The Leela Mumbai appoints Ms. Ridhima Barha as EAM – Rooms

The Leela Mumbai announced the appointment of Ms. Ridhima Barha as its EAM - Rooms. 

With over 16 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Ridhima brings deep expertise across rooms and front office operations, team leadership, and service excellence. Known for her structured approach and people-centric leadership style, she has consistently contributed to enhancing guest satisfaction, business acumen and operational efficiencies across leading hospitality brands. 

Prior to joining The Leela Mumbai, Ms. Barha was associated with Marriott International, where she most recently served as Room Division Manager, following a successful tenure as Front Office Manager. Her progression within the organization reflects her strong operational acumen and ability to lead diverse teams in dynamic, high-volume hotel environments. 

Ms. Barha has held key positions with esteemed hospitality brands including Marriott International Hotels, The Leela Mumbai, Trident Hotels and Shangri-la Hotels with unique blend of extensive experience with high end villa operations at Lohono Stays (by Isprava), contributing to enhancing guest satisfaction and portfolio expansion. Her professional journey from front office roles to senior leadership positions reflects her versatility, resilience, and commitment to service excellence. 

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Barha shared, “I am truly delighted to be stepping into this new chapter at The Leela Mumbai, a place that holds a very special place in my professional journey. Returning in a leadership capacity feels both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to elevate the Rooms Division experience, blending personalized, intuitive service with strategic revenue excellence. Together, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to delivering refined Indian luxury while setting new benchmarks in operational distinction and guest satisfaction.” 

As part of The Leela Mumbai’s leadership team, Ms. Ridhima Barha’s extensive experience, operational insight, and passion for hospitality are poised to further strengthen the hotel’s legacy of refined luxury and exceptional guest experiences.

Fortune Hotels appoints Amruta Deshpande as Cluster Manager – Revenue at Corporate Headquarters

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, has announced the appointment of Amruta Deshpande as Cluster Manager – Revenue at its corporate headquarters.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience, Amruta is known for her strong analytical acumen, strategic revenue management expertise, and results-driven approach. In her new role, she will oversee cluster revenue performance, with a focused mandate to optimise pricing strategies, maximise profitability, and strengthen overall revenue outcomes across the portfolio.

Prior to joining Fortune Park Hotels Ltd., Amruta held key leadership roles with leading hospitality brands, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, and Eros Hotels. Most recently, she served as Portfolio Revenue Manager, leading revenue management for the Holiday Inn Express portfolio for IHG Hotels in India and playing an important role in strengthening commercial performance.

With her extensive industry experience and proven track record in revenue strategy, Amruta is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Fortune Hotels continued growth and market leadership.

Sayaji Hotel Wakad Welcomes Rakesh Rane as Revenue Manager, Strengthening Its Growth Strategy

Marking a strategic step towards accelerated growth and enhanced profitability, Sayaji Hotel Wakad, Pune proudly announces the appointment of Rakesh Rane as its new Revenue Manager.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in revenue optimization, reservations, and front office operations, Rakesh brings with him a sharp commercial acumen and a proven record of delivering strong top-line and bottom-line results. His career spans prestigious hospitality brands including Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi, Crowne Plaza Pune City Center, The Orchid Hotel Pune, Radisson SPA and Resort Lonavala, and Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport.

Known for his data-driven approach and strategic foresight, Rakesh has consistently led revenue transformation initiatives from dynamic pricing strategies and market segmentation to advanced forecasting and demand analysis. His expertise in hotel management systems such as Opera, Fidelio, Holidex, SAP, INNKEYS, Synxis, WINHMS, RevTOOLS, and Delphi has enabled him to optimize distribution channels and drive measurable performance improvements across properties.

At Sayaji Hotel Wakad, he will spearhead revenue strategy, pricing optimization, and inventory management while working closely with sales and operations teams to unlock new growth opportunities. His focus will be on strengthening market positioning, maximizing RevPAR, and ensuring sustainable profitability in Pune’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Recognized for his leadership capabilities, operational discipline, and ability to build high-performing teams, Rakesh has also played key roles in pre-opening projects, system integrations, and SOP implementations  consistently aligning revenue strategy with guest satisfaction and brand excellence.

Speaking on his appointment, Rakesh Rane shared,
"I am excited to join Sayaji Hotel Wakad at a time of strong growth potential. I look forward to implementing innovative revenue strategies that enhance financial performance while delivering exceptional guest experiences."

With this appointment, Sayaji Hotel Wakad reaffirms its commitment to strategic growth, operational excellence, and delivering elevated hospitality experiences.

