to working with the ibis Kolkata team and take ibis to greater heights.”

Saumitra Chaturvedi comes with over 18 years of overall hospitality experience including over 5 years with Accor India. He was instrumental in relaunching ibis Jaipur Civil Lines while positioning the property as a go-to leisure destination.

Commenting on his appointment, Saumitra Chaturvedi, Deputy General Manager, ibis New Delhi Aerocity, said, “I have been a part of the Accor family for over 5 years now. As I venture on to expand my roles and responsibilities in New Delhi, I thank the management for believing in my potential. I look forward to contributing to ibis’s culture of greatness and hospitality.”

Sandip Satange joined ibis Coimbatore as Hotel Manager in Feb 2020 and has been successfully handling the property over the last 1 year. He has been redesignated as General Manager of the 129 rooms ibis Coimbatore City Centre recently.

Commenting on his appointment, Sandip Satange, ibis Coimbatore City Centre, said, “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. Along with my team, I am confident that we will achieve a higher level of hospitality and deliver every guest a personalized experience. Looking forward to a great learning experience.”

source

Appointment | Rishi Kumar joins Indore Marriott Hotel as General Manager

He brings with him valuable knowledge from the wide-ranging assignments with prestigious International and Indian Hotel chains.

Indore Marriott Hotel has announced Rishi Kumar’s appointment as General Manager. Known for his exceptional leadership qualities complemented by the diverse work experiences, he brings valuable knowledge from the wide-ranging assignments with prestigious International and Indian Hotel chains.

In his new role, he envisions a stellar roadmap for the hotels’ positioning within the hospitality landscape. He has consistently displayed an incisive business sense along with fostering an environment of innovative thinking for driving revenues and operational excellence in all his assignments. With an outstanding reputation in establishing personal connections with guests and associates alike, his approach to work has always been commendable.

His people-focused approach and participative leadership style have always made the hotel teams proud of their numerous achievements.

An expert hotelier, driven by passion and a deep sense of originality, Rishi Kumar is a demonstrated leader and has worked with some of the world-class hotels in his previous assignments including Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Getaway, Taj Lands’ End Mumbai, and the likes.

Taking charge at Indore Marriott Hotel, Rishi Kumar, General Manager said, “I am very excited to embark on this new journey with Indore Marriott Hotel. I look forward to creating elevated experiences for our guests and taking the Hotel to the next level of success, hand in hand, with this excellent team.”

In his previous role as Director of Operations at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Getaway, Kumar was spearheading the overall hotel operations and was vigorously involved in designing and planning the hotel’s business development strategy. With his astute business skills, he has always put a benchmark in the areas he has catered to. Marriott International looks forward to witnessing Indore Marriott Hotel reaching new heights under his expert guidance.

Kumar hails from Mumbai where he spent his formative years of education and career. He is a fitness enthusiast and likes to explore new horizons in the food and beverage domain.

Source

Appointment | Sarovar Hotels and Resorts appoints K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts appoints K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts has appointed K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur. 

Seasoned hospitality operations professional, Singh comes with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Singh’s new role will see him focusing on hotels’ business development and strategy of making it as the preferred destination for business as well as leisure travelers.

Having worked with prominent hospitality brands mainly internationally, Singh commenced his professional journey with Hyatt Regency, Virginia, USA as Restaurant Assistant Manager. Later, he worked extensively in Saudi Arabia, UAE; multiple locations in China; and Bali, Indonesia.

He was most recently the EAM Food and Beverage for Grand Hyatt, Bali Indonesia where he developed and implemented operations strategy, potential business partnership and awarded MICE hotel 2019 by World Travel Awards.

Singh is an alumnus of Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland, holds Cornell Certification in Restaurant revenue management and recently finished MBA from British Open University.

Source

Appointments | Crowne Plaza Gurugram appoints Deepak Behl as the Director of Sales and Marketing

Behl will be heading the Sales and Marketing team to drive revenues and enhance the brand's visibility.

Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram has announced the joining of Deepak Behl as the Director of Sales and Marketing. He joins the company with an experience of 14 years excelling in the fields of Sales, Marketing, Revenue, and Team Management.

He will be responsible for heading and overseeing the sales and marketing programs for Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram.

In his new role, Behl joins Crowne Plaza Gurgaon with an experience of 14 years in the hospitality industry converting strategic vision into measurable results.

In his previous tenure, he was associated with Le Meridien Jaipur - a Marriott property, prior to this he has worked with prestigious brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, Starwood, and IHG hotels. He is known to be a result-driven professional who is passionate about all aspects of hotel functions right from operations, recruitment, training, sales, and marketing, revenue generation to CSR activities.

Behl will be heading the Sales and Marketing team to drive revenues and enhance the brand's visibility. He possesses strong business acumen with the capability to execute a wide range of sale strategies and establishing a market presence. He is a master in identifying sales territories and managing budgets for long-term revenue growth.

