Sandipan Bose as the new General Manager, Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Bringing with him over two decades of experience in the Indian hospitality sector, Sandipan Bose will lead the operations at Mementos Udaipur and strengthen the brand

Bose has been associated with the property since its pre-launch phase and he will strive to aptly position the ITC Hotels’ new luxury hospitality brand in the thriving hospitality market of Udaipur.

Holding a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Meerut, he began his career 23 years ago. He joined ITC Hotels at ITC Maurya in 2000 and since has worked in different roles at various major hospitality brands across India.

Having worked in different roles, he brings with him a unique combination of extensive operational excellence, blended with a financial and food and beverage product concepts. Hence, working in different markets in a variety of roles has helped him carve a niche for attaining operational excellence. 

On the personal front, he is an ardent traveller and cyclist and prefers spending time with his family in his leisure.

THE ST. REGIS CHICAGO ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE TEAM AHEAD OF MAY 2023 OPENING

Industry Veterans Team up to Deliver on Iconic Luxury Brand’s Standards of
Service, Tradition and Excellence at Chicago’s Best Address

CHICAGO – March 2023 - St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced its executive team of St. Regis Chicago, ahead of the hotel’s May 2023 opening. Designed by world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang and developed by Magellan Development Corporation, the 101-story St. Regis Chicago is the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect, and will offer guests a waterfront luxury oasis with best-in-class services and amenities. Led by General Manager Oliver Gibbons, the executive leadership team brings together seasoned luxury hospitality experts who will carry through the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style, and bespoke service.  

“Building a dynamic team to exceed on the brand’s rich legacy of service and uncompromising commitment to excellence was crucial to introducing the iconic St. Regis brand to Chicago,” said Oliver Gibbons, General Manager at St. Regis Chicago. “We have curated a team of highly accomplished, passionate, and gracious leaders, with impressive luxury hospitality experience, and we look forward to introducing guests to Chicago’s premier destination, offering five-star accommodations, ultra-luxury living, elevated dining, and restorative wellness experiences.”

The St. Regis Chicago Executive Team Includes:
Oliver Gibbons, General Manager at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences

Gibbons will lead The St. Regis Chicago team and oversee the day-to-day operations of the property, which includes a 192-room hotel, 393 ultra-luxury residences; two restaurants in partnership with Chef’s Evan Funke and Hisanobu Osaka; a holistic wellness, spa, and fitness center; and more than 10,000 square feet of dynamic meeting and event space. Gibbons has played a vital role in leading the team through the completion of the hotel’s development over the last two years.

With extensive knowledge and more than two decades working in the international luxury hospitality industry, Gibbons has held leadership positions at esteemed properties, including the Forbes Five-Star recognized L’Ermitage Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Chicago, which followed over a decade’s tenure with Accor luxury hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

Frederick J. Pérez, General Manager at The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago

As the General Manager of The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago, Pérez will oversee day-to-day operations of The Residences and ensure resident satisfaction at the 393-unit ultra-luxury property. Beginning his career with Marriott in 2000, Pérez has worked in a variety of hotel roles over the last two decades, most recently as Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences, Vail, and as Director of Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Mexico City.

Yago del Rincon

Director of Operations at The St. Regis Chicago

With more than two decades of luxury hotel leadership experience across seven Ritz-Carlton hotels (including Hotel Arts Barcelona – a Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Forbes Five-Star Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park) and executing nearly 20 hotel openings, del Rincon joins the team as Director of Operations, with the goal of enhancing operations through his commitment to impeccable service and industry-leading innovation.

Jackie Collens, Director of Sales and Marketing at The St. Regis Chicago

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Collens is responsible for exceeding guestroom and catering sales, revenue, and marketing goals. Collens brings two decades of experience from flagship, luxury hotels throughout New York City. Collens held leadership positions at the famed Waldorf Astoria and Towers as well as The St. Regis New York. Previously, she was the Asset Manager for Ty Warner, owner of Four Seasons Hotel New York. These iconic hotels further validate her invaluable industry experience and deep insight into the luxury marketplace. 

Becker Lara, Director of Engineering at The St. Regis Chicago, Hotel and Residences

Lara will lead the engineering teams and projects for both The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences. Lara has vast experience in the Chicago hotel market, including leading engineering operations for the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, during a successful, major renovation.

