Appointment | Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Bapini Kumar Sahu as Security Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Bapini Kumar Sahu as Security Manager

Bangalore (April 2022) –– Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore recently appointed Bapini Kumar Sahu as Security Manager. With over eleven years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has worked with leading hospitality brands such as ITC, Taj, Westin and Marriot. His most recent position was as Security Head with Hyatt Place Hyderabad Banjara Hills.

Commenting on his appointment, Bapini said, “I am really excited to be in the garden city and moreover join the vibrant, carefree, and optimistic team wherein I get the opportunity to lead the team to further enhance the procedures, looking after the safety of fellow associates and guests and offering an elevated experience for all.”

He completed his MBA from Manipal University and completed course in Supervision in the Hospitality industry from American hotel and lodging education institute. In his new role, Bapini will be responsible for the entire safety and security of the hotel. He enjoys playing cricket, cooking and travelling while not at work.

The Hyatt Centric Experience

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created for millennial-minded travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery. The lobby lounge is a launch pad providing guests with information about the most sought-after food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer, sourced from a community of “in the know” local explorers. The bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests wants and nothing they don’t, including environmentally conscious bath products, Bluetooth-enabled electronics and restaurant to-go delivery service. A team of associates is always available to aid guests in their discovery of the destination and make the most of their stay. For more information on Hyatt Centric hotels, visit www.hyattcentric.com.

Appointment | Sandeep Singh appointed new Director Operations JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

A renowned name in the hospitality industry, Sandeep Singh has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, which has become the city’s favored hotel since its launch in 2015.

In his new role, Sandeep will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s operations across all functions and achieving high levels of guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

An industry expert with 16 years of experience as a hospitality professional in luxury and business hotels Sandeep brings with him fine leadership skills, passion about enhancing customer experiences and achieving operational excellence with his team.

Armed with a degree in Hotel and Catering Management from Vivekananda Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management Gujarat, Sandeep has worked with leading hotel chains through his career and successfully risen up the ranks, with responsibilities spread across a gamut of functions. His knowledge and approach to the business along with his passionate outlook has always been the key factor to his success.

In spite of his abundant understanding of the industry Sandeep strongly believes in sharing the work with his team and delegating to build and strengthen the team’s experiences and core competency. His additional insights and support has always been highly motivational and invaluable for the team.

At the JW Marriott, Mumbai Sahar Sandeep will utilize his expertise in revenue management, cost management control, reporting and market share growth. Sandeep will aim to improve customer satisfaction, ensure the smooth functioning of all areas under his jurisdiction, establish operational excellence along with the support of his team, improving service standards as well as maintaining excellent relationships with stakeholders.

Apart from his work, Sandeep also enjoys spending time with his family, and playing badminton and lawn tennis.

Appointment | Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla appoints Sanjeev Kumar as Rooms Manager

New Delhi: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla is delighted to announce the appointment of Sanjeev Kumar as Rooms Manager. In his new role, Sanjeev will focus on spearheading Front Office department by establishing quality and service standards, streamlining room occupancies & operations, focusing on loyalty recognition & enrolment and curating engaging guest experiences. 

With a proven track record of 8 years across international hotel brands, Sanjeev is a master in enhancing revenues for the hotel owing to his excellent up selling techniques and inventory management. He has a knack of building strong liasoning with the guests and handling their issues on real time basis making them repeat customers and helping in business growth. In his new role, he will relentlessly focus towards driving guest satisfaction index & online reputation while ensuring 100 % brand standard compliance to deliver IHG’S commitment of True Hospitality to the patrons.

On his new appointment, Sanjeev comments, “Service comes from a manual but hospitality comes from heart. I believe in making guests the heart of our world from the minute they enter through the door.  As a team, we will focus towards living IHG’s service style of Dare To Connect by understanding the guest’s preferences & curating tailor-made experiences throughout their journey. We will strive to create an experience which the guests would want to re-live. This can only be done by harnessing the team’s strength and encouraging the team members to showcase their unique personality while handling the guests.”

Shuvendu Banerjee General Manager, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla said, “Sanjeev’s inquisitiveness to match pace with the evolving guest preferences makes him an ideal choice to take forward the brand's position as a modern business hotel allowing guests to focus on blending the duality of both work and life. His core area of expertise lies in creating a holistic guest experience while adhering to brand standards. This rare combination of analytical as well as creative thinking skills will definitely make him an asset to the hotel.”