Tanvi Palshikar Joins Jw Marriott GOA From Designer to Dessert Visionary

Goa, March 2026: JW Marriott Goa announces the arrival of Pastry Chef Tanvi Palshikar, whose remarkable journey from interior designer to pastry chef stands as a powerful testament to reinvention and resilience. Leaving the world of spatial design for the precision of pastry is no easy shift, yet she excelled, bringing her refined sense of proportion, detail and visual harmony into her craft. Over the past decade, she has transformed a personal passion into a thriving culinary career defined by creativity, discipline and design-led flavor, making her a natural fit for the award-winning JW Marriott Goa team.

Tanvi began her career as a Cake Artist, where she quickly gained popularity for turning sketches and ideas into edible art. Her move into the F&B industry took shape at JW Marriott Pune, where she rose from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and eventually Pastry Sous Chef. There, she led operations across multiple outlets, from pastry shops and all-day dining brunches to large-format banquets of over 2000 guests every day. Her leadership extended to successfully managing audits, crafting delightful menus, positive guest engagement, engaging and mentoring the right talent and overseeing kitchen operations. Known for her consistency and refined flavor palette, she became a key pillar within the pastry team.

Soon after, Tanvi took on a wider leadership role with a Pune-based hospitality group, managing pastry operations for two restaurants and a B2B vertical. She upskilled on dessert R&D, training, plating and presentation while ensuring consistency in quality and cost-efficiency. 

Tanvi’s craft has received significant attention in national and regional media. Her fully edible ‘Paithani Saree’ cake, complete with intricate jewelry, won acclaim across leading regional publications in the city of Pune. Her artistry has also been featured by BBC Marathi and History TV18, where her design-driven approach to pastry has won hearts. In Marriott International, Tanvi has been recognized as a Leading Lady Chef, she has also completed a specialized Bakery & Pastry course through the Lavonne × Marriott collaboration.

At JW Marriott Goa, Tanvi leads a dynamic pastry team, bringing her signature blend of creativity, precision and warmth to the resort’s culinary program. Guests can look forward to elevated dessert experiences that combine refined flavors with elegant presentation, along with thoughtfully curated menus, personalized celebration cakes and a renewed dessert philosophy rooted in craftsmanship. Tanvi’s arrival reinforces the property’s commitment to excellence and innovation, adding a fresh chapter to its award-winning culinary offerings.

Her key skills include menu planning, flavor pairing, garnishing and custom confectionery design, with expertise spanning cakes, pastries, entremets, petite gâteaux, chocolate work and bespoke celebration cakes. Beyond the kitchen, she finds inspiration through travel with her husband and son, sketching, craft and painting, all of which influence her artistic sense of color, texture and visual storytelling.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune appoints Sachin Patil as Director of Engineering

Pune, February 2026 – The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sachin Patil as Director of Engineering, bringing with him over two decades of extensive expertise in luxury hotel engineering operations, preventive maintenance, and facilities management.

In his new role, Mr. Patil will oversee the hotel’s complete engineering ecosystem, ensuring uncompromising standards of safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. He will lead the engineering team, strengthen preventive maintenance frameworks, and champion innovative infrastructure initiatives designed to further elevate the guest experience.

Sachin joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune following his tenure as Chief Engineer at Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi, where successfully led several high-impact projects, including the installation of an EV charging station and bottling plant, the deployment of high-efficiency chillers and diesel generators, and the conversion of the hotel’s lighting systems to 100% LED with dimmer controls. His strategic interventions in water treatment systems, kitchen upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements have significantly improved operational efficiency while reducing the property’s carbon footprint. 

Over the course of his distinguished career across leading international hotel brands, Sachin has demonstrated excellence in pre-opening projects, large-scale engineering initiatives, and operational optimization across both domestic and international markets. His core strengths span BMS systems, HVAC, electrical and mechanical engineering, plumbing, and comprehensive facilities oversight. He is widely recognized for his disciplined approach to preventive maintenance, cost optimization, vendor management, and sustainability-driven practices.

His appointment reinforces The Ritz-Carlton, Pune’s continued focus on operational excellence, responsible luxury, and delivering a seamless guest experience supported by world-class infrastructure and engineering leadership.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Appoints Sharoni Sharma as General Manager

Shillong, 24 February 2026: 

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharoni Sharma as its  new General Manager, effective 23rd February 2026. 

With over 15 years of diverse experience across luxury and upscale hospitality brands in India,  Sharoni brings a strong blend of operational excellence, strategic leadership, and people-first  management to the only internationally branded hotel in Meghalaya’s capital. 

