The Orchid Hotel, Pune Elevates Shawn Subramanian to General Manager – Sales

Pune: Recognizing a track record of consistent performance and strategic leadership, The Orchid Hotel, Pune, has elevated Mr. Shawn Subramanian to the position of General Manager – Sales.

In his previous role as Head of Sales and Marketing, Shawn played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, building strong client relationships, and positioning the hotel as a leading eco-friendly luxury destination in Pune. With his extensive experience in hospitality sales and proven leadership, he has been instrumental in achieving consistent revenue growth and enhancing customer engagement across key markets.

In his new role, Shawn will lead the sales function with a focus on expanding business opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and driving sustainable growth in alignment with The Orchid’s vision of “Delighting Guests, Naturally.” His leadership will further reinforce the hotel’s position as a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers alike.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Subramanian said, “It is an honor to take on this new role at The Orchid Hotel, Pune. I look forward to continuing our growth journey, strengthening our brand presence, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests and partners.”

The Orchid Hotel, Pune congratulates Shawn on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to his continued contributions in shaping the hotel’s success story.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Announces the Elevation of Bhushan Sawant as Executive Chef

Pune, June 2025 – The Ritz-Carlton, Pune proudly announces the elevation of Bhushan Sawant to Executive Chef, a strategic leadership role that reflects his exceptional contributions, consistent performance, and culinary mastery over the past five years at the hotel. Bhushan’s promotion further reinforces the brand’s commitment to recognizing internal talent and driving excellence across all touchpoints of the guest dining experience.

With over 22 years of global culinary experience, Bhushan has cultivated a rich expertise in luxury hospitality, having worked with prestigious brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Rosewood Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Oberoi Hotels. His specialization spans all-day dining, fine dining, Garde Manger, and large-scale banquets, with a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.

Since joining The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Bhushan has played a pivotal role in elevating the hotel's culinary reputation through award-winning outlets such as Ukiyo, Aasmana, Alta Vida and its renowned banquet experiences. Under his leadership, the hotel has received numerous accolades—ranking among the Top 5 in F&B across APEC and achieving standout guest satisfaction scores (ITR), while exceeding fiscal targets by a 16% surplus in FY 2024.

In his new role, Bhushan will lead a team of 87 chefs, continuing to innovate menus, drive sustainability initiatives, and deliver refined, personalized dining experiences that reflect the ethos of The Ritz-Carlton. His passion for regional Indian cuisine, guest-centric philosophy, and deep understanding of global culinary trends will further enhance the hotel’s food and beverage narrative.

A firm believer in mentorship and team development, Bhushan’s leadership style combines operational rigour with creative exploration. His ability to blend authenticity with modern techniques has positioned him as a driving force behind the hotel’s culinary journey.

Outside the kitchen, Bhushan enjoys driving and exploring new places. His grounded approach to leadership and love for food storytelling make him a remarkable asset to The Ritz-Carlton, Pune.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Appoints Gagan Sahu as Executive Sous Chef

Pune, June 2025: The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Gagan Sahu as Executive Sous Chef, bringing over 14 years of culinary experience across India’s most prestigious luxury hotels and restaurants. Known for his modern approach to Indian cuisine, deep ingredient knowledge, and commitment to sustainability, Chef Gagan is set to further elevate the hotel’s celebrated dining experiences.

Gagan rejoins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune after a previous tenure as Chef de Cuisine during the hotel’s pre-opening phase, where he led day-to-day operations for specialty restaurants and the All Day Dining venue. Under his leadership, the All Day Dining restaurant was awarded Best in the City by the Times Food and Nightlife Awards three years in a row. He also spearheaded high-profile culinary showcases such as the Louis XIII Cognac Dinner, the Degree Celsius Dinner, and Lexus Chef’s Table, all of which were praised for their creativity and finesse.

In his most recent roles, Gagan held leadership positions at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences and The St. Regis Goa, where he was instrumental in launching Susegado, a beachside restaurant concept celebrating coastal Indian cuisine with a modern twist. His strengths lie in managing high-volume banqueting, designing concept-driven menus, and training diverse culinary teams to uphold excellence in food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.

A strong advocate of zero-waste cooking, Gagan believes in transforming locally sourced, indigenous ingredients into globally inspired dishes. His cuisine reflects his passion for sustainable dining, with a flair for pre-plated, fine-dining formats and vegan-forward innovation.

In his new role, Chef Gagan will support the hotel’s expanding culinary vision across Ukiyo, Aasmana, the Tea Lounge, All Day Dining, and Banquets, working closely with the culinary leadership to craft unforgettable gastronomic journeys. He will also play a pivotal role in training and mentoring chefs, driving menu engineering, and ensuring The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service extends to every plate.

