Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad appoints Ankur Paul as Director of Sales

Ankur Paul brings more than a decade of hospitality experience across Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt and IHG to the property’s pre-opening team.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad has announced the appointment of Ankur Paul as director of sales, as the property strengthens its leadership team ahead of its opening. With more than a decade of experience across leading hospitality brands including Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Hyatt and IHG, Ankur brings expertise in sales strategy, business development, revenue generation and large-scale events to his new role.

Leading sales and business development

In his new position, Ankur will lead the property’s overall sales strategy, with a focus on revenue growth, market penetration and establishing Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad as a hospitality destination in the Delhi-NCR market.

His mandate will span corporate and social segments, strategic account development, event and conference business, market analysis, pricing strategies and stakeholder engagement, while working closely with the revenue, marketing and operations teams to support the property’s pre-opening strategy.

Experience across hospitality brands

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, Ankur served as director of sales at Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur, where he played a key role in establishing and strengthening the organisation’s foothold in a new market through team development, sales strategy, market expansion, budgeting and P&L management.

His career also includes leadership and sales roles at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram, Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram, Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, Hyatt Regency Gurugram and ibis City Centre Bengaluru, where he worked across corporate sales, conferences, catering and client engagement. At Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram, he led the sales team for group blocks and residential conferences and delivered the hotel’s highest catering sales in FY18 since its inception.

Focus on NCR’s hospitality market

With experience in hotel pre-openings, sales operations and the evolving business landscape of NCR, Ankur will bring a strategic approach to Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. His experience in building teams, developing long-term client relationships and delivering business across corporate, MICE and social segments will support the property’s commercial strategy and presence in the region.

Ankur Paul on his appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Ankur Paul, Director of Sales, Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad at such an exciting stage in the property’s journey. As we prepare to welcome guests, my focus will be on building strong market relationships, creating meaningful business opportunities and establishing the hotel as a preferred destination for corporate, MICE and social events in the region. I look forward to bringing my experience across diverse hospitality markets and working closely with the team to build a strong foundation for the property’s long-term growth and success.

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.”

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad appoints Praveen Sharma as Hotel Manager

The hospitality veteran brings over 26 years of experience in hotel operations, business development and strategic planning.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad announces the appointment of Praveen Sharma as Hotel Manager.

Professional background

A seasoned hospitality professional with more than 26 years of experience, Praveen brings a diverse background spanning hotel operations, sales, business development, strategic planning, and business growth. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for driving operational excellence, delivering sustainable commercial performance, and developing high-performing teams.

Praveen holds a Ph.D. in Tourism from Himachal Pradesh University and a Certification in General Management from IIM Lucknow. Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, he spent a significant part of his career with Marriott International, where he held various leadership and pre-opening roles across multiple properties.

New role

In his role, Praveen will lead the hotel’s strategic and operational agenda, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening market presence, fostering a people-first culture, and driving long-term business success.

Management’s perspective

“We are delighted to welcome Praveen to Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. His extensive industry experience, proven leadership capabilities, and strong track record of building successful teams make him exceptionally well positioned to lead the hotel. We are confident that his vision, passion for hospitality, and commitment to excellence will play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s presence in the market and creating memorable experiences for guests and associates alike,” said Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Development & Operations – South Asia, Marriott International.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to create high-performing cultures, Praveen has consistently delivered transformational growth while building strong relationships with guests, owners, associates, and business partners.

Praveen Sharma on the appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Praveen Sharma said, “I am honored to be part of the team at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. This hotel represents an exciting opportunity to create exceptional guest experiences while building a strong culture rooted in Marriott’s values. I look forward to working alongside our talented associates, ownership team, and stakeholders to establish the hotel as a preferred destination for business travelers, social celebrations, and memorable hospitality experiences in the region.