Clarks Safari Pushkar appointed Pankaj Singh Barthwal as General Manager

Barthwal has a vast experience of more than 18 years in the field of hospitality

A graduate from Purvanchal University, Barthwal has an extensive experience in the field of operations, MICE and staff handling. He has successfully run the operation of different resorts in his tenure.

Remodeling projects, flawless execution of events like LIFW, Bridal Asia are one of his many specialties. He has worked in hotels located in Dubai, Goa, Delhi, Pushkar, etc.

He will be responsible for managing Clarks Safari Pushkar, general administration, staff training, planning, grievance handling, increasing revenue, building a trade network, and implementing new technological advancements on the property. 

Tushar Nagar is the new General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Shillong – Marriott International

Make it stand out

With over 14 years of combined experience across Operations Management, Quality Management, Training and  Development, Client Management, and Team Leadership, Mr. Tushar Nagar has been appointed as General  Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, the debut property of Marriott International in the North East region of India..

In this present role, Tushar will don an all-encompassing role and will be responsible for the hotel’s overall performance in addition to front-lining all conversations and shaping the hotel as a leading benchmark in the hospitality industry. His expertise lies in defining operating procedures and service standards, as well as optimizing procurements to enhance the output efficiency of the hotel. 

Tushar has climbed the corporate ladder and has held multiple positions at top-tier hospitality brands after acquiring industrial exposure at Le Meridien Jaipur. He has pursued a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM  Varanasi and B.Com from Jagatpur PG College, Varanasi. He has served various touted brands like The Oberoi  Amarvilas Agra, JW Marriott Chandigarh, Park Hyatt Chennai, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, The Westin Pune and  Marriott International.  

He enjoys a great track record and excels in varied roles inclusive of operations, health & safety concerns, training  & development, and futuristic planning. He has displayed paramount efforts in setting up & rolling out successful quality management in service environments, overachieving expectations and exceeding all set goals by enduring customer relationships. He has excelled in achieving the delivery of the highest quality of services & performance standards by providing thought leadership on all operational aspects and reviewing performance, systems, and processes to ensure smooth and hassle-free operations. He is a quick learner with strong adaptability to details which makes him keep going and growing. 

People management skills and guest interaction have been his strong suits. 

Tushar is passionate about cricket and music also enjoys long drives.

Crown and Champa Resorts Announces New Key Appointments

Left TO Right
Ali Navaz is the General Manager of Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, and Bahauddeen is the Resort Manager of Hurawalhi Island Resort. Jorge Amaro is the General Manager of Innahura Maldives Resort

Crown & Champa Resorts, a leading resort collection in the Maldives, has announced three new key appointments across their resorts in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The appointments include Ali Navaz as the General Manager of Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Bahauddeen as the Resort Manager of Hurawalhi Island Resort, and Jorge Amaro as the General Manager of Innahura Maldives Resort.

Ali Navaz, a Maldivian with 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed as the General Manager of Komandoo Island Resort & Spa. He joined Crown & Champa Resorts five years ago and was recently promoted to Resort Manager of Hurawalhi Island Resort in March 2021.

Bahauddeen, affectionately known as Bahau, has been in the hospitality industry for 22 years and has played a key role in upholding the world-class experience at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. He has been appointed as the Resort Manager of Hurawalhi Island Resort from January 2023.

Jorge Amaro, a Portuguese hospitality expert with 25 years of experience, has been appointed as the General Manager of Innahura Maldives Island, a 78-key resort. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his work in hotels across France, Portugal, Seychelles, and the Maldives.

Crown & Champa Resorts is known for its collection of properties that cater to every purpose of travel, offering world-class hospitality and authentic Maldivian experiences. With nine resort islands, including Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, and Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, the resort collection provides thoughtful, attentive services that connect travelers with a passion for a life fully lived to the best of this idyllic destination.

Leading Lifestyle Resort Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club Appoints John Parker as General Manager

Avani Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of John Parker as General Manager of Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Thailand as of February 2023. 

Joining the Avani team from Mari Beach Club in Bali, operations expert John Parker will focus on positioning Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club as the island’s leading lifestyle resort, as well as elevating SEEN Beach Club Samui’s visibility both regionally and internationally.

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Marc Selinger Takes Charge of Meliá Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, Thailand (February 2023) – A seasoned professional with substantial hospitality experience in Europe and Asia has been appointed general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai.

Spaniard Marc Selinger has taken charge of the 260-key hotel that opened in April last year in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north. 

