Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa Appoints Naresh Kumar as Training Manager

Delhi NCR, February 2026: Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa, part of Marriott International, today announced the appointment of Naresh Kumar as Training Manager, further strengthening the resort’s commitment to cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in continuous learning, operational excellence, and people development.

In his new role, Naresh will lead the Learning & Development function at the resort, overseeing training strategy, competency mapping, leadership development initiatives, and employee engagement programs. He will be responsible for designing structured learning pathways, conducting Training Needs Analysis, driving new joiner induction and orientation frameworks, and delivering behavioural and soft skills workshops aligned with Marriott’s global brand standards. Working closely with department heads and the leadership team, he will support talent development initiatives that enhance guest experience, operational efficiency, and overall team performance.

Naresh brings over seven years of diverse hospitality experience across luxury and upscale environments, with a strong foundation in both operations and learning functions. Prior to joining Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa, he served as Assistant Learning Manager at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, where he led monthly training calendars, departmental workshops, induction programs, and capability-building interventions focused on performance improvement and employee productivity.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles in housekeeping operations at Taj properties including Taj Lakefront and Taj Anand Kashi, and was associated with Lemon Tree Premier, Bhubaneswar, contributing significantly during pre-opening phases. His operational expertise provides him with a practical, ground-level understanding of hotel functions, enabling him to design impactful and relevant learning modules.

Naresh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the Army Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Human Resources. He is a Certified Taj Departmental Trainer, a Certified POSH Trainer, and has completed FOSTAC and First Aid training. Recognized as a Tata Merit Scholarship holder for four consecutive years, he brings both academic and professional distinction to his role.

This appointment reflects Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa’s continued focus on investing in in-house leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous development. As the resort strengthens its presence within the Delhi NCR hospitality landscape, the Learning & Development function will play a pivotal role in driving employee engagement, service excellence, and long-term organizational growth in alignment with Marriott International’s global ethos.

RAJIV KAPOOR APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF FAIRMONT MUMBAI & ROSWYN, A MORGANS ORIGINALS HOTEL

MUMBAI, February 2026 – Rajiv Kapoor has been appointed General Manager of Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel bringing unified leadership to two distinct luxury brands and reinforcing their strategic direction in one of India’s most competitive hospitality markets. 

Roswyn, currently in its pre-opening phase, debuts in India through Morgans Originals, a collection by Ennismore — the global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands rooted in creativity and purpose.

Rajiv has led Fairmont Mumbai since its pre-opening phase, spearheading the hotel’s launch in April 2025 and shaping its operational framework from concept to opening. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, he brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, strategic planning, guest service excellence, and high-performance team leadership. His leadership style blends commercial discipline with brand storytelling, consistently translating vision into measurable performance.

In his role as General Manager, Rajiv will oversee overall operations, commercial performance, strategic direction, and team development across both hotels. While Fairmont Mumbai represents the legacy, scale, and grandeur of the Fairmont brand, Roswyn reflects the Morgans Originals vision of independent hotels with iconic cultural story. Under his leadership, both properties will maintain distinct brand positioning while delivering consistent service standards in Mumbai’s competitive luxury hospitality market. The focus will be on accelerating revenue growth, strengthening ADR and market share, building operational synergies, and deepening long-term brand equity across both hotels.

Reflecting on this new chapter, Rajiv shares:

“With over 25 years of hospitality, I’ve learned that the first year is about building discipline, culture, and credibility. Fairmont Mumbai has successfully completed its inaugural year, establishing a strong operational foundation and a clear position in the city’s luxury landscape. Now, with Roswyn — India’s first Morgans Originals — we are entering an exciting phase of growth. Morgans Originals hotels are known for their independent personalities, design-led spirit, and cultural edge, and Roswyn is poised to resonate deeply with the modern, globally minded traveller. Together, we are shaping two distinct brands with individual identities, united by operational excellence and a shared ambition to influence Mumbai’s next chapter in hospitality.”

Prior to his move to Mumbai, Rajiv spent five years at Fairmont Jaipur, where he played a key role in repositioning the property through operational innovation and elevated guest experiences. His leadership contributed significantly to strengthening the hotel’s market presence and financial performance, earning him notable industry recognition, including General Manager of the Year - Upscale to Luxe at the Accor South Asia Hotel Awards 2021 and General Manager of the Year - Luxury Hotels Segment at the HOSI 2022 Hotelivate MakeMyTrip Awards. His tenure underscored his strength in asset repositioning, profitability enhancement, and building resilient, performance-driven teams.

