JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Jacopo Avigo as the new Italian Chef

Mumbai, January 2026: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Jacopo Avigo as the new Italian Chef at its modern European dining destination, Mezzo Mezzo. With an illustrious culinary journey spanning over 16 years across Italy, Greece, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, Chef Jacopo brings refined expertise, Michelin-honed skills, and visionary craftsmanship to the hotel’s signature restaurant.

A native of Garda Lake region in Italy, Chef Jacopo’s foundation in gastronomy is deeply rooted in the traditions of authentic Italian cuisine, strengthened over years spent in Michelin-starred kitchens across his home country. His global narrative has been shaped through prestigious roles at leading luxury hotels and dining establishments, including senior culinary leadership at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Koh Samui, Marriott International India, and Minor Hotels Thailand.

Chef Jacopo’s journey is marked by creativity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His mastery across Italian, Mediterranean, and contemporary cuisines is complemented by expertise in menu development, culinary innovation, and immersive live cooking experiences skills that have earned him acclaim across international markets.

His earlier tenure in India with Marriott International from 2016 to 2020 has equipped him with deep insight into the local palate, making his return to the country both purposeful and meaningful.

As the new Italian Chef at Mezzo Mezzo, Chef Jacopo aims to elevate the restaurant’s identity through modern techniques, premium ingredients, and contemporary expressions of authenticity. His vision for Mezzo Mezzo is deeply philosophical centered on balance and emotion, further anchored in conscious practices such as locally sourced ingredients, zero-waste principles and mindful sustainability

Talking about his appointment, Chef Jacopo describes his vision: “Cooking, for me, is a conversation between memory and imagination, that fragile line where instinct meets precision and chaos becomes harmony. Mezzo Mezzo is born from this idea of balance. The perfect middle - the space where emotions, technique, and flavor coexist.”

With Chef Jacopo’s appointment, Mezzo Mezzo strengthens its position as a premier dining destination where artistry meets luxury and every dish speaks of harmony, finesse, and emotion. His arrival reinforces JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu’s commitment to delivering exceptional gastronomic excellence and transformative dining moments.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Surat Chand as its new Executive Housekeeper

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Surat Chand as its new Executive Housekeeper. With nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Chand brings a wealth of expertise in operations, service excellence, and team leadership to the property.

Prior to joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, he served as Executive Housekeeper at The Westin Goa, where he successfully streamlined housekeeping operations and enhanced guest satisfaction. His career journey includes key roles at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, InterContinental Hotels, and ITC Grand Maratha, giving him a strong foundation in managing large-scale housekeeping teams and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort.

Known for his operational efficiency and people management skills, Chand has consistently focused on training and mentoring staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences. His appointment is expected to further strengthen JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s reputation for meticulous service and luxury hospitality.

Surat Chand’s leadership will play a pivotal role in elevating guest comfort, enhancing operational consistency, and supporting the hotel’s vision of being a benchmark for excellence in Mumbai’s hospitality landscape.

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla Appoints Mr. Dhumal as Executive Chef

Dhumal as its new Executive Chef, further strengthening the hotel’s culinary leadership and vision for excellence.

With over two decades of rich experience in the global hospitality industry, Mr. Dhumal brings with him a wealth of expertise gained from working with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels and resorts across India and international destinations including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and island resorts.

An alumnus of Institute of Hotel Management, Kufri, Mr. Dhumal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and has also pursued advanced hospitality management studies through Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (via edX). His professional journey includes leadership roles with renowned brands such as Taj Hotels, Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson Blu, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hideaway Beach Resort Maldives, and Serena Hotels International. Most recently, he was associated with pre-opening and executive chef roles in India and overseas luxury destinations.

Specializing in Western and multi-cuisine operations, all-day dining, banqueting, fine dining, and large-scale culinary operations, Mr. Dhumal is known for his contemporary approach to menu planning, strong operational discipline, and commitment to food safety, innovation, and guest satisfaction. His international exposure and modern culinary techniques are expected to further elevate the dining experiences at the hotel.

