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.”

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West appoints Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef

Chef Sohail brings more than 21 years of culinary experience across IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson to his new role.

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has announced the appointment of Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef, bringing more than 21 years of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands to the property.

Chef Sohail’s career spans renowned hospitality groups including IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson, where he has built extensive expertise across culinary operations and guest-focused dining experiences. His professional experience encompasses fine dining, banquet operations, menu development, and the creation of innovative culinary concepts, with a strong focus on delivering consistency, creativity, and memorable experiences.

Leading culinary operations

In his new role at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, Chef Sohail will lead the property’s culinary operations, oversee menu development and innovation, and work with the culinary team to create engaging dining experiences for guests.

Chef Sohail Karimi on his appointment

Speaking about his appointment, Chef Sohail Karimi, Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, “Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am excited to be part of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West and look forward to creating distinctive culinary experiences that celebrate great flavours, creativity, and quality. I am also eager to work closely with the team to introduce new ideas and experiences that delight our guests.”

Focus on culinary offerings

Chef Sohail’s appointment reflects Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West’s continued focus on enhancing its culinary offerings and delivering warm, contemporary hospitality experiences to both leisure and business travellers

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City appoints Rohith V M as Executive Housekeeper

Rohith V M brings over 11 years of luxury hospitality experience across housekeeping operations, pre-opening projects, quality assurance and sustainability.

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City announces the appointment of Rohith V M as Executive Housekeeper. Bringing over 11 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Rohith joins the property with extensive expertise in housekeeping operations, pre-opening projects, quality assurance, sustainability initiatives, and guest experience management across leading hospitality brands.

In his role, Rohith will oversee all housekeeping operations at the property, with a focus on maintaining exceptional cleanliness and hygiene standards, enhancing guest satisfaction, driving operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of service excellence. He will also lead the housekeeping team in delivering seamless guest experiences while supporting the property’s commitment to sustainability and operational quality.

Hospitality experience

A seasoned hospitality professional, Rohith has built a distinguished career with some of the industry’s most respected hotel brands. Prior to joining Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, he served as Executive Housekeeper at Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, where he led housekeeping operations while driving guest satisfaction, departmental performance, and operational excellence. Before assuming this role, he held successive leadership positions at the property as Housekeeping Manager and Assistant Manager – Housekeeping, playing a key role in the hotel’s pre-opening phase, including recruitment, inventory planning, SOP development, snag coordination, and operational setup.

His professional journey also includes leadership roles with Accor at the Novotel & ibis Bengaluru complex, Shangri-La Bengaluru, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru, and an internship with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in departmental budgeting and P&L management, audit and certification compliance, vendor management, preventive maintenance planning, and leading high-performing teams across luxury hospitality environments.

Sustainability initiatives

Beyond operational excellence, Rohith has been instrumental in implementing sustainability-focused initiatives, including introducing an on-site water bottling plant, transitioning to eco-friendly amenities and cleaning agents, reducing single-use plastics through large-format amenities, and implementing water-saving laundry programmes. His people-first leadership approach, combined with his emphasis on structured training, associate engagement, and continuous quality improvement, has consistently contributed to high guest satisfaction and operational success.

Leadership perspective

Commenting on the appointment, Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rohith to our leadership team. His extensive experience in luxury housekeeping operations, strong people management skills, and commitment to operational excellence make him a valuable addition to the property. We are confident that his expertise, passion for service, and focus on sustainability will further elevate the guest experience and strengthen our operational standards.”

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport appoints Manas Lal as Hotel Manager

Manas brings over 20 years of experience across luxury and premium hotel operations, with expertise in Rooms Division, hotel management and revenue enhancement.

Manas Lal has been appointed as the Hotel Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, effective from 27-08-2026. He is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across luxury and premium hotel operations, with strong expertise in Rooms Division, hotel management, revenue enhancement, and operational excellence.

Experience across international brands

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport as Hotel Manager, Manas served as Hotel Manager at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, UAE, following his tenure as Director of Operations and Director of Rooms at the same property. His career also includes leadership roles with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels in Pune, and Sofitel The Palm Resort & Spa in Dubai.

Manas Lal on his appointment

I believe great hospitality begins with genuine connections,” said Manas. “My goal is to create an environment where our associates feel inspired and our guests feel truly valued at every moment of their stay.”

Having built his career with leading international hospitality brands, Manas brings diverse operational experience from Jumeirah, Marriott, Accor and progressing through roles including Front Office Manager, Assistant Director of Rooms, Director of Rooms, Director of Operations, and Hotel Manager.

