Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Strengthens Its Sales Force with Strategic Appointments

Mahabaleshwar, January 2025: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar in the past few months has taken significant steps in ensuring that they expand their area of operation and influence. A step towards achieving this comes in form of strengthening the sales centre team with team members operating out of Pune, Mumbai and on-property. These strategic appointments reflect the hotel’s commitment to enhancing its market presence and delivering unparalleled service to its valued clients. The new team members bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for excellence, promising to drive growth and innovation in the competitive hospitality sector.

1. Hrishikesh Bokil – Sales Manager

Hrishikesh Bokil joins Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar as Sales Manager, bringing over a decade of regional and national sales expertise. A diploma holder in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Hrishikesh has built an impressive career working with some of the most respected names in the hospitality industry.

His journey includes pivotal roles such as Regional Sales Manager at Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, Unit Sales Manager at Vivanta by Taj Hinjewadi, and National Account Manager with IHG – Intercontinental Hotels. His extensive experience across the Pune market positions him as an asset in driving strategic initiatives and delivering results for the hotel. Hrishikesh’s strong understanding of client needs and his ability to cultivate lasting relationships will play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s regional sales efforts.

2. Priya Pandit – Sales Manager

Priya Pandit brings over eight years of experience in sales, marketing, and client relations to her role as Sales Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. She has held key positions at leading hospitality brands such as Hyatt, Radisson, and ITC Hotels, where she excelled in revenue growth, market research, and building client relationships. 

Priya’s earlier tenure at ITC Maratha Hotel, Mumbai, strengthened her expertise in customer engagement and workflow optimization. Known for her collaborative approach and ability to deliver tailored solutions, Priya is well-positioned to drive sales and further strengthen Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar's market presence. 

3. Masoom Rajpurohit – Sales Centre Manager

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar welcomes Masoom Rajpurohit as Sales Centre Manager. A dynamic leader with a proven track record, Masoom has worked with leading global hospitality brands, including Taj, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham. Her journey in the industry began in Guest Relations, where she developed a keen understanding of customer needs before transitioning into Sales and Marketing, a field in which she has excelled.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Masoom was awarded “Young Marketer of the Year” in the under-35 category at the prestigious Global Excellence Awards. Her ability to drive revenue, establish strategic partnerships, and implement innovative sales initiatives makes her an invaluable addition to the team. Masoom’s expertise in both leisure and corporate market dynamics will contribute to the hotel’s growth in these key segments.

Talking about the appointments, Rahul Janve – General Manager said, “We have seen a steady increase in our business operations from markets around us and thus, it was imperative for us to dive deeper into these markets with a strong and result-driven sales team to lead from front. We are very proud to fortify our team with the appointment of these three seasoned professionals. The joint effort of the teams dedication to excellence ensures a promising future for the hotel.”

Sudip Ghorai Appointed as Housekeeping Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar, January 2025: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar proudly announces the appointment of Sudip Ghorai as Housekeeping Manager. With over 12 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry across India, the UAE, and Bahrain, Sudip is set to bring his expertise in operational excellence, guest experiences and commitment to cleanliness.

Sudip’s professional journey is marked by leadership roles in globally acclaimed hospitality brands such as Marriott, Sarovar Hotels, Ramee Group, and Della Resorts. His impressive portfolio includes managing housekeeping operations for luxury hotels and resorts, overseeing pre-opening and renovation projects, and ensuring seamless guest experiences. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, he has earned accolades for his ability to enhance operational efficiency while upholding brand standards.

Sudip’s academic credentials further strengthen his expertise with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and an International Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality from Highfield, Dubai. Additionally, he is certified by the American Institute of Professional Studies, Dubai, and has received training in leadership and safety from prestigious organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Commenting on his appointment, Sudip Ghorai exclaimed, “It is an honour to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. I am excited to work with a talented team and bring my experience to elevate the guest experience further. My focus will be on maintaining impeccable housekeeping standards and creating a welcoming environment that reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.”

In his new role, Sudip will oversee the housekeeping operations of the 88-room luxury resort, ensuring that every guest enjoys a clean, hygienic, and inviting stay. He will also focus on staff training, cost control, and implementing best practices to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Gaurav Paleja Appointed as Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar  

Mahabaleshwar, July 2024: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is delighted to announce the appointment of Gaurav Paleja as the new Director of Sales. Joining the team from W Goa, Gaurav brings with him a wealth of experience in positioning resort as a leading luxury destination. His extensive experience in the luxury resort market, combined with his proven track record of success, makes him the perfect fit for Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar.

His nearly two-decade-long career includes notable stints at esteemed hotel companies such as Hilton Shillim (Pre-Opening), The Lalit Suri Hospitality, Sahara Star (Pre-Opening), and Aamby Valley. Gaurav's most recent success was as part of the pre-opening team for W Goa in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the W brand in the Indian market within just one year. His outstanding performance was recognized with the prestigious President Circle award in 2018 for exceeding budgetary goals. This achievement is a testament to his dedication, strategic acumen, and ability to drive results.