A Pune resident, Gagan is passionate about culinary storytelling, discovering rural flavors, and connecting communities through food. His appointment marks a promising new chapter for The Ritz-Carlton, Pune—blending precision, passion, and purpose on every plate.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Announces Appointment of Dimple Bhatt as Director of Spa

Pune, May 2025: The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Dimple Bhatt as Director of Spa, overseeing all wellness, spa, and athletic club operations at the iconic luxury property. With a decade of progressive experience in wellness hospitality and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, Dimple brings with her a wealth of industry knowledge and a strong track record in luxury spa management.

Dimple joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune from The St. Regis Mumbai, where she served as Spa Manager and was instrumental in driving spa profitability, curating bespoke wellness journeys, and delivering a consistently exceptional guest experience. Under her leadership, the spa at The St. Regis Mumbai achieved significant revenue growth through innovative wellness programming, strategic marketing initiatives, and operational excellence.

Her career has spanned some of the most esteemed hospitality brands including JW Marriott Mussoorie, Holiday Inn Mumbai, and Radisson Blu Pune, where she held key roles across spa operations, training, and team development. Notably, she has been credited with increasing spa revenue by over 50% in prior roles by leveraging personalised guest engagement and targeted upselling strategies.

In her new role at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Dimple will lead the Spa and The Athletic Club, focusing on elevating wellness experiences through innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service standards. She will be responsible for developing holistic wellness journeys that reflect The Ritz-Carlton brand’s commitment to luxury, mindfulness, and transformative hospitality.

A graduate of the Management Development Institute of Singapore, Dimple holds a BSc (Hons) in International Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management. Her strengths lie in strategic thinking, team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and curating wellness initiatives that resonate with modern luxury travellers.

Passionate about exploring the world and its diverse cultures through global cuisine and insightful reading, Dimple brings both a worldly perspective and a deeply personal touch to her work. Known for her hands-on leadership style and people-first mindset, she believes that true wellness stems from meaningful connections, personalised care, and purposeful hospitality.

Her appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for wellness at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune — one defined by passion, innovation, and a vision for nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Appoints Kamlesh Chaturvedi as Executive Housekeeper

Pune, January 2025 - The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is delighted to welcome Kamlesh Chaturvedi as the new Executive Housekeeper. With over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Kamlesh is set to bring a transformative approach to the housekeeping operations at this iconic property, ensuring the highest standards of luxury and comfort for every guest.

Kamlesh Chaturvedi’s extensive experience encompasses leadership roles in some of India’s most prestigious luxury properties. His journey began with Trident, Bandra Kurla Complex He further honed his skills at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, followed by Trident, Nariman Point, during the challenging pandemic years. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, where he managed housekeeping operations for 550 rooms and 110 luxury apartments. His ability to lead and inspire teams, coupled with his attention to detail, earned him recognition as a dynamic leader.

An accomplished professional, Kamlesh is celebrated for his innovative approach to operational challenges and his dedication to sustainability in hospitality. Among his many accolades, he was named ‘Star of the Year’ during his tenure at Oberoi, Trident BKC and recognized for his exemplary work as ‘Hygiene Manager of the Hotel’ during the pandemic.

In his new role, Kamlesh will oversee the housekeeping division, including guest rooms, public areas, laundry operations, and back-of-house spaces. His commitment to excellence will drive seamless service delivery and personalized guest experiences, further enhancing The Ritz-Carlton, Pune’s reputation for impeccable hospitality. Kamlesh’s role also encompasses implementing innovative sustainability practices, upholding rigorous hygiene standards, and empowering his team to deliver exceptional results.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kamlesh is a certified departmental trainer and has successfully led pre-opening projects, including setting up model rooms and establishing operational workflows. His interests in traveling, bike riding, and exploring cultures align with his dynamic personality and bring fresh inspiration to his work.

Sandip Nalawade is the new Director of Engineering at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune

The Ritz-Carlton Pune announces the appointment of Sandip Nalawade as the new Director of Engineering.

Sandip Nalawade is a proficient leader in hotel engineering with 20 years of experience and a strong background in addressing the engineering needs of luxury hotels, apartments, and commercial properties. In his previous role as the Chief Engineer at Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Sandip led a team of 27 skilled professionals, implemented innovative energy-saving initiatives, and played a pivotal role in reopening and sustaining the hotel during the pandemic. His expertise in HVAC, electrical engineering, plumbing techniques, and systems management has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. 

