Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is pleased to introduce the leadership team of the hotel

Abhijnan Biswas as Director of Rooms

With an experience of over sixteen years in the industry, Abhijnan is a true leader with specialized skills in room operations balanced by strong financial acumen and human resources skills.

Abhijnan commenced his career in luxury as he embarked on a role with the front office division at The Oberoi, Kolkata. His dedication, eye for detail, and guest focus allowed him to grow and rise as he moved up the ranks very quickly. His last assignment was at the Jaipur Marriot, where he consistently contributed to the guest satisfaction scores and to the success of the hotel.

He brings with him his passion for delivering the highest standards of service while managing and motivating his teams. At Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, he will helm the guest-facing teams in the front office, housekeeping department, and the discerning concierge teams. He will focus on ensuring bespoke and personalized service, bringing to life the brand’s WOH Program while driving Rooms Division Profitability.

Ankur Rastogi as Director of Sales & Marketing

Ankur Rastogi, will be responsible for developing key growth sales strategies, tactics, and action plans. with a pivotal role in strategically leading the business development goals and capitalising on the branding and communications efforts of the iconic hotel to attain greater heights.

As an industry expert, Ankur has 20 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, serving various international and domestic brands. He commenced his journey from the Fairmont San Francisco, USA, where he was part of hotel operations.  His previous work demonstrates his personal development from being a team member to being a director now.

Ankur will work closely with the leadership team of the hotel to positively impact the overall hotel goals and guest satisfaction. His focus will be to position the hotel as a market leader in the luxury and lifestyle segment, keeping in mind the evolving market conditions.

Vinay Ravi as Director of Human Resources and Area Director of Human Resources

With over 23 years of experience in talent management, he is a seasoned professional in his field.

Vinay’s skill in establishing a high-performing and engaged workforce is excellent for the hotel’s guest-focused culture. At the hotel, he will be responsible for driving strategic HR goals and fostering the Hyatt culture to set excellence across team members and enhance the guest experience.

He started his career with the Hyatt Group in 1999 and thereafter moved up to senior positions in diverse roles within the brand.

Vinay believes that great guest experiences find their roots in great associate experiences. He looks forward to creating an engaging, high-quality learning experience and an environment where all associates understand and embrace the brand’s purpose.

Vinay has dual responsibility for Grand Hyatt Gurgaon and Northern India hotels, which includes 11 operating hotels and 2 upcoming hotels.

Indu Verma as Director of Finance

Indu brings with her an experience of close to two decades of deep understanding and command of domain experience in financial planning, taxation, and budgeting. She will spearhead the hotel’s business strategy and will continue to evolve various financial structures to take the team towards success.

She started her journey with a renowned luxury hotel group, devoting enough time to nurture herself. Following that, she worked with various notable international brands prior to joining us.

In her current role, she will oversee all the hotel’s financial operations, namely accounting, auditing, budgeting, and purchase functions.

Kanika Arora as Executive Housekeeper

Kanika comes with more than a decade of experience, having previously worked with prestigious brands such as The Oberoi Hotel and Resorts and a stint with the Marriot group. She is known to possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with proven abilities in team management and guest relationship management. She is well-versed with modern housekeeping techniques, optimum resource utilization strategies, and the implementation of the highest safety and hygiene standards within hotel operations.

At Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, she will be further enhancing the procedures of cleanliness and care, while delivering world-class hospitality as per “Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment”, which is an expression of our purpose to care for people so they can be their best now and in the future. Kanika and her team will always direct their efforts towards the overall maintenance of the hotel to enable smooth operations and ensure an elevated experience for guests.

Sohil Bhargava as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage

Sohil started his career as Assistant Banquet Manager at the Grand Hyatt Goa, and from there comfortably moved onto the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager at the same hotel. From there, he moved to the Grand Hyatt Gurgaon as the restaurant manager and was elevated to the position of Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. His hard work and dedication have led to a successful career for him.

Sohil is a master at identifying new streams and curating culinary events for long-term revenue growth. He, along with his team, will take care of menu engineering, revenue management, staff and operations management, and event curation. He is a hands-on manager and a true leader who believes in creating empowered teams.

In his role at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, he will be responsible for heading and managing the food and beverage operations and maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction. He will also work. closely with the Sales and Marketing team to drive revenues and enhance brand visibility for the hotel’s food and beverage.

Saurabh Singh Chandel as Executive Sous Chef

In his position, he will direct daily culinary operations at the hotel’s restaurants and bar while overseeing food and beverage offerings for in-room dining, corporate events, wedding functions, and special occasions.

