Novotel Goa Candolim Brings On-board Industry Veteran Dibendu Kumar Khan as Director of Operations

Novotel Goa Candolim proudly announces the appointment of Dibendu Kumar Khan as Director of Operations. Dibendu is an accomplished hospitality professional with a career spanning over 20+ years and a rich background in team management, room operations, customer service and curating bespoke guest experiences. His proven track record of successes across the years will continue to drive exceptional and innovative hospitality solutions at Novotel Goa Candolim, further strengthening his reputation as an industry leader.

In his new capacity as Director of Operations, Dibendu will oversee the day-to-day operations of Novotel Goa Candolim, ensuring seamless execution of services and maintaining the hotel’s commitment towards providing exceptional guest experiences. He has previously held pivotal roles at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, The Leela Goa, Taj Greencove Resort Kerala and Ananda in the Himalayas. Dibendu holds a Bachelor of Hotel Management degree. 

Commenting on the announcement, Ranju Singh, Complex General Manager, Novotel Goa Candolim said, “Dibendu is a force to reckon with in the hospitality industry and we are thrilled to welcome him in the team. His expertise in guest experiences and wealth of knowledge is surely going to elevate our name notches higher. We are excited and are looking forward to a long innings together.”

Upon his appointment, Mr. Dibendu Kumar Khan expressed his enthusiasm, “It feels great to be back to Goa and a lot more excitement as I join hands with a brand that I have followed for a while. I look forward to working with my new team at Novotel Goa Candolim and offering our guests, our lifeline, an experience of a lifetime. The hospitality sector is shaping up beautifully in Goa, with new and unique experiences and opportunities, giving us an impetus to be our innovative best.”  

When not busy with the daily hustle bustle, Dibendu likes to unwind with reading, travelling along with discovering and savouring Goan food and culture. 

Novotel Guwahati GS Road Appoints Narendra Singh as Executive Chef

Novotel Guwahati GS Road proudly welcomes Narendra Singh as the new Executive Chef. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Narendra brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences to his new role.

Prior to joining Novotel Guwahati GS Road, Chef Narendra served as Chef de Cuisine at Anantara - Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman, where he showcased his culinary talent and leadership skills in managing diverse culinary operations. His culinary journey includes enriching experiences with esteemed brands such as The Oberoi, The Ritz Carlton, and Radisson Blu, where he honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of culinary excellence.

Chef Narendra holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from I.H.M. Gurdaspur, where he received comprehensive training and education in culinary arts and hotel management. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation, earning accolades and recognition for his culinary creations and leadership.

I am delighted to join the dynamic team at Novotel Guwahati GS Road said Chef Narendra Singh.

I am excited about the opportunity to showcase my culinary skills and contribute to the hotel’s success. With a focus on quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction, I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.

In his role as Executive Chef, Chef Narendra will oversee all culinary operations at Novotel Guwahati GS Road, including menu development, kitchen management, and culinary innovation. Novotel Guwahati GS Road extends a warm welcome to Chef Narendra Singh and looks forward to his contributions in enhancing the culinary offerings and guest experiences at the hotel.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Announces New General Manager George Koumendakos

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has appointed George Koumendakos as its new General Manager. The Dutch national brings 37 years of experience including 15 years as General Manager in multiple 5-star hotels around the world.

Koumendakos, who is fluent in three languages, is a highly respected hotel professional who has worked in 14 countries. Prior to arriving at Metropole Hanoi, he was most recently the General Manager at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara in Malaysia. He also formerly led the pre-opening team at the Intercontinental Hanoi Landmark 72 Hanoi.

“Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s rich 122-year history, sophisticated and elegant French colonial design, and warm and personalized service, along with its distinctive sense of French joie de vivre, make it one of the world’s most legendary hotels, and I greatly look forward to being part of its next illustrious chapter,” Koumendakos said.

Koumendakos, a graduate of the renowned hospitality management Hotelschool The Hague in the Netherlands, officially took the helm at Metropole Hanoi on Sept. 25.

His arrival coincides with major milestones at the hotel, including the upcoming reopening of the historic Metropole Wing in December following an extensive refurbishment that will usher in six new Metropole Suites (while the overall number of rooms will remain the same). Metropole Hanoi also recently relaunched its celebrated Vietnamese restaurant Spice Garden with a new concept, design and menu.

In February, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was awarded a prestigious Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—from Forbes Travel Guide for a fourth consecutive year. Metropole Hanoi is one of only two hotels in Vietnam to earn the Five-Star rating—and the only in Hanoi to receive the top distinction. In June, the industry-leading travel magazine Travel + Leisure named Metropole Hanoi one of the top city hotels in Vietnam in its annual Luxury Awards Asia Pacific. Additionally, it was included in their esteemed list of the “500 Best Hotels in the World.”