Kamat Hotels India promotes Upender Gupta to Executive Sous Chef

India’s leading hospitality brand, Kamat Hotels India Ltd has promoted Chef Upender Gupta as the Executive Sous Chef at The Orchid Hotel Shimla. 

With 20 years of culinary expertise, Upender's journey is a story of passion, growth, and commitment to excellence. He began his career at Baikunth Resort, Kasauli, where he mastered the flavors of Indian curries and grills. His love for outdoor cooking blossomed here, and was further refined during his time at Club Mahindra Resorts, where he transformed dining experiences across several properties.

Since joining The Orchid Hotel Shimla in 2022, Upender has stood out for his creativity and leadership. His performance as the HoD has earned him this promotion. 

“I’m excited to lead our talented kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences for our esteemed guests. I look forward to exploring new culinary ideas and continuing to deliver sustainable and top-quality cuisine,” he shares. 

The Orchid Hotel Shimla is confident that his leadership will inspire the team and enhance the guest experience further.

The St. Regis Mumbai Welcomes Dhiraj Amin as the New Director of Sales

Mumbai, November 2024: The St. Regis Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Dhiraj Amin as the new Director Of Sales, boasting an illustrious career spanning across 14 years of exceptional experience in the hospitality industry. 

Dhiraj brings with him a wealth of experience in creating, leading and conceptualizing a team. Having started his journey as a Management Trainee Sales at Svenska Design Hotel, Dhiraj has greatly contributed in fostering growth at prestigious hospitality chains such as JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai and Waterstones Hotel & Resort Mumbai. In his previous role as the Director of Sales at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, he excelled in developing comprehensive business and sales strategies in pursuit of new opportunities of growth, led the day to day functions of the Sales Department, and produced, implemented and monitored action plans to ensure budget plan and forecast objectives were well achieved. 

Notably, Dhiraj was recognized as a Marriott Presidents Circle Winner in 2016, underscoring his commitment to excellence in sales. His strong communication skills and leadership capabilities position him well to drive the hotel’s sales initiatives forward and enhance the guest experience at The St. Regis Mumbai. 

With his proven track record of continuously delivering long-term results and his unwavering dedication towards achieving excellence, Dhiraj Amin is well-equipped to lead the sales team at The St. Regis Mumbai. His ability to inspire and motivate others, combined with his strategic vision, will be instrumental in enhancing the brand’s reputation in the hospitality industry. We are excited to see the positive impact he will make as he embarks on this new chapter with us.  

The St. Regis Mumbai welcomes Dhiraj’s perspective and insights, anticipating his valuable contributions to the esteemed establishment. 

Sidharth Kaul Appointed as Multi Property Director of Sales & Marketing for JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golf shire Resort & Spa, Mulberry Shades, Bengaluru and Moxy, Bengaluru

~Kaul will be leading three diverse hotel & resorts in this newly appointed role at Marriott International~

Bengaluru, 04 November,2024: Marriott International, India is pleased to announce the appointment of Sidharth Kaul as Multi Property Director of Sales & Marketing for JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru, Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort and Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud. With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years, Sidharth brings a fresh and experienced perspective to the team, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and brand leadership. 

Prior to joining his current role, Sidharth held the position of Director of Sales & Marketing at JW Marriott Bengaluru UB City, where he spearheaded the team and drove significant growth and innovative sales & marketing strategies. In his new role, Sidharth will oversee the strategic sales, marketing and business operations, and will lead all the aspects of sales and marketing department in these three distinct hotels of Marriott International in Bengaluru. He will also be overseeing and managing a sizable team across three properties.

With a proven record of accomplishment at renowned International & Indian hotel chains, his result-oriented approach is what drove his team to perform exceedingly well and orchestrated key events in all segments complimented by his analytical approach to sales and marketing. 

“I am grateful for continuing my work with my Marriott family and thrilled to step into this stimulating role to manage three popular and distinct hotels, contributing to the continued success of these properties,” said Kaul. 