With more than 18 years of rich experience in the hospitality industry across different brands, Saurabh will bring to the role his expertise in food & beverage and culinary operations. He believes that authenticity is the key ingredient to exquisite food. That’s why he delights in cooking Indian and Continental cuisine. After completing his hotel management training in culinary specialization, he further improved his skills by working at various domestic and international brands.

The experience of working at these established hotels over the years saw him create and innovate Indian and European delights, which sanctify the culture of India. His excellence in the hospitality industry will further facilitate the hotel’s commitment and efforts toward extending world-class dining offerings to their patrons and consequently enriching guest experiences.

Dhiraj Dargan as Executive Sous Chef

Dhiraj has a clear ability in kitchen planning, which is reflected in his presentation and the detail of design in each recipe, as he has been trained by the country’s best chef, Manish Mehrotra, in preparing the restaurant’s inventive Indian cuisine. Dhiraj has also worked with Old World Hospitality and with the Roseate Group of hotels. His experiences have made him skilled at both Indian and international cuisines, including European and Lebanese.

With wide exposure, Dhiraj is not only brilliant in the kitchen with his cooking, but also valuable outside of it with his excellent organizational skills. His meticulous monitoring of every aspect of the restaurant is one of his key strengths in any hotel. 

In his holistic approach to cooking, he seeks to not just create a sensory feast for his diners but a complete, unforgettable, and mesmerizing experience for his guests.

Adarsh Nair as Director of Sales

Adarsh comes with more than a decade of experience and has worked with a couple of domestic and international hotel brands.

Adarsh is a home-grown talent as he joined Hyatt Group as a Senior Sales Manager and was elevated to deserving levels after looking at his dedication and commitment to his work. His proficiency in understanding competitive landscapes, local and feeder market dynamics, and changing customer needs helps organizations achieve the anticipated results.

He firmly believes that discipline is the touchstone for a balanced life. According to him, having a disciplined work and family life is the key to success for a healthy balance between personal and professional life.

Tarun Goswami as Director of Events

Tarun is an accomplished professional and comes with an experience of close to two decades in sales and marketing functions, including food and beverage operations.

Tarun will be responsible for maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the wedding and Mice fraternity and executing tactical campaigns to secure a new client base. He will oversee regular events to ensure guest satisfaction and adapt best practices for a seamless experience at all times.

A proven expert in his stream, Tarun has demonstrated his excellence in developing strategic business plans, ensuring overall profitability, and maximizing market penetration and brand awareness in his various previous roles with domestic and international hospitality brands

Jyoti Agrawal as Assistant Director of Finance

Jyoti comes with an experience of 8 years in the fields of finance and accounting. Having previously served as Chief Accountant within the brand, we are confident that she will be a valuable addition to the executive team and will help the organisation attain sustained profitable growth.

Her role entails driving performance by enabling leadership in making effective business decisions, maintaining an effective controlled environment, and achieving a strong and healthy balance sheet. Jyoti holds a chartered accountant degree from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and is a strong accounting professional.

Venkatesh Srinivasan as Materials Manager

Venkatesh brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in procurement, including tendering of new projects, bulk supply sourcing, and strategizing for annual capital expenditure. His last assignment was with SSCL- Columbia Asia, where he was heading the procurement for the projects team responsible for designing high-end apartments. Prior to this, he has also worked with multiple hospitality brands in India and abroad, with the longest stint in the Accor group.

In his new role, Venkatesh will align the procurement team and set up procurement processes and policies for the hotel. In addition, he will also lead the cost-savings initiatives and resource optimization that will help improve profitability. 

Appointment | Prashant Jha appointed as Executive Housekeeper by Doubletree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad

Prashant Jha appointed as Executive Housekeeper by Doubletree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad

Pune-Chinchwad, July 2022: Prashant Jha has been appointed as an Executive Housekeeper at Doubletree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad. Mr. Jha shows colossal believability towards his role as an Executive Housekeeper, creating standard operating procedures for housekeeping operations, keeping in line with the hotel's service standards to provide the highest levels of comfort and hospitality to guests further leading to achieving maximum guest satisfaction and organisational profitability.

Prashant holds four years of bachelor's degree in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from DSMS College Durgapur, West Bengal. Apart from the 4-year degree course, he brings on the table 12 years of working experience in the Hospitality industry. Prior to joining Doubletree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad he fulfilled his responsibility as a Corporate Executive Housekeeper in a 5 Star heritage property in Kathmandu.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Jha said, “I am really glad to be a part of the DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad family and I really hope to take the hotel to newer and better heights with utmost contribution from my end. I really look forward to giving my 100% to the team and I am sure this place will be a very good milestone for me.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad has announced the appointment of Mr Harshal Tamhaney as the Executive Chef.

