Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Elevates Ganesha B to Director of Human Resources

June, Bengaluru: Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has promoted Ganesha B to Director of Human Resources, spotlighting a strong internal growth story and the hotel’s continued investment in nurturing homegrown talent. Having steadily built his career within the property, Ganesha’s elevation reflects his sustained contribution to shaping a people-first culture anchored in engagement, inclusion, and long-term team development.

Previously serving as Human Resources Manager, Ganesha has been instrumental in driving employee engagement initiatives, championing workplace inclusion, and supporting team member wellbeing across the hotel. Known for his people-centric leadership style and sound understanding of statutory compliance, he has also contributed beyond the property by supporting HR priorities at other IHG hotels in the region, underscoring both his operational strength and collaborative approach.

Commenting on the promotion, Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is focused on creating a culture where individuals are encouraged to learn and grow. Ganesha’s elevation reinforces this commitment that dedication and perseverance is valued. We look forward to seeing him grow with IHG and achieve the yardstick of success.”

Sharing his thoughts on the promotion, Ganesha B, Director of Human Resources, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “I am excited to take on this new role and continue my professional journey with Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside incredible teams, and I look forward to further fostering an inclusive, supportive, and motivating environment where individuals can grow and succeed together.”

With this appointment, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse reinforces its focus on recognising talent from within and building a workplace culture where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and lead with confidence.

Disha Gulati elevated to Rooms Division Manager at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center

Bengaluru, June, 2026: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Disha Gulati as Rooms Division Manager. She will now oversee Front Office and Housekeeping functions, with a focus on optimizing operations management, vendor coordination, and team efficiency to further strengthen the hotel’s commitment to operational excellence and elevated guest experiences.
Ms. Gulati brings over 12 years of experience across luxury and premium hospitality brands. Disha joined Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield and Convention Center in 2022 as Executive Housekeeper, where she led housekeeping operations and upheld high standards of cleanliness, service, and team performance. Her professional journey also includes key roles with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in New Delhi, ITC Windsor in Bengaluru, and ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Jaipur, affiliated to IGNOU, and completed the Management Trainee Program at ITC Welcomgroup Management Institute. Over the years, she has built strong expertise in stress management, guest relations, team leadership, budgeting, audits, pre-opening support, and rooms operations.

Recognised for her leadership and performance, Ms. Gulati was felicitated with the “Housekeeper of the Year” award at the Hotelier India Awards 2023. She has also completed several Marriott leadership programs, including MDA in Rooms Leadership, Emerging Leaders, and Evolve.

Commenting on her promotion, Disha said, "I am truly honoured and deeply encouraged by this promotion. It is a reflection of the trust the leadership has placed in me, and that means the world. In my new role, I look forward to bringing both departments, Front Office and Housekeeping, closer together to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for every guest."
Commenting on her promotion, Mr. Elton Hurtis, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said, “Disha has consistently demonstrated strong operational understanding, people leadership, and a deep commitment to service excellence. Her experience within the hotel and her broader hospitality background make her well-suited for this role, and we are confident she will add significant value to our rooms division.”

With her proven experience and strong leadership capabilities, Ms. Gulati is well-positioned to drive service consistency, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction in her new role.

RIU Hotels & Resorts Announces the Appointment of Janitha Madawala as Assistant General Manager – East Africa

RIU Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Janitha Madawala as Assistant General Manager for its East Africa operations.

With an accomplished international hospitality career spanning over two decades, Janitha brings extensive leadership experience across luxury hotels, resorts, and cruise operations throughout Asia, the Middle East, North America, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Africa. His appointment reflects RIU Hotels & Resorts' commitment to strengthening operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and people development across the region.

Throughout his distinguished career, Janitha has held senior leadership positions with some of the hospitality industry's most respected brands and organizations. His professional journey includes key roles with Hilton, Galle Face Hotel, Grand Oriental Hotel, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Southern Sun Hotels, Ramada Jumeirah, Premier Inn Hotels, Carnival Cruise Line, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Sunrise Resorts & Cruises.

A recognized leader in Food & Beverage and hotel operations, Janitha has successfully led large-scale hotel openings, operational transformations, service excellence initiatives, and commercial performance improvements across diverse international markets. His experience ranges from luxury resorts in the Maldives and Egypt to major hotel operations in the Middle East and Fiji, as well as complex cruise ship operations with Carnival Cruise Line.

Most recently, Janitha served as Cluster & Senior Director of Food & Beverage for Sunrise Resorts & Cruises in Egypt, overseeing multiple award-winning properties and leading strategic initiatives focused on guest experience, operational performance, and talent development. Prior to this, he was part of the pre-opening leadership team at Crowne Plaza Fiji as Director of Food & Beverage, where he played a pivotal role in establishing operational standards and delivering a successful resort launch.