“My family inspires me to keep on doing what I believe in, that's my passion and inspires me to keep moving forward in this field.I have followed Crowne Plaza’s journey and witnessed the way it has excelled over time. It is an exciting phase and I look forward to continuing Crowne’s phenomenal run and shaping the future for the brand'' said Behl.

source

Appointment | Muneesh Budden appointed as General Manager of Manas Resort With Petting Zoo And Organic Farm, Igatpuri

Muneesh Budden appointed as General Manager of Manas Resort With Petting Zoo And Organic Farm, Igatpuri

Mumbai, India (March 2021) – Absolute Hotel Services India is pleased to announce the appointment of Muneesh Budden as General Manager of Manas Resort With Petting Zoo And Organic Farm, Igatpuri.

Muneesh, with Food & Beverage Operations being his core competency brings to the fore more than two decades of proven track record, experiences across Global Brands, inclusive of foreign assignments. His

varied experiences bring him the versatility to deal with the multitude of expectations while managing a successful hotel operation.

Entrepreneur-like outlook, he strongly believes that business decisions are directly linked with generating profits to stakeholders, upholding brand values, giving back to society, and creating guest/employee delight.

His creative instincts are vividly displayed while overseeing Food & Beverage Operations and contribute his entire restless energy in progressing this strong vertical. While he is passionate about hotels he unwinds by ensuring a fun fitness regime which includes not just going for morning walks but also playing outdoor recreational games like squash and badminton on regular basis as well as he unplugs himself by listening to good soulful music to keep himself energized and ready to tackle each new day.

Muneesh joins Manas Resort With Petting Zoo And Organic Farm, Igatpuri, after a rewarding General Manager’s stint in Dubai, UAE.

Commenting on the appointment, Shall Suvarna, Vice President – Operations & Pre-Opening stated, “Muneesh brings along with a robust package of experience and knowledge that will propel the resort to its next level, in its long term vision to stay best in the category. A peoples man, his staunch approach towards processes and systems will bring in operational sharpness,

AHS Hospitality India Private Limited | 309, Atlanta Estate, Dr. Ambedkar Chowk | Off. W.E. Highway, Goregaon (East) | Mumbai - 400 063, India | Tel: +91 22 2927 0412-13 Fax: +91 22 2876 8251 | www.absolutehotelservices.com

boost efficiency, thereby making the place enjoyable for guests’ and a great place to build a career.”

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

www.absolutehotelservices.com

AHS is the fastest growing hospitality management/branding company in Asia and Europe with an ever-expanding geographic portfolio of hotels, resorts, and serviced residences. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand with regional offices in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, and Europe with more expansions planned, AHS and its brands have resonated with investors and consumers contributing value to all stakeholders.

Covering the luxury to economy segments through its brands U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, and Eastin Easy. AHS also has the right to manage hotels under the Travelodge brand under Travelodge Thailand and the Vienna House brand under Vienna House Asia.

AHS is an affiliate company of U City Public Company Limited which is one of Thailand's largest public listed companies.

Source

Appoitments | RAZAN HAWWA PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

BURLINGTON, Ont. — Razan Hawwa has been promoted to director of Sales and Marketing for Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville, effective May 15.

In this position, Hawwa will lead the hotel’s Conference Services, Marketing, Sales and Public Relations teams, working to optimize revenue opportunities and continue the development of Courtyard by Marriott’s Select brand.

In her previous role, as the hotel’s Sales and Marketing manager, Hawwa gained valuable insights and understandings of the hotel’s rate strategy. Her time spent in progressive roles within Revenue Management has also equipped her with experience in comparative analysis of the local, regional and national hospitality market.

“We are confident that Razan is the right person to further elevate the Sales and Marketing strategy and all of us are looking forward to her leadership and collaborations in accomplishment of overall results,” says Frank Vismeg, managing director of Burloak Hospitality Management Ltd. and Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville. “We have all been impressed by her strong track record of innovative marketing, execution, operational excellence, sales and even going above and beyond her duties.”

Hawwa graduated from McMaster University with an Honours in Bachelor of Commerce and went on to complete Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida Atlantic University.

source

Appointment | Sonali Merchant Chavan joins The Westin Mumbai Garden City as Director HR

She will be responsible for employee progression, workforce management, and developing innovative HR strategies for the associates

The Westin Mumbai Garden City has appointed Sonali Merchant Chavan as the Director of Human Resources. She will be responsible for employee progression, workforce management, and developing innovative HR strategies for the associates.

Prior to joining The Westin Mumbai, Chavan held the position of Director-Human Resources at The Westin Pune.

With over 14 years of well-rounded experience in human resource management, she has worked with major hospitality brands like the Taj and Accor group of hotels.

Chavan has also been a part of multiple pre-opening hotels, spearheading the human resource department and brings with her a fresh and rich culture adopted at every stint.

A post graduate diploma holder in the field of hospitality from the Swiss Hotel Management School. Chavan is known for her proactive approach and strong work ethic.

In 2017 during her tenure with the Accor hotels she was recognized for her creative efforts and awarded the “Talent & Culture Person of the Year” in India.

