Hilton Goa Resort Expands IT Leadership with Malcolm Moniz as Cluster IT Manager for all three Hilton properties in Goa

Hilton Goa Resort is proud to announce the promotion of Malcolm Moniz from IT Manager to Cluster IT Manager. Having joined Hilton Goa Resort as an IT Manager in August 2018, Malcolm has made significant contributions to the resort's technology infrastructure and operations. His dedication and exceptional skills have been instrumental in enhancing the guest experience through efficient and reliable IT services. With his extensive experience in the IT industry spanning over 17 years, Malcolm brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to his tenure at Hilton Goa Resort, Malcolm held key positions in renowned brands including Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Alila Diwa Goa, The Radisson White Sands Resort, and Holiday Inn. His diverse background has allowed him to gain valuable insights and expertise in managing IT operations within the hospitality industry.

As the newly appointed Cluster IT Manager, Malcolm will oversee the information technology functions for three prominent properties, namely Hilton Goa Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji. His responsibilities will include managing IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations, implementing innovative technological solutions, and providing exceptional support to the hotels' guests and staff.

Commenting on his promotion, Malcolm Moniz expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, "I am honored and thrilled to be appointed as the Cluster IT Manager for these exceptional properties and look forward to working closely with the teams at Hilton Goa Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji to enhance the technology landscape, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

Malcolm's promotion to Cluster IT Manager is a testament to his exemplary performance and dedication to excellence. Hilton Goa Resort is confident that under his leadership, the IT infrastructure across the cluster will continue to thrive, ensuring a seamless and technologically advanced experience for guests and team members alike.

Sunny Prasher, the newly appointed General Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad

A visionary who is known for his impeccable aptitude and understanding of client satisfaction measures, Sunny Prasher, the newly appointed General Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad, is a  dynamic personality who believes in the strength of action more than words. 

The hospitality virtuoso has been a part of the industry for more than a decade and has been known  for his detailed planning and immense understanding of the Brand Protocols and Standards that  leads to enhanced strategy sessions for the brands. He has been known for achieving some of the  highest Audit scores for the hotels he has associated with and been exceptionally well in managing  large number of inventories.  

Sunny had started his career as the F&B Associate for Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi in 2000 and  had worked his way up through grit and determination, to be become the Assistant Front Office  Manager with the same hotel by 2010. He thereon moved to varied other prestigious names like  The Lalit New Delhi and The Leela Palace New Delhi wherein he slowly went on to become the  Head Concierge in the later. However, his mettle shone in his decisive demeanor and situation  handling as he came to be the Front Office Manager at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity (Marriott  International) in 2019. His last assignment before his current position was as Rooms Division  Manager of The Westin Resort and Spa in Himalayas, (Marriott International) Rishikesh,  Uttarakhand in 2022. Through the years, the industry veteran has developed his skills in pertinence  to leisure marketing that emphasizes on guest satisfaction and worked earnestly to keep himself at  a par with the industry developments over the decade. 

An alumni of Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, New Delhi, Sunny has always been a staunch  believer of honesty in work that seeks to shine through his personality as well. The experienced  Hotelier shall be bringing forth with him his gamut of industry knowledge and a keen ability to  turn around the situations to make it more feasible for the brand, in his new role as the General  Manager of The Ummed Ahmedabad. 

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints new Corporate Human Resources Manager

New Delhi, May 2023: Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Anant Chauhan as its new Corporate Human Resources Manager. An experienced professional, Chauhan has been a part of the industry for more than a decade. Prior to joining Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, he was associated with many hospitality brands including Royal Orchid, Wyndham, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Sterling Holidays.

In his new role at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Chauhan will be responsible for managing employee development policies, with a focus on creating a work culture that will support Cygnett Hotels & Resorts' ambitious growth plans. With a Post Graduate degree in Human Resource Management from SCDL and a background in Hotel Management from Punjab Technical University, Chauhan is an out-of-the-box thinker with a proven track record in crisis and talent management. He is also known for his expertise in creating a teamwork environment that enhances workforce efficiency, as well as his skillful liaisoning with internal departments and external authorities such as consultants, contractors, and government authorities for seamless operations and timely completion of projects. When he's not working, Chauhan enjoys traveling, playing chess, and watching movies.