Commenting on the appointment, Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sonu Dhumal to our leadership team. His extensive global experience, passion for culinary excellence, and strong operational acumen align perfectly with our vision of delivering elevated dining experiences. We are confident that under his leadership, our culinary offerings will reach new benchmarks and further strengthen our positioning in the market.”

In his new role, Mr. Dhumal will oversee all culinary operations at the hotel, driving innovation across restaurants, banquets, and events, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and guest-centric dining.

This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla as it continues to enhance its food and beverage offerings and deliver memorable culinary experiences.

Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar Appoints Mohammad Akamal as Chief Engineer

Lucknow, 2026: Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar is pleased to announce the appointment of Mohammad Akamal as Chief Engineer, effective 24th November 2025 .

With over a decade of extensive experience in hotel engineering and facility management, Akamal brings deep expertise in electrical maintenance, energy management, sustainability initiatives, and large-scale hotel operations. He has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Taj Hotel Ganges Varanasi, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt and Saran group where he played a key role in ensuring operational excellence and guest safety.

In his new role, Mohammad Akamal will oversee all engineering and maintenance operations at Mercure Lucknow ensuring optimal functionality of hotel infrastructure while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Commenting on the appointment, Amit Kapoor, General Manager, Mercure Lucknow said: “We are delighted to welcome Akamal to our leadership team. His strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience will further strengthen our operational capabilities and support our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints New Executive Chef David Eldridge

South African national brings two decades of culinary experience to storied hotel in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (2025) – Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury hotel in Cambodia’s capital, has appointed David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to elevate its fine-dining programme.

Chef David brings more than two decades of international luxury experience across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and his native South Africa. He joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, where he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary. His career also included senior roles with Four Seasons, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection (Marriott).

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s celebrated restaurants include Restaurant Le Royal, an acclaimed Khmer fine-dining venue, and Le Phnom 1929, a French-style brasserie.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community,” Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons said.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which originally opened in 1929, now features 175 rooms and suites revitalized through a comprehensive restoration completed in 2019. The transformation blends modern comfort with timeless elegance, reflecting the hotel’s French colonial heritage enriched by Khmer artistry and Art Deco design.

THE OZEN COLLECTION Welcomes New Leadership to Steer Its Maldivian Luxury Resorts

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As the brand prepares for international expansion, these strategic appointments signal a renewed commitment to excellence at its flagship Maldivian properties

Maldives, December 2025 – Building upon a landmark year of achievement, THE OZEN COLLECTION announces the appointment of new General Managers to helm its award-winning Maldivian resorts, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. These strategic appointments signal a dynamic new chapter for the internationally acclaimed brand as it prepares for significant expansion across the Indian Ocean.

The refined island sanctuary, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI welcomes Mr Tomás David Castaño as its new General Manager. He brings a wealth of international expertise cultivated through leadership roles with renowned brands across five continents, including Spain, New Zealand, Chile, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Cook Islands, Bhutan, and the Maldives. "I am thrilled to join THE OZEN COLLECTION at this pivotal time," he shared. "With its recent global recognition, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is truly elevating personalised hospitality on a world stage."

His appointment comes as the resort celebrates an extraordinary trifecta of accolades: the prestigious MICHELIN Key for exceptional hospitality, the 'Best All-Inclusive Wine List' at the World's Best Wine Lists Awards 2025, and continued recognition at the World Travel Awards. The resort is celebrated for its pioneering RESERVE™ Plan, dedicated Hiyani butler service, and architecturally distinctive villas.

Meanwhile, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues its legacy of excellence under new leadership with Ms Mei P. Pun with a distinguished record of leadership and operational excellence, cultivated during her tenure as General Manager at both Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere. 

The bespoke luxury resort was recently honoured by Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 'Best of the Best' 2025, placing it in the top one percent of properties worldwide, and was crowned 'Sustainable Champion' at the Hotelier Maldives Awards. The resort is distinguished by its iconic M6m underwater restaurant, vibrant house reef, and the all-encompassing INDULGENCE™ Plan.

