Ahuja Residences appoints Medha Tiwari as Chief Business Officer – Growth & Revenue

Medha Tiwari brings over 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across sales, marketing, revenue and business development.

Ahuja Residences has appointed Medha Tiwari as its new Chief Business Officer – Growth & Revenue. In her new role, Medha will oversee Sales, Marketing, Revenue & Distribution, strategic brand alliances and new property acquisitions as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Over 25 Years of Hospitality Experience

Medha brings more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience, having worked with brands including Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Apeejay Surendra Park Hotels, Shangri-La New Delhi, ITC Hotels, The Lalit and Grand Hyatt Delhi.

Focus on Commercial Growth

Throughout her career, Medha has worked across business development, pre-opening sales and marketing strategies, partnerships and revenue growth. Her experience includes building businesses, strengthening key partnerships and leading teams across commercial functions.

Saudi Tourism Authority names new CEO

STA appoints Ageel Alshaibani to lead the authority as Saudi tourism targets further growth

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026.

Alshaibani succeeds Fahd Hamidaddin, who served as the founding CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority from March 2020 to July 2026.

The appointment was made by STA’s Board of Directors and reflects Alshaibani’s leadership and strategic experience across several sectors, as well as his previous work within Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem.

Alshaibani previously served as deputy minister of Strategic Planning & Monitoring at the Ministry of Tourism. In that role, he contributed to the development and implementation of the National Tourism Strategy and took part in strategic initiatives aimed at developing the tourism sector and meeting its targets.

Before joining the Ministry of Tourism, he served as chief strategy officer at Misk Foundation and worked as an associate partner at McKinsey & Company.

He also held roles as advisor to the Minister of Health and director general of the Strategic Partnerships Office, with experience across public services, community enablement, healthcare and consultancy.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon Appoints Chiranjib De as Area Director of Human Resources

Gurugram, India, September, 2026: Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is pleased to announce the appointment of Chiranjib De as Area Director of Human Resources, bringing with him over two decades of experience in human resources and a distinguished career with Hyatt.

A seasoned hospitality professional and a people-first leader, Chiranjib has built a strong legacy within Hyatt through his commitment to nurturing talent, fostering colleague engagement and creating workplaces rooted in empathy, purpose and a culture of care. His appointment comes as Grand Hyatt Gurgaon continues to strengthen its people and culture agenda, recognising that exceptional guest experiences are intrinsically shaped by engaged and empowered colleagues.

Chiranjib’s journey with Hyatt began at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, where he joined as a Human Resources Officer and steadily progressed to the position of Personnel Manager. In 2014, he moved to Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa as Director of Human Resources, before taking on a similar leadership role at Grand Hyatt Goa in 2018. Most recently, he served as Cluster Director of Human Resources at Grand Hyatt Kochi, where he was responsible for overseeing human resources operations for Hyatt hotels and resorts across Kerala.

In his new role, Chiranjib will lead the Human Resources function at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, while also taking on Area Human Resources responsibilities for Hyatt hotels across North locations in India. His mandate will focus on strengthening talent development, colleague engagement and the continued evolution of Hyatt’s culture of care.

Speaking about his leadership philosophy, Chiranjib describes himself as “a people-first leader who leads with empathy and purpose.” His approach reflects Hyatt’s longstanding belief that by caring for its people, the organisation creates an environment where colleagues can thrive and, in turn, deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.

With his extensive experience, deep understanding of Hyatt’s culture and people-centric approach to leadership, Chiranjib’s appointment is poised to further strengthen Grand Hyatt Gurgaon’s commitment to creating an inspiring workplace while cultivating talent and building a strong culture of belonging.

Hyatt Place Pune Hinjawadi appoints Ritu Rajyaguru as Human Resources Manager

Ritu Rajyaguru brings over nine years of HR experience across talent management, employee engagement and organisational development.

Hyatt Place Pune Hinjawadi announces the appointment of Ritu Rajyaguru as its Human Resources Manager. With over nine years of experience in Human Resources, Rajyaguru brings a wealth of expertise in talent management, employee engagement, organizational development, and people strategy to the leadership team.

Experience in Human Resources and Talent Management

Originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Rajyaguru has built a strong professional reputation through her commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures and driving impactful HR initiatives. Her experience spans key areas of human resources, including recruitment, learning and development, performance management, employee relations, and leadership development.