Rajkumar Ganesan, Director of Finance at Hyatt Regency, Chennai

Chennai, May 2023 – Hyatt Regency Chennai is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajkumar  Ganesan as the new Director of Finance. He brings extensive experience and expertise in financial  management, budgeting, and strategic planning. 

With an MBA in Finance, Rajkumar has held various leadership roles for over two decades across various  brands within India and overseas. He has demonstrated his capability to handle and oversee intricate financial situations effectively and possesses deep understanding and knowledge in Capital Management, stakeholder relations, Financial Planning, analysis, and tactics that will promote expansion and profitability. 

As the Director of Finance, Rajkumar will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the company, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. He will work closely with the general manager and the corporate team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the company's growth and expansion plans. His last assignment was with Radisson Blu Resort, Vishakhapatnam.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Rajkumar to our team as the Director of Finance," says Ruban Das, General  Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai. "With his impressive background and expertise, we are confident that he will help us achieve our financial goals and drive our company forward. 

Please join us in welcoming Rajkumar Ganesan to the Hyatt Regency, Chennai team. We look forward to the valuable contributions he will make as the new Director of Finance. 

Espire Hospitality Group names Akhil Arora as Chief Executive Officer

New Delhi, May 2023: Espire Hospitality Group named Akhil Arora, the hospitality company’s Chief Operating Officer, as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Akhil is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and is qualified as a ‘Certified Hotel Administrator’ (CHA) from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. In his fresh role at Espire Hospitality Group, he will spearhead the company’s overall business, continuing to focus on the expansion plans.

Akhil Arora joined Espire Hospitality Group in May 2021, with 13 years of experience of working with India’s leading hospitality brands including Oberoi, Leela, Hyatt, Renaissance and The Imperial, after which he moved to Hotelivate to set up and successfully run their Asset Management division. His diverse knowledge in hotel operations and business strategy encompasses experience of working in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage service, Sales & Marketing and Revenue Management which adds great value towards the growth objective of the company. 

Akhil has successfully expanded the portfolio of Espire Hospitality Group from two to currently 10 operating hotels. With six more hotels planned to open in 2023, the group will have 16 hotels in its portfolio by the end of this year.

Under his leadership, Espire Hospitality Group launched the Luxury Boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’, with the opening of its first hotel in Udaipur, in September 2022. In a short time of its inception, the ZANA portfolio will grow from just one hotel to five by the end of 2023.

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, owns and operates a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operates a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top-notch hospitality.

JW Marriott, Chandigarh appoints Saheli Chaudhuri as Marketing and Communications Manager

JW Marriott, Chandigarh is pleased to announce the appointment of Saheli Chaudhuri as the new Marketing and Communications Manager. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Throughout her career, Saheli has worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Zuri Group Global, IHG, and The Den Bengaluru. She has also collaborated with communication agencies specialized in the hospitality segment. 

Her areas of expertise include media-influencer relations, creative direction, events management, campaign strategy, and launching/re-launching properties.

"We are delighted to welcome Saheli to our team, her extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector and her passion for marketing and communications will be invaluable as we continue to provide our guests with exceptional experiences will further strengthen the hotel's position as a leading luxury destination",   said Vishal Singh, General Manager of JW Marriott, Chandigarh. 

During her leisure time, Saheli enjoys immersing herself in various activities, including reading about Civil laws, exploring local cuisine, volunteering at old age homes, and finding stress relief through shopping and driving around the city.

Gopi Nandakumar Appointed as the Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences

Pune, India – Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Gopi as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Gopi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, Chef Gopi has worked with several reputable establishments, including Indian Hotels Company Limited, Colonial Gourmet Foods, Heritage Park Australia, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Chef Gopi's passion for culinary has honed his skills in Asian, Western, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine.

In his new role, Chef Gopi will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants and banquet facilities. He will work closely with the hotel's culinary team to create innovative menus and dining experiences that reflect the hotel's commitment to quality and excellence.

"We are thrilled to have Chef Gopi join our team at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences," said Mr. Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences. "With his extensive experience and passion for culinary, we are confident that Chef Gopi will take our food and beverage offerings to new heights."

Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is committed to providing its guests with exceptional dining experiences that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. With Chef Gopi at the helm, the hotel looks forward to delighting its guests with an array of culinary delights.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre appointed of Mr Saurav Batabyal as the Director of Sales

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr Saurav Batabyal as the Director of Sales for the property.