Reflecting on her appointment, she shared, "OZEN LIFE MAADHOO holds a cherished place for travellers, celebrated for its exceptional service and its vital role in the eco-tourism. I am thrilled to now steward its next chapter." Since joining Atmosphere Core in 2021, her deep immersion within the portfolio has furnished a profound understanding of luxury hospitality. We are confident her strategic vision will fortify the resort's unique standing in the competitive luxury market.

Speaking about the new changes in leadership, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer South Asia – Atmosphere Core shared, "As THE OZEN COLLECTION approaches significant advancement, these leadership appointments are pivotal in steering our celebrated resorts toward even greater heights. Our commitment to curated luxury and genuine Maldivian hospitality has been validated by the industry's highest honours. As we prepare to introduce our first international properties in India and expand our Maldivian portfolio, this renewed leadership ensures our brand's ethos will resonate powerfully in new destinations."

Celebrating nearly half a decade of excellence, THE OZEN COLLECTION is poised for transformative growth with forthcoming openings in India and continued expansion within the Maldives, carrying its signature blend of refined elegance and personalised service to new shores.

Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Mr. Prashant Das as Director of Revenue Management

National, December 2025: Novotel Mumbai International Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Prashant Das as Director of Revenue Management. With over 8 years of rich experience across leading brands, he brings strong expertise in revenue optimisation, commercial strategy, and demand management.

Throughout his career, he has been associated with renowned hotel groups such as Marriott International, Sayaji Hotels Group, Revnomix, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Hilton, and Ramada. His previous role as Corporate Revenue Manager – Regional at Sayaji Hotels Group saw him leading key initiatives in forecasting, pricing architecture, distribution strategy, and market analytics. He has also served in cluster revenue roles with The Westin Mumbai Garden City and Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, strengthening his experience across multi-property commercial structures. His background is further supported by relevant academic qualifications in hospitality and management, enabling a strong analytical and structured approach to commercial decision-making.

In his new role, he will lead revenue management for Novotel Mumbai International Airport, focusing on pricing optimization, demand forecasting, channel performance, and strategic market positioning. His experience in multi-brand systems and his ability to drive data-led commercial decisions are expected to play a key role in the hotel’s continued growth.

Rachita Sood, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, said:
“We are delighted to welcome him to our leadership team. His extensive experience across leading hospitality brands and his strong command of revenue strategy will significantly contribute to our commercial objectives. We look forward to the impact he will bring to the hotel as he steps into this important role.”

About Novotel Mumbai International Airport
Novotel Mumbai International Airport offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and contemporary elegance. Located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the hotel features 268 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, blending modern technology with personalized service to cater to both business and leisure travelers.

With over 16,500 square feet of versatile meeting and event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the hotel is an ideal venue for diverse occasions. Guests can also savor a wide range of global and local culinary delights, ensuring an exceptional experience in every aspect of their stay.

Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Rajesh Kattakam as VP – Sales & Business Development

Bengaluru,December 2025: Rosetta Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rajesh Kattakam as Vice President – Sales and Business Development, further strengthening the group’s commercial leadership across its growing luxury portfolio.

With close to two decades of experience in hospitality sales, Rajesh brings a strong understanding of market behaviour, revenue strategy, and relationship-led growth to the role. He will oversee Rosetta Hospitality’s pan-India sales strategy, guiding teams across corporate, leisure, MICE, and experiential travel segments. The mandate also includes strategic partnerships and shaping bespoke guest offerings aligned with the brand’s ethos of conscious luxury.

Rajesh’s career spans leading national and international hospitality brands, including Royal Orchid Hotels and Accor, where he has built high-performing sales teams, forged strong market partnerships, and driven sustained commercial growth. His tenure at these organisations reflects strategic insight, operational rigour, and a strong focus on customer-centric innovation.

A seasoned sales strategist, Rajesh brings deep expertise in enterprise sales, multi-segment market expansion, and the development of high-value commercial alliances. He is known for his ability to anticipate market trends and translate data-driven insights into meaningful guest experiences. In addition to leading the Sales function at Rosetta Hospitality, Rajesh will also steward the organisation’s Development mandate, engaging with potential asset owners and partners exploring lease, lease-back, and other collaborative operating models. His role carries both commercial and strategic significance, supporting Rosetta Hospitality’s next phase of growth.