Leading the Human Resources Function

In her new role at Hyatt Place Pune Hinjawadi, Rajyaguru will lead the hotel’s human resources function, focusing on strengthening employee engagement, enhancing talent development programs, and supporting Hyatt’s people-first philosophy. She will play a pivotal role in creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Focus on Employee Experience and Organisational Growth

Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for the hotel as it continues to invest in its people and organizational growth. Rajyaguru’s strategic approach to human resources and passion for nurturing talent are expected to contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued success and workplace excellence.

Commenting on her new role, Rajyaguru expressed her enthusiasm for joining Hyatt Place Pune Hinjawadi and becoming part of a globally recognized hospitality brand known for its culture of care and inclusion. She looks forward to working closely with the team to further strengthen employee experiences and support the professional growth of colleagues across the organization

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel elevates Amit Suyal to Rooms Division Manager

Amit Suyal takes on the expanded role after progressing through the Front Office division since joining the hotel in 2022.

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has announced the elevation of Amit Suyal to Rooms Division Manager, recognising his contribution to the hotel and his progression through the Front Office division since joining the property in 2022.

Over the course of his journey, Amit has taken on increasing responsibilities across guest services and front office operations, establishing himself as a thoughtful leader with a strong understanding of both people and performance.

Amit to Oversee Rooms Division Operations

In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s rooms division functions, encompassing front office operations, guest satisfaction, team performance, service excellence, and operational efficiency, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to seamless and elevated service delivery.

Experience Across Front Office and Guest Services

Amit began his journey with Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel as Assistant Front Office Manager. During his tenure, he has contributed to strengthening front office processes, enhancing guest satisfaction and improving upselling performance, while mentoring teams across guest-facing functions. Prior to joining the hotel, Amit spent several years with JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, where he gained experience across guest relations, rooms control, billing, audits and team development.

Amit Suyal on His New Role

Commenting on his promotion, Amit Suyal, Rooms Division Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel said, “This elevation is a milestone I am deeply grateful for, and one that belongs as much to my team as it does to me. Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has given me the space to grow, lead, and push the boundaries of what great hospitality looks like. My focus going forward is to build on what we have achieved, creating a rooms division that is operationally strong, guest-centric, and reflective of the brand’s spirit of discovery and service.”

Leadership Welcomes the Elevation

Welcoming him to the role, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel said, “Amit’s elevation is a testament to the consistency, ownership, and operational maturity he has demonstrated through every role he has held here. He understands the nuances of our guest profile and has the leadership depth to take the rooms division forward with both structure and empathy. We are confident he will continue to raise the bar on guest experience and service delivery across the hotel.”

McCain Foods India appoints Aditya Krishna as Managing Director

Avishek Kar elevated to Commercial Head as McCain India announces leadership transitions focused on internal talent development.

McCain Foods India has announced the appointment of Aditya Krishna as Managing Director, McCain Foods India. Aditya succeeds Mainak Dhar, who, following a successful tenure leading the India business, transitions into an expanded leadership role. Concurrently, Avishek Kar has been elevated to Commercial Head, McCain Foods India, succeeding Aditya.

Focus on Internal Talent and Leadership Development

These strategic transitions underscore McCain India’s commitment to internal talent mobility and leadership development. As professionals increasingly seek long-term career growth alongside organizational impact, McCain’s people-first approach focuses on identifying high-potential talent, delivering targeted development and empowering employees to assume expanded business responsibilities. The advancement of leaders like Aditya and Avishek highlights this commitment to nurturing a robust internal talent pipeline.

Aditya Krishna to Lead McCain Foods India

In his new role, Aditya will build on McCain Foods India’s long-standing partnerships with growers, continuing the company’s pioneering work in developing French Fries potato varieties suited to Indian conditions. He will also focus on strengthening McCain’s contribution to India’s food processing industry and deepening its responsibility towards the communities it works with.

Commenting on his appointment, Aditya Krishna, Managing Director, McCain Foods India, stated: “It is a privilege to lead McCain Foods India at this important stage of our journey. Over the years, McCain has built a deep legacy in the country—partnering with growers, pioneering the development of French Fries potato varieties suited to Indian conditions, contributing to the growth of the food processing industry, and supporting communities through initiatives such as Project Shakti and Project Utthaan. I am grateful for the opportunity to build on this strong foundation, and equally excited about the road ahead as we continue to grow the category, strengthen the McCain brand, and create long-term value for our growers, customers, consumers, and communities.”