In his new role, Saurav will be responsible for charting and executing the sales strategy of the hotels, driving revenue growth, and exploring new business opportunities.

Saurav brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, having held various leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining NHCC and HICC, he served as Director of Sales at Le Meridien Hyderabad and was previously associated with HICC as Associate Director of Sales. He has also worked with Taj Mahal Palace and Grand Hyatt Mumbai.    

A dynamic and results-driven leader, Saurav is known for his ability to generate revenue growth and provide top-notch guest experiences. His appointment marks a significant addition to the NHCC and HICC team and is expected to propel the hotels to new heights of success and productivity. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the MICE market will be instrumental in attracting and catering to large-scale events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, said, "We are delighted to welcome Saurav back to the NHCC and HICC family. With his extensive industry experience and focus on business expansion, we are confident that he will make a significant contribution to our success and growth."

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Announces Three New Leadership Appointments

Mahabaleshwar, May 2023: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced several new appointments for heads of departments.

Deepraj Vijay Vanju has been appointed as the Food & Beverage Manager. He has a diverse range of experience spanning over 16 years in the hospitality industry. Deepraj will be in charge of leading and overseeing the food and beverage operations, including restaurants, lounges, events, and catering while upholding strict standards for customer satisfaction. In order to increase brand recognition for the hotel’s food and beverage division and boost revenue, Deepraj will be undertaking fruitful collaborations.

Deepraj completed his Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from the International School of Business Management, Lucerne, Switzerland. Part of the Marriott system, Deepraj has previously worked with hotels like St. Regis and Sheraton Grand Pune, which has helped him gain invaluable experience to master the nuances of the F&B vertical.

Commenting on his new appointment, Deepraj says, "I’m honoured to be a part of this beautiful hotel with some of the most picturesque Food & Beverage outlets. I aim to contribute to its success and continue leveraging the esteemed reputation of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar."

Bharath Kumar Bohini has been hired as the Human Resources Manager, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience. He believes in the synergy of his team’s operations to improve employee performance and achieve organisational effectiveness, and has a track record of managing operations successfully in situations that are incredibly competitive.

Bharath takes on the role by overseeing all aspects of human resources management and working closely with the management team to develop and implement strategies in HR that align with the hotel’s overall business objectives.

Another notable appointment is that of Bharati Kumari as the Housekeeping Manager. In her new role, she will oversee the overall upkeep and maintenance of the hotel to ensure the highest level of service. Bharti Kumari brings 8+ years of rich experience with her in hospitality from reputed brands like JW Marriott Mussorie, The St. Regis Mumbai, and The Four Seasons Mumbai.

Bharti has great command over housekeeping operations with her creative working style. She completed her hotel management degree from the International Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata in 2015. In her last assignment with JW Marriott Mussorie, she was awarded the Pillar of the Department honour for her impeccable work ethics.

She loves cooking very much, and to channel her inner creativity, she also likes to read short stories and update herself with hospitality trends and hair styling.

All the new arrivals will support the group's ambitious growth plans and lead the hotel's business development goals to greater heights through strategic leadership.

William Grant & Sons India appoints Kapila Sethi Kad as Head of Marketing

New Delhi, May 2023: Luxury spirits company William Grant & Sons is pleased to announce Kapila Sethi Kad as Head of Marketing. Kapila will lead the India marketing team and join the management team. She will be responsible for bringing to life the Company’s portfolio of Scotch whisky and premium spirits brands with disruptive experiences that deliver value for customers and consumers.

With an impressive career spanning 19 years in Brand Marketing, Kapila’s experience includes consumer insights, marketing communication, above and below-the line, influencer marketing, consumer and customer engagement and account development.

She has worked across consumer, durables, retail and service industries, with her most recent position being Head of Marketing for Luxury and Premium Retail at DLF Ltd. In the past, she has also worked with brands such as Kohler, Grohe and Samsung, in India and Asia Pacific markets.

Based at the Company’s head office in Gurgaon, Kapila will report directly to Sachin Mehta, Country Director for India, William Grant & Sons. Sachin comments, "I am delighted to welcome Kapila to the William Grant & Sons family. An accomplished leader with a proven track of keeping consumers at the heart, she brings a wealth of experience from across the marketing mix. Her experience in the luxury and premium category will enable further growth for the business.”