Doubletree By Hilton Pune-Chinchwad has announced the appointment of Harshal Tamhaney as Executive Chef

Mr. Harshal Tamhaney

Executive Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad has announced the appointment of Mr Harshal Tamhaney as the Executive Chef. Chef Tamhaney shows immense credibility and promises to shoulder responsibilities in order to carry out all the daily operations of the restaurant / hotel kitchen. Bringing on the table years of experience he is all set to ensure promptness, freshness, and an exclusive variety of dishes keeping in mind hygiene policies and examining the equipment’s for cleanliness and so on.

Harshal has nearly 20 years of experience, prior to joining Doubletree by Hilton Pune – Chinchwad, his last stint was as a chef consultant where his responsibilities were to get involved in the processes right from Kitchen planning, man power management, Purchase to Menu Planning, Costing and Execution.

Harshal holds an Integrated Diploma of three years in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. He also holds a Food Safety Training Certificate from London Health and HACCP Certification from BCGS. 

Commenting on his appointment Harshal Tamhaney said, “I am delighted to be a part of Doubletree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad. It is a pleasure for me to have joined a property like this and I'm eagerly looking forward to giving my best to enhance and improve the guest’s dining experience at the hotel.”  

Appointment | JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa appoints Dushyant Singh as the Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa appoints Dushyant Singh as the 

Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage 

Dushyant Singh

Bengaluru,July 2022: JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa announced the appointment of Dushyant Singh as the Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage. In his new role, Dushyant will be overseeing the end-to-end F&B operations while managing the forecasting, budgeting, sales and marketing, and implementation of brand service strategy and initiatives. His responsibilities also include ensuring that product and service strategies are designed effectively to exceed expectations of the brand’s target customers, property associates and provide effective returns on investment.

A career spanning over 18 years in luxury hospitality with Marriott International across Asia and Middle-East, while operating in multi-cultural, competitive environments leading diverse operations teams, has contributed to Dushyant’s knowledge of exceptional experiences in F&B, business acumen and intuitive leadership. In his new role, he is keen to elevate F&B operations to drive business success and identify new revenue streams for the hotel. He also looks forward to aligning the young and dynamic F&B team towards operational excellence while enriching the strong culture of exceptional JW treatment for hotel guests.

On Dushyant Singh’s appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa said, “It’s a pleasure to have Dushyant Singh join our team as the Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage. I’m confident that his expertise of helming F&B operations in pre-opening phases will contribute significantly to our growth and enhance our core offerings. We look forward to developing the F&B operations team with his people-oriented management style and versatile work ethic.”

Prior to his current role, Dushyant has garnered valuable experience at renowned Marriott properties such as the Batam Marriott Hotel, Indonesia, Doha Marriott Hotel, Qatar, JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai and JW Marriott Hotel South Beach, Singapore, in addition to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Qatar, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, Malaysia and more.Dushyant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Goa. A sports and travel enthusiast at heart, Dushyant enjoys spending time with his family, with cricket and basketball topping the list of his favorite sports

Appointment | Sayaji Raipur Appoints Mr. Anurag Mathur as General Manager

Sayaji Raipur Appoints Mr. Anurag Mathur as General Manager

Raipur, July, 2022: SAYAJI, Raipur is pleased to announce that Mr. Anurag Mathur has been appointed the hotel’s new General Manager. 

At the onset of his career in 1995 Mr. Anurag Mathur was appointed as a Chef in Charge at the Jaypee Vasant Continental, Delhi. He also worked as an Executive Chef at the Hotel Jaypee Residency Manor, Mussori from 2007 to 2012, and at Hotel Jaypee Palace, Agra from 2012 -2013. Mr. Anurag has demonstrated effective leadership and efficient management in all aspects of the hotel’s operations of 6 F&B outlets and extensive banqueting of Jaypee Hotels

Mr. Anurag holds a Diploma from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition, Bhopal (1990-1993) and is an ISO lead auditor (Level -2). Aforetime joining Sayaji he fulfilled his responsibility as a General Manager (Operations) at Isthara Parks Private Limited Bangalore, as a city head responsible for managing operations of India’s leading Co-living Brand. And as a Room Division Manager at DoubleTree Suites by  Hilton , Bangalore.

Mr. Anurag Mathur had the following to say about his appointment: “I am delighted to have been granted this opportunity to become the hotel’s General Manager. I will be working hard to achieve even higher levels of hospitality, delivering our guests the kind of resort experience that only Sayaji Raipur can offer and building an enduring love for our hotel.”