Over the course of his career, Rajiv has led world-class resorts across Asia, strengthening his expertise in cross-cultural service delivery, market adaptability, brand positioning, and operational excellence. This international exposure enables him to align global standards with local nuance — a critical advantage in a dynamic market like Mumbai.

With this appointment, Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn enter a new phase of integrated leadership focused on sustained growth, operational precision, and long-term brand relevance.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Rahul Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

Bangalore, February, 2026: Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Rahul Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager. With over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality, he brings strong expertise in multi-outlet management, revenue optimization, cost controls, and service excellence.

Rahul has built his career leading complex restaurant and banquet operations, mentoring high-performance teams, and delivering consistently elevated guest satisfaction scores. He has previously overseen high-volume dining environments, executed large-scale events, and introduced structured service rituals designed to enhance efficiency while strengthening brand positioning.

In his new role, Rahul will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the hotel’s F&B division, including financial performance, guest experience, talent development, and innovative programming across outlets.

Speaking on the appointment, Rahul Sharma said, “Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore represents an exciting intersection of business, travel, and the city’s evolving dining culture. I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive operational excellence, build strong customer loyalty, and create distinctive food and beverage offerings aligned with the brand’s dynamic ethos.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to sharpen its focus on building robust leadership capabilities and delivering consistent, high-quality dining and beverage experiences. Rahul’s proven ability to balance fiscal discipline with guest-centric innovation is expected to further strengthen operational performance, elevate service benchmarks, and reinforce the hotel’s competitive positioning within Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape.

The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai Appoints Kazi Abdul Wahab as Executive Assistant Manager

With over 18 years of extensive experience across hospitality operations and sales, Kazi Abdul Wahab has been appointed Executive Assistant Manager at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai. 

A dynamic hospitality leader, Kazi is recognised for his strong operational expertise, food & beverage leadership, pre-opening experience and unwavering commitment to delivering international service standards. Known for being uncompromising and firm when it comes to maintaining standards, he believes that operational discipline and consistency are the foundation of exceptional guest experiences. 

Over the years, he has led multi-outlet F&B operations, large-format banqueting venues, and cross-functional hotel teams across India and the Sultanate of Oman, consistently driving revenue growth, guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. His professional journey includes experience with four pre-opening properties and two significant brand transitions — The Dukes Retreat to Athiva Resort & Spa, Khandala, and Le Royal Meridien to Hilton — demonstrating his adaptability and strategic leadership during transformation phases. 

In his current role, Kazi Abdul Wahab will oversee key operational functions at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai, focusing on strengthening service excellence, enhancing departmental coordination, optimising resource management and ensuring seamless guest experiences in alignment with the hotel’s brand vision. 

Prior to this appointment, Kazi served as Director of Food & Beverage at Athiva Resort & Spa, Khandala (formerly known as The Dukes Retreat, Khandala), where he managed multiple dining venues and large banqueting facilities. He has also held senior leadership roles with The Resort Mumbai (Chalet Hotels & Resorts) as Associate Director of Food & Beverage and with Al Nahda Hotels & Resort, Oman as Executive Assistant Manager, overseeing comprehensive hotel operations. His earlier career includes key positions with Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC, Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Le Royal Meridien and The Oberoi, Mumbai. 

Among his key achievements are successful pre-openings of four properties across India and Oman, recognition as Best Manager of the Year (2013), and nomination for the Hilton CEO Awards. He has consistently demonstrated excellence in manpower management, vendor relations, budgeting, compliance audits and strategic planning. 

Kazi Abdul Wahab holds a Twin Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Atharva College of Hotel Management. He is a Certified Hotel Manager (CHM) by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), reflecting his commitment to global hospitality benchmarks and professional excellence.

With his strong leadership capabilities, operational depth, disciplined approach to standards and customer-centric philosophy, Kazi Abdul Wahab’s appointment is set to further strengthen operational excellence and guest satisfaction at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai.

Park Hyatt Hyderabad Appoints Manish Suthar as Assistant HR Manager

Hyderabad, India – Park Hyatt Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Manish Suthar as Assistant Human Resources Manager.