Ronan Fearon, General Manager of JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa remarked, “Our properties are poised to enhance the travel experience for all our guests.  With Sidharth joining the team, I am excited about the wealth of knowledge and expertise he brings from the industry. His contributions will be instrumental in positioning all three properties as leaders in their categories.”

JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Annam Lubana as Director of Operations.

Bringing in over a decade of experience in the hospitality sector, JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Annam Lubana as Director of Operations.

With extensive experience in luxury hotels, Annam began her career in the rooms division, where her strong leadership skills with a strategic guest focused disposition stood out. This propelled her ascent to the position of Director of Operations, rapidly advancing through roles at renowned properties such as JW Marriott Pune, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Recognized for her inspiring leadership, Annam consistently garners the respect and admiration of colleagues and stakeholders.

Annam has been pivotal in driving guest satisfaction, boosting loyalty program performance, and optimizing department profitability. Her commitment to excellence is highlighted by her wins as a Digital Guest Experiences Trailblazer, representing the Asia Pacific region and her recognition as the Operations Leader of the Year in 2023. At JW Marriott Goa, she will oversee key operations departments, including Food & Beverage, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping and Spa, with a focus on delivering the brand’s hallmark of exceptional service. She has been with Marriott International for the last several years and has a strong foundation and understanding of the JW Marriott brand.

Annam will focus on the revenue and reputation of JW Marriott Goa, helming a dynamic operational team and leading them to create exceptional moments for each guest. She will strategize with the team to achieve high guest satisfaction scores, drive Brand Standard audit performance, enhance and maximize operational profitability and productivity.

Armed with a Post-Graduate Diploma from the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development and a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, she is the proud winner of the T.R Oberoi Gold Medal in Academic Excellence as a Guest Services Management Associate. At JW Marriott Goa she will aim to work towards efficiency and consumer satiation.

Annam is passionate about visiting new destinations to explore diverse cultures and experience renowned dining Venues and Bars. She enjoys a spot of reading in her spare time and is an ardent animal lover.

Chalet Hotels Limited appoints Shwetank Singh as Executive Director

Mumbai, October 2024: Chalet Hotels Limited (CHL) announced the appointment of Shwetank Singh as Executive Director, inducting Shwetank into the Board of the Company. The appointment is pursuant to recommendation of the Compensation, Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Company and effective immediately for a period of three years, subject to approval by Shareholders of the Company.

In his enhanced role, Shwetank will continue to lead functions of projects, design and business development and will also spearhead the teams of operations and asset management. In addition, Shwetank will also oversee CHL’s Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, said: “In line with our endeavour to groom and grow our internal talent, Shwetank has been inducted into the board of Chalet Hotels Limited and given additional responsibilities of operations and our ESG initiatives. We look forward to his continued contribution to the growth of the Company.”

An alumnus of Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) with an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Shwetank has held key leadership positions at some of the best globally recognized organizations.

Kamat Hotels India promotes Upender Gupta to Executive Sous Chef

India’s leading hospitality brand, Kamat Hotels India Ltd has promoted Chef Upender Gupta as the Executive Sous Chef at The Orchid Hotel Shimla.

With 20 years of culinary expertise, Upender's journey is a story of passion, growth, and commitment to excellence. He began his career at Baikunth Resort, Kasauli, where he mastered the flavors of Indian curries and grills. His love for outdoor cooking blossomed here, and was further refined during his time at Club Mahindra Resorts, where he transformed dining experiences across several properties.

Since joining The Orchid Hotel Shimla in 2022, Upender has stood out for his creativity and leadership. His performance as the HoD has earned him this promotion.

“I’m excited to lead our talented kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences for our esteemed guests. I look forward to exploring new culinary ideas and continuing to deliver sustainable and top-quality cuisine,” he shares.

The Orchid Hotel Shimla is confident that his leadership will inspire the team and enhance the guest experience further.