Kamil Kowalski

Director of Finance & Accounting at The St. Regis Chicago

As Director of Finance & Accounting, Kowalski will be responsible for guiding all financial operations. Kowalski has served in leadership roles across several Marriott Chicagoland hotels, including Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.  

Rita Grant, Director of Human Resources at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences

Grant will lead human resources efforts for both The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences including building, acquiring, and retaining top talent across all divisions and levels. Grant has held a number of human resources roles, most recently at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, where she was a member of the 2015 opening team and contributed to the property winning many accolades.

 Megan Candioto, Director of Revenue Management at The St. Regis Chicago

Candioto brings nearly two decades of experience working with international hotel brands and will be responsible for hotel’s top line revenue strategy. She has held positions at the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lake; Four Seasons Resort Nevis; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara; and most recently with Park Hyatt Chicago, relaunching the property after an extensive renovation.

Supporting the executive leadership team are Director of Wellness, Kerri Stokes, and Executive Butler, Rafael De Valdes. Stokes joins the team with more than a decade of luxury wellness and spa experience, including the Spa & Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Chicago, and The Spa at the Peninsula Chicago, and will oversee all spa, wellness and fitness operations. As Executive Butler, De Valdes will oversee the St. Regis Butler Service team, a personalized, signature offering that ensures each guest’s individual preferences are understood and anticipated at every turn. De Valdes previously held the role of Director of Guest Services at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where he managed a team of 25 Butlers.

Fortune Hotels appoints a new layer of General Managers to drive growth and guest experiences

These four experienced professionals will take forward the brand's commitment to exceptional guest experiences across the country

New Delhi, March 2023: Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group is pleased to announce a future-forward, strategic decision of appointing four highly experienced professionals as growth leaders. These able leaders while owning specific areas of operation are expected to make a significant contribution to the brand's strategic goals. Fortune Hotels has created these positions to drive efficiencies within the chain and to further strengthen the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences across the country.

Commenting on the appointments, Samir MC, Managing Director of Fortune Hotels, said, “With our growth in sight, these four leaders have been chosen to consolidate our proven service offerings and value add to our legacy by preparing for the future. Each of our General Managers in their new roles including Ajay, Kunal, Saravanan, and Ricardo has had a solid performance track record. In the competitive business of hospitality, we look forward to their collective expertise propelling the Fortune Hotels brand positioning.”

The General Managers in their new roles are tasked with driving brand operations, improving the guest experience, and managing stakeholders to deliver consistent growth for regional hotels while focusing on the bottom-line results. Their previous experience of working with successful hospitality brands, multi-property management, and brand strategy, make them important growth drivers. 

Fortune Hotels has been on an aggressive path to expand its reach in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with its upscale to mid-market service offering for business as well as leisure travellers. The hotel chain has closely studied the growth and development of non-metros and spotted opportunities for the future. 

A brief introduction to the General Managers: 

Ajay J Sharma, Area Manager for North region: An experienced hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience who will be leading the North cluster of hotels. Ajay has previously held leadership roles in renowned hospitality brands like Oberoi Hotel, IHG, and Starwood, and is known for his dedication to exceptional service and guest satisfaction.

Kunal Banerjee, Cluster General Manager for East region: A seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in successfully launching several hotels across India. After joining Fortune Park Hotels Limited in 2013 as General Manager, he will now lead the East cluster. Kunal has previously worked with luxury and upscale brands like K Raheja Hospitality Mumbai, Holiday Inn Singapore, ITC Sonar Kolkata, Hotel HHI, and Kolkata Fern Hotels.

Saravanan Dhanabalu, Area Manager for South region: With 28 years in hospitality, Saravanan is a highly skilled and experienced hotelier, with a global education and leadership roles in prominent hospitality brands. He has a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities. In his new role, he will be responsible for brand operations and administration of units in the south region.

Ricardo D’Lima, Cluster General Manager for Goa & West Coast region: A talented hospitality management professional with over 22 years dedicated to pre-openings, F&B operations, revenue management, guest relations and overall quality assurance. He has been with Fortune Park Hotels for eight years, and he was recently promoted to Cluster General Manager for Goa and West Coast. 

