Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity Appoints Mala Makan as Director of Sales

Seasoned hospitality leader with 27 years of experience joins the hotel to strengthen sales strategy and drive revenue growth across market segments.

New Delhi, July 2026: Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity has announced the appointment of Mala Makan as its Director of Sales. With 27 years of experience across hospitality, sales, events, and business development, Mala joins the hotel's leadership team to lead its sales function and support the property's continued growth across the corporate, MICE, and leisure segments.

In her new role, Mala will be responsible for driving the hotel's sales strategy, strengthening relationships with key clients and partners, and identifying new business opportunities. She will work closely with the team to further reinforce Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity's position as a preferred destination for business travellers, meetings, conferences, events, and social celebrations.

Mala brings extensive experience from leadership roles at some of India's leading hospitality brands, including Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, Hyatt Regency Delhi, and Radisson Blu New Delhi. Throughout her career, she has successfully led sales teams, managed large-scale events and conferences, and built strong relationships across the corporate, government, diplomatic, and MICE sectors.

She has been recognised with the Best Head of Banquet Sales and Operations award in the Modern and Contemporary Luxury Hotel category. She received this accolade during the Viksit Delhi Tourism and Hospitality awards. With her passion for people, relationship-building, and commercial excellence, Mala will play a key role in driving the hotel's business objectives while delivering exceptional guest experiences and leading high-performing teams.

Welcoming Mala to the team, Manish Dayya, General Manager, Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, said, "Mala brings with her a deep understanding of the hospitality landscape, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to nurture long-standing relationships. We are confident that her experience and strategic approach will help us further strengthen our business segments and create new opportunities for Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity."

Mala's appointment marks another step in Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity's commitment to strengthening its commercial capabilities and further building on its position as one of the city's leading hospitality destinations.

Hyatt Regency Delhi Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Chirag Porecha as Director of Sales

New Delhi, June 2026: Hyatt Regency Delhi is pleased to announce the appointment of Chirag Porecha as Director of Sales, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to commercial excellence, strategic growth, and market leadership.

In his new role, Chirag will lead the hotel’s sales strategy across key business segments, with a focus on driving revenue growth, deepening client relationships, and expanding Hyatt Regency Delhi’s presence within the corporate, MICE, and transient travel sectors. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to enhance business performance, cultivate strategic partnerships, and support the hotel’s long-term growth ambitions.

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chirag brings a strong track record in sales leadership, business development, and relationship management across some of India’s most respected luxury hospitality brands. Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Delhi, he served as Associate Director of Sales at Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences, where he led strategic sales initiatives, identified new business opportunities, and strengthened key corporate partnerships that contributed significantly to revenue growth and client retention.

Over the course of his career, Chirag has held well-reputed positions with renowned hospitality brands including Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences, The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, The Oberoi Bangalore, Radisson Blu Ahmedabad, and The Lalit Ashok Bangalore. He is widely recognised for his expertise in the Corporate Transient and MICE segments, as well as his ability to develop high-performing sales strategies, drive commercial success, and foster long-standing client relationships.

A graduate of the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, Chirag combines deep industry expertise with a forward-thinking commercial mindset. His appointment marks an important step in Hyatt Regency Delhi’s continued focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening market presence, and achieving sustained business growth in one of India’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa Appoints Abhishek Jain as Director of Sales

June 2026, New Delhi: The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Abhishek Jain as its new Director of Sales, reinforcing the resort's commitment to driving strategic growth, enhancing market presence, and delivering commercial excellence across key business segments.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Abhishek brings extensive expertise in sales leadership, revenue generation, account management, MICE business development, and strategic partnerships. Throughout his career, he has successfully led sales initiatives for some of India’s leading hospitality brands, building a reputation for delivering strong business performance and fostering long-term client relationships.

Prior to joining The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, Abhishek served as Assistant Director of Sales at Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, where he spearheaded business development initiatives, strengthened market presence, and drove significant revenue growth. He has also held progressive leadership positions with Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, Lemon Tree Hotels and Piccadily Hotels Group.

In his new role, Abhishek will oversee the resort's sales strategy and revenue growth initiatives across key segments including destination weddings, corporate retreats, MICE, leisure travel, and group business. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to further elevate the resort's positioning as one of India’s leading wellness and experiential destinations while identifying new opportunities across domestic and international markets.

Nestled amidst 60 acres of lush greenery, just 45 minutes from Gurugram, The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa is a wellness-inspired destination celebrated for its immersive experiences, exceptional dining, luxurious private pool villas, and restorative escapes.

Commenting on the appointment, Vasant Ravindran, General Manager, The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Abhishek to The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa. His extensive industry experience, strong commercial acumen, and relationship-driven approach make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his strategic vision and expertise will play a pivotal role in accelerating the resort's growth and strengthening our position in the market."

Speaking about his appointment, Abhishek Jain said: "I am excited to join The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, a destination renowned for its distinctive wellness experiences and exceptional hospitality. I look forward to working alongside the talented team to build meaningful partnerships, unlock new growth opportunities, and contribute to the continued success of the resort."

Known for his collaborative leadership style and passion for building lasting relationships, Abhishek believes that sustainable business success is rooted in trust, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to guests and partners alike.

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling and exploring new culinary experiences.

Hyatt Regency Pune and Residences Appoints Gangaprasad Choudhari as Associate Director of Sales

Pune, India: Hyatt Regency Pune and Residences has announced the appointment of Gangaprasad Choudhari as Associate Director of Sales. With over 10 years of rich experience in hospitality sales, business development, and strategic account management, Gangaprasad brings with him deep industry expertise and a strong track record of driving business growth across leading hospitality brands.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune, Gangaprasad was associated with Marriott International at Sheraton Grand Pune, where he served as Associate Director of Sales. In his role, he led proactive sales initiatives, managed key corporate and global accounts, and contributed significantly towards revenue generation across rooms and catering segments.