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park Has Appointed Ravindra Patil as Executive Housekeeper

Bengaluru September: Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, comprising 619 keys, have announced the appointment of Ravindra Patil as Executive Housekeeper. Bringing over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Ravindra has worked with leading brands including Hilton, Accor, and Taj, with extensive expertise in housekeeping operations, team management and guest experience.

Prior to joining Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Ravindra served as Executive Housekeeper at DoubleTree by Hilton Panjim, where he managed housekeeping, laundry, recreation and spa operations. He has also held senior housekeeping positions at Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road, ibis Chennai SIPCOT, Ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road and Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road.

A recipient of several industry accolades, Ravindra was recognised as Quality Assurance Champion and Best Leadership of the Year at DoubleTree by Hilton Panjim in 2025, and was also named Guest Passion Manager of the Year at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road. His achievements further include Best Housekeeping Manager of the Year at ibis SIPCOT and recognition as an Audit Champion.

With his strong operational expertise, leadership experience and commitment to service excellence, Ravindra will contribute to strengthening housekeeping standards and enhancing the overall guest experience across Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park.

In his new role, Ravindra will oversee housekeeping operations across the two properties, with a focus on maintaining high standards of cleanliness, service and guest experience. His extensive operational experience includes managing housekeeping and laundry operations, implementing improvement plans, managing inventories and consumables, and leading large teams.

Yogendra Singh Verma joints Holiday Inn Agra as Director of Sales

We are delighted to welcome Yogendra Singh Verma as our Director of Sales at Holiday Inn Agra.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yogendra brings extensive expertise across leading international hotel brands, with a strong background in corporate, leisure, group and catering sales, business development, key account management and team leadership.

Having previously been associated with Holiday Inn Agra as Assistant Director of Sales, his return marks an exciting new chapter as he takes on this leadership role.

Academically, Yogendra holds a Bachelor of Arts from Edinburgh Napier University and a Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering from the Institute of Advanced Management, Kolkata.

With his experience, industry knowledge and passion for driving business growth, we look forward to achieving new milestones together.

Our General Manager-Mr. Pradipt Sinha says “Yogendra brings strong market knowledge, proven sales expertise and a wealth of hospitality experience to our leadership team. We are confident that his return will help us unlock new opportunities and achieve greater milestones.”

The Leela Palace Bengaluru appoints Gaurav Ganapathy K as Director of Sales & Marketing

Gaurav Ganapathy K brings over 15 years of hospitality experience across luxury and premium brands to his new role at the Bengaluru property.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru announces the appointment of Gaurav Ganapathy K as Director of Sales & Marketing. Bringing over 15 years of experience across luxury and premium hospitality, Gaurav joins the Palace with a strong track record in commercial strategy, revenue growth and building enduring relationships across key markets.

Experience at The Leela Palace Chennai

In his most recent role as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Leela Palace Chennai, Gaurav led the Sales & Marketing function, overseeing the hotel’s commercial strategy and business development across key segments and markets. During his tenure, the hotel witnessed strong and sustained growth across corporate, RFP, catering and events business, alongside deeper engagement with key accounts and strategic partners. His leadership was defined by a strong focus on market development, revenue generation and building lasting relationships that supported the hotel’s continued commercial momentum.

Career across hospitality brands

Prior to The Leela, Gaurav held leadership positions with Marriott International, Accor and IHG, including Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa and Director of Sales at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road and Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park.

Gaurav began his hospitality career with Park Hyatt Chennai and has since developed extensive expertise across corporate sales, MICE, luxury travel, weddings, key accounts, RFPs, budgeting and forecasting. His breadth of experience across commercial functions brings a strategic and relationship-led approach to his new role at The Leela Palace Bengaluru.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru on the appointment

Welcoming the new appointment, Nishant Agarwal, General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said, “We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to The Leela Palace Bengaluru. His extensive experience across luxury hospitality and his strong understanding of evolving markets make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. The Palace has always stood for a distinctive expression of Indian luxury, rooted in gracious hospitality, thoughtful experiences and a deep sense of place. We look forward to Gaurav building on this legacy through meaningful partnerships and a strong commercial vision as we continue to shape the next chapter for the Palace.”