He has moved to this role from Crowne Plaza Kochi where he used to efficiently lead the Front Office operations on all aspects related to administration, manpower planning & training, monitoring of accounts related issues and handling of credit policies and procedures. Sanjeev is a ‘Rajya Puruskar Awardee’ in Scouts and Guides. He loves to indulge in Motor Sports, Cricket and old classics in his leisure time.

Appointment | Acapella Hospitality Appoints Chef Sushil Multani as Culinary Director

Acapella Hospitality Appoints Chef Sushil Multani as Culinary Director

Mumbai, April 2022: Acapella Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Sushil Multani as the new Culinary Director. A dynamic team leader and mentor, Chef Sushil in his current role will oversee the F&B experience across Acapella’s brands and will work towards creating a stellar culinary experience for customers across all formats.

With over 16 years of experience Sushil holds to his credit of  having worked with brands like The Oberoi Group of Hotels, Savor Experiences, amongst others. He is also a Gold Medalist in the postgraduate program in Kitchen Management from the Prestigious Oberoi Center of Learning and Development (OCLD). 

Sushil’s passion for this profession started with his love for food and his need to explore led him to pursue a degree in hospitality where he spent time learning the craft, nuances and techniques behind a skilled chef.

His well-balanced temperament and creative flare are attributes that are valued immensely by his colleagues. As culinary director his responsibilities will include R&D, food development, brand expansion and smooth functioning of all kitchens under Acapella. Sushil will continue leading the F&B experience at Cafe Panama, while also overseeing other company brands.

About Acapella Hospitality

Acapella Foods And Restaurants Pvt Ltd (Acapella Hospitality) is an F&B business that invests in and operates restaurants, cafes, bars, cloud kitchens, QSR and catering ventures. Acapella operates brands across segments and aims to build human and process driven dine-in and delivery brands Pan - India and globally. The company is promoted by Mr. Chandir Gidwani (Founder and Chairman Emeritus) and Mr. Jaspal Bindra (Executive Chairman) of the Centrum Group, and is led by Shaan Gidwani (Founder and Managing Director - Acapella Hospitality).

Appointment | Ridhima Nair appointed as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Whitefield

She strongly believes that the success of any company is a prioritized balance between people, product and process

Ridhima Nair has been appointed as the Hotel Manager – Fairfield by Marriott Whitefield. She began her career in Front Office with IHG and has been part of two accelerated leadership programs during her career of twelve years. She comes with a rich experience of handling operations at hotels while catering to different markets and segments.

Ridhima strongly believes that the success of any company is a prioritized balance between people, product, and process. For her contributions to the organization, Ridhima was awarded the ‘Operations Excellence Award’ for H1 2019, ‘The Trailblazer Award’ in 2020 for the hotel’s performance of 2019 and she was also recognized as ‘Hotel Leader of Q3 2019’ in the South – West Asia Region at IHG.

In her free time she enjoys traveling for adventure, reading short stories and autobiographies. Her hobbies also include gardening and working on DIY projects for home décor.

Appointment | Novotel Goa Candolim & Novotel Goa Resort and Spa appoints Uday Bhatnagar as Director of Revenue Management

Novotel Goa Candolim & Novotel Goa Resort and Spa appoints Uday Bhatnagar as Director of Revenue Management

National, March 2022: Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Resort and Spa have roped in Uday Bhatnagar as the Director of Revenue Management. In his role, Uday will be supervising the revenue management and distribution strategy of the hotel along with managing day-to-day yield operations. Uday brings with him a rich experience of 6 years in this field. He is well versed in the Goan hospitality industry and has been previously attached to Ibis Goa in 2018. At Ibis India marketplace, Uday was felicitated with the ‘RM person of the year’ award by the Accor Group for his excellent performance in market share and ADR growth. His last assignment was in the role of a revenue management consultant at the AAPC India office.

An avid footballer and fan of the Liverpool club, Uday has played with semi-professional clubs.  On the career front, Uday has earned an MBA degree from Laureate University specializing in Revenue management & E-Marketing. 

Elated about his new role, Uday Bhatnagar - Director of Revenue Management said, “Accor is a leading augmented hospitality group that offers rich and meaningful experiences to all and I stand honored to be a vital part of Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort and Spa. This opportunity will add immense value to my professional advancements. I look forward to having a remarkable journey with my new team.”