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to introduce Monal Prabhu as the newly appointed Director of Sales & Marketing

Mumbai, October 2024:  JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to introduce Monal Prabhu as the newly appointed Director of Sales & Marketing. With an illustrious career spanning over 14+ years, Monal brings a fresh and experienced perspective to the team, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and brand leadership. 

With a well-rounded experience across sales, business analytics, event management and marketing, Monal has elevated through different leadership roles in various segments of the hospitality industry. Over the course of her 14 years professional journey, Monal has had a successful tenure with hotel chains like Oberoi and Accor. Having started her exceptional journey with sales in 2011 at The Oberoi, Mumbai as a Banquet Sales Associate, to driving the Catering Sales Team at Sofitel Mumbai BKC for 6 years, Monal has navigated through the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry. 

Monal joined the Marriott International family at The St. Regis Mumbai in 2020 as Associate Director of Catering Sales, where she led the team to exceed budgets exponentially and strategically. She was then appointed the Director of Sales, driving the hotel to achieve a positive market share. Her result-oriented approach is what drove her team to perform exceedingly well. Monal’s expertise in orchestrating corporate events, group gatherings, and weddings is complemented by her analytical approach to sales and marketing. This unique combination has significantly enriched her well-rounded knowledge and strong skill set.

In her appointment as the new Director of Sales & Marketing at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Monal will be responsible for ensuring the hotel’s distinguished reputation is further solidified and expanded. She will lead initiatives to enhance brand awareness, guest engagement, and market reach, along with, driving revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities, nurturing client relationships, and implementing effective sales strategies that align with the hotel's goals. 

Constantly seeking to expand her skills and knowledge, Monal dedicates her spare time to creating engaging reels, doodling, and exploring new destinations. Her passion for learning and creativity beautifully complements her vibrant personality.

Novotel Goa Panjim appoints Rana Shil as the Food and Beverage Manager

Rana aims to further elevate the dining experiences by introducing creative culinary events, improving service standards, and fostering a motivated team

Novotel Goa Panjim has appointed Rana Shil as the Food and Beverage Manager at the recently launched Accor property. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Rana brings a passion to his role, focused on driving revenue through innovative events, food festivals, and strategic marketing initiatives.

Rana started his career in 2013 as a Food & Beverage Assistant at Mercure Lavasa & International Convention Centre. Rana’s career includes leading food and beverage teams across brands such as Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, where he played a key role in boosting beverage sales through upselling techniques and promotional events. His efforts in cost optimization, staff training, and guest service have consistently resulted in enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Speaking on the appointment of Rana, Surajit Chatterjee, General Manager of Novotel Goa Panjim, said, “Rana’s passion for experimenting with new ideas, dedication to R&D, and his proven ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences align seamlessly with our vision. We are confident that his innovative leadership will enhance our food and beverage operations, creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests.”

As he takes on this new role, Rana aims to further elevate the dining experiences by introducing creative culinary events, improving service standards, and fostering a motivated team. His leadership style is defined by a collaborative approach, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations while staying ahead of the latest industry trends.

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Welcomes Biswajit Chakraborty as General Manager

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is delighted to announce the appointment of Biswajit Chakraborty (BC) as the new General Manager. With over three decades of luxury hospitality experience, BC brings a wealth of expertise to this iconic property.

BC has held prominent leadership positions at esteemed luxury brands, including Oberoi, Taj, The Leela, and Accor, shaping his reputation as a dynamic hotelier with a strategic vision. Before joining Four Seasons, he served as Managing Director at Hotelivate, a leading hospitality consulting firm. His career highlights also include roles such as General Manager at Sofitel Mumbai BKC and The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, where his leadership contributed to the hotels' enduring success.

BC's academic journey includes degrees from Bangalore University and Christ College, as well as a diploma from Cornell University. A true globetrotter, BC is passionate about travel, advanced archery, reading, and music, interests that reflect his deep appreciation for culture and lifestyle. He holds a black belt in karate, trained in Kung Fu, and is an active member of the Rotary Club.