Marc Selinger has worked for Meliá Hotels International for the past seven years. Before joining Meliá Chiang Mai this month, he was the acting general manager and hotel manager at Meliá Hanoi in Vietnam, and the director of operations at Meliá Yangon in Myanmar.

He started his career in room division and F&B internships at various properties in Spain, Switzerland and the UK from early 2009, before moving to Vietnam in 2012 to become a cruise manager with Paradise Cruises in UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay and then operations manager at Blue Ocean Resort in Mui Ne.

Marc Selinger also has a bachelor’s degree from San Pablo CEU University in Madrid, Spain, and a diploma from EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“Marc has been with Meliá Hotels International for seven years and has grown with the company to become a general manager due to his strong leadership abilities, his genuine enthusiasm for hospitality, his talent, and his ability to learn quickly,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Meliá Hotels International. “Knowing the brand as he does, and with his rich and diverse experience, he is the obvious choice to oversee Meliá Chiang Mai.”

“The first five-star hotel to open since the onset of the global pandemic with an incredible future ahead, Meliá Chiang Mai is the most exciting project I’ve worked on hitherto, with a design that pays homage to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture, an excellent culinary landscape inspired by Spain’s famed gastronomy, and a collection of outstanding facilities including Chiang Mai’s highest rooftop bar,” Marc Selinger added. 

Experiential Travel Expert Michael Robinson Joins Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort as General Manager

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is proud to announce the arrival of their new GM, Michael Robinson. The New Zealand national has been appointed as General Manager effective January 2023 at the 11-acre urban escape on the Chao Phraya River and brings with him a wealth of hotel experience spanning the USA, Middle East and Asia.

In his new role, Michael will oversee all operations, including 281 guestrooms and 95 suites, 11 restaurants and bars, luxury river cruise Loy Pela Voyages, Anantara Spa, BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat, and extensive meeting and event facilities.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Appoints Joseph Colina as New General Manager

SIEM REAP, Cambodia January 2023 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic 90-year-old luxury hotel on the doorstep of the ancient Khmer archeological sites of Angkor, has appointed Joseph Colina as its new General Manager.

The American national brings nearly two decades of experience with Accor to his new posting in Siem Reap. Colina most recently served as General Manager of MGallery Sapa in northern Vietnam. He also previously worked as Hotel Manager for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, after launching his career in the U.S. with positions in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere.

“This is an exciting moment in Siem Reap not only as international travelers flock back to one of the world’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor writes the next chapter in its own legendary history, after celebrating its 90-year anniversary last year as a landmark heritage hotel in Southeast Asia,” Colina said.

The hotel reopened its doors in June 2022 following a major restoration project and pandemic-related closure that shut the hotel for nearly three years. Under the guidance of the Raffles Hotels group, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is once again at the forefront of travel to Southeast Asia. The hotel was recognized last year by the U.S.-based publication Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s top 500 hotels.

Nearly all of the hotel’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished in the restoration, including with all-new Italian tiling and fixtures in the bathrooms. One of the hotel’s most distinctive attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

Colina takes the reins amid other significant changes at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, including the launch of the Khmer fine-dining restaurant 1932 and the addition of the Raffles Marquee, an elegant events space overlooking a lush green lawn.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 and is a national treasure whose storied history is a testament to Cambodia’s colorful past. The hotel was originally built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) appoints Mr Rubin Cherian as the General Manager

Hyderabad: January 2023:  Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) today announced the appointment of Mr Rubin Cherian as General Manager. Rubin is a well-rounded hotelier with over two decades of experience in the Hospitality Industry. An exemplary leader he is proficient in heading multicultural teams and has excellent management skills.

In his current role as General Manager NHCC & HICC, he will focus on delivering strong business results through optimizing profitability, business management and increasing revenue.  His priority areas will be enhancing services, increasing business growth and developing a talented and committed team to manage hotel operations. Rubin will lead the hotel to greater heights of success with his extensive experience and industry knowledge. Rubin will be working closely with the team at NHCC & HICC for bringing in force the overall vision and future direction of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. With an impressive track record, he will work towards bringing in higher efficiency in all aspects of hotel management and financial planning.

Rubin has been with Accor for close to 2 decades and has carved a niche for himself through his dedication and hard work. In the past, Rubin has led different leadership portfolios throughout his career. Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, he was General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Airport and has held significant positions at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, and Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. He has won many awards and accolades including "General Manager of the Year" by BW Hotelier in 2019 & “Best General Manager of the year”  in 2019 for Accor South Asia Hotel Awards within India & Srilanka hotels. He has also been recognized for serving Accor for more than a decade.