This appointment underscores Rosetta Hospitality’s continued focus on strengthening its commercial framework while advancing its commitment to meaningful, experience-led luxury across both flagship and emerging properties. Under Rajesh’s leadership, the brand is poised to further enhance its market presence through focused revenue strategies, purposeful partnerships, and a strong emphasis on guest engagement.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajesh to Rosetta Hospitality. His depth of industry experience and value-driven leadership approach align closely with our brand ethos. Rajesh brings a nuanced understanding of sales excellence and market dynamics, and we look forward to the strategic partnerships and guest-focused initiatives he will lead.”

Sharing his thoughts on joining Rosetta Hospitality, Mr. Rajesh Kattakam said, “Rosetta Hospitality stands apart for its vision of authentic, heartfelt luxury. I am pleased to join a brand that values meaningful bespoke experiences over standardised extravagance. My focus will be on building enduring relationships, strengthening the sales ecosystem, expanding strategic partnerships and growth opportunities aligned with the brand’s long-term vision”.

With this appointment, Rosetta Hospitality reinforces its focus on leadership grounded in strategic clarity and disciplined commercial execution. As Rajesh Kattakam takes charge of the sales and business development function, the organisation continues to strengthen its commitment to elevated guest engagement and sustained strategic market leadership.

JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Yojan Gandha Das as Director of Operations

Yojan began her journey in guest relations, where her intuitive guest-centric approach and natural leadership quickly set her apart. Her commitment to service excellence propelled her career progression, leading to key operational roles in the past, at leading hospitality chains including Accor, Taj Hotels and Marriott International. Demonstrating a consistent ability to streamline processes, elevate standards and drive results, Yojan has built a strong reputation for unwavering operational excellence.

Her dedication to excellence has earned her top honors in the Marriott International APEC Region in 2024, winning the Highest Guest Voice, Highest Maintenance and Highest Cleanliness Awards and achieving the Highest Marriott Bonvoy Occupancy in Q2 2024.

At JW Marriott Goa, she will oversee the hotel’s primary operational departments - Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Service, Culinary and Spa, ensuring the continued delivery of JW Marriott’s renowned service excellence. Her extensive experience within Marriott International further strengthens her alignment with the brand’s values and operational standards.

In her new role, Yojan will champion initiatives that enhance JW Marriott Goa’s revenue performance and brand presence, while empowering the operations team to deliver exceptional guest journeys. Her strategic focus will include improving guest satisfaction indicators, driving Brand Standard Audit performance and enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

A little-known fact is that Yojan is a former Mrs. India Worldwide 2018 finalist, a fine example of beauty and brains.  Passionate about travel, she and her husband share this passion, planning journeys to uncover new destinations and experiences around the globe.

UG The Fern Resort & Spa Chikmagalur Appointed Jayant John- General Manager

With 27 years of experience, Jayant John brings strategic hospitality leadership to his new role as General Manager at UG The Fern Resort & Spa Chikmagalur. He is responsible for leading the resort’s pre-opening activities, overall operations, guest experience, profitability, strategic planning and the implementation of brand standards while guiding high-performing teams.

His professional journey spans leadership roles at prominent hospitality brands including Sterling Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien and Grand Hyatt etc. Jayant specializes in pre-opening project management, operational excellence, revenue optimization and guest experience enhancement. His contributions have been widely recognized, earning accolades such as Best Manager of the Year and Best Department of the Year etc.

The Fern Residency Bengaluru, Seshadripuram, Series by Marriott appointed Rajdeep Singha- General Manager

With 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajdeep Singha has been appointed as the General Manager of The Fern Residency Bengaluru, Seshadripuram, Series by Marriott. In his new role, he will oversee hotel operations and planning, ensuring seamless functioning across departments while upholding the brand’s service and sustainability standards.

Rajdeep brings with him a solid foundation in managing budgets and revenue management, supported by extensive experience in operational leadership. Prior to this assignment, he was associated with Aloft Whitefield (Starwood Hotels & Resorts) and Lemon Tree Hotels & Resorts, where he played key roles in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. His leadership approach is rooted in strategic planning, team coordination and a focus on financial performance, enabling him to drive consistent growth and operational excellence in his new role.