Gaurav Paleja’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, as the hotel looks to expand and enhance its offerings. His ability to develop and implement effective plans to boost revenue, market share, and occupancy rates will be instrumental in driving the hotel's success.

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Sangram Swain as Assistant Director of Finance

Mahabaleshwar, July 2024: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is delighted to announce the appointment of Sangram Swain as the new Assistant Director of Finance. This strategic move is set to strengthen the hotel's financial operations and support its continued growth in the region.

Sangram brings with him a robust nine-year career in the hospitality industry, marked by significant accomplishments and a deep understanding of finance and accounts. Sangram's professional journey began at Holiday Inn Pune, and Hyatt Pune, where he honed his skills and laid a solid foundation for his career. His journey with Marriott began with his tenure at Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri, where he demonstrated exceptional financial acumen and leadership skills. Most recently, he was instrumental in the pre-opening phase of JW Marriott Goa. In this role, he oversaw the financial operations, ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, and played a pivotal part in establishing the financial framework for the new property.

He holds a post-graduate diploma in Business Administration from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, which has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of business management principles. In addition to this, he has pursued the ICWAI (The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India) course, further broadening his expertise in financial management and cost accounting.

Outside of his professional life, Sangram is an avid traveller. His passion for exploring new places not only enriches his personal experiences but also provides him with a broader perspective that he brings to his professional role. Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is excited about the future under Sangram's financial leadership and is confident that his appointment will contribute to the continued success and growth of the hotel.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Announces Three New Leadership Appointments

Mahabaleshwar, May 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced several new appointments for heads of departments.

Deepraj Vijay Vanju has been appointed as the Food & Beverage Manager. He has a diverse range of experience spanning over 16 years in the hospitality industry. Deepraj will be in charge of leading and overseeing the food and beverage operations, including restaurants, lounges, events, and catering while upholding strict standards for customer satisfaction. In order to increase brand recognition for the hotel’s food and beverage division and boost revenue, Deepraj will be undertaking fruitful collaborations.

Deepraj completed his Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from the International School of Business Management, Lucerne, Switzerland. Part of the Marriott system, Deepraj has previously worked with hotels like St. Regis and Sheraton Grand Pune, which has helped him gain invaluable experience to master the nuances of the F&B vertical.

Commenting on his new appointment, Deepraj says, "I’m honoured to be a part of this beautiful hotel with some of the most picturesque Food & Beverage outlets. I aim to contribute to its success and continue leveraging the esteemed reputation of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar."

Bharath Kumar Bohini has been hired as the Human Resources Manager, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience. He believes in the synergy of his team’s operations to improve employee performance and achieve organisational effectiveness, and has a track record of managing operations successfully in situations that are incredibly competitive.

Bharath takes on the role by overseeing all aspects of human resources management and working closely with the management team to develop and implement strategies in HR that align with the hotel’s overall business objectives.

Another notable appointment is that of Bharati Kumari as the Housekeeping Manager. In her new role, she will oversee the overall upkeep and maintenance of the hotel to ensure the highest level of service. Bharti Kumari brings 8+ years of rich experience with her in hospitality from reputed brands like JW Marriott Mussorie, The St. Regis Mumbai, and The Four Seasons Mumbai.

Bharti has great command over housekeeping operations with her creative working style. She completed her hotel management degree from the International Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata in 2015. In her last assignment with JW Marriott Mussorie, she was awarded the Pillar of the Department honour for her impeccable work ethics.

She loves cooking very much, and to channel her inner creativity, she also likes to read short stories and update herself with hospitality trends and hair styling.

All the new arrivals will support the group's ambitious growth plans and lead the hotel's business development goals to greater heights through strategic leadership.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar welcomes Aalok Jaiswal as the New Associate Director of Sales

Mahabaleshwar, January 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is pleased to welcome Aalok Jaiswal as the Associate Director of Sales. A seasoned professional, Aalok brings with him a wealth of expertise in hotel sales with over 14 years of rich and diverse experience in top hotels of India.

Aalok will be playing a pivotal role in driving the revenue of the hotel through room and catering sales and creating a distinct brand positioning in the destination market segment. A diligent and result-oriented sales lead, he believes in driving strategies powered through dedication and hard work.

Aalok holds a diploma in Business Management from Wellingkar Institute of Management- Mumbai and started his glorious stint in hotel sales at ITC Grand Central Mumbai as Industrial Trainee, moving on to Sun and Sand Group, Sahara Star Aamby Valley City wherein he handled a corporate portfolio of South Mumbai. His last stint was with Zuri Hotels & Resorts where he served for more than a decade and was leading their sales division. 

An avid traveler himself, Aalok has a flair for fire juggling and loves to reconnect with the world through music.