Focus on guest and team experience

Known for his commitment to guest satisfaction, team development, and operational excellence, Manas is passionate about creating exceptional hospitality experiences and looks forward to bringing his leadership, expertise, and vision to Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport.

Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar appoints Manisha Havle as Director of Sales

Manisha brings hospitality sales and business development experience across Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group.

Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar announces the appointment of Manisha Havle as its new Director of Sales. Bringing extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Manisha will spearhead the hotel’s sales strategy, business development initiatives, and revenue growth efforts in her new role.

Career with Marriott International

Manisha’s appointment marks another significant milestone in her professional journey with Marriott International. Prior to joining Fairfield by Marriott Rajajinagar, she served at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments Pune, where she contributed to driving business performance and strengthening market relationships.

Experience across hospitality brands

Her hospitality career also includes experience with Radisson Hotel Group, where she developed a strong foundation in sales and business development before continuing her career with Marriott International. Over the years, her diverse experience across leading hospitality brands has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, customer engagement, and commercial strategy.

Focus on sales and business development

An MBA in Marketing, Manisha combines her academic expertise with extensive industry experience and a strong understanding of business development and revenue management. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening the hotel’s market presence, building strategic partnerships, and identifying new opportunities for sustainable business growth.

Beyond hospitality

Beyond her professional pursuits, Manisha enjoys gardening, exploring new destinations, and contributing to community service. She believes in embracing new experiences, building meaningful connections, and creating opportunities to give back to the community.

With her proven expertise, strategic approach, and passion for the hospitality industry, Manisha is poised to play a key role in driving the continued growth and success of Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar.

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.

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City appoints Rowena Rocha as HR Director

She joins the property with over 13 years of experience in human resources leadership across Marriott International and IHCL.

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City has appointed Rowena Rocha as Director of Human Resources. Bringing over 13 years of experience in human resources leadership within the hospitality industry, Rowena joins the property with expertise in talent management, organisational development, employee engagement, workforce planning, leadership development and culture transformation.

Role

In her role, Rowena will oversee the Human Resources function, with a focus on talent development, employee engagement, leadership development, organisational effectiveness and workplace culture.

Professional experience

Prior to joining Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, she served as Assistant Director of Human Resources at Le Méridien Kochi, where she led strategic HR initiatives, organisational development and employee engagement. Her career also includes leadership roles at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, JW Marriott Bengaluru, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, Taj Bengal Kolkata, Vivanta by Taj – President Mumbai and the Corporate Office of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Recognition

Throughout her career, Rowena has received several recognitions, including the Marriott HR APEC Awards for Spirit to Serve Our Communities (2021) and Team Resilience (2020). She completed Marriott International’s Future Forward Talent Programme (2022–23) and contributed as HR Trainer for the pre-opening of JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa and the conversion of St. Regis Goa.

Leadership

Commenting on the appointment, Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rowena to the Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City family. Her extensive experience across leading hospitality brands, strategic HR expertise, and passion for building people-centric workplaces make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our culture, empower our associates, and contribute significantly to the continued success of the property.”

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is pleased to welcome Chef Irshad Shaikh as Executive Chef.

Pune: With over 14 years of experience across leading luxury hospitality brands in India and internationally, Chef Irshad brings deep culinary expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. His impressive career includes associations with iconic St. Regis Mumbai, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, Shangri-La Muscat, and Taj Mahal Mumbai.

A versatile culinary leader with proven expertise in menu innovation, multi-outlet operations, and pre-opening projects, Chef Irshad is known for driving excellence in food quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction.

In his new role, he will spearhead the culinary operations at the hotel, introducing fresh perspectives on menu development while upholding the highest standards of hygiene, food safety, and service excellence.

The hotel looks forward to his leadership in elevating the dining experience at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan.

Rahul Chivate Promoted to Executive Housekeeper at W Goa

W Goa is pleased to announce the promotion of Rahul Chivate to the position of Executive Housekeeper. With an extensive background in hospitality management and a proven track record of excellence, Rahul brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role.

Rahul joined W Goa in July 2022 as a Style Manager, where he demonstrated exceptional skills in overseeing all aspects of housekeeping operations. His responsibilities included staff supervision, inventory management, and budget control. Rahul's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, coupled with his ability to create a work environment of employee engagement and trust, has been instrumental in elevating the guest experience at W Goa.

Prior to joining W Goa, Rahul held various key positions in renowned hospitality establishments, including Evershine Resort Mahabaleshwar, Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa, Vana Retreats Dehradun, and Trident Udaipur (Oberois). His diverse experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of housekeeping management and a reputation for delivering exceptional results.

