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.

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.