In his new role at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, BC aims to elevate the guest experience while maintaining the brand's legacy of personalized service. His leadership promises to take the hotel to new heights of excellence, further establishing it as the preferred luxury destination in Bengaluru.

"I am truly honoured to join the Four Seasons family and lead the exceptional team at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. This is an exciting chapter in my journey, and I look forward to building on the hotel's legacy of excellence while introducing fresh, innovative experiences that reflect the vibrant culture of the city." said Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru.

Under BC's guidance, the hotel is poised to expand its offerings and continue its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, making Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru a destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata appointed Ms. Anwesha Bhattacharya, Marketing Communications Manager

Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata is pleased to announce the appointment of Anwesha  Bhattacharya as Marketing Communications Manager. With over five years of extensive  experience in Marketing and Public Relations, Anwesha brings a wealth of knowledge and a  proven track record in brand building and strategic communication. Her expertise spans a range  of industries, making her an asset in driving the hotel's marketing and PR initiatives. 

In her current role as Marketing Communications Manager, she will be responsible for overseeing  all aspects of the hotel's marketing, branding, and communications strategy and positioning  Hyatt Centric Ballygunge as a preferred destination in Kolkata. 

Previously, Anwesha worked at Global Kitchen Kolkata as Senior Marketing Manager, where she  oversaw the marketing portfolio of thirteen prestigious brands, including Serafina, Bombay  Brasserie, and Irish House. Her success in driving impactful campaigns and fostering brand  growth reflects her deep understanding of market trends and customer engagement strategies. 

An alumna of Calcutta University with a degree in Accounting and Finance, Anwesha is  committed to continuous learning and innovation, ensuring she remains at the forefront of  industry trends. Her ability to blend creativity with analytical insight aligns perfectly with Hyatt  Centric Ballygunge's dynamic and forward-thinking culture. 

Outside of her professional pursuits, Anwesha is an avid reader and traveler, constantly  exploring new culinary destinations for inspiration. Her passion for diverse experiences fuels  her innovative approach to marketing, making her a perfect fit for the team at Hyatt Centric  Ballygunge Kolkata

Hilton Goa Resort Candolim welcomes Kshitij Jawa as General Manager

National – October 2024 – Kshitij Jawa has been named as the new general manager of Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim. A seasoned leader with two decades in the hospitality industry, Jawa’s expertise spans across pre-opening projects, hotel operations, marketing, food and beverage, team management, and financial management. At Hilton Goa Resort Candolim, his leadership role will be crucial in achieving the hotel’s ambitious growth goals over the next few years focused around elevating hotel positioning, enhancing the guest experience, fostering a culture of excellence, and further developing the in-house team. The hotel is owned by Soham Leisure Ventures Private Limited a subsidiary of Sun Estates Developers and managed by Hilton. 
Kshitij Jawa will lead the team across all aspects of the hotel operations, administration, guest services and satisfaction. 

“I look forward to this new opportunity and am proud to be able to lead the phenomenal team at Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim,” said Kshitij Jawa. “My ultimate goal is to ensure this hotel remains a top choice for both domestic and international travelers across market segments by delivering outstanding customer service and amenities. I am excited to work alongside this talented group of people to continue building on the legacy, setting new benchmarks in delivering memorable experiences.”

Over the years, Kshitij has held leadership roles in some of India’s most prestigious hotel chains. Prior to joining Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim, Kshitij served as the General Manager at Radisson Hotel Group, Mohali, where he spearheaded the successful launch of India’s first Radisson RED brand and mentored teams to achieve new heights in operational success. His other notable tenures have been with brands such as Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode and has completed Guest Service Management program at the Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development, New Delhi. He is also an active part of the community and volunteers for local organizations and charities, keeping in line with Hilton’s overall service culture and giving back philosophy.

Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Atmosphere Core Welcomes Maurice Van Den Bosch as GM of RAAYA by Atmosphere and Milan Mookerjee as VP of Human Resources

Experienced Leaders To Elevate Guest & Employee Experiences 

Atmosphere Core Welcomes Maurice Van Den Bosch as GM of RAAYA by Atmosphere

 and Milan Mookerjee as VP of Human Resources

October 2024 – International hospitality company Atmosphere Core has announced two pivotal leadership appointments. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returns to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, while Milan Mookerjee joins as Vice President of Human Resources. These appointments reflect Atmosphere Core’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences and fostering a people-centric culture across its portfolio of three brands and nine resorts.

Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch Returns as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere

Born in Australia, Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, cost-effectively develop new projects, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency. 

Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.

As the General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, Maurice will leverage his deep understanding of the brand to lead the resort with a focus on anticipating, crafting, and elevating guest experiences. "The culture and hospitality inspired by the Joy of Giving resonate deeply with me, and this shared value brings me back to the Atmosphere family”, Maurice said. "At RAAYA by Atmosphere, we are creating a castaway island experience of choice, a guest experience like no other, with a fine balance of escapism and energy.  And I look forward to foster a collaborative working environment so that we create unforgettable moments for our guests."

Milan Mookerjee Appointed as Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core

Veteran Human Resources leader, Milan Mookerjee will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across the Atmosphere Core's resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, Milan is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture.

Reflecting on his approach to human resources, Milan said, "Leadership is a privilege that we owe to our team. Intentionality with direction and purpose drives results, and I am committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people to grow and succeed. In hospitality, success begins with a motivated, engaged workforce, and I believe in creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This includes investing in continuous learning, nurturing talent, and promoting a strong sense of belonging within the team.”

Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programmes tailored to business needs.
Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, emphasised the importance of a strong leadership team. "At Atmosphere Core, we foster a people-first culture built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring that every employee takes pride in their work. This dedication extends to curating experiences that guests cherish and return for. Maurice’s deep industry expertise and understanding of our brand, combined with Milan’s people-centric approach, will significantly enhance our operations and guest satisfaction across our resorts".

Mallika Chugh Promoted to Cluster Manager, Marketing Communication at Courtyard by Marriott Agra and Gurugram

Courtyard by Marriott is proud to announce the promotion of Mallika Chugh to Cluster Manager, Marketing Communication for Courtyard by Marriott Agra and Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram.

With over 2.5 years of experience at Marriott, Mallika has played a pivotal role in driving successful marketing campaigns, including the pre-opening strategies for Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg and Fairfield by Marriott Agra. Her tenure at Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown has made a remarkable impact on the property’s brand presence.

Mallika’s expertise spans digital marketing, offline marketing, public relations, and internal and external communications. A graduate of Delhi University, she has authored over 100 published articles in leading publications, she also had her research on Media Influence and Humanitarian Intervention During Crisis published in an international journal during her master’s.

We are confident Mallika will continue to drive success and elevate the marketing communication strategies for both properties in her new role. Congratulations, Mallika!

Courtyard by Marriott Agra Welcomes New Executive Chef – Utpal Kumar Dey

Courtyard by Marriott Agra is proud to announce the appointment of Utpal Kumar Dey as the new Executive Chef. With an impressive culinary journey spanning over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Chef Utpal brings his expertise and passion for food to elevate the dining experience at the hotel.

Chef Utpal has an extensive background in kitchen operations, food production, and menu planning, having worked with prestigious brands such as JW Marriott, Novotel, and DoubleTree by Hilton. His experience ranges from mastering Continental, Oriental, and Indian cuisines to creating seasonal dishes with a focus on quality and innovation. His hands-on approach ensures that each dish is crafted with precision, balancing flavour and cost without compromising on taste.

Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Agra, Chef Utpal held the role of Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Raipur and Pride Plaza Hotel Kolkata, where he was instrumental in shaping the culinary landscape. He has also been recognised for his leadership and culinary prowess, winning several accolades including “HOD of the Year” at Courtyard Marriott Raipur and “Manager of the Month” at JW Marriott Kolkata.

Chef Utpal is committed to creating memorable culinary experiences for guests at Courtyard by Marriott Agra. His innovative approach, combined with his dedication to excellence, is set to enhance the hotel’s dining offerings.