An innovative thinker with strong interpersonal and mentoring skills, Chavan at her new role looks forward to effectively balancing the needs of her colleagues with the mission of the organization.

Source

Appointment | Prabal Srivastava joins Grand Mercure, Vadodara Surya Palace as General Manager

Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace has appointed Prabal Srivastava as the new General Manager. Srivastava took on his duties at the hotel beginning February, 2021.

He comes with over 20 years of Hospitality experience working with various brands including The Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts, The Taj Hotels and The Lalit Hotels.

In his most recent assignment, Srivastava was General Manager of Golkonda Hotels & Resort, one of the oldest Business Hotels in Hyderabad with room inventory of 139. He holds a degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University.

Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace is strategically located in the heart of Vadodara, a mere 2 min drive from the railway station and 10 min drive from the airport, thereby offering high brand visibility. It is not only regarded as one of the best hotels of Vadodara but is also a sought-after venue for weddings and other celebrations.

The hotel offers 146 rooms, Restaurant & Bar, 24/7 fully-equipped fitness and wellness centre and multiple meeting venues with state-of-the-art technology.

Appointments | Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas appoints general manager

Etienne-Charles Gailliez hopes his property will help push the Qatar Vision 2030.

Following its opening last month, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas has officially brought in Etienne-Charles Gailliez as general manager.

Gailliez previously played a vital role in the hotel’s development during pre-opening, acting as Hilton’s country GM for all of Qatar, a role he will maintain in tandem with his new position.

One of Hilton’s top performers, having been given the group’s President’s Award in 2014, he entered Qatar following a long career across Africa. His previous roles have included country GM for Nigeria, general manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja and GM of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

He will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the 361-key resort. He said: “My vision for Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is to secure our place as the preeminent leisure destination in Qatar and the Middle East, offering world-class services to guests. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort is a unique and innovative addition to the Hilton portfolio in Qatar and contributes immensely towards achieving Qatar’s 2030 vision of strengthening the country’s position as a leading destination for domestic and international tourism.”

Facilities at the hotel include an Arabian Village, 20 F&B venues, a marina, a spa, a sports academy and more than 12,900 sq ft of meeting space.

Source

Glion Institute of Higher Education appoints Didier Aniès as Executive Chef

In his role as Executive Chef, he will instil his culinary vision as well as providing inspiration for the menus of the institution's multiple restaurants.

Glion Institute of Higher Education has appointed Didier Aniès as Executive Chef. With extensive expertise in both cooking and training, this renowned expert and "Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000" (World’s best craftsman) will be a considerable asset for Glion.

In his role as Executive Chef, he will instill his culinary vision as well as providing inspiration for the menus of the institution's multiple restaurants.

Didier Aniès began his career in international cuisine in Germany and Austria before swiftly joining the prestigious star-rated restaurants of the high-end hotels in the south of France. He started at the Royal Casino Hotel in Mandelieu-la-Napoule near Cannes as sous-chef alongside Michel Joffre.

His expertise and creativity enabled him to quickly conquer the Executive Management of various kitchens, firstly at the restaurant of the Relais et Châteaux "Le Cagnard" in Cagnes sur Mer. He then joined La Coupole restaurant in the Mirabeau Hotel in Monte Carlo where he obtained his first Michelin star in 2006.

In 2007, he became Executive Chef of the famous Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, where he remained for ten years and where he also obtained the prestigious guide’s seal of approval in 2008.

Prior to joining Glion Institute of Higher Education, he held the position of Executive Chef at the Fairmont hotel in Monaco, which he joined in February 2018. There he managed a Brigade de Cuisine of 110 people and supervised all the catering outlets.

In parallel to his operational functions within this prestigious establishments, Mr. Aniès has always had a taste for transmission, which is at the heart of the values of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France.

He has worked as a trainer in many institutions including the Lycée Régional d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul AUGIER in Nice, the Ecole Supérieure de Cuisine Grégoire Ferrandi, the École des Chefs and the Fondation Auguste Escoffier.

He will join Glion on March 29th, replacing Benoît Carcénat who, during his four-year mandate, created the two beautiful restaurants, "Le Fresh" and "Le Bellevue", which are highly appreciated by both students and external clients.

In particular, he made a major contribution to the gastronomic restaurant "Le Bellevue" by obtaining a 15 out of 20 Gault & Millau score in 2018 only a few months after its opening. The student-run establishment is now rated 16 out of 20 by the gastronomic guide, which classifies it as "unquestionably one of the most beautiful restaurants in the country", underlining the "wildly elegant modern" décor.

Didier Aniès will be in charge of these two restaurants while overseeing production for the various two Swiss campus facilities: cafeterias, food courts and boutique.  Aniès will also be involved in the Bachelor in International Hospitality Business program and in themed Masterclasses which will allow this expert emeritus to share his knowledge and experience with students on a daily basis.

"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Aniès, whose unique dual background in both cooking and training will be invaluable and inspiring for our students," said Fabien Fresnel, Chief Operating Officer of Sommet Education.