Rubin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Karnataka University. He also holds a degree in commerce from Nagpur University. He is a technology enthusiast and loves surrounding him with latest gadgets. He has a great passion for bikes and also enjoys travelling.

Holiday Inn Katra is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Ritesh Sharma as The General Manager

He brings with him over two decades of voluminous experience in the hospitality industry.

He looks forward to spearheading operations, As a Pre-Opening hotel he will kick start the operations with his innovative strategies and manage an effective and enthusiastic team. He did his Hotel Management at IHM Bhopal.

Mr. Ritesh Sharma believes in “The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have”

Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi appoints Anuj Majumdar as Assistant General Manager

Pune, December 2022: Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi is pleased to announce the appointment of Anuj Majumdar as Assistant General Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Anuj’s expertise will play a vital role in elevating the property to new heights.

A passionate hotelier, over the years, having worked with several brands across the country, Anuj has gained deep knowledge and experience in dealing with a broad spectrum of situations and challenges, including pre-opening properties.

Anuj’s extensive background has led him to be associated with several esteemed hospitality brands such as The Leela Mumbai, Holiday Inn Pune, Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur, The Corinthians Resort & Club Pune, and the Pride Hotel, Pune. He has also productively consulted for both greenfield and brownfield projects of mid-tier hotels & F&B retail establishments.

Commenting on his appointment, Anuj says, “Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi is a relatively new property, however, it is conspicuous because of its exclusive array of F&B offerings. It is an absolute honor to be appointed as the hotel’s first assistant general manager. I look forward to working closely with the dynamic team to deliver a seamless guest experience befitting our property.”

A seasoned professional, Anuj has an intrinsic understanding of hotel operations, fulfilling guest expectations, and great leadership skills. His journey at Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjewadi will be instrumental in establishing the hotel as one of the most sought for in the city.

SANJAY GUPTA APPOINTED AS GENERAL MANAGER OF SHERATON GRAND BENGALURU WHITEFIELD HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

Bengaluru, January 2023: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center has appointed Sanjay Gupta as their new General Manager. A seasoned and versatile hospitality professional with a career spanning over two decades, Sanjay has worked with brands like Hilton, Hyatt Hotels, Grand Hyatt, and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. Over the years, he has honed his skills in managing a diverse team of people and has championed operational excellence. 

His journey with Marriott International began in 2011 as the pre-opening General Manager of the 100th Le Meridien in Coimbatore followed by Le Meridien Jaipur and most recently he was the General Manager of Le Meridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR.

He has also been the recipient of some very prestigious awards within the organisation such as the Spirit To Serve Associates Marriott ‘Take Care’ award Asia Pacific Except China (APEC) for the year 2022 and the General Manager of year 2022 from Business World Hotelier as a National winner. Furthermore, he is the third Indian hotelier to be awarded an Honorary Diploma by the Les Clefs d’Or Paris, France.

Through his profound knowledge and dedication to championing the ethos of travel and hospitality, he will be at the helm of day-to-day operations in his new role, ensuring personalized, high-quality service to all guests. 

Speaking at Sanjay Gupta’s appointment, Gaurav Singh, ‎Market Vice President, Marriott International said, “It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Sanjay to his new role at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. We are confident that with his passion, commitment & a long gradient of achievements, he will do a fantastic job at serving our guests better and transforming the property in to one of the city’s best hotels.”

Sanjay is a graduate from IHM Kolkata and is an alumni of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. He has also completed his Executive Development Program from IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Delhi.

An avid hiker, Sanjay’s idea of unwinding is through cooking and spending quality time with his family and friends.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts appoints Biswajit Chakraborty as The Cluster General Manager of The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel and The Leela Ashtamudi

Biswajit has over 35 years of experience across major Indian hotel brands like The Oberoi Hotels and Taj Hotels and has also worked for the Accor Hotel Group

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Biswajit Chakraborty as The Cluster General Manager of The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel and The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel in “God’s Own Country.”

Biswajit has over 35 years of experience across major Indian hotel brands like The Oberoi Hotels and Taj Hotels and has also worked for the Accor Hotel Group. Having held leadership roles in various capacities including Hotel Operations, Sales and Marketing and Pre-Openings, he brings with him a wealth of experience and astute business acumen. Biswajit was the opening General Manager of The Leela Kempinski Kovalam in 2005 and is returning to Kerala to lead the iconic beach destination hotel The Leela Kovalam A Raviz Hotel and launch the hidden gem of Kerala Backwaters, The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel.

