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.