In his new role with RIU Hotels & Resorts, Janitha will support the strategic and operational leadership of the company's East African portfolio, with a strong focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving financial performance, strengthening team engagement, and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality excellence.

Commenting on his appointment, Janitha said:

"I am honored to join RIU Hotels & Resorts and excited to be part of a globally respected hospitality brand. East Africa is a dynamic and rapidly growing tourism destination, and I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences, develop future hospitality leaders, and contribute to the continued success and growth of the organization."

RIU Hotels & Resorts warmly welcomes Janitha to the leadership team and looks forward to the expertise, passion, and vision he brings to the organization as it continues to strengthen its presence and reputation across East Africa.

Please join us in congratulating Janitha Madawala on his new appointment and wishing him continued success in this exciting new chapter of his hospitality journey."

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is pleased to welcome Chef Irshad Shaikh as Executive Chef.

Pune: With over 14 years of experience across leading luxury hospitality brands in India and internationally, Chef Irshad brings deep culinary expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. His impressive career includes associations with iconic St. Regis Mumbai, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, Shangri-La Muscat, and Taj Mahal Mumbai.

A versatile culinary leader with proven expertise in menu innovation, multi-outlet operations, and pre-opening projects, Chef Irshad is known for driving excellence in food quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction.

In his new role, he will spearhead the culinary operations at the hotel, introducing fresh perspectives on menu development while upholding the highest standards of hygiene, food safety, and service excellence.

The hotel looks forward to his leadership in elevating the dining experience at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa Appoints Ershad Mullick as Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverages

 May 2026, Bengaluru, India – JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ershad Mullick as the Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverages. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and food and beverage operations, Ershad brings extensive expertise in restaurant management, guest experience enhancement, revenue growth, and operational excellence. 

 Prior to joining JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, Ershad served as Director of Food & Beverage at Park Hyatt Chennai, where he led the hotel’s overall food and beverage operations, focusing on strategic growth, innovative beverage programming, operational efficiencies, and elevated guest experiences. 

 Over the years, he has held leadership roles with renowned hospitality brands including Hyatt Regency Kolkata, ANDAZ Delhi, Hyatt Hotels and few others. His expertise spans restaurant operations, banquets, beverage strategy, team leadership, and creating distinctive dining experiences. 

 In his new role, Ershad will oversee the resort’s food and beverage operations across its dining venues and banquet spaces, with a focus on enhancing service standards, driving innovation, and curating memorable culinary experiences for guests. 

 Speaking on the appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ershad to the team. His strong operational expertise, leadership approach, and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to the resort. We look forward to his contributions in further elevating our food and beverage offerings and strengthening the culinary positioning of the property.” 

 Ershad holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the International Institute of Hotel Management and is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to operational excellence. 

United Hospitality Management Strengthens India & Southeast Asia Leadership with Appointment of Ricardo Leal as Vice President Operations

India, Delhi, May , 2026– United Hospitality Management (UHM) India today announced the appointment of Ricardo Leal as Vice President Operations – India & Southeast Asia. In this role, Ricardo will oversee operational performance across all company-managed properties in India and Southeast Asia, further reinforcing UHM’s commitment to excellence, scale and strategic growth in the region. He will report to Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management (UHM) India.

 The appointment comes at a pivotal phase for UHM India as the company accelerates expansion and strengthens its presence across high-potential markets. With India emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, UHM continues to invest in building a strong regional leadership platform to enhance performance, elevate guest experiences, and deliver long-term value to owners and stakeholders.

 Ricardo brings over two decades of international leadership experience in luxury and ultra-luxury hospitality operations across diverse global markets. His expertise spans the full hospitality asset lifecycle — from feasibility and design planning to pre-opening strategy, repositioning, and full-scale operational management. At UHM, he will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, optimizing property performance, and aligning execution with the company’s broader growth ambitions in India and Southeast Asia. In this expanded role, he will responsibility for Southeast Asia operations and report directly to Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer, UHM Middle East, India & Southeast Asia.

 Welcoming Ricardo to the leadership team, Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management India, said: “Ricardo’s appointment is a strategic milestone for us as we enter our next phase of growth in India and Southeast Asia. As we expand our portfolio, Ricardo brings a strong balance of global perspective and on-ground leadership that will strengthen our performance culture, deepen owner confidence, and ensure we scale with discipline and quality. India remains a core growth engine for UHM, and building a future-ready operational framework is central to our long-term vision.” 

 Commenting on his appointment, Ricardo Leal said: “I am delighted to join UHM at such an exciting moment in its regional growth journey. India and Southeast Asia present tremendous opportunities and I look forward to working closely with our teams to drive operational consistency, strengthen guest satisfaction, and support sustainable expansion across the portfolio.”