With his 26-year career in the hospitality industry and extensive knowledge and experience of luxury brands at DoubleTree Suites by  Hilton , Bangalore, and Hotel Jaypee, General Manager Mathur is a great asset to Sayaji, Raipur. The hotel will continue to provide guests with memorable experiences and uphold the traditions of which Sayaji is so proud while striving to further enhance service quality and brand value in the future.

Tekla Maira is the new Regional DOS- India for Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts appoints Tekla Maira as the Regional Director of Sales – India for its five key hotels and resorts in Thailand, namely Banyan Tree Bangkok, Banyan Tree Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cassia Phuket and Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong.

Commenting on the appointment Benjawan Meksakul, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing – Thailand & Laos of Banyan Tree Group, said, “Tekla’s expertise and rich experience will see her implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies for our Thailand hotels post-COVID and create greater awareness for the global multi-brand ecosystem of Banyan Tree Group in India.”

Appointment | Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar brings Shruti Sengupta on board to spearhead the marketing

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is pleased to announce Shruti Sengupta as the newly appointed Manager of Marketing Communication. She will be responsible to lead the diverse integrated marketing and communication projects, promoting brand strategies and initiatives and providing the best hospitality experience to the guests at the property. Shruti with her experience of almost a decade in hospitality will also be heading the promotional campaign including ideation and implementation of marketing strategies, digital marketing, and establishing brand positioning for the launch of the luxurious villas of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar slated towards the end of this year.

Shruti’s last assignment was with Hyatt Pune where she was instrumental in single-handedly leading the marketing communication vertical for five years and was responsible for the execution of activations with the Thailand, Malaysian and Korean Embassy; brand tie-ups for AR Rehman, Amit Trivedi and Sanam, Neeta Lulla show and concerts, the relaunch of iconic and award-winning restaurant Baan Tao Thaisala along with channeling through innovative marketing strategies during the pandemic to ensure sustained revenues for the hotel.

Shruti also has been associated with The Westin Pune Koregaon Park and was part of the launch of Courtyard by Marriott Chakan before her stint with public relations agencies Genesis BM and Hanmer in Mumbai.

Speaking on her appointment at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, she asserts, “I am elated to come back into the Marriott family and Courtyard Mahabaleshwar was perfect since it allows me to venture into leisure/destination hospitality segment after handling three city hotels. The end of this year also promises to be exhilarating with the launch of our villas and spa that would further strengthen our positioning in the market.”

Empathetic by nature and a firm believer in grit and hard work, Shruti thrives on the dynamics and opportunities provided in the hospitality industry. When not in the hotel, Shruti loves to spend time with her toddler and travel the world.

Kerten Hospitality continues to lead the New Age of hospitality With the appointment of Antony Doucet as Chief Experience Officer (CxO) the operating group replaced the traditional Commercial function

Kerten Hospitality continues to lead the New Age of hospitality With the appointment of Antony Doucet as Chief Experience Officer (CxO) the operating group replaced the traditional Commercial function

DUBAI, July , 2022: Kerten Hospitality -  a mixed-use, ESG and lifestyle hospitality group operating hotels, branded residences, collaborative social and business Hubs complemented by food and beverage, under its brands The House Hotel and Residence, Cloud7 Hotel and Residence and Ouspace - is putting their actions where their mouths are by transforming the traditional Commercial function, into a broader role, that includes experiences across the board. From the first owner interaction, to the curation and scouting of their teams, the locally-inspired design and a project’s soft elements, to the way the Group communicates, markets, sells and connects - as human interactions take centre stage in hospitality.

The Chief Experience Officer (CxO) works in very close collaboration with the Operations and Ubbu teams (Ubbu – United. Building a Better Universe, Kerten Hospitality’s ESG initiative) to connect operational practises and processes, with locality and sustainability, packaged in tailored experiences, motivating and supporting teams to be themselves, to create these true human connections. If you own, work or stay in a location, you should get the feel, connect, and experience it truly - easier said than done. It seems to be easier to Globalise everything, then to Localise everything.

Commenting on his new role, Antony Doucet (CxO), who has been the DNA of Kerten Hospitality’s brands for many years and assumed the role of a Chief Experience Officer (CxO) effective July 1st, said: “Brillat Savarin, a French lawyer and politician who wrote The Physiology of Taste used to say: “To invite a guest is to take the responsibility of his happiness during his stay under our roof.” In our Kerten Hospitality way, this would read: To invite guests, is to take the responsibility of their happiness, their emotions during their stay and connect them with our community…”

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality said: “Antony is a great example of someone who organically creates unique and community-connecting experiences that touch all senses. Antony brings together guests, partners, owners and the local community through purposeful events and interactions. Being a big-picture thinker, Antony has worked hard to inject this DNA into processes, and ways, deeply rooted into the entire organisation. We cannot wait to share our new curated destinations coming out in the next six months in different locations and countries, with a variety of offerings that range from eco-luxury glamping, to hotels with art residency in rural areas, to child-free experience hotels where the lobby is an actual stage.”