Gaurav Ganapathy K on his appointment

Speaking on his appointment, Gaurav Ganapathy K, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to join The Leela Palace Bengaluru and be part of a property with such a distinctive legacy and enduring connection with the city. The Leela has created a unique expression of Indian luxury, where warmth, culture and thoughtful hospitality come together seamlessly. I look forward to working closely with the team and our partners to build on this strong foundation, deepen meaningful relationships and create new opportunities for the Palace as we continue to evolve with the aspirations of today’s discerning traveller.

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim advance growth journey with appointment of Kumar Rathod as Director of Finance

Kumar Rathod brings over 22 years of experience across hospitality and corporate finance to oversee financial operations at both Novotel Goa properties.

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim announces the appointment of Kumar Rathod as Director of Finance, bringing with him more than 22 years of vast experience in financial planning, analysis and management across luxury hospitality and multinational corporate environments.

Kumar returns to Goa with an extensive hospitality finance portfolio spanning India and the Maldives, having held senior leadership positions across prominent luxury resorts and hospitality brands. He joins us from Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, Maldives and has worked with hospitality brands like Radisson, Intercontinental and Orion. Beyond hospitality, he has held finance roles with organisations including Adlab Films Ltd. Mahindra and Mahindra, Nestle, Desai Group, and Firm of Chartered Accountants.

Qualifications and professional background

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA – Australia), Kumar also holds an Associate CPA designation, IFRS Certification, an Executive MBA from the Indian School of Business Management and a B.Com. from Damodar College, Goa University.

Amit Sangwan on the appointment

Commenting on the appointment, Cluster General Manager – Amit Sangwan said, “We are delighted to welcome Kumar Rathod to the Novotel Goa family. His extensive experience across luxury hospitality, strong strategic financial acumen, and previous association with the Goa hospitality industry make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his expertise will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of both Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim.”

Novotel Goa properties

This appointment comes at an exciting time for both hotels. Novotel Goa Resort & Spa is set to enhance its guest experience further with the upcoming renovation of its guest rooms, scheduled for completion by Q4 2026, while continuing to strengthen it’s position as one of Goa’s preferred family, MICE, and pet-friendly resort destinations. Meanwhile, Novotel Goa Candolim continues to deliver exceptional leisure experiences and remains one of North Goa’s leading hospitality destinations.

Kumar Rathod’s role

In his new role, Kumar will oversee the financial operations of both properties, driving business performance through strategic financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, cost optimisation, financial governance, compliance, and profitability management.

His expertise in multi-property operations, financial analysis, infrastructure development, and team leadership will further support the hotels’ financial and operational objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Neha Liz Chungath as Assistant Manager – Marketing Communications

Bengaluru, September , 2026: Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is pleased to announce the appointment of Neha Liz Chungath as Assistant Manager – Marketing Communications (MARCOM).

In her new role, Neha will be responsible for supporting and strengthening the hotel’s marketing and communications initiatives, with a focus on brand storytelling, content development, digital communication, campaign execution and creating engaging experiences that resonate with the hotel’s audiences.

Neha brings with her experience across marketing, communications, content strategy, social media and luxury hospitality. Prior to joining Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, she was associated with Hyatt Regency Kochi Malayattoor during its pre-opening phase as Assistant MARCOM Manager. Her experience also includes working with MSLGroup (Publicis Groupe), managing communication and planning initiatives across leading FMCG and consumer brands.

Her professional journey has also given her exposure to digital content, social media strategy, reputation management, client relationship management and cross-functional coordination. 

Speaking about her new role, Neha Liz Chungath said, “I am excited to join Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore and become a part of a brand that is known for creating dynamic and engaging guest experiences. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s marketing and communication initiatives and working with the team to create compelling stories and experiences that strengthen the brand’s connection with its audiences.”

Neha holds an undergraduate degree in Communications and Media Studies, English and Psychology from Christ University, Bengaluru, along with a postgraduate qualification in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai. Her interests and expertise span communication, storytelling, guest experience, luxury brand marketing and event management.

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore continues to strengthen its leadership team as it focuses on delivering distinctive hospitality experiences and meaningful connections with guests in the heart of Bengaluru.

Shabana Raj appointed L&D Manager across three Accor properties

Shabana Raj will lead learning and development initiatives across Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru, focusing on capability building and talent development.

Shabana Raj has been appointed as Learning & Development Manager for Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru. In her new role, Shabana will oversee the learning and development function across the three properties, driving initiatives that strengthen employee capabilities, support leadership development and foster a consistent culture of service excellence.