Prior to joining The Leela, Biswajit was with Hotelivate as Managing Director, South India. A staunch believer in the brand’s ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, Biswajit is known to be strategic leader with a humane and effective leadership style focused on placing the guest at the centre of everything he does.

Speaking on the occasion Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Operating Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “Biswajit’s return to The Leela family is a key milestone as we embark upon our journey to fortify our presence in Kerala. With his in-depth market knowledge and deep seeded relationships, we are confident Biswajit is poised to further enhance and strengthen The Raviz and The Leela partnership to create a synergy that can propel the State to the centre stage of the global tourism network.”

Speaking about the occasion, Asish Nair, Vice President R P Group said. “We are delighted to welcome Mr Chakraborty to the family, with whom we share a very sound personal bonding for a long time, and our Chairman Dr Ravi Pillai was always captivated by Mr Chakraborty’s extensive experience in successfully managing Uber-Luxury Hospitality products through his unique style of management.”

Biswajit holds a master’s degree in commerce from Bangalore University and has to his credit a Diploma in Hospitality General Management from Cornell University, Ithaca, Upstate New York.

Manish Dayya takes the reins as General Manager at Sofitel Mumbai BKC

A hospitality professional to the core, he looks forward to spearheading operations at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, introducing further growth through innovative strategies, and managing an effective and enthusiastic team

Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the elegant, luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Manish Dayya as the new General Manager. 

Mr. Dayya brings with him over two decades of experience in the trade and hospitality industries. A hospitality professional to the core, he looks forward to spearheading operations at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, introducing further growth through innovative strategies, and managing an effective and enthusiastic team. 

Knowing that hospitality would be his path of choice, Manish completed his Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition Goa, before kickstarting his career. Notable appointments include stints as General Manager at properties across the country, including Lemon Tree, The Raintree Hotels in Chennai, and the Royal Orchid Hotels in Hyderabad, before joining Accor in 2013. Here, Manish reaped the benefits of hands-on experience at brands across the group, such as the Grand Mercure & Novotel Goa Shrem Resort, Mercure Hotel, and Lavasa International Convention Centre, followed by Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, as a complex general manager. 

At all the properties, Manish oversaw a mix of business and leisure guests, as well as a thriving events and MICE segment, thus allowing him to keep an active finger on the pulse of leisure and business travel trends. His wealth of experience in metro, leisure, and tier 2 cities allows for a multi-dimensional approach when welcoming guests, launching new offerings, and working with diverse teams. What’s more, his varied roles and expansive approach to hospitality, and a decade of Accor experience make him a perfect fit for Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s seamless blend of the French way of life and warm Indian hospitality.  

In his free time. Manish enjoys music, traveling, reading, and movies. 

Jatish Ghai takes over as the General Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik

Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik is extremely delighted to announce the appointment of Jatish Ghai as the new General Manager

Jatish brings in with him 2 decades of illustrious experience in luxury hotel operations with prestigious brands such The Leela palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International and Ananda In The Himalayas.

In his previous assignment as Director of Operations, he was instrumental in driving efficiencies in operations and technology transformation for Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia. Jatish is known for his strong analytical skills, astute business acumen along with the mindset of building long–term relationships. His revenue management expertise will play a significant role in establishing Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik as a commercially successful luxury lifestyle Hotel in the Wine capital of India. 

As General Manager, Jatish will oversee the strategic and financial performance of the property, and curate bespoke experiences for its guests, with a key focus on creating value in the growth and success of our business across all segments by encouraging positive work culture and people development.

Amal El Ansari appointed general manager of Swissotel Al Ghurair

The international hotelier brings a wealth of experience and is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion

Swissotel Al Ghurair and Swissotel Living Al Ghurair have appointed Amal El Ansari as the new general manager of the 620-room properties. She has been with Accor for 11 years and has held key positions and cluster roles of DOSM, hotel manager and general manager.

El Ansari brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and commercials and provides a strategic vision for the hotel, connected to the Al Ghurair Centre shopping mall.

Before this, she was the general manager of Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre and successfully led her team through the pandemic. An international hotelier with business acumen and strong communication skills, El Ansari has successfully managed Pullman, Novotel, Ibis, Rotana and Sheraton brands. She advocates innovation and strives to achieve great heights keeping the company’s mission, values, and strategy in mind.

She said: “We are in a people-centric industry, and it is of the utmost importance to value our people first and, in turn, create a happy and positive environment that leads to the hotel’s commercial success.”