Antony who is currently based in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the opening of The House Hotel Old Tbilisi this week, gave some simple examples of how true and real these experiences are. “Just 2 days ago, I organized a meeting with Tako Kvaratskehelia, who’s 26 years old and the founder of Rukhi Queen www.rukhiqueen.ge. She won the silver medal of London Honey Awards in 2021. At only 26 years of age, she has 400 bee hives and her honey is in such demand that she started to create a cooperative with other bee keepers. She met our 2 Chefs Jaume Puigdengolas Michelin star chef, who’s currently training our local Chef Alex Akopyan, and we will now have one signature dessert with her chestnut honey and our welcome amenities will be “Gozinaki” a Georgian specialty with honey and nuts. The idea is really to embrace, support and celebrate this kind of people”

The Group’s multiple UBBU initiatives will further involve guests to donate time for good causes: A great way to do good, to share an experience and to connect to the local community. 

Doucet has helped redefine the Concept of Bleisure, a word he has been using for years, much longer than it has been “in”. Creating environments where Business and Leisure meet, get motivated, can be productive, and never want to leave from. Luxury in hospitality is about space, design harmony, carbon footprint reduction, community impact, staff engagement, food sourcing, to name a few factors. This philosophy has laid the grounds for the curated Experiential direction of Kerten.

Who is the man behind the Experiences’ creation at Kerten Hospitality? Antony’s career launched with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, followed by multiple roles in France, Switzerland before joining Hyatt International where he opened the VIP & Celebrity Department at Park Hyatt Paris Vendome. After 12 years with Hyatt, he became an indispensable member of the Kerten Hospitality family where from a Brand and Marketing director, he has taken the reigns to support the growth of the Group’s portfolio by injecting the experiential factor in every destination. 

Appointment | Hotel Sahara Star appoints Ash Sharma as Hotel Manager

Hotel Sahara Star appoints Ash Sharma as Hotel Manager  

She would be responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day activities and functioning of the hotel

Sahara Hospitality Ltd announces the promotion of Ash Sharma as the Hotel Manager of Hotel Sahara Star from her most recent position as the Rooms Divisions Manager. This is an essential change keeping in mind the continuous developments at the hotel.  

With over 24 years of experience within the Sahara Group, Ash Sharma is a skilled hospitality professional. She joined Hotel Sahara Star, as an Assistant Front Office Manager in 2007 and progressed to become the Front Office Manager in 2009. Over the course of her tenure at Hotel Sahara Star, she continued to grow and develop in her career. She went on to be a part of the management team in 2019 as the Rooms Division Manager.  

Commenting on her promotion Ash Sharma, said, “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to become the Hotel Manager of this wonderful property. With this new responsibility, I am looking forward to the hotel’s innovative plans to further enhance our guest’s experiences by delivering exceptional luxury paired with courteous and intuitive service.” 

Manish Sodhi, CEO, Hotel Sahara Hospitality commented: “We are glad to announce this internal promotion as we seek to further strengthen the core team of Sahara star in lieu of the hospitality and tourism sector bouncing back post the difficult times. Going forward we will be fully focused on improving our brand standards with a key focus on increasing our room inventory and bringing together a host of many new amenities including our newly launched World Club membership, Jean-Claude Biguine Salon, and a state-of-the-art 7500 Sq. ft gymnasium.  

Ash would be responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day activities and functioning of the hotel while striving to further enhance service quality and brand value in future, continuing to offer guests with memorable experiences.

Anurag Rai is the new Multi-Property General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott, Kochi Airport and Port Muziris

Anurag Rai

Multi-Property General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Kochi Airport and Port Muziris.

Courtyard by Marriott, Kochi Airport, and Port Muziris, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel has announced the newest addition to their family Mr. Anurag Rai who has been appointed as the new Multi-Property General Manager.

A seasoned hospitality operations professional, Anurag Rai comes with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Anurag Rai with his incisive management skills will lead this established property to identify new ventures and avenues for a profitable business.

In his new role, he brings his progressive experience of hospitality and dynamic knowledge base to make this hotel a brand icon in Kochi.