Professional Experience

With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Shabana has worked across leading hotel companies including Accor, Marriott and ITC Hotels. Most recently, she served as Cluster Learning & Development Manager at ibis Hotels Mumbai, where she led L&D strategy across multiple properties, designing structured training calendars covering guest experience, culinary excellence and operational effectiveness, while driving service culture programmes such as the SMILE framework.

She managed the complete training lifecycle, from needs analysis and content development to facilitation and impact measurement, giving her a strong understanding of both learning and development and hotel operations.

Focus Across Three Properties

Across the three properties, Shabana will work closely with the leadership and departmental teams to identify capability gaps, strengthen functional and leadership skills, and create development pathways for employees across different levels.

She will also focus on strengthening internal talent pipelines and enabling high-potential team members to take on larger responsibilities, while ensuring that learning initiatives remain closely aligned with business objectives and guest expectations.

Leadership Perspectives

Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “As our teams continue to grow and evolve, a strong learning culture is essential. Shabana’s experience will help strengthen capabilities, support leadership development and further our commitment to service excellence across the three properties.”

Manali Gupta, Cluster General Manager of Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru, said, “People development is at the heart of strong hospitality teams. Shabana brings valuable L&D experience along with an understanding of hotel operations, and we look forward to her strengthening our talent pipeline and creating meaningful growth opportunities for our teams.”

Shabana Raj on Her Appointment

Speaking on her appointment, Shabana said, “Effective learning begins with understanding people, their aspirations and what they need to succeed. I look forward to creating relevant learning opportunities, strengthening our talent pipeline and empowering our teams to take greater ownership of their roles.”

Fortune Hotels appoints Manjur Alam as General Manager at Fortune Pahalgam

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Manjur Alam as General Manager at Fortune Pahalgam.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience in hotel operations, Manjur brings extensive expertise across room operations, revenue management, guest experience and team leadership. In his new role he will be responsible for the hotel property’s operations, driving business performance, strengthening service standards and fostering a high-performing team culture.

Prior to Fortune Hotels, he served as Director of Rooms at Crowne Plaza Pune, where he led Rooms Operations along with revenue management responsibilities, contributing to the hotel’s overall business performance.

Over the course of his career, Manjur has held roles with leading hospitality brands including IHG, Radisson and Hyatt.

With his strong track record in operational excellence, revenue generation, guest experience and people leadership, Manjur is well positioned to drive business growth, service excellence and a strong team culture at Fortune Pahalgam.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad appoints Balwant Singh Sajwan as Executive Chef

Chef Balwant brings nearly two decades of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands in India and internationally.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad announces the appointment of Balwant Singh Sajwan as Executive Chef. With nearly two decades of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands globally, Chef Balwant brings deep expertise in culinary operations, menu development, and team leadership.

Leading Culinary Operations

Chef Balwant has been associated with Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad since its pre-opening in May 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s end-to-end culinary operations, with a strong focus on food quality, menu innovation, operational excellence, and the creation of memorable dining experiences for guests. He will also lead efforts to develop a distinctive culinary identity for the property while maintaining high standards across kitchen operations, food quality, menu curation, and talent development.

Experience Across Hospitality Brands

His career spans renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International, The Venetian Macao, and Sarovar Hotels & Resorts. He helped introduce authentic Indian cuisine at Golden Peacock, a Michelin-starred restaurant at The Venetian Macao. He successfully contributed to the opening of Sarovar Premiere Amritsar and has held key roles at Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Park Plaza, and Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa. He was also honoured to be part of the G20 Summit operations at The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas, Rishikesh.

Commenting on His Appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Balwant Singh Sajwan, Executive Chef, Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, said, “With over 19 years of experience in hospitality, I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. Having been part of the journey, I have witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication that define our team. My focus will be on upholding the highest standards of food quality, driving menu innovation, and nurturing talent within our culinary team. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that reflect both global excellence and local flavours for our guests. I have had the privilege of working with leading brands including Marriott International and Sarovar Hotels, along with international exposure in Macau, where I helped introduce authentic Indian cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in The Venetian Macau.”

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar appoints Vaishnavi Singh as Marketing, Communications & PR Manager

Vaishnavi Singh to oversee marketing, communications and public relations for the Srinagar property.

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, India’s first Radisson Collection Hotel, has named Vaishnavi Singh as Marketing, Communications & PR Manager.