Manish brings with him over 10 years of progressive human resources experience within the luxury hospitality sector, with a strong focus on people operations, statutory compliance, workforce planning, and employee engagement. Known for his structured approach and people-first mindset, he has consistently supported high-performing teams across large hotel and convention environments.

Prior to joining Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Manish most recently served as Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, where he supported HR operations for a workforce of over 300 employees. In this role, he partnered closely with the Director of Human Resources to align HR strategy with business objectives, led recruitment for operational and managerial roles, managed payroll and compliance processes, and played a key role in employee engagement initiatives and attrition reduction.

Manish’s earlier experience includes HR leadership roles with IHCL (Taj Group) across multiple iconic properties such as Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Taj West End, and Tajview, Agra. His exposure to both palace hotels and large urban properties has equipped him with a deep understanding of luxury service culture, brand standards, union liaison, audits, and pre-opening environments.

In his role at Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Manish will support the Human Resources function across talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and culture-building initiatives. His appointment reinforces the hotel’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering an engaged workplace, and delivering thoughtfully personalized hospitality through empowered teams.

Ebix Group Announces Arun Batra as Managing Director of Ebix Travels

The Group strengthens travel leadership to drive growth and integration

National, 2026: Ebix Group announced the appointment of Arun Batra as Managing Director of Ebix Travels, strengthening leadership across its travel and mobility portfolio as the Group sharpens focus on growth, integration, and execution. In his role as Managing Director, Batra will lead Ebix’s travel and mobility businesses across domestic and international markets, with accountability for overall performance, governance, and long-term value creation. His mandate includes strengthening alignment across Ebix’s travel businesses, deepening partnerships, and refining customer offerings as the Group builds a more integrated and execution-driven travel platform.

With over three decades of leadership experience across fintech, telecommunications, retail, media, and services, Batra brings a strong track record of scaling businesses, building distribution networks, and leading large-scale operations in complex, competitive environments. He has previously held senior leadership and CXO roles at HCL, Vodafone, Brightstar Corporation (USA), Reliance Infocomm, Zee Networks, and Matrix Cellular.

Commenting on the leadership announcement, Dr. Vikas Garg, Chairman of Eraaya Lifespaces Limited & Ebix Group, said, “Ebix Travels is a strategic growth engine for the Group, spanning multiple travel formats, geographies, and customer segments. Arun’s expertise reflects our intent to strengthen leadership accountability and decision-making as we build a more integrated and execution-focused travel business.”

Arun Batra said, “As the travel industry continues to evolve, our ability to build strong teams and deliver consistently customer-focused solutions will be critical to sustained growth. I look forward to working closely with our partners and teams across geographies to strengthen execution, drive innovation, and build a future-ready travel business that creates long-term value for customers, partners, and the organization.”

Ebix Travels operates across corporate travel management, MICE, luxury rail journeys, destination management services, and technology-enabled travel platforms. The business serves a wide spectrum of customer segments across multiple geographies and remains a key pillar of Ebix Group’s growth strategy in travel and mobility.

GRAND MERCURE BANGALORE WELCOMES BABI MURMU AS HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER

BANGALORE, FEBRUARY 2026: Grand Mercure Bangalore has announced the appointment of Babi Murmu as Housekeeping Manager, strengthening its operational leadership with a hospitality professional known for disciplined execution, team stewardship, and consistency in service delivery.

Babi brings with her extensive experience across premium and luxury hotel environments, having previously held key housekeeping roles at JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai, Taj Bengal, Kolkata and Leela Ambience, Gurugram. Across these assignments, she has been responsible for managing large housekeeping teams, maintaining brand and audit compliance, and ensuring operational readiness across guest rooms and public areas.

Her professional experience includes overseeing day-to-day housekeeping operations, implementing hygiene and safety protocols and supporting hotel openings and special operational projects. She has worked closely with cross-functional teams to maintain service benchmarks, improve workflow efficiencies, and ensure guest-facing areas consistently meet brand standards.

Recognised for her methodical approach and attention to detail, Babi has played a key role in strengthening operational processes, training teams, and supporting quality control initiatives in high-volume hotel environments. Her work reflects a strong understanding of both frontline execution and backend coordination essential to effective housekeeping operations.