Prior to his current role, he was the General Manager at the Le Meridien, Nagpur. Where he piloted the property in its positioning activations, elevated guest experience and accelerated food and beverage reputation. After his successful stint in Operations at Sheraton Grand Brigade, he was promoted as the Executive Assistant Manager at the iconic Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

A graduate of IHM Lucknow, Anurag completed his formal education with a post-graduation from Symbiosis Pune. Anurag commenced his professional journey at Marriott beginning with the iconic JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai in 2004 as part of the Rooms Division team. Throughout his career, Anurag has worked with companies like Leela, Orchid, ISTA, and Jaypee Hotels and Resorts.

Over the years, his focus and energy have only proven invaluable as he spearheaded the launch of the first Shine Spa for Sheraton in India in Bengaluru and the conversion of the Renaissance Ahmedabad hotel.

A people person by heart, Anurag is an enthusiastic and jovial individual, bringing energy to those around him. He will lead the team with a vision to deliver the guests our brand values throughout their stay at our modern hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Kochi Airport, and also at our Boutique Property Port Muziris, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Courtyard by Marriott, Kochi Airport, and Port Muziris, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is very excited and happy to have its new Multi-Property General Manager to create the greatest achievements, memories, and experiences together.

Appointment | Hyatt Regency Kolkata appoints Chef Ishika Konar as their new Executive Chef

With over 16 years of culinary experience, she brings a dynamic and innovative energy to Hyatt Regency Kolkata's diverse culinary scene

Her wide-ranging experience, creative flair, and ardent passion for culinary art make her the perfect chef to oversee and maintain the legacy of the award-winning restaurants of the Hyatt Regency Kolkata.

Holding a strong record of streamlining operations and improving service while preserving the highest levels of quality, menu engineering and food styling being her prime forte; she is passionate about blending contemporary eating habits with the authenticity of traditional flavors and wellness.

Chef Ishika shifted from the mainstream and joined Atmantan Wellness, Pune as after so many years of experience, she wanted to evolve by creating taste with health, Joining Hyatt Regency Kolkata, a hotel with a culinary legacy will bring forth her creativity as Hyatt strongly believes in Food as a fuel in the road to wellbeing and creating food that is Thoughtfully sourced, carefully served

Her passion to continue learning and exploring her craft has resulted in an impressive career spanning with previous work experiences over more than 16 years that include Atmantan Wellness, Crowne Plaza, Westin Gurgaon and JW Aerocity. Honored to have worked with several Michelin star and Celebrity chefs like Mark Wilson, David Whatson and Kushal Arora.

This maverick chef who has worked across India's major metro cities has cooked and executed culinary workshops for celebrities like Hema Malini. She has been awarded as Lady Chef of the year in 2012 and is among the Top 6 women achievers.

Appointment | The Westin Pune onboards Devendra Modak as the new Director of Engineering

The Westin Pune onboards Devendra Modak as the new Director of Engineering

Pune, June 2022: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park welcomes Devendra Modak as their New Director of Engineering. Devendra, based in Pune, in his role, will be directly responsible to lead the engineering department at The Westin Pune – from hiring and training new team members to managing tech projects and preparing the budget of the team.

With nearly 32 years of expertise in the engineering space, Devendra’s early career started in 1990 as a Central Mechanic for the Ramada Inn Palm Grove. The next year he went on to work for the Welcomgroup Sea Rock Sheraton as the Technician IV and in 1994, work as a Skilled Staff Grade II for Glaxo India Ltd. In October 2001, Devendra got his first big chance as the Engg. Manager for J.W. Marriott Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai, and since then he’s never looked back.

Devendra is a hands-on hotel engineer who is proficient in handling people and products effectively in each and every situation and sector of engineering operations through his immense experience and leadership skills. His past job roles have also seen him work for Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited as Regional Head Engineering, Chief Engineer/DGM Services for Phoenix Market city Mumbai, Director of Engineering for 3 properties including J W Marriott Hotels Mumbai, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad, and lastly, Chief Engineer at Courtyard by Marriott Pune.

Commenting on his appointment, Devendra Modak, Director of Engineering, The Westin Pune, said, “I am honored with my appointment as Director of Engineering and looking forward to be a part of the Westin family, as for me it’s clear that they are a group of hotels focused on being the best in class asset management professionals. I’m excited and looking forward to join forces with the amazing teams at the hotel and embark on what I'm certain will be an exciting journey alongside incredibly talented people who are mission-driven.”

Devendra is an HVAC certified from the Industrial Technical Institute. In terms of his personal skills, Devendra associates himself with being a team player, trainer, leading by example, communicator, organized, a quick learner, and resourceful.