Appending to this, Ranju Singh - Complex General Manager-Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort and Spa said, “Uday will be an exceptional addition to the team. Being a seasoned professional, he will be viable in carrying out all duties and responsibilities at the hotels. We are ecstatic about his new innings and look forward to setting new goals for holistic growth.” 

Appointment | Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla appoints Tanay Shankar as Director of Sales and Marketing

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla appoints Tanay Shankar as Director of Sales and Marketing

April 2022, New Delhi: Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (IHG) is delighted to announce the

appointment of Mr. Tanay Shankar as the Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Tanay will

relentlessly focus on strengthening the hotel’s position as a destination for business & leisure travelers and providing the best of Crowne Plaza’s hospitality. He will work towards optimizing hotel revenue performance across the verticals of Room Sales, Social & MICE business as well as creating strategic partnerships for Marketing activations.

As an industry expert, Tanay is armed with an experience of more than 15 years across international

brands and hotel chains. Prior to this assignment, Tanay has worked with Crowne Plaza Gurugram as a

Director of Sales and overlooked the sales and revenue growth strategies. He has been associated with

IHG Group for over 8 years now.

He possesses strong business acumen with the capability to execute a wide range of strategies to establish market presence and deliver profitability to the stakeholders. He will closely work with Food and

Beverage team as well to enhance brand visibility and drive revenue for the segment.

Speaking on his new role, Tanay Shankar said, “Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, South Delhi’s business

and dining landmark is a perfect embodiment of world-class service and True Hospitality. I will work

towards enhancing brand reputation, curating thematic wedding experiences, driving innovative

marketing campaigns, and harnessing the team’s strengths to achieve our goals. I am looking forward to

strengthening relationships with industry partners & MNCs and scouting for new opportunities and

partnerships for the hotel.”

Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla said, “We are thrilled

to have Tanay on board and we are quite confident that he will strengthen the hotel’s position in the highly

competitive market by delivering innovative strategies and solutions. With his efficiency in market

research and client engagement, we believe that he will lead our winning team with example.”

On a personal front, Tanay is an avid traveller and a reader and enjoys music & keeping track of

current affairs in his leisure time.

Appointment | Chef Charuhas Kishor Raut has joined as the executive chef at The Ambassador Mumbai

Chef Charuhas Kishor Raut has joined as the executive chef at The Ambassador Mumbai. Charuhas carries an experience of more than 15 years and has worked with some of the best brands in India. He has also worked in Qatar and Oman as well.

Before joining here, he was working as executive sous chef at Mirage Beach Club at 9 bar Vagator. He was responsible for setting up a 500 cover retro bar called 9. Before that, he was associated with INOX Leisure Pt Ltd as assistant F & B Manager West Region. He also worked with the Sarovar, The Grand Hometel Mumbai. Earlier he had successful stints in Oman and Qatar as well. He started his career with Pan India Food Pvt Ltd as a junior sous chef.

As a chef, he is proficient in designing and creating menus, besides developing recipes keeping in mind local cuisines. He will be taking care of the Society restaurant, Flavors Coffee shop,  banquets, and in-room dining.

Appointment | ANKUSH TANDON APPOINTED AS THE DIRECTOR OF ROOMS AT THE ICONIC JW MARRIOTT MUMBAI JUHU

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 12 years of experience, Ankush Tandon brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to his new role at the flagship JW Marriott hotel in India. 

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after 5-star luxury hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Ankush Tandon as the new Director of Rooms. A seasoned hotelier, Ankush will direct and administer all aspects of Room Division operations which include daily hotel operations, guest service standards and initiatives, inventory management and leading his teams to achieve their goals. 

Ankush began his hospitality career in 2006 and has worked across various verticals in reputed hotels spanning 3  continents, 5 countries, and 5 brands. He was previously responsible for leading the front-of-house operations as the  Director of Rooms at Washington Marriott Georgetown, Washington DC, USA. He attributes his success to meaningful collaborations with his team members, and his ability to develop strong customer relationships is a quality that is emulated by his team. In an endeavor to align the rooms division and Front Office operations towards elevated guest experiences, Ankush will drive the strategies along with his teams to meet all stakeholder expectations. 

At JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, he will be responsible for the overall functioning of the rooms division and will spearhead various verticals like Front Office, Housekeeping, Reservations, and Guest Experience to uphold the JW  Marriott brand standards.  