Her career includes leadership roles with esteemed hospitality brands such as The Leela Palace  Jaipur, The Roseate, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, and The Westin Goa. Throughout her journey,  Sharoni has been recognized for driving operational efficiencies, elevating guest satisfaction  benchmarks, and building high-performing teams. 

In her new role at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Sharoni will focus on strengthening the hotel’s  positioning as a preferred destination for business, leisure, and social events in Northeast India.  Her vision centers around three key pillars: 

1. Guest-Centric Innovation: Enhancing personalized experiences that reflect the warmth and  culture of Meghalaya. 

2. Operational Excellence: Driving performance across rooms, F&B, and events with strong  revenue focus and brand compliance. 

3. People & Culture: Building an empowered associate environment rooted in engagement,  growth, and service passion. 

Sharoni’s diverse operational experience and people-centric leadership approach are expected  to further strengthen the hotel’s market positioning, enhance guest experiences, and drive  sustainable growth across all key segments. 

Speaking on her appointment, Sharoni Sharma said: 

"Shillong is a destination with incredible character, warmth, and soul. To lead Courtyard by  Marriott Shillong is not just a professional opportunity for me, but a deeply meaningful one.  This hotel represents pride for the region, and I am excited to work alongside our passionate  team to create experiences that feel personal, thoughtful, and truly memorable for every  guest who walks through our doors."

Board of Directors Appoints Keshav Baljee as Executive Director, Royal Orchid Hotels

February 2026, National, India:

The Board of Directors of Royal Orchid Hotels has appointed Keshav Baljee as Executive Director, marking a decisive step in the company’s next phase of structured growth and brand expansion.

Keshav has been on the Board since 2019, playing a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives, strengthening the asset light model and sharpening the company’s brand architecture across markets. His elevation to Executive Director aligns responsibility with the impact he has already been driving.

Keshav is the Founder of Kensington Villas, a curated luxury villa development company, with successful projects in Alibaug. He earlier founded and led Spree Hotels – a budget hotel management company, building it into a pan India hotel management company under the “Zip by Spree” and “Spree” brands. Spree was also a leader in facilities management, and club house management. He sold Spree to Ease My Trip, a listed travel conglomerate. 

In his previous tenure as President of Royal Orchid Hotels from 2007 to 2011, Royal Orchid’s portfolio expanded from four to 24 hotels in under five years, with over 1.2 million square feet of hospitality assets jointly developed. He led investor relations, private equity and debt engagements, and institutionalized governance and corporate processes during a high growth phase. He was responsible for spearheading the asset light strategy, and signed the first few management contracts in our company, a division which now has over 100 + operational third-party management contracts. 

As Executive Director, Keshav will spearhead the overall growth strategy of the group. 

An alumnus of the Indian School of Business and the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania, Keshav began his career in investment banking with Lehman Brothers and UBS, specializing in M&A before returning to India to build and scale hospitality and real estate platforms.

The Board expressed confidence that his entrepreneurial approach, financial discipline and operational clarity will position Royal Orchid Hotels strongly for its next chapter of growth.

DANIEL WORSLEY APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, HOTEL OPERATIONS AT ATLANTIS THE ROYAL

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Atlantis The Royal is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Worsley as Vice President, Hotel Operations. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Daniel brings a dynamic, people-focused leadership style and a proven track record of operational excellence to one of the world’s most iconic ultra-luxury destinations.

Originally from Australia and a graduate of the International College of Management, Sydney, he began his hospitality journey in hands-on operational roles across front office, concierge, housekeeping, and night management. This comprehensive foundation shaped his leadership philosophy, centred on curiosity, accountability, and human connection.

His early career progressed within one of Australia’s most complex integrated resorts, where he rapidly rose through senior operational leadership positions. At just 20 years old, he was appointed Night Manager, overseeing overnight hotel operations in close collaboration with security and casino teams. He later advanced to Executive Assistant Manager, playing a pivotal role in securing a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating within his first year, making the property one of the first in Australia to achieve such a distinguished recognition.

In 2019, Daniel joined Atlantis, The Palm, where he delivered immediate and measurable impact. Over seven consecutive years, he led record-breaking front office upselling results, consistently outperforming market benchmarks and increasing revenue, while establishing new operational standards and elevating service culture across the resort.

In recognition of his sustained performance and leadership impact, Daniel was promoted to Vice President, Hotel Operations at Atlantis The Royal. In his current role, he oversees the Rooms Division with a strong emphasis on personalisation, operational excellence, and service culture transformation. His leadership approach is defined by accessibility, transparency, and radical honesty, fostering an environment where teams are empowered to challenge convention, embrace innovation, and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.