Vaishnavi will oversee the property’s marketing, communications and public relations mandate, including brand positioning, integrated campaigns, digital presence, media relations, influencer engagement and strategic partnerships.

Professional experience

She brings experience across international hospitality brands, multi-property environments and pre-opening projects across India. Her previous experience includes Uday Palace Navsari, a member of Radisson Individuals; Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dwarka, India’s first and only Hawthorn-branded property; Wyndham Garden Udaipur; and other pre-opening hotel projects.

Her expertise spans brand strategy, marketing communications, content creation, social media, influencer marketing and media relations. With experience across operating and pre-opening environments, she has worked on brand visibility, launches, campaigns and communications initiatives within the hospitality sector.

Role at Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar

At Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, Vaishnavi will focus on strengthening the hotel’s brand presence across key markets and developing meaningful engagement with guests, media, influencers and industry partners.

Speaking on her appointment

Speaking on her appointment, Vaishnavi Singh said: “I am delighted to begin this new chapter with Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar. The property presents a unique opportunity to tell the story of Kashmir through the lens of contemporary luxury, authentic experiences and the destination’s rich cultural heritage. I look forward to creating distinctive brand narratives, building meaningful collaborations and strengthening the property’s presence across the evolving luxury travel landscape.”

Shubhankar Jyoti, General Manager, Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, said: “We are pleased to welcome Vaishnavi to the team. Her experience across hospitality brands, pre-opening projects and integrated marketing and communications will bring valuable perspective to the property’s brand and communications strategy. We look forward to her contribution towards strengthening the hotel’s positioning and connecting with our audiences in meaningful ways

Fortune Hotels appoints Ravindra Kumar Joshi as General Manager at Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ravindra Kumar Joshi as General Manager at Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over three decades of experience in hotel operations, luxury resort management, P&L management, guest experience and stakeholder engagement. He will oversee the hotel’s operations, commercial performance, guest experience and overall business growth, while strengthening the property’s market positioning.

In his previous stints, Ravindra has held key positions with leading hospitality brands, including Hyatt Regency, Le Méridien, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Meerak Hotel and Country Inn Resorts. He has a proven track record in managing luxury resorts and multi-property operations, including the transformation of Country Inn Bhimtal into a flagship, award-winning destination resort. He has also served as Secretary of the Regional Hotel Association, contributing to the development of the hospitality sector in Uttarakhand.

Ferrero India Appoints Rohit Batra as Sales Director

India, September 2026: Ferrero India Private Limited, part of the Ferrero Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sweet-packaged products, today announced the appointment of Rohit Batra as the new Sales Director, Ferrero India, effective 1st September 2026.

In his new role, Rohit will head Ferrero India’s sales organisation and spearhead its growth agenda across all sales channels. He will focus on strengthening Ferrero India’s Route-to-Market strategy, Commercial Excellence and Category Excellence initiatives. He will be responsible for building market share, strengthening customer partnerships and driving sharper execution across all channels including General Trade, Modern Trade, E-Commerce and Out-of-Home.

 Rohit Batra is a part of the Executive Management team and has held positions such as Head of Supply Chain and Head of Emerging Markets during his 13+ year of tenure at Ferrero. With over 30-year experience, Rohit  has led several roles in the areas of Supply chain, Manufacturing, Operations and Procurement in FMCG, Pharma and service industries.

 Commenting on the appointment, Hamid Touil, Managing Director, Ferrero India, said: “We are delighted to have Rohit take on the leadership of our sales organisation. His extensive experience across the value chain, combined with his deep understanding of the business and customers, gives him a unique perspective to strengthen and lead our growth agenda.”

 Speaking on his new role, Rohit Batra, Sales Director, Ferrero India, said: “I am excited to take on this role at an important phase in Ferrero India’s growth journey.  With an ever-evolving customer landscape, we look forward to strengthening our go-to-market capabilities, accelerating each channel growth and creating greater value for our customers and consumers.”

 Rohit’s appointment further strengthens Ferrero India’s leadership as the company continues to invest in building a future-ready, agile and consumer-centric sales organisation, with a focus on sustainable growth, stronger market penetration and enhanced execution across India’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar Appoints Deepak Tiwari as General Manager

Bhavnagar, September 2026: Kamat Hotels India Limited has announced the appointment of Deepak Tiwari as General Manager at IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, marking another step towards strengthening the leadership team and operational excellence at the property.