The St. Regis Mumbai appointed Shri Raj Goswami as the Director of Food & Beverage for Penthouse Mumbai

The St. Regis Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Shri Raj Goswami as the Director of Food & Beverage for Penthouse Mumbai, effective November 2025. With over 12 years of experience across some of the world’s most renowned luxury hospitality brands, Shri Raj brings strong operational acumen, international exposure, and a refined leadership approach.

In this role, Shri Raj will lead the Food & Beverage vision for Penthouse Mumbai, shaping its culinary identity, enhancing guest experiences, and elevating its position as one of the city’s most exclusive luxury destinations.

Shri Raj previously served as the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, where he oversaw signature dining venues, large-format banqueting operations, and curated elevated guest journeys. His tenure included key leadership roles such as Director of Restaurants, Bars & Banquets, highlighting his depth across diverse F&B environments.

His global experience spans roles with Four Seasons Hotels in Maldives and Bahrain, where he managed fine dining concepts, sophisticated bar programs, and high-performing multicultural teams. Earlier in his career, Shri Raj contributed to luxury service standards at The Oberoi Hotels in Agra, establishing a strong foundation in personalised hospitality.

Speaking on his appointment, Shri Raj said: “The St. Regis Mumbai has always set the benchmark for luxury dining in the city. My approach will be centred on innovation, consistency, and people. Together with the team, we aim to craft elevated dining moments that reflect the evolving expectations of our guests and the energy of Mumbai.”

Outside of work, Raj enjoys reading and watching or playing cricket.

With his international perspective, operational excellence and passion for contemporary luxury dining, Shri Raj is set to shape the next chapter of Penthouse Mumbai at The St. Regis Mumbai.

Holiday Inn Agra Appointed Vrindh Kriti Rathour as new Human Resources Manager

We are delighted to welcome Vrindh Kriti Rathour as our new Human Resources Manager at Holiday Inn Agra. 

With over eight years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Vrindh brings strong operational understanding and professional expertise to her new role. She has previously contributed to key leadership positions across renowned brands such as Radisson Blu, IHG, and Lemon Tree Hotels, where she has most recently served as Deputy Manager. Her knowledge and background make her a valuable addition to our team.

A Master’s graduate from CKD Institute of Management and Technology, Amritsar, Vrindh holds a solid academic foundation. Beyond work, she enjoys exploring new cuisines and travelling.

Our General Manager Mr. Pradipt Sinha shared that she will be a valuable addition to the leadership team and expressed great confidence in her ability to strengthen our people-first culture and drive positive organizational growth. We are excited to have her join our team and look forward to the meaningful contributions she will bring to our hotel.

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Announces the Promotion of Pradeep Mer as Front Office Manager

Pune: The promotion of Pradeep Mer to Front Office Manager marks a proud milestone for the hotel’s front office team. 

With an impressive hospitality career and deep expertise in front office operations, guest engagement, and service excellence, Pradeep has been an integral part of The Westin Pune’s success over the years. His dedication, leadership, and consistent commitment to creating memorable guest experiences have significantly contributed to elevating the hotel’s operational efficiency and service standards. 

Throughout his journey, Pradeep has demonstrated strong proficiency in team leadership, guest relations, brand service standards, and process optimization. His ability to drive performance while nurturing a culture of warmth and hospitality has earned him admiration across teams and departments. 

Speaking on his promotion, Pradeep Mer said: 

“Having grown with The Westin Pune Koregaon Park since 2016, this promotion is a meaningful milestone. I look forward to leading our teams in elevating guest experiences and upholding the service standards we proudly stand for.” 

With this promotion, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park reaffirms its commitment to recognizing homegrown talent and cultivating leadership focused on delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Cygnett Hotels and Resort Names Sanjit Kumar Thakur as Corporate Learning & Development Manager

New Delhi, December 2025 – Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has appointed Sanjit Kumar Thakur as Corporate Learning & Development Manager, reinforcing its commitment to building strong people-development practices across the group.