About The Westin Pune Koregaon Park:

Situated amid celebrated attractions, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a luxurious haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at the on-site dining options, including a chic bar and nightclub. Enjoy a coveted location in Koregaon Park near Pune Airport, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and many industrial parks. Work well in 45,000 square feet of sophisticated, flexible hotel event space, enhanced by modern AV equipment, on-site event planning and custom catering services. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Replenish your well-being at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

Appointment | CHEF ABHAY KUMAR SINGH JOINS FOUR SEASONS MUMBAI AS INTERNATIONAL SOUS CHEF

CHEF ABHAY KUMAR SINGH JOINS FOUR SEASONS MUMBAI AS INTERNATIONAL SOUS CHEF

(Mumbai, India): From the glittering islands of the Maldives to the Island City of Mumbai, Chef Abhay Kumar Singh has made a grand voyage to join Four Seasons Mumbai’s culinary team as International Sous Chef.  In his last role, Chef Abhay was responsible for the kitchens of the very exclusive Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah. His expertise lies in curating menus featuring the best of Western cuisine, such as Mexican, Mediterranean and Arabic. 

With this current role, Abhay completes 13 nearly-continuous years with Four Seasons. Apart from the Maldives, he has also worked in Kuwait and the UAE which further enriched his worldview, having catered to the tastes of ultra-high net-worth individuals who seek luxury in every meal. 

A well-traveled individual with refined sensibilities, Chef Abhay is the ideal fit for The Club at Four Seasons Mumbai, a venue where the who’s who of Mumbai meets and entertains. His creativity and innovation will be pivotal to the metamorphosis of this space over the course of the coming months. Apart from The Club, Chef Abhay will also work on the cuisine which forms part of the city’s favorite rootop bar – AER, in the coming months.

On the educational front, he holds a B. Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Thiruvananthapuram, along with multiple culinary certifications.  At a personal level, Abhay enjoys traveling and has ticked numerous iconic destinations off his list like Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and more.   

Park Plaza CBD Shahdara, Delhi announced promotion of Devinder Kumar as Executive Assistant Manager (E.A.M.) - Food & Beverage.

Park Plaza CBD Shahdara, Delhi announced promotion of Devinder Kumar as Executive Assistant Manager (E.A.M.) - Food & Beverage. 

Devinder Kumar

A goal oriented F&B professional Devinder Kumar holds an experience of more than 24 years in hospitality industry. Devinder started his journey with The Bristol hotel as management trainee and developed his skill in different areas of F&B. During his journey he experienced in flagship hotels at different part of country including The Bristol, ITC welcome group, Majestic Park Plaza Ludhiana, Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, I.R.C.T.C, Vista Park and Park Plaza CBD, Delhi.

During his professional culinary journey as a Chef, performed cookery shows at Dordarshan and India News on Television. Awarded as “Chef of the Year” for premium category hotels from Sarovar group of hotels for the year 2015.

During his 10 years dedicated tenure at Park Plaza Delhi with an exceptional record of service and experience in handing multiple clients and all facets of cooking management and catering operations. He has good interpersonal skills, fast and strong communication skills and a good pre-opening experience.

Appointment | Gaurav Thakur Appointed General Manager of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Gaurav Thakur Appointed General Manager of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Holding two decades of hospitality experience, Thakur will lead the pre-opening team in all aspects of resort operations, from guest satisfaction to commercial activities

MALÉ, Maldives – [June 2022] Hilton has appointed Gaurav Thakur as the general manager of the upcoming Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, the 109-all pool villa resort will open on 1 July 2022, marking the entry of Hilton’s flagship brand into the Maldives.

“Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is an outstanding resort, anchored on Hilton’s signature hospitality, promising guests innovative dining, wellness and leisure concepts that will help them create new experiences as they travel and reconnect with their loved ones,” said Jamie Mead, Senior Director of Operations, Hilton, South East Asia. “With his innate understanding of the industry, strong background in operations, and sound leadership skills, I have no doubt that Gaurav will ably guide his team to ensure an impactful launch and continued success for the resort.”

An accomplished hospitality veteran with a 17-year long career in Hilton across the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton, and Conrad brands, Thakur’s diverse experience includes roles in countries such as the United Kingdom, India, and the Maldives, where he oversaw operations across different departments. Throughout his career, Thakur also played key leadership roles in the opening teams for Conrad Pune, Conrad Bengaluru and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where he served as resort manager before moving to Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.

“India continues to be one of the top source markets for our destination,” said Thakur. “The team and I look forward to introducing unique and inspiring experiences to travelers from this key location, whether they are visiting for the first time or rediscovering the iconic beauty of the Maldives.”