Join us in welcoming Chef Utpal Kumar Dey to Courtyard by Marriott Agra, where his culinary creations will undoubtedly delight and inspire.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji Appoints Nikita Dugade as Assistant Director, Sales

October, National: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji is delighted to announce the appointment of Nikita Dugade as Assistant Director of Sales. The recent senior positions onboarding is a strategic move underscoring DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji’s commitment to strengthening leadership. As part of her new role, Nikita will be spearheading on-ground operations, enhancing stakeholder relationships and overseeing sales operations in Goa.

Nikita brings with her a rich background from her tenure at Westin Goa, Westin Powai, JW Marriott Juhu, Vivanta by Taj Goa amongst others. She has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout her career, including ‘Manager of the Year’ at Westin Goa and for organising and executing the "Shaadi by Marriott" campaign at JW Marriott, Juhu 

“We’re excited to welcome Nikita to our team. With her impressive track record, we're eager to see her vision translate into greater productivity and growth for our property. We wish her all the best.” said Harshad Nalawade, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji. 

Commenting on her appointment Nikita Dugade, Assistant Director, Sales expressed, “I am excited about my new role. I look forward to leveraging my expertise gained through the years to drive operational excellence and sales growth.”

When not counting numbers or chasing targets, Nikita likes to unwind with travelling and putting on her dancing shoes.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai welcomes Aaruni Dwivedi as Hotel Manager

Aaruni has led operations at top-rated Four Seasons Hotels across APAC, EMEA, and Americas over his 17-year hospitality career

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has appointed Aaruni Dwivedi as the new Hotel Manager. In his capacity as Hotel Manager, he will oversee the operations of the hotel, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of luxury and service.

A seasoned leader in operations, Aaruni has worked at top-rated Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts across the APAC, EMEA, and Americas regions over his 17-year career in hospitality. His extensive background in operations management, process optimisation, and guest experience enhancements will be instrumental in elevating the guest experiences at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Before joining the Mumbai team, Aaruni was the Director of Rooms at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, leading seven departments and boosting guest recognition scores and processes. His global leadership experience spans Four Seasons properties in the Seychelles and Maldives, with expertise in pre-opening and luxury hotel operations.

His appointment at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai marks his return to the city where he began his career. He had held various positions in the front office during its pre-opening phase. His rich expertise, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence and guest-focused leadership, promises an exciting new chapter for the hotel.

“I am delighted to return to Mumbai and be part of the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. This city holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working with the talented team here to ensure operational excellence across rooms and F&B divisions and further elevate the guest experience and personalised service that Four Seasons is renowned for,” said Aaruni Dwivedi, Hotel Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Amit Mehta appointed as Vice President of Operations for Auro Hotels India

Amit will manage all operations across Auro Hotels’ India portfolio, including Surat Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Surat and its future projects

Auro Hotels India has elevated Amit Mehta to the position of Vice President of Operations. Based in Surat, Gujarat, Amit brings close to 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, where he has worked with brands such as Taj and Marriott. His extensive career includes 23 years of service with Taj Hotels, where he held key roles across Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Surajkund NCR, and Surat, before transitioning to Marriott.

Amit joined Auro Hotels India in 2019 as Area Director and General Manager at Surat Marriott Hotel, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s hotel operations and elevating service standards. In his new position as Vice President of Operations, Amit will manage all operations across Auro Hotels’ India portfolio, including Surat Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Surat and future projects to expand the company’s footprint in the Indian hospitality market.

DJ Rama, President and CEO of Auro Hotels, expressed his excitement about the appointment: “We are excited to announce these organisational changes. Amit brings extensive experience and a proven track record in the hospitality industry. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and innovation. We look forward to the significant contributions he will make to our team and the positive impact he will have on our operations and guest experiences.”

Amit’s journey in the hospitality sector has been defined by his dedication to operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and innovation. His leadership experience across multiple regions and properties has been instrumental in driving the success of the teams and hotels under his management.