Thakur brings nearly 15 years of rich industry experience, combining operational expertise with strategic capability in talent development. A graduate of IHM Kolkata and holder of an MBA in Human Resources Management from IEC University, he has cultivated a career that spans both academic and operational leadership.

Prior to joining Cygnett, Thakur served as Multi-Property Cluster Learning & Development Manager at Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, where he oversaw training needs across multiple properties, developed comprehensive programs, and fostered a culture of continuous learning. He also held the role of Head – Learning & Development Manager at Radisson Hotel Group, driving skills-based training and guest service excellence. His earlier tenure includes academic leadership as Senior Lecturer and HOD (F&B Service) at Westin College of Hotel Management, and operational management as Food & Beverage Manager with Accor in the Middle East, where he supervised five restaurants and a bar, ensuring service excellence and compliance. He began his career with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels, gaining foundational experience in luxury hospitality operations.

With this diverse background, Thakur is recognized for his ability to design impactful training ecosystems, lead digital learning initiatives, and align people development with organizational goals. His appointment underscores Cygnett Hotels’ focus on nurturing talent and strengthening service standards across its expanding portfolio.

Cygnett Hotels and Resort Appoints Ravvinder Bhola as General Manager – Information Technology

New Delhi, December 2025 – Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Ravvinder Bhola as General Manager – Information Technology, further strengthening its leadership team with seasoned expertise in hospitality technology.

With more than two decades of experience, Bhola has held senior technology roles with leading hotel brands including Starwood, Taj, and Marriott, across India and international markets. His career reflects a deep understanding of IT operations, large-scale system deployments, and digital transformation initiatives tailored to the hospitality sector.

Bhola is widely recognized for his ability to build secure, resilient, and guest-centric technology ecosystems. His strong credentials in cybersecurity, IT governance, risk management, and compliance underscore his capability to lead technological functions in fast-evolving hospitality environments.

Commenting on the appointment, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said:

“As a key hospitality chain we are committed to strengthening our leadership team with experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their roles. As we continue to grow our footprints across the country, we are hoping that their unique combination of skills, passion and commitment will help to maintain our service standards and support our expansion plans.”

Bhola’s appointment reflects Cygnett Hotels’ commitment to leveraging technology as a driver of operational excellence and guest satisfaction, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality industry.

Cygnett Hotels and Resorts Appoints Chef Rahul Rana as Director-Culinary

New Delhi, December 2025 – Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Chef Rahul Rana as its new Director-Culinary, marking a significant addition to the brand’s leadership team.

A hospitality veteran with over 22 years of global experience, Chef Rana brings a wealth of expertise in international cuisines, modern culinary techniques, and large-scale buffet presentations. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Studies from Switzerland, a foundation that has guided his illustrious career across continents.

Chef Rana’s professional journey spans some of the world’s leading hotel chains, including Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental, and Sarova Hotels, with assignments in the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, the Maldives, Indonesia, Kenya, and India. His diverse exposure has shaped a unique culinary perspective that blends global flavors with local authenticity.

Beyond his hotel assignments, Chef Rana has successfully launched several standalone specialty restaurants, such as Thai Chi (modern Pan-Asian), innovative Peruvian concepts, and outlets celebrating local Kenyan cuisine. His ability to conceptualize and execute distinctive dining experiences has earned him recognition as a creative force in the industry.

Speaking on his appointment, the management of Cygnett Hotels expressed confidence that Chef Rana’s leadership will elevate the brand’s culinary offerings. His focus will be on curating innovative menus, enhancing guest experiences, and strengthening the group’s food & beverage portfolio across its properties.

Chef Rana shared his excitement about joining Cygnett Hotels, stating that he looks forward to “bringing together global inspirations and local flavors to craft memorable dining experiences for guests.”