Daniel champions the belief that true luxury lies in emotional intelligence, authenticity, and the consistent ability to find meaningful ways to say “yes.” Deeply committed to mentorship and professional development, he is passionate about cultivating resilient, high-performing teams and nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. His leadership blends strategic discipline with authenticity, humour, and humanity, inspiring both operational excellence and genuine connection throughout the guest journey.

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Strengthens Executive Leadership With Strategic Vice President Appointments

February 2026, National, India: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), one of India’s leading hospitality groups, has announced two strategic leadership appointments as part of its continued focus on operational excellence, infrastructure strength, and people-led growth.

The company has appointed Mr. Jayesh Wadher as Vice President - Human Resources. With over 23 years of extensive experience in human resource leadership across reputed hospitality brands including Accor, Radisson, and most recently Pride Hotels Group, Mr. Wadher brings deep expertise in talent management, organizational culture building, and workforce development.

In his new role at ROHL, Mr. Wadher will lead the Human Resources function across the group’s growing portfolio. He will focus on strengthening organizational capability, fostering a high-performance culture, and aligning talent strategy with the company’s long-term expansion roadmap.

ROHL has also appointed Mr. Charanjit Singh as Vice President - Engineering. With over 25 years of distinguished experience across leading hospitality brands such as ITC Hotels, The Leela Hotels, and IHG, Mr. Singh brings strong technical acumen and operational leadership to the role.

He has spearheaded corporate engineering operations, pre-opening assessments, and National Building Code 2016 compliance initiatives, with a proven track record of achieving zero-incident milestones. At ROHL, Mr. Singh will lead the company’s engineering and infrastructure strategy, with a focus on sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, and operational reliability across the expanding portfolio.

"Mr. Jayesh Wadher and Mr. Charanjit Singh bring strong domain expertise and leadership depth that align closely with our vision," said Chander K. Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director. "These appointments play a critical role in strengthening our workforce and infrastructure as we accelerate our expansion across India."

Royal Orchid and Regenta Hotels warmly welcome both leaders. We look forward to their contributions in delivering world-class hospitality and driving sustained organizational growth.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre Appoints Rajinikanth Ramadass as Director of Sales & Marketing

The Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC) and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) have announced the appointment of Rajinikanth Ramadass as their new Director of Sales & Marketing. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, Ramadass brings a wealth of expertise in revenue growth, market repositioning, and strategic leadership.

Professional Background

• Recent Role: Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa, where he repositioned the property in the luxury segment and achieved a 17% revenue increase.

• Past Experience: Leadership positions at Grand Hyatt Goa, Park Hyatt Chennai, and The Westin Chennai Velachery.

• Key Achievements: Improved ADR (Average Daily Rate), RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room), and strengthened corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) segments.

Expertise and Strengths

• Strategic mindset and analytical expertise.

• Strong relationship-building skills across corporate and leisure markets.

• Proven success in revenue management, digital marketing initiatives, and large-scale banqueting sales.

• Ability to align commercial strategy with operational excellence.

Role at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC

In his new position, Ramadass will:

• Lead overall sales, marketing, and revenue strategy.

• Strengthen NJCC and JECC’s positioning as premier destinations for MICE, exhibitions, weddings, and large-scale events in Rajasthan.

• Drive strategic growth and enhance brand visibility in both domestic and international markets.

Leadership Perspectives

• Rajinikanth Ramadass: “I am truly honored to join Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and JECC at such an exciting phase of growth. This iconic destination has immense potential in the MICE and social events segment, and I look forward to driving strategic growth and delivering exceptional value to our guests and partners.”

• Manuj Ralhan, General Manager: “We are delighted to welcome Rajinikanth to our leadership team. His strong commercial acumen, proven track record of driving revenue performance, and ability to build high-impact teams make him the perfect fit for our integrated hotel and convention ecosystem.”

JW Marriott Maldives Welcomes New Culinary Leaders

The JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced two significant appointments that will shape the future of its dining experiences: Arup Chakraborty as Director of Food & Beverage and Thierry Vergnault as Executive Chef. These hires mark a new chapter in the resort’s culinary journey, blending international expertise with a strong focus on local Maldivian flavors.

Arup Chakraborty – Director of Food & Beverage

• Background: Over 16 years of global hospitality experience, beginning in London with Michelin-starred exposure at Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay.

• Career Highlights: Leadership roles at Hilton London Paddington, The Leela Palace Chennai, Constance Lemuria Resort Seychelles, Sandals Resorts Caribbean, and several Maldives properties including Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa.