Babi holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from NCHMCT, Kolkata, and combines academic grounding with hands-on experience across diverse hospitality formats.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said: “We are pleased to welcome Babi Murmu to Grand Mercure Bangalore. Her experience across leading hospitality brands and her structured approach to operations make her a strong fit for our hotel. We look forward to her contribution in further strengthening our housekeeping standards and guest experience.”

Speaking on her new role, Babi Murmu said:  “I am pleased to join Grand Mercure Bangalore and look forward to working with the team to ensure consistent service standards, efficient operations, and a positive experience for our guests.”

In her new role, Babi will oversee all housekeeping operations at the hotel, with a focus on maintaining brand standards, operational efficiency, and service quality.

Natuf Café Appoints Milind Soman as Cultural Ambassador

New Delhi, February, 2026 – EBG Group’s flagship Levantine quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, Natuf Café, has announced the appointment of Milind Soman—fitness icon, actor, and wellness advocate—as its Cultural and Lifestyle Ambassador. The move signals the brand’s next phase of expansion in India’s fast-growing nutrition-focused QSR segment.

Scaling a New-Age QSR Model

Natuf Café is redefining fast food in India with protein-rich, low-carb meals and a plastic-free operating model, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable and health-conscious dining. The brand plans to establish over 100 outlets nationwide by the end of 2026, through a mix of corporate-owned outlets, franchise formats, cloud kitchens, and exclusive retail cafés.

Investment and Growth Strategy

EBG Group has committed to investing between ₹35 lakh and ₹1.25 crore per outlet, supporting rapid retail development across key Indian cities. This expansion underscores the company’s ambition to make Levantine cuisine widely accessible while maintaining authenticity and nutritional integrity.

Leadership Perspectives

Hari Kiran, Co-founder & COO of EBG Group, stated:
“Milind Soman embodies the values we stand for—discipline, authenticity, and conscious living. Natuf Café is not just expanding as a QSR brand; it is building a movement around better food choices that respect people, the planet, and long-term well-being.”

Amer Juneidi, Founder & Managing Director of Natuf, added:
“For me, Natuf has always been about sharing heritage, culture, and honest food. Partnering with Milind Soman feels natural because he represents integrity and mindful living.”

Ambassador’s Vision

Milind Soman expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“What attracted me to Natuf Café is its simplicity and honesty. The food is rooted in tradition, naturally nutritious, and aligned with how people want to eat today—without excess or compromise. I’m glad to associate with a brand that is making healthy, sustainable food part of everyday life.”

Raffles Jaipur Appoints Neha Sharma Yadav as Hotel Manager

Jaipur, February, 2026 – Raffles Jaipur has announced the appointment of Neha Sharma Yadav as Hotel Manager, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and guest experience leadership. This strategic move highlights the property’s identity as the Queen’s Palace, celebrating Rajasthan’s legacy of grace, strength, and inclusivity.

Professional Experience

Yadav brings nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, with expertise in Rooms Division management and hotel operations across international hotel brands. Her leadership style emphasizes talent development, operational discipline, and service consistency, ensuring elevated guest satisfaction and efficiency.

Role and Responsibilities

As Hotel Manager, Yadav will:

• Oversee daily operations to maintain Raffles’ service standards.

• Strengthen the hotel’s leadership structure and operational focus.

• Drive initiatives for team development and diversity, with a special emphasis on supporting women professionals.

• Ensure luxury hospitality experiences remain central to guest interactions.

Cultural Alignment

Her appointment aligns with Raffles Jaipur’s broader cultural narrative of inclusive leadership while honoring traditional hospitality values. By placing a female leader at the helm of operations, the property underscores its dedication to heritage-inspired luxury with contemporary leadership.

Management Perspective

Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager – Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, commented:
“Neha exemplifies the rare combination of operational acumen and authentic hospitality leadership that defines excellence in luxury hotel management. Her sophisticated understanding of discerning guest expectations, coupled with her proven capacity to inspire and develop exceptional teams, positions her as an invaluable asset to Raffles Jaipur.”

Ramee Guestline Hotel, Dadar Appoints Dhananjay Vishwakarma as General Manager

Mumbai, February, 2026 – Ramee Group of Hotels has announced the appointment of Dhananjay Vishwakarma as General Manager of Ramee Guestline Hotel, Dadar. With more than 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vishwakarma brings deep expertise in hotel operations, front office management, and revenue optimisation to the role.