His career journey also includes notable stints with Four Points by Sheraton Pune and Accor Hotels’ Novotel Pune and Novotel Imagica.

Recognized for his strengths in strategic sales leadership, RFP management, corporate contracting, and relationship building, Gangaprasad has consistently delivered impactful results in highly competitive markets. His expertise spans corporate, MICE, and leisure segments, making him a valuable addition to the leadership team at Hyatt Regency Pune.

Interestingly, Gangaprasad began his hospitality journey with Hyatt Hotels as a Food & Beverage Associate at Hyatt Regency Pune and was part of the hotel’s pre-opening team. His return to the property in a leadership capacity marks a significant milestone in his professional journey and reflects his longstanding association with the Hyatt brand.

In his new role, Gangaprasad will be responsible for strengthening the hotel’s sales strategy, expanding corporate partnerships, and driving overall business growth in alignment with Hyatt Regency Pune’s vision for excellence and market leadership.

Hyatt Regency Pune welcomes Gangaprasad back to the Hyatt family and looks forward to his contributions towards the hotel’s continued success.

Sakshi Upadhyay Promoted as Director of Sales at Hyatt Regency Pune And Residences

Pune: Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences has announced the promotion of Sakshi Upadhyay as Director of Sales, recognizing her exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry and her consistent success in driving business growth, corporate partnerships, and MICE revenue across leading hospitality brands.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Sakshi brings deep expertise in corporate sales, events, travel partnerships, and revenue optimization. Over the years, she has worked with globally renowned hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, The Leela Kempinski, and ITC Sheraton, building a strong reputation for strategic leadership and client relationship management.

Prior to her promotion, Sakshi was serving as Associate Director of Sales at Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel & Residences, where she led corporate sales strategies focused on MICE, long stays, and corporate business development. Her role involved working closely with corporate travel managers and procurement teams to develop customized solutions aligned with client expectations and business objectives.

Throughout her career, Sakshi has been recognized for several notable achievements. She was awarded the Hyatt Sales Leader of the Year for 2021–2022 across all Hyatt hotels in India and was also recognized as the Highest Revenue Generator during the COVID-19 period. Additionally, she has been instrumental in driving successful RFP acquisitions and managing high-value conferences and events. She is also the Sales Champ of the Year 2025.

An MBA graduate from Symbiosis University, Sakshi combines operational expertise with strong business acumen and leadership skills. In her new role as Director of Sales, she will continue to lead strategic sales initiatives, strengthen key partnerships, and further enhance the hotel’s market positioning in the region.

Her promotion reflects Hyatt Regency Pune’s commitment to recognizing talent and nurturing leadership within the organization.

Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati Appoints Prasanna Thiruvenkadam as Director of Sales

Tirupati, May: Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati is pleased to announce the appointment of Prasanna Thiruvenkadam as Director of Sales. With over a decade of progressive experience in hospitality sales, Prasanna brings a strong commercial acumen, a relationship-led approach, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across diverse and competitive markets.

In his new role, Prasanna will lead the hotel's sales and business development strategy, with a clear focus on strengthening commercial performance and positioning the newly opened property as the preferred choice for guests and business partners in the region. In addition to driving sales, he will also play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s marketing direction and elevating the property’s positioning within Tirupati’s evolving hospitality and spiritual tourism landscape. He was also an integral part of the hotel's pre-opening team, contributing to the planning and execution of its sales foundation ahead of launch. He will oversee business development across key segments, including spiritual travel, leisure, corporate, MICE, weddings, social events, and travel trade.

Prior to joining Marriott International, Prasanna held cluster sales and sales leadership roles with Accor, where he developed an in-depth understanding of the South Indian market, particularly the Coimbatore and Chennai corridors. His familiarity with regional customer behavior and business dynamics across these markets adds considerable value to his new role in Tirupati. He has also held positions with Hilton as assistant sales manager and with Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts as sales executive, building a well-rounded foundation across leading global hospitality brands.

Commenting on his appointment, Prasanna Thiruvenkadam, Director of Sales, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, said, "Tirupati is a truly unique and dynamic market, with strong demand spanning spiritual travel, family stays, corporate movement, and social events. I am delighted to join Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati at such an important stage of the hotel's journey. My focus will be on building meaningful partnerships, deepening our presence across key segments, and ensuring that the hotel becomes the preferred destination for guests and business partners across the region."

Speaking on the appointment, Samata Danday Chand, Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Prasanna to our leadership team. His extensive knowledge of the South Indian market, combined with his relationship-driven approach to sales and his ability to identify and convert new business opportunities, will be a significant asset as we establish Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati in this vibrant market. We are confident that his leadership will contribute meaningfully to the hotel's commercial success and long-term growth."

With Prasanna Thiruvenkadam at the helm of the sales function, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati is well-positioned to strengthen its market presence and deepen engagement with guests, business partners, and the broader travel community across the region.

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Shivy Bhat as Director of Sales

April 2024, Bengaluru: JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru is thrilled to announce the appointment of Shivy Bhat as the Director of Sales. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade in the hospitality industry, Shivy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. In his current capacity, Shivy will be responsible for overseeing and leading a dynamic team to achieve revenue goals for JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru.

Before joining JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Shivy worked at JW Marriott Aerocity, New Delhi where he spearheaded the proactive sales team, driving exceptional results. He has also been a part of various operations teams during the course of his career. Shivy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the esteemed Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chandigarh.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Shivy stated, "I am thrilled to join JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as the Director of Sales. I am excited to work with the talented team here to elevate the hotel's sales strategies and drive growth. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of JW Marriott Bengaluru."

Outside of work, Shivy is an avid traveller with a special affinity for mountains.