Discussing her new role at William Grant & Sons, Kapila Sethi Kad shared, "I'm thrilled to be joining William Grant & Sons.  The unique opportunity to join an independent family-owned Company with such an extraordinary history and heritage was irresistible to me. I am excited to contribute my vision for our world-leading portfolio of brands."

ABOUT WILLIAM GRANT & SONS

William Grant & Sons is an independent, family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is owned by the sixth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt, Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie®, a range of handcrafted single malts, and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Monkey Shoulder® Sailor Jerry®, Tullamore D.E.W. ® Irish Whiskey and Drambuie®.   

Chalet Hotels Limited Appoints Vishal Sharma as Senior Vice President – Projects

Mumbai | May 2023: Chalet Hotels Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Vishal Sharma as Senior Vice President - Projects. In this capacity, he will lead the Chalet Hotels design and projects team and shall report to Sanjay Sethi - MD & CEO, and Raman Sapru - Director-Design & Engineering.

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing Chalet's projects division, including managing project timelines, budgets, and quality control. He will oversee all the aspects of project management for Chalet’s upcoming hospitality properties. 

Vishal is a civil engineering graduate from Pune University and brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has a proven track record of successfully leading large-scale projects. He joins Chalet Hotels from Colliers Project Management Services, where he was heading hospitality projects. Prior to that, Vishal worked with Gulf General Investment Dubai, Dheeraj & East Coast Dubai, Taj Group of Hotels, and AL HABIB & CO. LLC (Muscat) in various capacities.

Speaking on the appointment, Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO of Chalet Hotels Limited, said, "With his extensive experience, expertise, and leadership skills, we are confident that Vishal will play a vital role in driving Chalet Hotels' growth in the hospitality sector. We are excited to welcome Vishal to the team and look forward to his contributions.”

Vishal also expressed his excitement about his new role, saying, "I am delighted to join Chalet Hotels and look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional hospitality projects. With the company's strong focus on innovation and sustainability, I am excited about the opportunities to create world-class projects that meet the evolving needs of our guests. I am committed to leveraging my experience and skills to help the company achieve its strategic goals and drive growth."

The appointment of Vishal Sharma is a part of Chalet’s growth strategy and reinforces the company's commitment to excellence in hospitality. 

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Dev Thakur as Director of Food & Beverage.

In this pivotal role, Dev will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s culinary offerings, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests. His in- depth knowledge and profound understanding of the industry make him an invaluable asset to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. 

Mumbai, May 2023: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dev Thakur, as the new Director of Food and Beverage. Dev has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership within the Food & Beverage division throughout his decade-long career. With an impressive background at esteemed hospitality brands such as The Leela Palace Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt International, Hilton Hotels, and Accor Hotels, Dev brings a wealth of experience in luxury, business hotels and destination resorts. 

His extensive experience has honed his skills in optimizing operational efficiency, devising successful F&B marketing strategies, fostering a dedicated and well-trained team, crafting exceptional culinary experiences, setting high service standards, and prioritizing guest satisfaction. Furthermore, Dev is well-versed in navigating the dynamic and competitive nature of the industry.  

By spearheading the hotel’s food and beverage operations, Dev will play a crucial role in further elevating its reputation as a premier destination renowned for its exceptional gastronomic offerings and is poised to reach new heights of culinary excellence. 

Holiday Inn Agra has appointed Priti Thakur as the Director of Sales and Marketing.

In her new role, Priti will be spearheading the Sales & Marketing strategy at the hotel, in addition to building a dynamic team.

Priti brings with her an impressive 11 years of experience in the industry, with a strong focus on Sales. She has worked extensively with renowned 

organizations such as IHCL and the Taj group. In her previous role, she served as the Director of Sales at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg.

Priti has done Academic Excellence in Service Marketing, CRM, Integrated 

Marketing Communications and Brand Management
In her new role, Priti will work towards optimizing the hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue performance across the verticals of Room Sales, Social, and Mice business. She will also be working closely with Food & Beverage team to enhance the visibility of the various outlets and drive Revenues for the segment.

Priti is happily married to Jatinjeet – an Airforce Officer and the couple spend quality 

time in nurturing their 2 years old son Samarjeet. Priti is an active traveler 

who loves hiking and exploring the world.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon appoints Chitra Awasthi as the Director of Sales & Marketing

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is pleased to announce the appointment of Chitra Awasthi as the new Director of Sales & Marketing. In her new role, Chitra will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing efforts, including developing and executing strategies to drive revenue growth and increase market share for the hotel.