 With this strategic addition to its leadership team, UHM India continues to reinforce its commitment to disciplined expansion, operational strength, and delivering distinctive hospitality experiences across the region.

Sakshi Upadhyay Promoted as Director of Sales at Hyatt Regency Pune And Residences

Pune: Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences has announced the promotion of Sakshi Upadhyay as Director of Sales, recognizing her exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry and her consistent success in driving business growth, corporate partnerships, and MICE revenue across leading hospitality brands.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Sakshi brings deep expertise in corporate sales, events, travel partnerships, and revenue optimization. Over the years, she has worked with globally renowned hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, The Leela Kempinski, and ITC Sheraton, building a strong reputation for strategic leadership and client relationship management.

Prior to her promotion, Sakshi was serving as Associate Director of Sales at Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel & Residences, where she led corporate sales strategies focused on MICE, long stays, and corporate business development. Her role involved working closely with corporate travel managers and procurement teams to develop customized solutions aligned with client expectations and business objectives.

Throughout her career, Sakshi has been recognized for several notable achievements. She was awarded the Hyatt Sales Leader of the Year for 2021–2022 across all Hyatt hotels in India and was also recognized as the Highest Revenue Generator during the COVID-19 period. Additionally, she has been instrumental in driving successful RFP acquisitions and managing high-value conferences and events. She is also the Sales Champ of the Year 2025.

An MBA graduate from Symbiosis University, Sakshi combines operational expertise with strong business acumen and leadership skills. In her new role as Director of Sales, she will continue to lead strategic sales initiatives, strengthen key partnerships, and further enhance the hotel’s market positioning in the region.

Her promotion reflects Hyatt Regency Pune’s commitment to recognizing talent and nurturing leadership within the organization.

Atmosphere Core Appoints Vanita Gomez as General Manager at STILLWOOD RETREAT, a Signature Atmosphere Coorg

Maldives, May 2026 :International hospitality company Atmosphere Core has appointed Vanita Gomez as the General Manager of STILLWOOD RETREAT, a Signature Atmosphere Coorg. The appointment further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s leadership team as the company prepares to launch its second property in India.

Vanita Gomez brings over 18 years of cross-functional experience across premium global hospitality brands and destination hotels in India, with expertise spanning operations, sales leadership, revenue management, MICE, and weddings. She has demonstrated strong capabilities in driving revenue growth, enhancing guest satisfaction, leading high-performing teams, and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Speaking about the appointment, Vanita Gomez said, “Stillwood Retreat is envisioned as a sanctuary where guests can truly disconnect from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with nature, culture, and themselves. I am honoured to lead the team for this property, positioning it as a distinctive getaway experience rooted in the rich essence of Kodava culture, while staying true to the ‘Joy of Giving’ philosophy that defines Atmosphere Core.”

Christopher Baker, Vice President Operations – Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, added, “We are pleased to welcome Vanita Gomez to Stillwood Retreat at a pivotal stage of its journey. Vanita’s extensive operational expertise, commercial understanding, and success in the MICE segment make her an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that under her leadership, the retreat will deliver exceptional guest experiences while strengthening its positioning in the leisure segment.”

Located approximately 275 kilometres from Bengaluru and 150 kilometres from Mysuru Airport, STILLWOOD RETREAT, a Signature Atmosphere Coorg, is part of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand. The retreat will feature 56 luxurious villas with private decks and outdoor hot tubs, complemented by memorable dining experiences, a wine lounge, themed bar, library, wellness therapies at ELE|NA Ayur Spa, and versatile event spaces designed for destination weddings and corporate retreats.

TravClan Appointed as Preferred Sales Agent for StarDream Cruises in India

New Delhi, India —  May 2026 — TravClan, one of India’s leading B2B travel technology platforms, has been appointed as the Preferred Sales Agent (PSA) for StarDream Cruises in India. The partnership aims to strengthen and modernise cruise distribution across the Indian travel trade ecosystem by making cruise products more accessible, scalable, and easier to sell for travel agents across the country.

Cruise tourism in India continues to remain a relatively underpenetrated category despite growing interest among travellers seeking curated and experience-led holidays. At the same time, cruise distribution has traditionally remained highly relationship-driven and operationally intensive, often concentrated among a limited set of specialised sellers in metro markets.

For many small and mid-sized travel agents, cruise bookings have historically involved fragmented access, operational complexity, and limited product visibility compared to mainstream travel categories.

Through this partnership, TravClan aims to leverage its technology-led distribution network to simplify cruise discovery, booking, and support for travel agents across India — including emerging travel businesses in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The collaboration is expected to help broaden cruise accessibility beyond traditional distribution channels while enabling more travel agents to confidently participate in the category.