In his spare time, Ankush enjoys spending time with his daughter, riding his motorcycle, and watching football.

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts  

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott  International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer  a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and  revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience  every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries  and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that  help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and  on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel  program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global  brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights  and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit  marriottbonvoy.com.

Appointment | OVOLO ANNOUNCES NEW CEO AS GIRISH JHUNJHNUWALA FOCUSES ON STRATEGIC GROWTH IN NEW MARKETS

Leading designer boutique hotel collection Ovolo announces the promotion of Dave Baswal to Chief Executive Officer, allowing Founder and Executive Chairman Girish Jhunjhnuwala to focus on branding, development, and strategic growth of the business. The appointment comes as Ovolo prepares for the next phase of its evolution, with plans to expand into new markets as the hospitality industry recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

With 20 years of experience in hospitality, finance and real estate management, Dave has been instrumental in Ovolo’s growth during the pandemic and in building a strong team aligned around the group’s core values. 

“Dave Baswal personifies the very best of Ovolo – someone with the passion to constantly improve the guest experience; the creativity to innovate new services; and the business acumen to deliver strong performance,” said Girish. “Most importantly, he shares the same people-centric ethos that is at the very heart of Ovolo, delivering happiness to our guests, our teams, and our stakeholders. 

“I am excited that his promotion will allow me to direct my energy into finding new opportunities to take the Ovolo experience to more travelers globally. I started my journey in real estate 20 years ago and launched Ovolo Hotels in 2010, and this is the perfect time to evolve the group under reinvigorated leadership. Dave has the trust of myself and our stakeholders, and his promotion will create new opportunities for the rest of our team. I am excited for what the future holds.”

Dave says he is proud to take the mantle of CEO from Girish and is honoured to have earned the trust of Ovolo’s visionary founder. 

“Girish has been such an inspiration to me, and all our team members and he remains the heart and soul of Ovolo. He has created a brand that deeply resonates with today’s travelers and that inspires our team to deliver exceptional service every day,” said Dave Baswal, new CEO of Ovolo Hotels Group. 

“I am honoured to lead this amazing group and to take Ovolo into its next phase at a time of enormous opportunity.”

A National Board Advisory Member of Tourism Accommodation Australia and former executive at Mantra Group, Dave holds a Master’s in Professional Accounting, a Master’s in International Tourism and a Bachelor in Hotel Management, and brings a wealth of experience to the role. 

Ovolo currently has 13 hotels and a dozen restaurants across Hong Kong, Australia and Indonesia and is looking for expansion opportunities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the US.

Girish is certainly not slowing down and will remain intrinsically involved in all aspects of the business, continuing to break the rules that traditional hoteliers follow to set new benchmarks in hospitality.

Appointment | Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach appoints Abhishek Krishna as the Director of Talent and Culture

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach appoints Abhishek Krishna as the Director of Talent and Culture

Visakhapatnam, 2022: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Abhishek Krishna as the Director of Talent and Culture. In his role, he will be spearheading the talent acquisition and culture teams for one of the flagship properties Of Novotel in India. Mr. Krishna will also oversee all organizational human resources functions, including recruitment, hiring processes, onboarding, compensation, employee relations, and professional development.

With his rich 14 years of hospitality experience, he comes with a deep understanding of talent acquisition and will be prominent in managing the entire HR and training functions. These qualities will reflect in his role and he will be able to become the guiding light for the strategies that need to be planned for the right execution of the employee-centric policies and overall development of the hotel. Being a creative thinker with grooming and strong communication skills, Mr. Krishna aims to work towards the best interest of the hotel. 

On Abhishek’s appointment, Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada Varun and The Bheemili Resort expresses, “We are delighted to have Abhishek as the new Director of Talent and Culture. He is a positive personality and will bring forth his gamut of experience in the HR sector that will work towards enforcing company policies and best practices for the hotel.”

Prior to joining Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Abhishek has worked in the Talent and Culture space with reputed brands across India.

Appointment | Ayesha Bhalla Appointed As Director Of Sales & Marketing At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Ayesha Bhalla Appointed As Director Of Sales & Marketing At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Mumbai, April 2022: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, the city’s luxury business hotel renowned for its gastronomic prowess is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayesha Bhalla as the new Director Of Sales & Marketing. In her new role, Ayesha will be responsible for leading strategic sales, marketing, and business operations and overlook all aspects of the sales and marketing department.

