Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership Team, Appoints Gaurav Jain as Chief Financial Officer

As Cygnett Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its footprint across India, the hospitality company has appointed Gaurav Jain as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), strengthening its corporate leadership to support the next phase of growth.

A Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant (ICWA), Gaurav Jain brings over 15 years of experience in strategic finance, corporate governance, business transformation, capital structuring and IPO readiness. He has previously held CXO-level leadership roles across startups, diversified corporate groups and government-backed institutions, where he led initiatives spanning financial governance, operational efficiency and business transformation.

At Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Gaurav will spearhead the company's financial strategy, strengthen governance frameworks, optimise capital allocation and support the brand's expansion agenda. His appointment comes as Cygnett continues to scale its operations and reinforce its corporate capabilities in line with its long-term growth plans.

Announcing the appointment, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "Cygnett is entering an exciting phase of growth, and building a strong leadership team is central to our long-term vision. Gaurav's diverse experience in strategic finance, governance and business transformation will further strengthen our financial foundation as we continue expanding our presence across existing and new markets. We are pleased to welcome him to the Cygnett family."

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Jain, Chief Financial Officer, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "Cygnett has established itself as one of India's fastest-growing hospitality brands with a clear vision for expansion. I am delighted to join the organisation at this important juncture and look forward to strengthening its financial strategy, enhancing governance standards and supporting sustainable, value-driven growth across the business."

Known for integrating financial discipline with strategic business planning, Gaurav Jain has led finance functions across organisations at different stages of growth, bringing expertise in capital planning, governance, performance optimisation and long-term value creation. His appointment underscores Cygnett Hotels & Resorts' continued focus on strengthening institutional capabilities as it pursues its expansion roadmap across India's hospitality sector.

Mr. Hakimuddin Kanorwala has joined Suba Hotels Limited as Chief Finance Officer

Mr. Hakimuddin Kanorwala has joined Suba Hotels Limited as Chief Finance Officer (CFO). He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he completed a one-year Executive CFO Programme.

Mr. Kanorwala has been associated with leading global and Indian hospitality brands, including Hilton Hotels, Accor Hotels, and The Indian Hotels Company Limited, gaining strong domain expertise in the hospitality sector.

He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in finance and accounts, with deep expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, taxation, compliance, risk management, governance, strategic finance, and financial reporting.

In his previous assignment, he served as Corporate Director – Finance at Roots Corporation Limited, which operates the Ginger brand, part of the IHCL Group. He was a member of the key management team and was responsible for overseeing the overall financial function of the organization.

He has demonstrated strong leadership in driving strategic financial decision-making, business growth, strengthening financial planning and discipline, enhancing governance frameworks and internal controls, and leading process transformation initiatives through technology and automation.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Announces Appointment of Shishir Kumar Jena as Chief Financial Officer

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Shishir Kumar Jena as Chief Financial Officer. This strategic leadership addition comes as the boutique hospitality company continues its growth trajectory across India.

Shishir Kumar Jena brings over 32 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, establishing himself as a seasoned finance professional with deep expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and value creation. His distinguished career spans multiple renowned hospitality brands, including significant roles at Acron, Radisson, and Fortune Inn Exotica. Throughout his career, Jena has consistently demonstrated exceptional financial discipline while maintaining a keen focus on aligning business objectives with guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

His comprehensive understanding of diverse ownership structures and property formats has equipped him with the unique ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with precision and strategic insight. This breadth of experience across various hospitality segments positions him ideally to support Stone Wood's expansion plans and operational objectives. For Shishir Kumar Jena, finance represents far more than a profession—it embodies a passion that drives his commitment to building sustainable and profitable hospitality businesses.

The appointment reflects Jena's proven track record in driving operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of guest experience. His expertise encompasses financial modeling, budget management, revenue optimization, and strategic planning across different property categories and ownership models. This versatility will prove invaluable as Stone Wood implements its diversified growth strategy across various market segments.

"We are delighted to welcome Shishir Kumar Jena to our leadership team at this pivotal moment in our company's journey. His extensive financial expertise and deep understanding of the hospitality industry make him the ideal candidate to guide our financial strategy as we embark on this exciting expansion phase. Shishir's proven track record in driving operational efficiency and value creation will be instrumental in supporting our vision to redefine boutique hospitality across India,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts.