DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji strengthens leadership team with Jitin Kapoor as General Manager

National November, 2025: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji is pleased to announce the appointment of Jitin Kapoor as its new General Manager. With over 23 years of extensive hospitality experience across leading hotel brands in India, Jitin brings strong operational expertise, strategic leadership, and deep passion for guest experience to his new role.

In his role preceding DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, Jitin served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi where he significantly enhanced operational performance, boosted guest experience, and elevated team culture. His career also includes senior leadership roles at The St. Regis Goa Resort, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, the Taj Group of hotels, the Radisson Hotel Group, and restaurant operations in Scotland. Across these positions, he gained extensive experience in luxury hospitality, brand transitions, and service excellence.

A seasoned hotelier, Jitin brings extensive experience across Food & Beverage, Rooms Division and Pre‑opening hotels, equipping him with a holistic understanding of hotel operations. His strong commercial expertise and steadfast dedication to quality position him to drive sustained growth and further enhance the DoubleTree by Hilton guest experience.

Holding a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow, and an Executive MBA from the National Institute of Business Management, Jitin combines academic rigor with practical expertise. Multilingual and deeply team-oriented, he embodies values that align closely with Hilton’s service culture.

Commenting on his appointment, Jitin shared, “I am truly honored to take on the role of General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. The property has a strong legacy of warm hospitality, and I am excited to work with the exceptional team here to deliver memorable experiences, drive operational excellence, and continue strengthening our market presence.”

Known for his empathetic leadership style, collaborative approach, and sharp operational insight, Jitin remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for guests, team members, and stakeholders alike.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa appoints Asmita Tambolkar–Umarye as Financial Controller

Bringing over 15 years of hospitality finance expertise, Asmita’s leadership strengthens operational excellence and strategic growth at the hotel.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji announces the appointment of CMA Asmita Tambolkar–Umarye as Financial Controller. With over 15 years of extensive experience in finance and hospitality operations, Asmita’s appointment reflects her leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to operational excellence.

Asmita has built a distinguished career with leading hospitality brands including Alila Diwa Goa, The Crown Goa, and Hyatt Place Aurangabad. Her experience spans pre-opening finance operations, budgeting, statutory compliance, financial reporting, and strengthening financial systems. Recognized for her analytical skills, structured approach, and people-first leadership style, Asmita has successfully driven financial discipline, optimized processes, and nurtured high-performing teams.

Welcoming the appointment, Jitin Kapoor, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji, remarked, “Asmita brings exemplary financial leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to excellence. We are confident that her extensive experience and people-focused approach will play a key role in supporting the hotel’s growth and operational efficiency.

Kunal Naidu Elevated to Front Office Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji

National, September 2025: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji is proud to announce the elevation of Kunal Naidu as the Front Office Manager. With over 14 years of extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Kunal’s promotion is a testament to his commitment, leadership, and operational excellence in enhancing guest satisfaction and driving revenue growth.

A graduate of Rizvi College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Mumbai, Kunal has built his career with leading hospitality brands including Ibis Hotels, Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre (IHG), and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji. Over the years, he has excelled in managing front office, spa, recreation, and rooms operations, consistently driving guest satisfaction, implementing revenue-enhancing strategies, and strengthening compliance processes. Recognized for his creativity, analytical approach, and people-first leadership style, Kunal is respected for balancing operational precision with a strong guest-centric mindset, contributing significantly to business growth and team excellence.

“This elevation is both an achievement and an inspiration,” said Kunal Naidu. “As Front Office Manager, my focus will be on further enhancing the guest journey while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. I look forward to creating memorable experiences that embody the spirit of DoubleTree hospitality.”

Welcoming this elevation, Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji, remarked, “Kunal has consistently showcased remarkable leadership, strategic acumen, and the ability to inspire his team to deliver exceptional guest experiences. His elevation is a reflection of his hard work, creativity, and dedication to Hilton’s service philosophy. We are proud to see his growth within the organization, and confident he will continue to raise the bar for guest satisfaction and operational excellence.”

This elevation reinforces the hotel’s commitment to nurturing in-house talent and fostering leadership that drives both guest delight and business success.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji is a premier hospitality destination located in the vibrant heart of Goa. Known for its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and personalized service, the hotel offers a blend of comfort and local charm. With a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, DoubleTree by Hilton Panaji Goa is the ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking memorable stays in this coastal paradise.

Ritesh Raje has been elevated as the Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji

National, July 2025 : DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji is proud to announce the elevation  of Ritesh Raje as the Executive Chef. With over 2 decades of robust culinary experience across leading hospitality brands, Ritesh’s promotion is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and operational excellence in the world of gastronomy.

A graduate of IHM Mumbai and PIC-3 certified by Dubai Municipality, Chef Raje has held key positions across acclaimed brands including Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and towers, Mumbai, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Chelsea Plaza Hotel, Hyatt Pune, and Sheraton Grand Pune. His expertise spans banquet execution, restaurant operations, strategic menu planning, and team development. Notably, during his tenure at Shangri-La, he played a crucial role in the pre-opening phase, defining the menu and putting together a skilled culinary team.

In his previous positions, he had held the responsibility of leading food production operations with precision, curated diverse menus, and championed timely, high-quality service across all F&B outlets. Widely respected for his collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail, he is known to balance creativity with consistency. 

“This elevation is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Chef Ritesh Raje. “My focus will be on deepening our culinary identity infusing local flavours with global techniques while nurturing a kitchen culture that values skill, respect, and innovation. Goa’s bounty is inspiring, and I’m excited to reimagine how we serve it to our guests.”

Welcoming this elevation, Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji, remarked, “Chef Ritesh has consistently displayed a deep understanding of not just culinary execution, but also the emotional intelligence required to lead a diverse team in a high performance environment. He brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and hands on passion for the art of cooking. His elevation reflects our belief in homegrown leadership and our commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative and unforgettable culinary experiences to every guest who dines with us.”

This elevation reinforces the hotel’s commitment to recognising in-house talent and delivering elevated gastronomic experiences rooted in quality, consistency, and flair.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji 

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji is a premier hospitality destination located in the vibrant heart of Goa. Known for its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and personalized service, the hotel offers a blend of comfort and local charm. With a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, DoubleTree by Hilton Panaji Goa is the ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking memorable stays in this coastal paradise.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji announces the elevation of Amar Albuquerque as Hotel Manager

National, June 2025 – DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji is pleased to announce the elevation of Amar Albuquerque as the new Hotel Manager, a recognition of his exceptional leadership, commitment, and contribution to the property's growth since joining in 2019. A performance-driven hospitality professional, Amar brings with him over a decade of experience in resort operations, team leadership, and revenue management. Known for his strategic thinking and guest-centric approach, he has consistently played a pivotal role in enhancing service standards, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving business performance at the hotel.

Prior to joining DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji, Amar worked with some of the most prestigious names in the industry such as IHCL and Accor Hotels, where he built a strong foundation in handling diverse teams, managing customer relationships, and understanding the nuances of Goa’s dynamic hospitality landscape.His ability to lead multicultural teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders has made him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Harshad Nalawade, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji, said: “Amar’s elevation is a testament to his consistent dedication, operational excellence, and guest-first mindset. His deep understanding of the brand and local market, coupled with his leadership capabilities, make him the ideal choice to support the hotel’s ongoing journey of delivering exceptional guest experiences. I look forward to seeing him thrive in this new role and further elevate our service standards.”

With this appointment, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji continues its focus on nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a culture of growth and excellence

Randesh Kalangutkar has been appointed as the Security Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji

National, June 2025: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji, is proud to announce the appointment of Randesh Kalangutkar as the new Security Manager. With a distinguished career spanning leading hospitality brands, Randesh brings over a decade of expertise in security operations, risk management, and safety compliance to the role.

Randesh’s previous roles include Hyatt Place, Candolim, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, and Vivanta by Taj Malabar, Cochin. His exceptional service at Pullman Maldives was recognized with the ‘Manager of the Quarter Award’ in May 2021, a testament to his proactive leadership and vigilance.

In his new role, Randesh will spearhead the resort’s security strategies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests, team members, and property assets. His approach combines operational precision with a people-first philosophy, aligning with Hilton’s commitment to hospitality and care.

Joining DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji is a remarkable opportunity. My goal is to elevate security protocols while creating an environment where guests feel genuinely safe and cared for,” said Randesh Kalangutkar, Security Manager.

Welcoming Randesh to the leadership team, Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji, shared, Randesh brings both tactical expertise and a deep understanding of the hospitality landscape. His leadership will strengthen our commitment to safety, and we are confident he will further enhance our guests’ trust and experience.”

With this strategic appointment, the resort reaffirms its dedication to upholding world-class safety standards in an ever-evolving hospitality environment.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji appoints Surjeet Singh Rawat as Food and Beverage Manager

Surjeet Singh Rawat
will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing all aspects of the hotel's food and beverage operations, meeting high-quality standards as set by the hotel, offering excellence in enhancing guest dining experiences.

He will also be responsible for staff training and development to strengthen daily on-ground momentum, inventory and financial planning and management. Serving in the hospitality industry for the past 8 years, Surjeet is a seasoned professional and has been associated with various hospitality brands across India. A high-spirited individual with a detail-oriented approach to his duty, Surjeet’s last stint was with Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park as part of the preopening team. Within a year was promoted to Asst. F&B manager and promoted to F&B manager by virtue of an internal transfer.

He has been associated with Hilton for about 2 years starting as a Restaurant manager and served as an integral part of the team with his proficient and exemplary management skills. Prior to that, he has been part of brands like IHCL and Marriott Hotels. He is also an alumnus of IHM Kufri, Shimla.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Harshad Nalawade – General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji stated, “Surjeet is a high-energy and intuitive individual who has the ability to provide exemplary service to all his guests. With a rich background in the hospitality industry and extensive experience with the Hilton brand, he brings valuable insights to benefit the hotel. We eagerly anticipate his contributions to our teams, confident that his presence will foster both team growth and brand expansion simultaneously.”

Surjeet expressed his excitement over his new role, “I am always delighted when work takes me places and more so when it happens within the family, in this case Hilton. I am a proud Hilton team member and I look forward to utilizing my expertise to create memorable gastronomy experiences for our guests.”

Surjeet is an ardent supporter of Real Madrid, displaying a deep love for the game of football so much so that he proudly owns more Real Madrid jerseys as compared to Business suits. His relocation to Goa is seen as an opportunity to further ignite his passion for the sport.