A Rich Professional Background

Vishwakarma has worked with several renowned hospitality brands, including Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Mumbai. Most recently, he served as Hotel Manager at Residency Sarovar Portico, where he successfully led operations for six years.

Role and Responsibilities

As General Manager, Vishwakarma will oversee:

• Hotel operations and guest experience standards

• Revenue and profitability management

• Brand compliance and asset management

• Team leadership and performance optimisation

Strategic Alignment

His appointment reflects Ramee Group’s continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable growth. By leveraging Vishwakarma’s extensive industry knowledge, the hotel aims to strengthen its market positioning and deliver enhanced value to guests.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Appoints Shamal Chavan as General Manager – Marketing

Mumbai, February, 2026 – Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Shamal Chavan as General Manager – Marketing at its Corporate Office in Mumbai. With more than 17 years of experience across hospitality, marketing, and entrepreneurship, Chavan brings a strong track record in strategic brand positioning, digital growth, and revenue-led initiatives to the role.

A Proven Leader in Hospitality Marketing

Chavan has previously spearheaded Marketing & Communications, eCommerce, Online Revenue, and Digital Strategy functions with leading hotel chains in India and the Middle East. Her expertise lies in crafting integrated campaigns, strengthening digital presence, and driving innovative approaches to guest engagement.

Role and Responsibilities

In her new position, Chavan will:

• Lead the brand’s overall marketing strategy

• Drive integrated campaigns across platforms

• Enhance digital initiatives to boost visibility

• Support revenue growth across the portfolio

Management Perspectives

Sudhir Jena, Corporate Vice President – Lords Hotels & Resorts, expressed confidence in her appointment, noting that her strategic vision and industry understanding will help strengthen the brand’s market positioning during its growth phase.

Chavan herself emphasized her commitment to innovative marketing initiatives and creating meaningful brand experiences for guests.

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Appoints Javed Akhtar to Advisory Board

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Javed Akhtar, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur and loyalty strategist, to its Advisory Board. This strategic move underscores the group’s commitment to value-led growth, asset optimisation, and loyalty-driven guest engagement across its expanding portfolio.

A Visionary Appointment

With over two decades of experience in hospitality operations, AI-led business architecture, and consumer engagement, Akhtar brings a wealth of expertise to the role. His career has been marked by pioneering approaches to loyalty programs and innovative guest engagement strategies, making him a valuable addition to the leadership team.

Strategic Focus Areas

As part of the Advisory Board, Akhtar will collaborate closely with Eight Continents’ leadership to guide initiatives in:

• Loyalty-led growth: Enhancing guest lifetime value through personalized engagement.

• Experiential revenue integration: Expanding beyond traditional hospitality models to create memorable guest experiences.

• Alternative monetisation channels: Exploring new revenue streams to strengthen financial resilience.

• AI-enabled guest engagement: Leveraging technology to deliver smarter, more tailored hospitality services.

• Global partnership expansion: Building alliances that extend the brand’s reach and influence.

Strengthening the Future

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts as the company advances its long-term growth strategy. By combining Akhtar’s expertise with the group’s vision, the brand aims to reinforce its position as a leader in luxury hospitality and hotel management.

The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet, Marriott Executive Apartments Appoints Chef Balvinder Lubana as Executive Chef

Mumbai, India — The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Balvinder Lubana as Executive Chef, overseeing all culinary operations at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet, Marriott Executive Apartments, Mumbai.

With over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Chef Balvinder brings with him a proven track record of culinary leadership, operational excellence, and people-focused management. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s diverse culinary portfolio, including signature restaurants, banquets, in-room dining, and large-scale events, with a strong emphasis on wellness-driven cuisine, sustainability, and elevated guest experiences, core pillars of the Westin brand philosophy.

Describing himself as passionate, guest-centric, and purpose-driven, Chef Balvinder believes that while exceptional food creates excitement, it is consistency, strong systems, and empowered teams that build long-term guest trust. Guided by the principle that “consistency builds trust,” his approach balances creativity with disciplined execution.

His leadership philosophy “Lead from the front, mentor with intent, and never compromise on quality or values” is deeply rooted in his commitment to developing talent. A strong advocate for mentoring young chefs, Chef Balvinder is dedicated to building confident, high-performing culinary teams where discipline, innovation, and mutual respect thrive.