The Machan appoints Sakshi Sarmandal as the Director of Talent and Culture

Sakshi will create an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive in their careers

Machan Resorts LLP, an award-winning group recognised for its exceptional hospitality over the past 30 years, has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Sakshi Sarmandal as the Director of Talent and Culture. In her new position, Sakshi will execute strategies to enhance a robust people-centric culture, ensuring the group continues to attract the best talent and offers an inspiring and engaging working experience.  

Sakshi holds a Business Administration degree with a specialisation in Human Resources from The Welingkar Institute of Management Studies.  With a strong background in hospitality, including experience at JW Marriott Juhu, Sarovar Hotels, Pride Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and as a professor at IHM College, Sakshi brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. 

Rakshit Sharma, COO, commented on the appointment, “We are thrilled to have Sakshi join our leadership team. Her experience in talent management and passion for developing people will play a key role in strengthening our employee-centric culture and driving the overall growth of our brand.” 

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Sakshi stated, “I am excited to be a part of a brand that values sustainability and innovation. My goal is to create an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive in their careers.”

The Machan appoints Sakshi Sarmandal as the Director of Talent and Culture

Mumbai, October 2024 – Machan Resorts LLP, an award winning group recognized for its exceptional hospitality over the past 30 years, has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Sakshi Sarmandal as the Director of Talent and Culture.

In her new position, Sakshi will lead the execution of strategies aimed at enhancing a robust people-centric culture, ensuring the group continues to attract the best talent and offers an inspiring and engaging working experience.

Sakshi holds a Business Administration degree with a specialization in Human Resources from The Welingkar Institute of Management Studies.

With a strong background in Hospitality, including experience at JW Marriot Juhu, Sarovar Hotels, Pride Hotels, Sayaji Hotels and as a professor at IHM college Sakshi brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Rakshit Sharma, COO, commented on the appointment "We are thrilled to have Sakshi join our leadership team. Her experience in talent management and passion for developing people will play a key role in strengthening our employee-centric culture and driving the overall growth of our brand."

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Sakshi stated, "I am excited to be a part of a brand that values sustainability and innovation. My goal is to create an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive in their careers."

About The Machan

The Machan is a unique eco-resort renowned for its exceptional treehouses, offering unparalleled tranquility and breathtaking views in Lonavala. The group also includes Legacy Mandawa in Rajasthan, a Heritage Haveli Resort offering royal accommodations. Expanding its footprint across India, The Machan is set to launch new properties in Jawai, Jaisalmer, Udaipur (Rajasthan), Mulshi and Pawna.

Park Hyatt Chennai welcomes back Kumar Shobhan as new General Manager

Throughout his 25 years in the hospitality industry, Shobhan has been involved in pre-opening hotels, renovation projects, and food & beverage initiatives across multiple locations

Park Hyatt Chennai appoints Kumar Shobhan as the new General Manager. Shobhan’s connection with Park Hyatt Chennai dates back to February 2014, when he joined as Executive Assistant Manager before being promoted to Director of Operations in April 2015.

Shobhan expresses his enthusiasm for returning to Chennai, stating, “I am excited to come back to Chennai, a city that has played an important role in my career. I am eagerly looking forward to working closely with the winning team at Park Hyatt Chennai to further enhance the guest and colleague experience.”

Prior to this role, Shobhan served as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Kolkata. After graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Goa, he began his journey at the Hyatt Regency Delhi as an F&B associate.

Over the years, he developed his skills and rose to the position of Director of Food & Beverage, with a brief stint outside the Hyatt family before realising that Hyatt is where he truly belongs. His first General Manager role was in his hometown of Lucknow, where he successfully opened a Hyatt Regency in 2017.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shobhan has contributed significantly to the success and growth of various hotels within the Hyatt family. He has been involved in pre-opening hotels, renovation projects, and food & beverage initiatives across multiple locations. Reflecting on his career at Hyatt, Shobhan notes “Growing with the brand year on year” as a highlight.