Ayesha graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics Mumbai and is armed with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Amity Business School - Noida. An experienced and result-oriented sales and marketing professional with a demonstrated history of over two decades of excelling in the luxury hospitality sector. Prior to this Ayesha has worked with reputed luxury hotel chains and has also played an integral role in establishing and strengthening the sales and marketing vertical for JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar during their pre-opening stage. 

Her key expertise lies in developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies, providing 100 percent guest and employee satisfaction, achieving revenue goals and monitoring the financial performance of the department. Training has always been one of her strong suits which has contributed to being able to upskill the team for better performance and growth. 

At the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Ayesha will work towards the reinforcement of the brand and its core ethos. She will also strive to create new and sustainable business streams for the hotel and drive the hotels revenue performance and brand positioning in a highly competitive landscape.

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers effortless elegance and sophistication. Just a short drive from Mumbai's international and domestic airports, the luxury hotel makes for an ideal destination for business and stay. Our 5-star hotel accommodation features 588 spacious rooms with pillow top beds, marble bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as generous work desks and 24-hour room service. Our Hotel’s dining options reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. Romano’s, JW Café, JW Lounge and JW Baking Co. showcase the gastronomic prowess of the talent we have at JW Sahar.  Our 29,837 sq.ft. of indoor conventional and meeting spaces are a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality and world-class audio visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends its host of therapies so one can experience holistic wellness. Visit us online onwww.jw mumbai.com. For social media updates, follow us onFacebook,Instagram andTwitter on @JWSahar. For more information, follow us onLinkedIn,YouTube,Google Plus. 

Appointment | The Indus Valley announces the appointment of Khalid Kamal Rumi as Chief Marketing Officer

The Indus Valley announces the appointment of Khalid Kamal Rumi as Chief Marketing Officer

2022, India: India's first direct-to-consumer (D2C) healthy kitchenware startup, The Indus Valley, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Mr. Khalid Kamal Rumi, as the Chief Marketing Officer of the company. Founded in 2016, The Indus Valley offers a promising range of healthy and toxin-free kitchenware. Thus providing compelling alternatives to health-compromising kitchenware products, made of unsafe metals, adulterated alloys, and chemically-loaded harmful coatings.

In his previous roles, Mr. Khalid held a position as a Vice President of Marketing & Strategy at Impex (KCM Appliances), where he held the P&L responsibility for India business. Prior to that, he’s also had the privilege of working for V-Guard Industries – Corporate Strategy, Cognizant – Management Consulting, SAP Labs, and Accenture.

Khalid is an alumnus of IIM Indore with over 12 years of professional experience spanning Marketing, Brand & Category Management, Corporate Strategy, and Management Consulting. He has excelled in delivering impact on high-visibility business transformation programs, in both MNC and startup environments. He has an exceptional track record of P&L management, having turned-around multiple struggling business units into profitable ones, with accelerated growth. His vast exposure to businesses, clients, and teams in the US, Australia, Germany, the UK, the Philippines, and in all four corners of India, bode well for a fast-emerging brand like The Indus Valley.

In a very short period of time, The Indus Valley has already exceeded the expectations of over 3 lakh delighted customers with its well-researched and precision-engineered products. And with the addition of Mr. Khalid to the Indus Valley Team, the startup can certainly expect him to best fulfill his responsibilities of developing strategies for corporate advertising and branding, as well as customer outreach. All, while staying true to the brand’s mission of transforming the kitchens of over 300 million households in India into healthy ones.

When asked about his decision to join this startup, Mr. Khalid Kamal Rumi, CMO, said, "The brand has the health and well-being of its customers as its raison d'être. This resonates with my own personal values, and surely appeals to the millions in the country, who are aspiring to lead healthier and sustainable lifestyles. What I love most is that the brand takes inspiration from the wisdom of our ancient traditions in India and globally, while simultaneously embracing advancements in modern science & technology that protect, promote, and boost health. I am very glad and extremely honoured to have been presented this position and look forward to leading the team of brilliant minds at The Indus Valley."

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Jagadeesh Kumar, CEO, The Indus Valley, said, “In a post-pandemic world, we couldn’t be more grateful for the support our patronizing customers have shown us. But, with so much support, also comes great responsibility, towards fulfilling our mission to disrupt the fragmented, heavily commoditized, and innovation stagnated kitchenware industry, with our healthy cookware range. This is why, we’re very pleased to have Khalid onboard, as he leads the brand onward while staying focused and driven to deliver success at scale."