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is set to open on 1 July 2022. Conveniently accessible via a 20-minute premium speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, the stunning island property showcases 109 beaches and overwater villas – each featuring its own private pool, six exceptional restaurants and bars, holistic spa and wellness facilities and best-in-class amenities for families, including one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives and a rooftop lounge exclusive to teenage guests.

Appointment | Novotel Guwahati GS Road appoints Saurav Banerjee as Front office Manager

Novotel Guwahati GS Road appoints Saurav Banerjee as Front office Manager

Saurav Banerjee has begun his career with ITC Grand Chola, Chennai and he was a part of the pre-opening team. He joined Taj Management Training program in 2015 and worked with multiple brands of Taj across India (Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz in Mumbai, Taj Bekal in Kerala, Vivanta Bangalore, and Corporate office in Mumbai).

His last assignment was with Lemon Tree Premier Mumbai, International Airport as an assistant Front Office Manager.

Appointment | Novotel Guwahati GS Road appoints Bhaskar Jyoti Bhatta as Food and Beverage Manager

Novotel Guwahati GS Road is pleased to announce that Bhaskar Jyoti Bhatta recently joined the team.

Prior to this role, Bhaskar Jyoti Bhatta has worked in various other brands across India. Born and bought up in Assam, he shifted his base to Kolkata and completed his BHM course at West Bengal University and technology. He is having approx. 12 years of experience with different properties of India including established brands such as Courtyard, and Renaissance. His last assignment was with Marriott Suites, Pune as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

Appointment | Vikram Singh Rathore joins Golden Tulip Jaipur as the new Area General Manager

Vikram Singh Rathore has recently joined the Golden Tulip, Jaipur as an Area General Manager. Result driven, highly motivated with experience of more than two decades in the hospitality industry. Expertise in Operations & Revenue Management and strategic planning.

Vikram is a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong background that boasts of an illustrious and ascending career graph with a rich experience of working with good hospitality brands.

Before associating with Golden Tulip Jaipur, he was with Suba Group of Hotel as a Regional Head Rajasthan. In the past, he has worked with hospitality brands such as Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, Royal Orchid, IHG, ITC, Carlson Group of a Hotel.

Vikram holds a Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management from Rajasthan University.

Appointment | Ayan Halder Appointed as Rooms Division Manager at Courtyard By Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal

Ayan Halder has been appointed as the new Rooms Division Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal. Ayan Halder brings over 12 years of experience in guest relations and the hospitality industry by working with renowned hospitality brands across India. He exhibits a strong record of driving guest and employee satisfaction.

Ayan started his career as Front Office Supervisor at The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Kolkata in 2009 and subsequently moved to Taj Bengal Kolkata and Novotel Hotel and Residences, Kolkata. Prior to joining Courtyard By Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, he worked with Four Points by Sheraton, Marriott International, and Vizag as Front Office Manager. As Rooms Division Manager at Courtyard By Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, he brings his wealth of experience and skills to manage guest satisfaction by ensuring the Rooms Division meets the brand’s standards. He will also emphasize on growing revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department.

Ayan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata. He also completed his MBA from the International School of Business and Media in Kolkata.

When not at work, Ayan likes to play outdoor games and is a fitness enthusiast. He loves listening to music and traveling to adventurous and offbeat places.

Appointment | Chef Abhishek Singh Joins Hyatt Pune as an Executive Chef

He will be also responsible for cost center management, hygiene standards, and team training

Hyatt Pune has appointed Chef Abhishek Singh as an Executive Chef. He will lead a team of food specialists and ensure that hotel food maintains the highest quality. He will be also responsible for cost center management, hygiene standards, and team training.

Chef Abhishek is trained in Modern European Cuisine alongside his specialization in Italian, Mexican, Arabic, and Indian Cuisine. Chef Abhishek has also mastered some regional cuisines including Awadhi.

With over 17 years of culinary Journey, Chef Abhishek has worked with several hotels across India and abroad, learning his skills. He is especially proud of his understanding of concepts in molecular and Ayurveda cuisines. He has completed his graduation in hotel management.

In 2020, Chef participated in a competition organized by Quality NZ and was one of the top ten chefs in India.

With his rich experience, Chef Abhishek has joined Hyatt Pune at a time when the hospitality industry is making a comeback and he aims to take famed restaurant products like Baan Tao, Fishbowl, and Eighty-Eight to new levels.

Chef Abhishek says, “I am looking forward to working with the supportive and friendly team at Hyatt Pune. I am thrilled to be working in the extremely beautiful green environment of Hyatt Pune. I believe Pune is an extremely vibrant city and Punekars deserves the best.”