Chitra is a recognized industry expert with over two decades of expertise, working for both domestic and foreign brands in the hospitality sector. Prior to joining Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, she has worked with several notable brands including The Oberoi group in Gurgaon, Marriott Group across Jaipur, Mussoorie, Gurgaon and Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai amongst others. With her in-depth knowledge of the industry alongside a goal-oriented approach, she will be instrumental in accelerating the hotel’s growth and profitability.

Chitra has a diploma from IHM in the field of catering technology & applied nutrition. She has received special awards from Marriott for excellent RevPAR (Revenue per available room) in pandemic times & for exemplary commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.

She has played a pivotal role in the areas of sales & marketing, business development, business analysis and revenue expansion throughout her career.

In her leisure time, Chitra likes to travel and discover new destinations.

Kunal Sabharwal joins Espire Hospitality Group as Director of Sales.

Kunal Sabharwal joins the group as the Espire Hospitality Group as Director of Sales. In his new role, Kunal will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sales initiatives and driving revenue growth.

Having spent over two decades in the hospitality industry, Kunal brings with him a wealth of experience. He has worked with India’s leading hospitality brands including Accor, Hilton, ITC, Ananta Hotels & Resorts and Radisson. His impressive background and demonstrated ability to build and nurture customer relationships, drive sales performance, and exceed revenue targets will contribute significantly to Espire Hospitality Group’s continued expansion and success.

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operate a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. The group plans to open 20 hotels and resorts in next 2 to 3 years.

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New Appointment | Sanjay Kumar, Director of Operations, Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group, a swiftly emerging hospitality company, is excited to announce the appointment of Sanjay Kumar as Director of Operations. With an impressive background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Sanjay will play a crucial role in optimizing operations, streamlining processes, and driving overall efficiency within the organization.

Sanjay brings over 15 years of experience in operations management and has demonstrated the ability to develop and implement strategic plans, optimize workflow processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Having worked with brands like DLF, Radisson Hotel Group,

Accor and Lemon Tree, Sanjay has consistently delivered exceptional results by effectively managing resources, fostering teamwork, and implementing innovative solutions.

As the Director of Operations, he will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the company, ensuring seamless coordination between departments, and implementing best practices to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. With his exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record of success, Sanjay is well-positioned to contribute to the continued growth and success of the group.

Dusit International appoints Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Prateek Kumar as Senior Vice President – Operations, responsible for overseeing the operations of properties in EMEA, India, the Philippines, Singapore, the Maldives, Japan, and selected properties in Thailand.

Khun Prateek first joined Dusit 14 years ago, in 2008, as General Manager of Dusit Thani Manila. In January 2013, he became General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai. Two years later, he was promoted to Area General Manager – UAE, followed in 2017 by his most recent role: Regional Vice President – EMEA.

During his tenure, Mr Kumar has spearheaded the successful opening of several new Dusit Hotels and Resorts in EMEA while overseeing multiple operating and preopening properties.

In his new role as Senior Vice President – Operations, he will be responsible for enforcing brand quality standards, enhancing customer satisfaction, and delivering optimum financial returns at each property under his supervision. He will also continue to drive business development in EMEA and India, which have strong potential for Dusit’s brands. His working base will remain to be Dubai, where he will continue to serve as General Manager of Dusit Thani Dubai.

Mr Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Griffith University, Australia. During his career, he has worked in senior management positions for the former Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Renaissance/Marriott Hotels in Australia. Prior to joining Dusit, he worked for Raffles Hotels and Resorts and was responsible for the successful preopening of Ascott Raffles Place, Singapore.

Testament to Khun Prateek’s expertise and talent, he was recently featured on Hotelier Middle East’s renowned Executive Power List 2022, which features the 50 most influential hospitality leaders in the MENA region. It is the fourth time he has made the prestigious list, having also appeared in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

In recognition of his innovative approach to brand building and customer management in the Gulf region, he was also named one of GCC’s Best General Managers (Hospitality) at the World Leadership Congress and Awards in 2018.

“A talented leader with a keen eye for strategic planning and a relentless focus on customer experience, Prateek Kumar has played an integral role in driving sustainable business results for Dusit in the MENA region, and we are delighted to expand his role and scope of responsibilities with this much-deserved promotion,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “His track record in enhancing operations speaks for itself, and we are confident he will achieve even more outstanding accomplishments as we continue our mission to put Dusit at the forefront of the hospitality industry in the post-pandemic world.”