Deepak Tiwari brings with him rich experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise spanning hotel operations, food and beverage management, team leadership, business development, employee management and operational excellence. Known for his people-centric leadership style, solutions-oriented approach and commitment to organisational goals, he has consistently focused on building high-performing teams while delivering exceptional hospitality standards.

Before joining IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, Deepak Tiwari held key positions with reputed hospitality brands, including The Fern Resort & Spa Bhavnagar, Sayaji Hotel Jamnagar, Regenta Central by Royal Orchid Hotels, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully managed overall hotel operations, food and beverage functions, team supervision, budgeting, event planning and business growth initiatives.

In his new role, Deepak Tiwari will oversee the overall operations of IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening guest experiences, nurturing talent and driving business growth. His extensive understanding of F&B markets, multilingual communication abilities and hands-on experience in hospitality operations will further contribute to the property’s growth and service excellence.

His appointment comes with an opportunity to further strengthen the property’s operational capabilities and build on its commitment to delivering contemporary hospitality experiences. With his strong industry experience and leadership approach, Deepak Tiwari is expected to play a key role in driving the property’s performance and creating greater value for guests, employees and stakeholders.

Commenting on the appointment, Vishal Kamat, Executive Director at Kamat Hotels India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Deepak Tiwari to the Kamat Khandan. His extensive experience across hotel operations, food and beverage, team leadership and business development makes him a strong addition to our leadership team. His people-centric and solutions-oriented approach, coupled with his understanding of the F&B market, will be instrumental in strengthening operations and taking IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar to new heights. We wish him a successful and rewarding journey ahead.”

With a strong foundation in hospitality operations and a passion for delivering excellence, Deepak Tiwari looks forward to leading the team and contributing to the continued growth and success of IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar.

Atmosphere Core appoints Mohamed Mansour as General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili

Mohamed Mansour brings over two decades of hospitality experience to lead operations at the two Maldives resorts.

Atmosphere Core announces the appointment of Mohamed Mansour as General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, strengthening the leadership of two distinctive island resorts within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.

With more than 21 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Mansour brings a wealth of operational expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of guest-centric service. His career began in Front Office and progressed through the Room Division, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, service excellence, guest experience, and team leadership.

Two decades of hospitality experience

Throughout his career, Mohamed has held key roles across renowned international hospitality groups, gaining diverse experience across a wide range of properties, markets, cultures, and operational environments.

Recognised for his hands-on leadership style, people-focused approach, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, Mohamed combines strong operational discipline with a genuine passion for developing teams and creating memorable experiences for guests.

Leading operations across two resorts

In his new role, Mohamed will oversee the operations of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, bringing his extensive operational experience and leadership approach to both resorts.

Commenting on his appointment, Mohamed Mansour, General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi & OBLU SELECT Lobigili, said, “We put people at the heart of everything we do. True leadership transforms challenges into opportunities and teams into families, all while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, said, “Mansour’s appointment comes at an exciting time for both Ailafushi and Lobigili, which are now well-established resorts with distinct identities and dynamic operations. His wealth of experience and proven ability to lead large resort operations, combined with his strong focus on people and service, will be a great asset to both teams.

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West appoints Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef

Chef Sohail brings more than 21 years of culinary experience across IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson to his new role.

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has announced the appointment of Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef, bringing more than 21 years of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands to the property.

Chef Sohail’s career spans renowned hospitality groups including IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson, where he has built extensive expertise across culinary operations and guest-focused dining experiences. His professional experience encompasses fine dining, banquet operations, menu development, and the creation of innovative culinary concepts, with a strong focus on delivering consistency, creativity, and memorable experiences.

Leading culinary operations

In his new role at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, Chef Sohail will lead the property’s culinary operations, oversee menu development and innovation, and work with the culinary team to create engaging dining experiences for guests.

Chef Sohail Karimi on his appointment

Speaking about his appointment, Chef Sohail Karimi, Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, “Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am excited to be part of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West and look forward to creating distinctive culinary experiences that celebrate great flavours, creativity, and quality. I am also eager to work closely with the team to introduce new ideas and experiences that delight our guests.”

Focus on culinary offerings

Chef Sohail’s appointment reflects Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West’s continued focus on enhancing its culinary offerings and delivering warm, contemporary hospitality experiences to both leisure and business travellers