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.”

Air India appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

The Board of Directors of Air India today announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson. This executive transition marks a pivotal juncture in Air India’s transformation journey to become a world-class, leading global airline.

The Board conducted a comprehensive search to identify the next leader for Air India, overseen by a dedicated Board committee. The committee rigorously evaluated internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world.

The objective of the Board was to identify a leader with a proven record of managing mega-scale airline turnarounds, delivering operational excellence, fostering a strong culture of safety and service, and driving profitable expansion. Following an intensive evaluation process, the Board unanimously concluded that Mr. Gebremariam possesses the ideal combination of leadership, deep operational expertise, and strategic execution capability required for Air India’s next phase of growth.

Tewolde Gebremariam is widely recognized as one of the most successful aviation chief executives. During his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar expansion, transforming a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and decorated airline group—growing revenue by more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold.

His unique strength lies in managing complex operational landscapes, driving cultural transformation, building competitive global hubs, and developing world-class MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and aviation training infrastructure.

As Air India shifts from its foundational turnaround phase into a high growth & profitable execution phase, Mr. Gebremariam brings crucial capabilities required for Air India’s next leg of journey. He has strong experience in expanding international long-haul networks and building world-class hub operations, an unrelenting commitment to safety standards, engineering quality, and operational reliability. He also has a track record of driving sustained profitability.  while navigating complex economic cycles and dynamic global markets together with a deep experience in workforce upskilling, talent development, and embedding a high-performance, customer-first service culture.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said: "On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilization, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride."

Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, said: "It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth."

This leadership transition reinforces Air India’s alignment with national priorities and stakeholder expectations. Air India remains steadfastly committed to supporting India’s civil aviation ambitions and national economic vision. Under Mr. Gebremariam’s leadership, Air India will work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a premier global aviation hub, enhance international connectivity, and maintain the highest benchmarks of aviation safety and compliance.

People are the backbone of this transformation. Mr. Gebremariam’s leadership philosophy places people at the centre of organizational success. Employees across all divisions—flight crew, ground operations, engineering, and corporate—can look forward to a continued emphasis on training, exciting career pathways, and an empowering work environment built on merit, accountability, and pride in our national carrier.

Air India belongs to India and represents India to the world and is committed to building a reliable, warm, and world-class airline that every Indian can be immensely proud of. Passengers will see an accelerated push toward on-time performance, modern aircraft cabins, elevated hospitality, and seamless global connectivity.

The Board also thanked Campbell Wilson for his leadership over the past phase of Air India’s revitalization. He successfully oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated massive fleet modernization programs, established new corporate governance standards, and laid the foundations that were necessary for the future.

With a solid foundation now in place, Air India enters its next era with clear strategic clarity, robust capital backing, and world-class leadership at the helm. The Board is fully confident that under Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India will realize its full potential as a premier global aviation power

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Elevates Gaurav Mudgal to Managing Director as Company Accelerates Expansion Across Rajasthan

Hospitality veteran to lead next phase of growth as BlackRock strengthens its position among Rajasthan's fastest-growing hotel management companies

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has appointed Gaurav Mudgal as its Managing Director, marking a significant leadership milestone as the company enters its next phase of growth. The appointment comes as Black Rock accelerates its expansion into larger luxury resorts, destination hotels and owner-focused management solutions, while strengthening its presence across Rajasthan and other high-potential leisure destinations.

As Managing Director, Gaurav Mudgal will lead the company's strategic growth, business development, owner relations, operational performance and expansion into larger hospitality assets. He will also play a key role in strengthening BlackRock's management solutions for hotel owners and driving sustainable long-term growth.

With more than 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gaurav Mudgal specializes in pre-opening commercial strategy and full hotel operations, with expertise spanning revenue management, sales, distribution, and marketing. He has helped hotel owners build commercially successful hospitality assets by integrating revenue management and commercial planning into the development process from day one. Before joining BlackRock Hotels & Resorts, he held leadership positions at Fairmont Jaipur and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Black Rock has witnessed remarkable growth over the last few years, and we are now entering a phase where scale, strategic planning and execution will define our success. Our focus will be on expanding our portfolio of luxury resorts, destination hotels and experiential hospitality assets while strengthening our management solutions for hotel owners. We also want to partner with owners from the earliest stages of development, helping them create commercially successful hospitality assets through strong planning, revenue strategy and operational excellence. I look forward to working closely with our team to create long-term value for our owners, guests and stakeholders."

Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Gaurav has played a pivotal role in Black Rock's growth journey. His deep understanding of commercial strategy, hotel operations and owner expectations makes him the ideal leader to guide the company through its next phase of expansion. As we continue to scale our portfolio with larger hospitality assets and destination-led developments, his leadership will be instrumental in delivering long-term value for our partners and strengthening BlackRock's position in the market."

The company expects continued growth across Rajasthan and other high-potential leisure destinations, with a strategic focus on luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, wildlife hospitality and large experiential properties. With a growing portfolio, a strong development pipeline, and an experienced leadership team, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself for the next chapter of its expansion in India's rapidly evolving hospitality sector.

Fairfest Media Appoints Simon Press as Managing Director, International to Accelerate Global Expansion and Scale WTE Miami

Mumbai / Miami, May , 2026: Fairfest Media, one of Asia's leading trade show organisers, today announced the appointment of Simon Press as Managing Director – International, marking a significant milestone in the company's global growth strategy following its recent acquisition of WTE Miami.

In this newly created role, Simon will lead Fairfest's international portfolio — driving WTE Miami’s growth into a leading global travel trade event, while also playing a key role in bringing high-potential international event IPs into India, one of the world's fastest-growing exhibition markets.
Simon brings over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and managing large-scale international exhibitions and B2B media brands across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he led a portfolio of leading European technology events. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at globally recognised travel industry exhibitions, overseeing strategy, growth, and international partnerships across multiple markets.
Commenting on the appointment, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media, said: "Simon's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Fairfest as we expand our global footprint. His extensive experience in leading world-class exhibitions and building global platforms aligns perfectly with our vision. We are confident that under his leadership, WTE Miami will scale rapidly — and I am equally excited about the new opportunities we will unlock together to bring world-class shows to India."
Simon Press said: "Fairfest has built a remarkable reputation as a leading trade show organiser in Asia, and the acquisition of WTE Miami creates a compelling global platform to build on. I look forward to growing WTE Miami into a truly global event and exploring new opportunities to connect international markets with India's rapidly expanding exhibition ecosystem."

With Simon’s appointment, Fairfest accelerates its presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company is actively engaging with global event organisers for co-development and co-investment in high-potential event IPs in India, leveraging its deep local expertise, extensive industry network, and four decades of experience in the market. Interested partners are invited to connect with Fairfest Media.

Ebix Group Announces Arun Batra as Managing Director of Ebix Travels

The Group strengthens travel leadership to drive growth and integration

National, 2026: Ebix Group announced the appointment of Arun Batra as Managing Director of Ebix Travels, strengthening leadership across its travel and mobility portfolio as the Group sharpens focus on growth, integration, and execution. In his role as Managing Director, Batra will lead Ebix’s travel and mobility businesses across domestic and international markets, with accountability for overall performance, governance, and long-term value creation. His mandate includes strengthening alignment across Ebix’s travel businesses, deepening partnerships, and refining customer offerings as the Group builds a more integrated and execution-driven travel platform.

With over three decades of leadership experience across fintech, telecommunications, retail, media, and services, Batra brings a strong track record of scaling businesses, building distribution networks, and leading large-scale operations in complex, competitive environments. He has previously held senior leadership and CXO roles at HCL, Vodafone, Brightstar Corporation (USA), Reliance Infocomm, Zee Networks, and Matrix Cellular.

Commenting on the leadership announcement, Dr. Vikas Garg, Chairman of Eraaya Lifespaces Limited & Ebix Group, said, “Ebix Travels is a strategic growth engine for the Group, spanning multiple travel formats, geographies, and customer segments. Arun’s expertise reflects our intent to strengthen leadership accountability and decision-making as we build a more integrated and execution-focused travel business.”

Arun Batra said, “As the travel industry continues to evolve, our ability to build strong teams and deliver consistently customer-focused solutions will be critical to sustained growth. I look forward to working closely with our partners and teams across geographies to strengthen execution, drive innovation, and build a future-ready travel business that creates long-term value for customers, partners, and the organization.”