Innovating the Dining Experience: Praveen C Takes Charge as the F&B Manager at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

Visakhapatnam: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is thrilled to welcome Praveen C as the new Food and Beverage Manager. With 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Praveen brings a strong passion for excellence and a drive to achieve the highest quality and service standards.

In his previous role as Assistant F&B Manager, Praveen showcased exceptional skills in coordinating marketing and promotions, leading and evaluating his team, and managing the overall F&B budget. His collaboration with various departments resulted in successful presentations, revenue packages, and F&B promotions, leading to increased guest engagement and revenue. Praveen's ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and align corporate objectives with operational goals made him a valuable asset to his organization.

As the Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Praveen will oversee F&B promotions, events, and marketing efforts, while managing multiple outlets. He will collaborate with sales managers to plan promotions, set sales goals, and provide staff training. Praveen's attention to detail and dedication will ensure the smooth delivery of food and beverages for hotel functions, maintaining the highest standards.

Commenting on the new addition to her team, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort managed by Accor says, "He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to our team. We are confident that his expertise in food and beverage service, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences will further elevate our offerings at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. We warmly welcome Praveen and look forward to the innovative ideas and contributions he will bring to our F&B department."

With a proven track record of effectively managing day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines, implementing efficient staffing and scheduling, and maintaining and developing standard operating procedures for cost efficiency. His extensive experience and expertise will contribute to the continued success of F&B operations at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.

Siddhant Salgaonkar Ascends to the Helm of Sales Leadership at Hilton Goa Resort

Hilton Goa Resort is delighted to announce a key leadership transition: Siddhant Salgaonkar, a long-standing member of the Hilton family, has been promoted to Director of Sales. This move underscores Siddhant's significant contributions to the organization since he joined in March 2019, and his journey with Hilton has seen him ascend from Sales Manager to Associate Director of Sales, before his current promotion.

Siddhant's remit in this role will extend beyond merely overseeing all sales operations. He will also be in charge of a diverse portfolio that encompasses proactive sales, reactive/catering sales, reservations, and revenue generation. His mandate will be to align sales plans with the overarching business strategy, identify potential risks, and implement robust measures to mitigate any budgetary exposure.

Additionally, Siddhant will be working hand in glove with the revenue strategy team to stay abreast of market trends. His role will be pivotal in ensuring that the resort remains competitively priced to sustain and grow its fair market share.

In response to his elevation, Siddhant Salgaonkar said, "I am both honored and excited to step into this new role. I am committed to driving Hilton Goa Resort's growth trajectory and leading our accomplished sales team to new heights. Above all, my focus will be on exceeding our guests' expectations and ensuring they continue to choose us for their unforgettable stays."

Siddhant's record of achievement demonstrated through his pivotal role in increasing sales revenue at Hilton Goa Resort, speaks volumes of his capabilities. His extensive experience and intricate understanding of the sales landscape will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates his new role. The Hilton Goa Resort is confident that Siddhant will continue to be an asset in his position as Director of Sales, propelling the resort to even greater success.

VAISHALI SHAHI JOINS PARK HYATT HYDERABAD AS THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the wonderful team at Park Hyatt Hyderabad. I plan to work with the team and look forward to implementing new ideas for further success.”

Hyderabad, Telangana (May 2023) Park Hyatt Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Vaishali Shahi as Director of Human Resources at Park Hyatt Hyderabad. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Vaishali is a seasoned professional who has worked with leading hospitality groups like Accor Hotels InterContinental Hotels Group, and Marriott International. 

Her last assignment was at Hyatt Regency Pune as Director of Human Resources. Her journey with Hyatt commenced in 2020 at Hyatt Regency Chennai, an organization where she has anchored her skills to achieve a high-performance culture, emphasizing care, empowerment, quality, and people development. Vaishali shares that Hyatt completes her as a professional and allows her to be herself. Hyatt is like a family and she enjoys every bit of it. 
Her assiduity and dynamic streak in achieving excellence in every task urges her to raise the bar each time. An exuberant personality, Vaishali loves spending time with her family and playing with her son during her leisure time. Her Mantra in Life: “We always have a choice- Make the right one”