Appointment | The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru appoints Akshina Sauhta as the Public Relations and Marketing Communications Manager

She has won 4 awards and numerous recognitions from hospitality sector as well as the Government of India and the Limca Book of Records

Akshina Sauhta joins the team of The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, Hotel, Conventions, Residences as their Public Relations and Marketing Communications head. 

With her last stint as the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Hyatt Centric in Goa, Akshina had also been overlooking marketing strategy and public relations at Hyatt Regency Amritsar, She will now be in charge of Public Relations and Marketing Communications and Strategy at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru – Hotel, Conventions, Residences.

Prior to joining the hospitality sector, she worked with marquee corporate brands such as Mahindra and Mahindra, Zomato and Standard Chartered Bank, to name a few. Akshina has close to a decade of experience in Marketing, Sales, Brand Development, Content, Communications, Social Media Strategy and PR.

General Manager Reuben Kataria on the appointment of Akshina Sauhta said, “We are excited to bring on board Akshina who has been on both the corporate and the hotel side of the business. Having managed multiple responsibilities ranging from content to sales to social media, we feel she can bring in an interesting perspective.”

With an MBA under her belt, her core skill lies in being a target-oriented individual with a methodical approach with the ability to make quick decisions.

Appointment | Chitra Awasthi joins Le Meridien Gurgaon as Director of Sales and Marketing

Le Meridien Gurgaon has appointed Chitra Awasthi as Director of Sales and Marketing. A  result-oriented sales professional with over 21 years of experience in consumer products, she is highly skilled at creating new relationships and maintaining strong customer relations to generate repeat business.

Awasthi has in-depth knowledge of effective sales strategies and analytical thinker with the ability to perform well under pressure with efficient team management. In the past, she has worked with hotels like Taj Mahal Delhi, Movenpick Hotel – Dubai, Radisson Hotel New Delhi, Oberoi Group of Hotels in Gurgaon, Le Meridien Jaipur and JW Marriott Mussoorie.

With Diploma in HM and Graduation from DU, Chitra’s strengths lie in strategic management, problem solving,  yield management, business development and people management. She is married to Subodh Awasthi who currently is the Director Facilities at Delhivery and the duo are blessed with 14-year old, Eshaan Awasthi.

Appointment | Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Appoints Nattinee McMillan as Director of Sales and Marketing

Nattinee McMillan, a talented professional with 15 years of hospitality experience in sales, event management and operational roles has been named Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s director of sales and marketing

PHUKET, Thailand – Nattinee McMillan, a talented professional with 15 years of hospitality experience in sales, event management, and operational roles has been named Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s director of sales and marketing.

The Thai national joins the 30-suite and 70-villa resort, that opened in December on eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline on the Andaman Sea, after working as the director of sales at Dream Phuket Hotel and Spa, another five-star resort on the island, where she also assisted with hotel operations.

She started her hospitality career in 2006 with the banquet department at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and quickly rose through the ranks to become an event manager, communicating with guests and across hotel departments to bring together weddings and MICE events.

After completing her Master of Business Administration in hospitality and tourism management at Prince of Songkla University 2015, she moved to COMO Point Yamu as the sales and event manager, handling sales enquiries, planning and delivering weddings and undertaking regular evening stints as the manager on duty.

In her role at Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, she has implemented a sales and marketing strategy for the resort’s debut, as well as put a team together to achieve sales and growth targets and build brand confidence and business relationships.

“Nattinee is an all-rounder who excels at everything she puts her mind to,” Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s general manager Magdalena Martorell said. “Her proactive leadership style, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and rich experience in Phuket’s luxury hospitality landscape place Nattinee in excellent stead for her new role to propel our resort into 2022 as Thailand reopens up to the world.”

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao recently unveiled a host of facilities including Mediterranean-inspired accommodations, four dining outlets, a five-treatment-room spa, three swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, kids’ club, ballroom and two multi-function rooms. Of the 70 villas with private plunge pools, 15 “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, fit ball, yoga mat and more.

Appointment | Swaroop Pattanaik is appointed Front Office Manager at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

With his Hotel Management degree from the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), Odisha, he will manage the smooth functioning of the front office while ensuring the highest guest satisfaction

The Westin Mumbai Garden City announced the appointment of Swaroop Pattanaik as the Front Office Manager. A seasoned hotelier, Pattanaik brings over 12 years of hospitality experience with various brands of Select, Premium and Luxury categories of Marriott International.