With this appointment, Cygnett Hotels reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences, where culinary excellence plays a central role in guest satisfaction.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Appoints Rajat Bhatia as Commercial Director

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai proudly announces the appointment of veteran hospitality leader Rajat Bhatia as Commercial Director. With more than 25 years of accomplished experience across sales, marketing, revenue management and commercial strategy, Rajat brings a depth of expertise that further strengthens the hotel’s leadership team at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

In this strategic role, Rajat will shape the hotel’s commercial vision and steer its next phase of growth, upholding the hallmark precision, service excellence and thoughtful luxury synonymous with Four Seasons. He will oversee all commercial functions — including Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, Catering and Conference Services — aligning strategy and execution to drive performance with clarity and cohesion. His mandate includes accelerating market expansion, amplifying brand presence and spearheading initiatives that enhance top-line results while deepening guest engagement.

Rajat’s distinguished career spans influential leadership roles across global and Indian hospitality brands, where he has consistently delivered strong commercial outcomes. His nuanced understanding of market dynamics, data-driven decision-making and ability to build high-performing teams uniquely position him to advance Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai’s leadership in luxury hospitality.

“We are delighted to welcome Rajat to our leadership team. His experience and attitude make him an invaluable addition as we embark on an exciting new chapter at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai,” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. “With the hotel undergoing a transformational renovation — including our new signature restaurant, Opus; reimagined rooftop destinations AER and Gimlet Garden; newly designed rooms and suites; the exclusive private members’ club, Modernist; and a Grand Ballroom debuting in February — Rajat’s role will be integral to shaping extraordinary luxury experiences for our guests.”

With his vision, expertise and leadership, Rajat joins Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai at a defining moment, ready to support the team in ushering in a new era of elevated, contemporary luxury for its guests.

Summit Hotels and Resorts Appoints Anjila Yonzon as Group General Manager – Sales

Summit Hotels and Resorts proudly announces the appointment of Anjila Yonzon as Group General Manager – Sales. With over twelve years of dedicated service to the brand, Anjila’s remarkable journey within Summit exemplifies the group’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent from within.

Starting her career in the reservations department, Anjila quickly stood out for her exceptional communication skills, strong customer focus, and ability to build enduring relationships across the travel and hospitality industry. Over the years, she has been a driving force behind the expansion of Summit’s sales network, spearheading strategic partnerships and contributing significantly to the group’s business growth across diverse markets.

In her new role, Anjila will lead Summit’s sales strategy, overseeing key accounts, partnerships, and market development initiatives across the group’s portfolio. Her deep market insight and ability to identify emerging trends will play a pivotal role in strengthening Summit’s presence across both leisure and business travel segments.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for excellence, Anjila continues to inspire her teams to achieve new benchmarks in performance and client engagement. Her forward-looking approach perfectly aligns with Summit’s mission to deliver memorable guest experiences while driving sustainable business growth.

Summit Hotels and Resorts congratulates Anjila Yonzon on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing the group’s sales vision.

Commenting on her appointment, Anjila Yonzon said, “It has been a truly rewarding journey with Summit Hotels and Resorts, and I am deeply honored to step into this new role. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the brand’s incredible growth and the strength of our people-driven culture. As we move forward, my focus will be on deepening relationships, expanding our market presence, and driving sales performance with renewed energy and purpose.”

Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO of Summit Hotels and Resorts, added, “Anjila’s leadership, dedication, and deep understanding of the market make her a vital part of our leadership team. Her growth within the organization truly reflects the spirit of Summit. We are confident that her strategic insight and relationship-driven approach will further enhance our sales performance and strengthen the brand’s presence across key markets.”

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Sanjit Kumar Thakur as Corporate Learning & Development Manager

With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, Sanjit brings a wealth of expertise in Learning & Development, having contributed to some of the most prestigious hospitality brands, including Taj, Oberoi, Radisson, Sarovar, Accor, and Mövenpick. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to nurturing talent, strengthening organizational learning, and building impactful training ecosystems that drive excellence across teams.

Sanjit is widely recognized for his forward-looking approach—one that goes beyond conventional training to focus on transforming people and cultivating future-ready teams. His passion lies in fostering a culture where individuals are empowered to grow, innovate, and thrive, making him a valuable addition to the leadership at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

As he embarks on this new chapter, we look forward to Sanjit’s contributions in shaping a dynamic learning environment that aligns with our vision of excellence and innovation in hospitality.