Ebix Travels operates across corporate travel management, MICE, luxury rail journeys, destination management services, and technology-enabled travel platforms. The business serves a wide spectrum of customer segments across multiple geographies and remains a key pillar of Ebix Group’s growth strategy in travel and mobility.

Moët Hennessy India appoints Siddharth Suri as Managing Director

A strategic leadership move to accelerate growth and redefine luxury wines and spirits in India.

Moët Hennessy India, a subsidiary of French luxury leader LVMH- Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, announced the appointment of Siddharth Suri as Managing Director, India. This strategic appointment comes at a pivotal moment in Moët Hennessy India’s journey as the company accelerates its growth ambitions and strengthens its leadership in the country’s rapidly evolving luxury wines and spirits market.

In his new role, Siddharth will be at the helm of Moët Hennessy’s iconic portfolio in India, including Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Belvedere, Chandon, and Volcan.

He will be responsible for shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy, driving consumer-centric innovation, and deepening the cultural resonance of Moët Hennessy’s brands with India’s new generation of luxury consumers, whilst building on the company’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

With over 24 years of extensive experience in the FMCG and Wines & Spirits industries, Siddharth brings proven expertise in business transformation, market development, and scaling high-performing teams across domestic, travel retail, and international markets. He has held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, Diageo, and most recently The Coca-Cola Company (HCCB), where he pioneered the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages category in India, shaping an entirely new consumer segment.

Siddharth is no stranger to Moët Hennessy India – during his earlier tenure as Sales Director for India and South Asia (Domestic and Travel Retail), he played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s presence and expanding markets. His return marks a full-circle moment, underscoring both his deep understanding of the business and his vision for its future.

Speaking on the new leadership appointment, Anne Claire Delamarre, President, Asia Pacific, shared, “India is a market of immense potential, with a new generation of consumers embracing luxury, craftsmanship, and global experiences in unique ways. We are deeply committed to continuously expanding our presence here, and Siddharth’s appointment reflects that ambition. His strong leadership, proven track record, and deep understanding of both Moët Hennessy and the Indian consumer landscape make him ideally placed to lead our next phase of growth in this exciting market.”

Speaking on his appointment, Siddharth Suri said, “It is an honour to return to Moët Hennessy India at such an exciting inflection point. India is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world today, and I look forward to leading the transformation of the company into its next chapter of growth. By building stronger consumer engagement, customer connections, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable business practices, we will continue to set new benchmarks for Moët Hennessy in India.”

Philippe Vignon appointed Managing Director of Glion Institute of Higher Education

Glion Institute of Higher Education is proud to announce the appointment of Philippe Vignon as its new Managing Director, effective June 16th, 2025. 

Founded in 1962, Glion is a prestigious Swiss institution recognized globally for its excellence in hospitality management and luxury education. With its rich heritage, commitment to excellence, industry connections, Glion has become a benchmark in the academic world—shaping generations of leaders who elevate the hospitality, tourism, and luxury industries worldwide. The appointment of Philippe Vignon is a strategic decision to reinforce Glion’s identity as a Swiss-born global brand, and to accelerate its next phase of development, innovation, and influence. 

A profile in perfect harmony with Glion’s vision 

With over 30 years of experience at the helm of major international organizations in sectors ranging from tourism and aviation to digital media and education, Philippe Vignon brings a rare combination of strategic insight, cross-cultural leadership, and operational excellence. His career has been defined by transformative initiatives, business growth, and the ability to position brands as leaders in their respective domains. 

Career highlights include: 

• CEO, Geneva Tourism and Conventions: Transformed the institution into a high-performing Destination Marketing Organisation, leading to a 10% increase in regional tourism spending over four years. 

• CEO, Edipresse Digital – Edipresse Group: Designed and executed a comprehensive digital strategy across more than 50 websites, accelerating the group's transition to digital media. 

• General Manager Commercial Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Eastern Europe, easyJet: Oversaw the airline’s most profitable bases, spearheaded the launch of easyJet in Geneva, and delivered 1.5 million new passengers within 18 months. 