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Appoints Sumit Kumar as the General Manager

Dehradun, March 2023: Hyatt Regency Dehradun announced the appointment of Mr. Sumit Kumar as General Manager. An experienced professional, Sumit brings with him over 20 years of extensive hospitality experience.

After successfully holding a degree in the field of Hotel Management from Mangalore University, he started his professional journey with The Oberoi Hotels. By being an integral part of the pre-opening team at Hotel Amarvillas, Agra as well as Trident Jaipur, he has added many feathers to his cap in the world of hospitality. Furthermore, Sumit has pioneered his success by playing a pivotal role in the opening of The Chedi Muscat.

Having worked in different capacities, he has been a strong pillar and a key resource for Hyatt Hotels since his first stint in 2003. Initially, Sumit began his association as a valuable part of the Hyatt family, when he joined Grand Hyatt Dubai. During his career span, he has independently handled multiple signature restaurants at Grand Hyatt Dubai and Grand Hyatt Muscat. Owing to his seasoned industry knowledge, Sumit was appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. He has successfully launched the brand Hyatt Place in India with the pre-opening of Hyatt Place Hampi and Hyatt Place Gurgaon as General Manager.

During his last stint as the General Manager at Hyatt Pune he has had a remarkable journey and achieved many milestones. The team at Hyatt Regency Dehradun now welcomes him aboard for yet another successful run in the heart of the hills.

The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa appointed Amit Soni as New General Manager

Renowned as the ‘force to reckon with’ among the industry peers, Mr. Amit Soni, the recently appointed General Manager of The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa, is known for being a meticulous planner, strategist, and hospitality visionary who believes in teamwork being the ultimate precursor to organizational success. 

The hospitality virtuoso with more than twenty years of experience is known for being associated with and experiencing the changing scape of hospitality in the country since the 2000s till date. His association with The Ummed Jodhpur has him actively involved and responsible for a gamut of strategic and dynamic initiatives for the hotel that includes spearheading business development, operations, and administration with his core strength lying in resort operations and sales and marketing.

Amit started his career as Catering Assistant with The Imperial New Delhi in 2000 and worked his way up through grit and determination, to become the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager with Shiv Vilas, Jaipur in 2011. In between, he was associated with renowned brands such as ITC Maurya, ITC Maratha, Radisson MBD, and ITC Mughal.  His mettle shone in his decisive demeanor and situation handling as he came to be the Food and Beverage Manager of ITC Fortune Park Hotels in 2015.  His last assignment before his current position was as the F&B Manager of Indiana Palace Jodhpur in 2017. Through the years, the industry veteran has developed his skills in pertinence to integrated and leisure marketing and has worked vehemently to keep himself updated with the latest developments of the industry.

A through-and-through gentleman, with his foundation, steered deep in his hotelier background, Amit has always believed that it is only through sheer determination and continued hard work that one can reach the zenith of organizational success.

Shibani Malhotra takes over as the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark

Starting as a key member of the pre-opening team with Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre and Marriott Executive Apartments in Mumbai, Shibani successfully opened the first conversion hotel for Marriott in India in 2006, the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre.

Prior to this role, she was the Multi-property Director of Finance at Marriott Hyderabad & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott, Hyderabad.

She is also involved with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council in Hyderabad and holds the position of President of WICCI, Telangana Chapter. Shibani is married to Atul, and they are a nuclear family of four, including their son Aryaveer and a canine member, Junior.

Jasmeet Chowdhary is now the General Manager – Sales (Travel Trade) at Lemon Tree Hotels

She will be responsible for increasing awareness about Lemon Tree Hotels and its distinguished brands in the travel trade, in order to increase market share

Jasmeet Chowdhary’s goal is to retain the existing market share while working to cultivate new audiences, through innovative sales strategies.
 
With a career spanning over 20 years, Jasmeet has worked with illustrious brands like The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, The Claridges, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. In her previous role, she was responsible for leading the Sales & Marketing as a Vice-President with HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur.
 
She completed her graduation in Economics from Delhi University, and has recently finished a course in Digital Marketing & Analytics from ISB Hyderabad.

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.