Prior to joining The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Chef Balvinder served as Executive Chef at Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, where he led culinary operations for a 190-room flagship resort, multiple food and beverage outlets, destination weddings, banquets, and a successful food truck concept. His career highlights include being a Member of the Marriott APEC Culinary Advisory Board, leading multi-hotel culinary operations, launching Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels to drive incremental revenue, and championing sustainability initiatives through the Marriott Environment & Sustainability Hub (MESH). He has also been consistently recognized for achieving top F&B guest satisfaction scores across South Asia.

Beyond the professional kitchen, Chef Balvinder enjoys exploring regional cuisines, traveling to discover local food cultures, fitness and strength training, long bike rides, and spending quality time with family. He finds balance by reconnecting with food in its simplest form through home-cooked meals, quiet coffees, and visits to local markets.

Goa remains his favorite destination in India, inspiring him with its honest flavors, coastal produce, and soulful approach to food and life. Internationally, the Mediterranean region influences his culinary outlook with its seasonal, ingredient-forward cuisine and deep connection between food, land, and community values that closely align with his own philosophy.

At The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Chef Balvinder aims to further elevate the hotel’s culinary identity by seamlessly blending wellness, sustainability, and thoughtful menu design with operational discipline and financial stewardship, delivering meaningful and memorable dining experiences while nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders.

Absolute Hotel Services India Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Mumbai, India – February 2026 – Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) India is pleased to announce the appointment of two senior hospitality professionals, reinforcing its marketing and financial leadership as the company continues to expand across India and South Asia.

• Ms. Priya Mokal has been appointed Deputy VP Marketing Communications. She will lead Marketing, Brand Communications, and Guest Engagement across AHS India’s multi-brand portfolio, including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin brands, and Absolute Collection. With extensive expertise in hospitality marketing, digital strategy, and PR, Priya brings valuable experience from her previous tenure at AHS and other leading organizations in travel, leisure, and financial services. In her role, she will drive brand positioning, digital-first marketing initiatives, and guest communication strategies.

• Mr. Shailesh Dani joins as Senior Director of Finance – India, bringing over 25 years of hospitality finance leadership across multi-property operations and pre-opening projects. His background with international and domestic hotel brands strengthens AHS India’s financial governance, compliance frameworks, and profitability initiatives, supporting the company’s ongoing growth in India and Southeast Asia.

Commenting on the appointments, the Senior Vice President – Operations & Pre-Opening, India & South Asia, said:
“As we continue to expand our presence across the region, we remain focused on building a strong, people-led leadership team. These appointments reflect our commitment to investing in exceptional talent and strengthening our corporate management capabilities as we scale the business.”

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Appoints New Director of Rooms

Jackson Kirkwood-Dowd will lead Raffles’ signature ‘The Butler Did It’ programme

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Feb, 2026) — Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has appointed a new Director of Rooms. This new leadership ensures that the iconic 94-year-old luxury property in Siem Reap, Cambodia continues to elevate its industry-leading butler service.

Jackson Kirkwood-Dowd joins Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor from the landmark Raffles London at The OWO, where he played a key role in the hotel’s opening and in leading its Front of House team, with the property entering the World’s 50 Best Hotels in its first year of operations.

In Cambodia, Kirkwood-Dowd will oversee the rooms division, drive the butler vision and help to direct local offerings under Raffles’ global ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s exclusive new stay package, ‘Raffles Angkor Discovery’, features a pivotal role for the hotel butler, who guides the experience from the moment guests arrive, to arranging spa appointments, temple passes, afternoon tea, a private bar session, and even transfers within Siem Reap. The butler is not simply a service, but the architect of the entire experience.

“I am thrilled to be continuing my professional journey with Raffles at another iconic property and helping to provide guests with truly one-of-a-kind service that leads to unforgettable moments in this magical and historic city,” Kirkwood-Dowd said.

‘The Butler Did It’ is renowned for curating one-of-a-kind, signature experiences across five continents, with a focus on uncompromising levels of personalised service performed by Raffles’ legendary butlers.