In his former role as the Front Office Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune, he was responsible for overseeing the front office operations, housekeeping, gym and spa. In the past, Pattanaik has been part of 5 pre-opening properties in 5 different cities across the brands Hyatt, Taj Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International.

With his Hotel Management degree from the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), Odisha, Swaroop will manage the smooth functioning of the front office while ensuring the highest guest satisfaction. Since his appointment in December 2021, he has become an integral part of the team with his adeptness as a team player and exemplary managerial abilities.

Outside the workplace, Pattanaik is a bike enthusiast and enjoys riding on the streets of Mumbai and taking adventurous road trips to neighboring hill stations.

Appointment | Ashwini Kumar appointed Executive Chef of The Westin Pushkar Resort and Spa

Ashwini Kumar appointed Executive Chef of The Westin Pushkar Resort and Spa

The Westin Pushkar Resort and Spa has appointed Ashwini Kumar as its Executive Chef. With an extensive experience of over 16 years, he has in-depth understanding, knowledge, and exposure of global gastronomy trends, which will help in elevating the customer’s dining experiences at the luxury resort.

In his role, he will actively spearhead the kitchen department to ensure smooth operations in terms of crafting innovative menus, maintaining customer satisfaction, and monitoring the culinary team while maintaining the Westin brand quality. A seasoned professional in culinary operations along with an expertise in Indian and Western cuisines, Ashwini will be spearheading the exquisite food and beverage section of the resort.

Before joining The Westin Pushkar Resort and Spa, Ashwini was working with the Radisson, Kandla, Gandhidham, Gujarat as Executive Chef. He did his kitchen operational training from Hotel New Kenilworth, Kolkata and then joined Taj Bengal Kolkata as a supervisor in Food Production. He worked his way through the industry ladder and has been associated with prominent brands such as Hilton Hotel, New Delhi, Marriott Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru and Hyatt Centric, Bengaluru. He has also worked with international brands in cities such as Almaty, Kazakhstan and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He is a graduate in B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from Institute of Hotel Management Bhubaneswar. According to him, one of his most prideful moments in life was preparing an honorary meal for the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to Kazakhstan.

Appointment | Jeronimo Allen Trindade joins Goa Marriott Resort and Spa as HR Director

He will employ his spectrum of expertise to administer recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, competency mapping, and industrial relations

Jeronimo Allen Trindade has been appointed as the Director of Human Resources at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa. He brings with him a rich experience of over 15 years with hospitality chains such as the Taj and Hilton and International experience from the United Arab Emirates as well. He also carries expertise in working with cross-functional teams in the domains of Business Excellence.

In his current stint with Goa Marriott Resort and Spa, Jeronimo is employing his spectrum of expertise to administer Recruitment, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Compensation and Benefits, Competency Mapping, and Industrial Relations.

Jeronimo’s leadership skills, technical proficiency, and excellent understanding of brand ethos have served as the stepping stones for the growth in his career.

His story communicates the kind of executive he is and reflects the culture of the company he is associated with. At leisure, he loves to spend time with his daughter, is a bike riding enthusiast, and loves traveling.

Appointment | Absolute Hotel Services India appoints Kabir Mehra as General Manager of Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon

An IHM-A graduate, he is a seasoned hospitality professional who has worked with the company for the past few years

Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) India has appointed Kabir Mehra as the General Manager of Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon. An IHM-A graduate, he is a seasoned hospitality professional who has worked with the company for the past few years. This includes helming critical managerial positions at key properties like Eastin Residences, Vadodara, Eastin Easy Vita, and now Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon.

Kabir has an enriching experience including Hotel pre-opening and has grown in every position throughout his career. A hands-on General Manager, he is involved in every aspect of the hotel operations, be it sales, marketing or revenue. His sharp acumen and understanding of the systems and processes, have led to his latest promotion.

“As an international hotel management company, our brand ethos is to nurture internal talent, provide them training and elevate them from their current position of bigger roles and responsibilities within the organization. AHS, as a group is expanding and seeks to have candidates who have a deeper understanding of the stringent procedures and the confidence to lead the teams,” stated Shalil Suvarna, Vice President, Operations and Pre-Opening, AHS.