Throughout his career, Sandip has demonstrated a keen ability to devise methods that eliminate waste of energy, time, and resources during operations. His accomplishments include conducting energy audits, implementing environmental management systems, and overseeing facilities’ mechanical systems. Sandip has also been recognised for promoting employee engagement and building high-performing teams. 

As the Director of Engineering at The Ritz-Carlton Pune, Sandip will oversee all engineering operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He will manage and train the engineering team, implement preventive maintenance programmes, and lead various projects to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and guest experience. Sandip’s dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to engineering challenges will contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued success. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Appoints Sandip Nalawade as Director of Engineering

Pune, July 2024 - The Ritz-Carlton Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandip Nalawade as the new Director of Engineering. With a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Sandip brings a wealth of technical, analytical, and management expertise to our esteemed property.

Sandip Nalawade is a proficient leader in hotel engineering, with a strong background in addressing the engineering needs of luxury hotels, apartments, and commercial properties. In his previous role as Chief Engineer at Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Sandip led a team of 27 skilled professionals, implemented innovative energy-saving initiatives, and played a pivotal role in reopening and sustaining the hotel during the pandemic. His expertise in HVAC, electrical engineering, plumbing techniques, and systems management has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Throughout his career, Sandip has demonstrated a keen ability to devise methods that eliminate wasted energy, time, and resources during operations. His accomplishments include conducting energy audits, implementing environmental management systems, and overseeing facilities' mechanical systems. Sandip has also been recognized for promoting employee engagement and building high-performing teams.

As the Director of Engineering at The Ritz-Carlton Pune, Sandip will oversee all engineering operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He will manage and train the engineering team, implement preventive maintenance programs, and lead various projects to enhance the hotel's infrastructure and guest experience. Sandip's dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to engineering challenges will contribute significantly to the hotel's continued success.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Announces Elevation of Top Management

Pune, March 2024: The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is proud to announce the elevation of five esteemed team members of the top management in systematic succession planning to pivotal leadership roles within the organization, reflecting their exceptional dedication, expertise, and contributions to the property.

1. Shri Raj Goswami - Associate Director of Food & Beverage:

Shri Raj Goswami assumes the role of Associate Director of Food & Beverage, bringing over 12 years of unparalleled experience in luxury hospitality to his new position. With a remarkable trajectory that includes prestigious establishments such as Taj Lake Palace and Four Seasons Maldives, Shri Raj Goswami's appointment promises to usher in a new era of innovation and excellence in dining experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune.

2. Shrikant Patro - Director of Food & Beverage:

Shrikant Patro, with over 13 years of immersive experience in the industry, steps into the esteemed position of Director of Food & Beverage. His journey from Associate Director to Director of Restaurants and Bars at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu reflects his unwavering dedication and profound expertise, ensuring elevated dining experiences and unparalleled guest satisfaction at our celebrated venues.

3. Pushkar Bhat - Director of Sales & Marketing:

Pushkar Bhat's elevation to the role of Director of Sales & Marketing signifies a new chapter of success at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune. With over 15 years of illustrious experience across renowned hospitality brands, Bhat's dynamic approach and strategic acumen are poised to drive revenue growth and foster enduring client relationships, further solidifying our position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

4. Priyanka Gupta - Director of Sales:

Priyanka Gupta's appointment as Director of Sales underscores her exceptional leadership and commitment to surpassing sales targets within the hospitality industry. With a commendable tenure marked by consistent revenue growth, Priyanka's dynamic leadership promises to guide her team towards achieving property priorities and revenue goals at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune.

5. Kavindra Tiwari - Director of Human Resources:

Kavindra Tiwari's elevation to the role of Director of Human Resources reflects his exemplary career spanning over a decade in the industry. With a profound commitment to fostering a culture of people engagement and connection, Kavindra's leadership ensures comprehensive Human Resources operations that embody a results-driven approach at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune extends heartfelt congratulations to Shri Raj Goswami, Shrikant Patro, Pushkar Bhat, Priyanka Gupta, and Kavindra Tiwari on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to continued success under their dynamic leadership.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune appoints Aniket Jadhav as Executive Housekeeper

Aniket comes with an impressive experience of 7 years in the hospitality industry

Having worked his way up in the Housekeeping department with renowned hotels like The Westin Chennai Velachery, St. Regis Mumbai, and W Goa. Most recently, Aniket served as the Deputy Housekeeper with Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

A result-oriented team player, Aniket has a philosophy for creating a culture of excellence, which navigates the high-performing team to drive guest satisfaction.

In his role at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Aniket will be responsible for overseeing the entire operations of the housekeeping department, from managing priorities while solving problems; to training, developing, and fostering a strong team focused on quality, presentation, cost containment, and safety.