In his new role as Executive Housekeeper, Rahul will continue to lead the housekeeping team with efficiency and innovation. He will be responsible for developing and implementing cleaning schedules and procedures, collaborating with other departments to coordinate guest requests and special projects, and preparing reports on housekeeping operations, including budgeting, staffing, and inventory.

Rahul's personal skills, including his creativity, reliability, and time management, combined with his passion for sports, cooking, reading, and chess, reflect his well-rounded approach to leadership and hospitality.

Rahul Chivate's promotion to Executive Housekeeper at W Goa is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in hospitality management.

Sheraton Grand Whitefield Bengaluru Hotel & Convention Center Welcomes Hitesh Pant as the new Executive Chef

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Hitesh Pant as the new Executive Chef. With over 14 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chef Hitesh brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of excellence to his new role.

Chef Hitesh, in his new position, will oversee the culinary operations at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel, focusing on innovation and excellence across all F&B outlets, from in-room dining to orchestrating culinary experiences for MICE, events, and weddings. Beyond the kitchen, his leadership is marked by a deep commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative culture that thrives on achievement.

Chef Hitesh, known for his forward-thinking approach and strong leadership skills, has held various senior positions in renowned hospitality establishments, establishing himself as a leader in culinary arts. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including menu and strategic planning, innovation, and team management.

Throughout his career, Chef Hitesh has achieved significant milestones, including his tenure as Executive Sous Chef at The Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts in Bengaluru. During this time, he successfully managed culinary operations, implemented budget strategies, and maintained high standards of customer service. He also played a key role in launching new dining concepts and overseeing renovations to enhance the dining experience.

Mr. Sanjay Gupta, the General Manager of the hotel, expressed his excitement about Chef Hitesh joining the team, emphasizing his expertise and innovative approach to culinary arts.With Chef Hitesh on board, we look forward to elevating our culinary offerings and maintaining our reputation for gastronomic excellence in Bengaluru.”

Chef Hitesh holds a Bachelor of Science from the Institute of Hotel Management and a Bachelor of Commerce. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family which means the world to him.

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Indore Marriott Hotel appoints Jaheer Abbas as Assistant Director Human Resources

Indore Marriott Hotel announces the appointment of Jaheer Abbas as Assistant Director Human Resources. Jaheer brings with him an impressive career trajectory, encompassing 15 years of invaluable experience and expertise in the dynamic realm of hospitality.

Most recently, Jaheer played a crucial role as an HR strategist at Accor's Grand Mercure Mysore. During his tenure, he led diverse teams and spearheaded initiatives that not only strengthened the hotel’s reputation for employee welfare and HR excellence but also fostered an inclusive culture conducive to personal and professional growth.

Jaheer’s greatest strength lies in his ability to connect with people. His friendly demeanor and talent for building relationships with colleagues at every level have consistently enhanced the organizations he's been a part of. His dedication to nurturing talent extends beyond mere encouragement. He takes proactive steps to identify and cultivate potential in others, offering mentorship, training, and resources to help individuals reach their full potential.

Indore Marriott Hotel extends a warm welcome to Jaheer Abbas as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. The team looks forward to his invaluable contributions, enriching experiences, and positive impact on both guests and associates.

Indore Marriott Hotel Appoints Aniket Betawadkar as Executive Chef

Indore Marriott Hotel proudly welcomes Aniket Betawadkar, a seasoned culinary virtuoso with over 15 years of invaluable experience, to its esteemed team. With a wealth of expertise and innovation, Aniket promises to elevate the culinary experience to unparalleled heights.

Aniket’s journey began in 2009 at the JW Marriott Mumbai as a Culinary Associate. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence, achieving impressive results throughout his career. Notably, he has been recognized for fostering a positive work environment, receiving the highest People Pulse score and achieving compliance for Bureau Veritas’ & COVID-19 guidelines.

Prior to joining Indore Marriott Hotel, Aniket has held significant roles in esteemed brands such as Trident Hyderabad, The Leela Goa, Ibis, Novotel Bengaluru, Techpark, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Dubai, and The Dorchester, Park Lane London. Through these experiences, Aniket has not only mastered the art of culinary craftsmanship but has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest satisfaction.

Aniket’s leadership is expected to inspire and motivate the culinary team to strive for perfection, ensuring that every dish served reflects the hotel’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. Through collaborative efforts and his guidance, Indore Marriott Hotel aims to set new standards of culinary excellence, thereby solidifying its reputation as the go-to destination for unparalleled dining experiences in Indore.