“We are delighted to welcome Jackson as our new Director of Rooms, and we look forward to seeing his imprint on our fabled butler programme, which has helped set the global standard for this distinctive hotel service since 1887,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Appoints Sumit Ghosh as Associate Vice President – Sales

New Delhi, 2026 – Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd has announced the appointment of Mr. Sumit Ghosh as Associate Vice President – Sales, further strengthening its senior leadership team as the hospitality group accelerates expansion across multiple Indian markets.

In his new role, Mr. Ghosh will spearhead the company’s sales strategy, enhance key account relationships, and drive revenue growth across the portfolio. His responsibilities will encompass corporate sales, key account management, market development, and aligning sales initiatives with Cygnett’s ambitious growth plans. He will work closely with senior stakeholders and asset partners to ensure seamless execution.

Bringing over 24 years of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Ghosh has held leadership positions in sales, business development, and revenue management across renowned hotel chains. He holds a PGDBA in Marketing Management from SCDL–Symbiosis, Pune, a Diploma in Hotel Management from IIHM, Kolkata, and a BA in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Scotland.

Prior to joining Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Ghosh was associated with leading hospitality brands including Wyndham Hotel Group, Royal Orchid Hotels, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, Jaypee Hotels, Best Western Premier, and Sunday Hotels. His extensive experience spans metros and regional markets, where he has successfully driven restructuring initiatives, forged corporate alliances, and delivered top-line business growth.

On the appointment, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, stated:
“Sumit brings a tremendous understanding of market dynamics, execution skills, and knowledge of prominent hotels. His expertise will be invaluable in elevating our sales performance and strengthening our market presence.”

As part of the leadership team, Mr. Ghosh will play a pivotal role in scaling sales approaches, mentoring teams, and supporting the development of Cygnett’s growing product base. His appointment comes at a strategic time as the company expands aggressively in the mid-market and value segments of the hospitality industry, adding new properties across India through both brand-driven and market-driven approaches.

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park Welcome New Commercial Director

Bengaluru, February 2026 – Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park have appointed Natarajan Balasubramanian as Commercial Director, reinforcing the leadership team across both properties.

With more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Natarajan brings deep expertise in sales strategy, revenue management, market positioning, and team leadership. In his new role, he will oversee the commercial function, including sales, marketing, business development, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on driving sustainable growth across corporate, MICE, leisure, and social segments.

Natarajan’s career spans senior leadership roles at some of India’s most renowned hospitality brands, including The Leela Group, Grand Hyatt Kochi, The Westin, and Le Méridien. He has consistently demonstrated strong business acumen, diversifying revenue streams and enhancing brand visibility in competitive markets. His contributions have included expanding residential weddings and strengthening both government and private sector portfolios.

A graduate in Hotel Management & Catering Science from Madurai Kamaraj University, Natarajan is recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and ability to build high-performing teams while nurturing long-term client relationships.

In his new capacity, he will work closely with the leadership teams of Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park to enhance market share, elevate revenue performance, and reinforce the hotels’ positioning as preferred destinations for business and leisure travelers in North Bengaluru.

Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Aditya Mata as General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur

Bengaluru,February, 2026: Rosetta Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Aditya Mata as the new General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur, its flagship 100-acre coffee estate luxury resort in Sakleshpur, Karnataka.

With over three decades of senior hospitality leadership experience, Mr. Mata brings deep operational and strategic expertise across luxury resorts and city hotels in India and select international markets. His career includes leadership roles with marquee hospitality brands such as The Oberoi Group, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Essque Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Zuri Hotels & Resorts, etc.

Most recently, Mr. Mata served as Group General Manager at Cocoa Collection Hotels in Kenya. He previously held the role of General Manager at Essque Hotels, Zanzibar, where he led a structured post-pandemic revival. His international experience reflects disciplined operations, people-centric leadership, and a strong focus on guest experience across complex resort environments.

As a seasoned hotelier, Mr. Mata brings in a leadership style that combines operational rigour with an intuitive understanding of guest expectations. This approach aligns closely with Rosetta Hospitality’s ethos of conscious, experience-led luxury.

As the new General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur, Mr. Mata will oversee all aspects of operations at the property. His focus will be on strengthening service excellence, enhancing experiential offerings, and driving sustainable growth while preserving the resort’s strong connection to nature and regional culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Aditya Mata to Rosetta Hospitality. His extensive leadership experience across luxury resorts and his ability to steer complex operations with clarity and empathy make him an excellent fit for Rosetta Sakleshpur. Aditya’s deep understanding of service excellence, team leadership, and destination-led hospitality aligns strongly with our vision of conscious luxury. We are confident he will further strengthen the guest experience at the property.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new venture, Mr. Aditya Mata said, “Rosetta Sakleshpur represents a rare blend of nature, thoughtful luxury, and authentic experiences. I am honoured to join Rosetta Hospitality at a time when travellers are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with destinations. My focus will be on nurturing a strong team culture, enhancing guest journeys, and ensuring that every experience reflects the warmth, care, and consciousness that the brand stands for.”

Mr. Mata is a graduate of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and an alumnus of The Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious hospitality institutions. This appointment underscores Rosetta Hospitality’s continued focus on appointing seasoned leaders who bring depth, integrity, and vision to its properties. Under Mr. Mata’s leadership, Rosetta Sakleshpur will continue to strengthen its positioning as a refined luxury retreat rooted in authenticity, wellness, and thoughtfully curated guest experiences.

About Rosetta Sakleshpur

Rosetta Sakleshpur is a luxury resort set within a 100-acre coffee plantation near the Western Ghats of Karnataka. A three-hour drive from Bangalore, the property offers 120 suites and villas designed for individual travellers, families, intimate weddings and corporate groups.

Facilities include a 5,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom with an adjoining 4,000 sq. ft. pre-function area, a 1,530 sq. ft. Royal Ballroom, a 517 sq. ft. Boardroom, and outdoor lawns spanning 75,000 sq. ft. for events and celebrations. The resort also houses three restaurants; Teatro – The Estate Kitchen; Amish – The Botanical Kitchen; and Ouzo by Fire, an open-to-sky infinity pool bar offering barbecues and signature cocktails.

Le Méridien Hyderabad Appoints Chef Somnath Deb as Executive Chef

Hyderabad, India: Le Méridien Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Somnath Deb as its Executive Chef, reinforcing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence, innovation, and elevated guest experiences.

With over two decades of extensive culinary expertise across leading hospitality brands in India and the international market, Chef Somnath brings strong capabilities in kitchen operations, menu engineering, team leadership, cost management, and quality-driven culinary innovation. Before joining Le Méridien Hyderabad, he served as Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad, and has held key leadership positions including Executive Chef at Four Points by Sheraton, Navi Mumbai, and Executive Sous Chef at Hilton Jaipur and Hilton Goa. 

His international exposure includes prestigious stints at Waldorf Astoria New York and Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, where he contributed to menu development, brigade training, operational planning, and consistently high guest satisfaction. 

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Sanjeev Mandal, General Manager, Le Méridien Hyderabad, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Somnath. His rich culinary journey across iconic global and domestic brands, combined with his passion for innovation and operational excellence, aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional dining experiences. We are confident that under his leadership, our culinary offerings will be further elevated with refreshed menus, distinctive concepts, and memorable moments for our guests.”

Le Méridien Hyderabad warmly welcomes Chef Somnath Deb and looks forward to his leadership in shaping a strong culinary identity for the hotel and offering guests a refreshed and elevated food and beverage journey.

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Thierry Vergnault as Executive Chef

MALÉ, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES (February 2026):
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Thierry Vergnault as Executive Chef, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to refined dining and mindful luxury.

Originally from France, Chef Thierry’s culinary journey began at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, where he honed his craft in classical French cuisine. His career has since spanned North America, the Middle East, Russia, the Caribbean, and the Maldives, shaping a philosophy deeply inspired by travel, culture, and human connection.

Blending technical excellence with creativity, Chef Thierry emphasizes seasonality, sustainability, and a strong sense of place. At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, he will curate distinctive dining experiences that highlight the richness of local Maldivian ingredients, thoughtfully infused with global influences.

“I am delighted to begin this new chapter with the team at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort,” shared Chef Thierry Vergnault. “My focus is on crafting meaningful culinary experiences that honor local produce while reflecting the inspiration of my international journey.”

Chef Thierry will lead the resort’s diverse culinary portfolio, including South American charcoal grills at Athiri, Japanese–Peruvian fusion at Nikkei, and the JW Garden to Table philosophy at Pure. His vision will ensure every dining experience resonates with creativity, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality.

Would you like me to also condense these into LinkedIn-style posts (shorter, more engaging for social media), or keep them in this formal press release format?