• Vision: Chakraborty aims to build on JW Marriott’s culinary foundation, enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative dining experiences.

Thierry Vergnault – Executive Chef

• Background: Originally from France, Chef Thierry began his career at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, refining classical French techniques.

• Global Journey: His culinary path spans North America, the Middle East, Russia, the Caribbean, and the Maldives, shaping a philosophy rooted in culture, travel, and sustainability.

• Vision: At JW Marriott Maldives, he will highlight local Maldivian ingredients while infusing global influences, creating refined and meaningful dining experiences.

Culinary Vision for the Resort

Together, Chakraborty and Vergnault will oversee the resort’s seven signature restaurants and bars, including:

• Athiri: South American charcoal grills.

• Nikkei: Japanese–Peruvian fusion.

• Pure: JW Garden-to-Table philosophy.

Their shared focus will be on culinary creativity, operational excellence, and mindful luxury, aligning with JW Marriott’s ethos of delivering elevated, guest-centered experiences.

Francesco Giovannelli Joins As Monastero Manager At Borgo Monchiero Heritage By Atmosphere

Bringing its distinctive hospitality approach to Europe, Atmosphere Core appoints seasoned Italian hotelier Francesco Giovannelli to lead its first heritage property in Italy.

Piedmont, Italy, February 2026 – Set in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills of Piedmont, BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere, part of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, welcomes Mr Francesco Giovannelli as Monastero Manager. The appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Atmosphere Core, the international hospitality company behind the brand, as it enters the European heritage hospitality landscape.

Commenting on his appointment, Francesco Giovannelli, Monastero Manager, said “Borgo Monchiero is a special heritage experience, and I am honoured to lead this exceptional project for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. By working closely with teams on the ground, my priority is to translate heritage into operational excellence and results that guests can feel at every touchpoint.”

Francesco Giovannelli brings over 15 years of leadership in hospitality, with hands-on operational experience across Italy, including Piedmont, and Tuscany. Working closely with on-property teams, he has led departments across operations, revenue coordination and service delivery. His experience reflects a strong, hands-on understanding of Italy’s regional cultures, guest expectations and service traditions. He has also been recognised by Leading Hotels of the World for service excellence and later honoured with the Hospitality Award 2025.

Mr. Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer, Atmosphere Core, added, “Francesco’s appointment reflects our focus on appointing leaders who combine strong commercial and operational acumen with a deep respect for place and people. His experience and sensibility are ideally suited to BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere, where history and modern hospitality come together, and we are confident his leadership will shape a distinctive and memorable guest experience.”

BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere is a beautifully restored 18th-century monastery built in 1773. The luxury retreat blends sacred frescoes, Romanesque architecture and the timeless art, culture and cuisine of northern Italy. Located in a region celebrated for its Barolo and Barbera wines, the intimate three-storey hillside retreat features 19 indulgent rooms reimagined from former monastic cells, a private chapel for weddings and intimate ceremonies, a restaurant showcasing local cuisine, an elegant lounge bar, a panoramic swimming pool, and a wellness area offering a sauna, infrared therapies and a private jacuzzi set within a centuries-old water reservoir.

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Chef Mohammad Amir Qureshi as Sous Chef, Spice Terrace

Bengaluru, February 2026:  JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru welcomes Chef Mohammad Amir Qureshi to Spice Terrace as Sous Chef, where he will bring his deep expertise in Indian cuisine to the heart of the restaurant’s culinary experience. Known for his mastery of Indian curries and tandoor specialties, Chef Amir focuses on celebrating traditional recipes and regional techniques, crafting dishes that reflect the richness and diversity of India’s culinary heritage.

With over 14 years of experience in luxury hotels and specialty restaurants across India and the Middle East, Chef Amir has developed a profound understanding of authentic Indian flavors. He has served as Sous Chef at Marriott Navi Mumbai, contributing to pre-opening kitchen operations and menu development, and as Junior Sous Chef at Indian Zone Restaurant in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he honed his skills in high-volume kitchens while preserving the integrity of each dish. 

Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, added, “Chef Amir’s deep knowledge of Indian cuisine and commitment to authenticity make him a perfect fit for Spice Terrace. His expertise ensures that the restaurant continues to offer dishes that celebrate India’s culinary heritage with precision, depth, and flavor.”

As Sous Chef, Chef Amir will focus on reviving traditional recipes, refining regional techniques, and crafting dishes that showcase the authenticity, depth, and cultural richness of Indian cuisine at Spice Terrace.

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.