• L’Oréal Suisse SA: Advanced from Brand Manager to National Sales & Marketing Director, showcasing strong capabilities in brand development, team leadership, and commercial strategy.

His expertise also extends to several strategic advisory and board positions. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Doyof Al Rahman Program (Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia), and acts as a board advisor to Cabanner, a digital platform reinventing sustainable and exclusive travel, and to Sky2Share, a Swiss aviation initiative promoting eco-conscious private jet sharing. He is also an independent board member of the Hôtel des Horlogers, an innovative sustainable luxury property developed by Audemars Piguet in the Vallée de Joux. 

Leading with purpose  

Philippe’s extensive international background, his ability to align stakeholders across cultures, and his deep understanding of both business and education make him the ideal leader to further Glion’s mission. He will oversee Glion’s campuses in Switzerland and the UK, forge strategic partnerships with key players in hospitality, tourism, and luxury, and enhance the student experience through innovation and operational excellence. 

In addition, he will be tasked with spearheading Glion’s global expansion ambition, identifying new growth markets, fostering institutional collaborations, and scaling Glion’s influence in regions where excellence in hospitality education is in growing demand.

Philippe Vignon commented: 
"Joining Glion means embracing a mission that transcends education—it’s about shaping the future of a vital global industry. Glion represents Swiss excellence, service refinement, and intellectual elegance. I am honored to lead this prestigious institution and determined to elevate its global relevance and impact in a changing world."

Pierre Salles, Chair of the Glion Governing Board, stated: 
"Philippe Vignon is a leader of vision and execution. His ability to transform and uplift organizations aligns perfectly with Glion’s DNA. We are confident he will reinforce Glion’s academic excellence while expanding its global footprint." 

Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, added: 
"Philippe brings a rare blend of strategic clarity, operational experience, and human leadership. He fully understands the positioning of a Swiss heritage brand like Glion and will guide its expansion with authenticity and ambition. His appointment marks a decisive step in our mission to educate the future leaders of hospitality and luxury." 

Minor Hotels Appoints Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor saw him lead the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team, driving Accor’s growth in the region. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several General Manager roles. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins Minor Hotels in July.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its global portfolio, with approximately half in Asia, by the end of 2026. More recently, the hotel group announced its plan to 50 new openings in India within the next ten years, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand later this year in Jaipur.

Indo Nissin Elevates Sandeep Bakhshi to Managing Director

National, September 2023 - Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading instant noodle companies, has announced a restructuring of its senior leadership to pave the way for the next level of business growth. Sandeep Bakhshi, the Chief Business Officer, has been elevated to the post of Managing Director of its Indian subsidiary, Indo Nissin Foods Private Ltd (hereafter referred to as “Indo Nissin”). He succeeds Gautam Sharma, who built the Indo Nissin business from 2014 onward.

With an extensive background spanning over 25 years in Sales, Sandeep Bakhshi brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has held positions at reputable companies such as SC Johnson (now Brillon), Mars-Wrigley, Pidilite, AkzoNobel, and Asian Paints. His proficiency lies in fostering growth through capacity enhancement and seamless digital integration.

Commenting on the management transition, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Chairman of Indo Nissin, said, “We are really pleased to announce the appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi to the Managing Director position. He has been instrumental in growing the Indo Nissin business in the last eight years and we are confident of his ability to lead the company in its next phase of transformational growth.”

“We take this opportunity to thank Gautam Sharma for his years of service to Indo Nissin and his outstanding contribution to the India business. He leaves behind a strong legacy, a high-performing team and a business that has been consistently growing.”

About Nissin Food Products Co.

Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. is the inventor of instant noodles and was founded in Japan in 1948. With its philosophy of “Earth Food Creator”, the company remains committed to developing brands that communicate the wholesome taste, satisfaction and fun of instant noodles along with food safety and consumer enjoyment.

Indo Nissin Foods Private Limited, a subsidiary of Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan, was set up in 1991 and has launched some of the most beloved brands in this category; Top Ramen, Cup Noodles and Geki Korean Noodles. It also entered into distribution partnerships with leading international and local consumer packaged goods brands and does contract manufacturing of noodles for many modern trade retailers for their private labels.