Speaking about the partnership, Chirag Agrawal, Co-founder of TravClan, said:

“One of the biggest gaps in the cruise industry today is distribution accessibility. Cruise inventory and selling expertise have traditionally remained concentrated within a relatively small ecosystem, which limits wider adoption across the travel trade.”

“At TravClan, we believe technology can play a meaningful role in simplifying cruise discovery, booking, and support for travel agents across the country — not just in metros, but also for emerging travel businesses in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.”

“Our partnership with StarDream Cruises is an important step towards making cruise selling more scalable and accessible for the broader travel agent community. We believe the category holds strong long-term potential as Indian travellers increasingly explore experience-led and convenience-driven holiday formats.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, StarDream Cruises, said:

At StarDream Cruises, we see significant long-term potential for cruise holidays in India, and strengthening our distribution network is critical to unlocking that opportunity. TravClan brings scale, technology, and strong engagement with the travel trade, which makes them a valuable partner in helping us expand our reach across the country. This partnership is about making cruise holidays more accessible for travel agents beyond the traditional cruise-selling ecosystem and creating new opportunities for business growth together. We look forward to working closely with the TravClan team and the wider travel trade fraternity to further build the StarDream Cruises market in India.”

As part of the partnership, TravClan will work closely with travel agents across India on cruise awareness, sales enablement, training, and distribution support initiatives aimed at helping agents better understand and sell cruise vacations to Indian travellers.

The collaboration reflects a broader evolution within India’s leisure travel market, where travellers are increasingly exploring premium yet hassle-free holiday experiences. Industry stakeholders believe cruise tourism in India is poised for gradual but meaningful long-term growth as awareness, accessibility, and travel trade participation continue to expand.

Manali Gupta Appointed as Cluster General Manager for Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru

MYSURU, May 2026 : Manali Gupta has been appointed as the Cluster General Manager for Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru. With over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality and hotel operations, Manali brings a strong record of accomplishment in operational excellence, guest experience, team leadership, and brand positioning across renowned hospitality brands.

A homegrown hospitality professional, Manali began her journey with The Leela through its Management Training Program after completing her industrial training with the brand. Over the years, she steadily progressed through various leadership roles across leading hospitality brands, including an international stint with an Accor hotel in Dubai. Most recently, she was associated with Raffles Udaipur as Director of Operations.

Prior to this appointment, she held leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands including Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, Starwood, and The Leela. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in strengthening hotel operations, enhancing guest experiences, and driving overall business performance across luxury and upscale hospitality environments, with extensive expertise in Rooms Division and hotel operations leadership. In 2022, she was also recognised with a prestigious Hotelier Award during her tenure as Director of Rooms, further reflecting her commitment to operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

In her new role, she will oversee the strategic and operational leadership of both hotels, further strengthening their positioning in the Mysuru hospitality landscape. Speaking on her appointment, Manali shared, “I am delighted to take on this new responsibility with Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru. Both hotels have a strong identity rooted in culture, guest experiences, and heartfelt hospitality. I look forward to working closely with the teams to build on this foundation, create meaningful guest journeys, and further strengthen the hotels’ positioning in the market.”

A passionate dog lover and proud pet parent to a rescued fur baby, Manali is known to instantly melt at the sight of puppy eyes. Originally from Kolkata, she is a foodie, coffee enthusiast, and an explorer at heart.

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Pranav Bharadwaj as General Manager of Aamaghati Wildlife Resort Ranthambore

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Mr. Pranav Bharadwaj as General Manager of Aamaghati Wildlife Resort Ranthambore, the luxury wildlife resort within its hospitality portfolio.

Mr. Bharadwaj brings close to three decades of experience in the hospitality sector, having worked with leading hospitality brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Leela Kempinski Hotels, Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Over the course of his career, he has held several leadership roles spanning hotel operations, commercial strategy, revenue optimization and guest experience management.

He joins Aamaghati Wildlife Resort Ranthambore from Regenta Suites Gurugram, where he led business transformation initiatives focused on strengthening market positioning, enhancing operational efficiencies and improving overall business performance. He is known for his ability to build strong teams while driving sustainable growth across hospitality operations.

At Aamaghati Wildlife Resort Ranthambore, Mr. Bharadwaj will oversee the overall functioning of the resort, with a focus on elevating guest experiences, strengthening operational performance and further enhancing the property's positioning within the luxury wildlife hospitality segment.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Anshul Bhargava, Founder, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "Pranav's appointment comes at an important stage in our growth journey. His extensive industry experience, operational understanding and leadership approach align well with our vision of building distinctive hospitality experiences across our portfolio. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen Aamghati Ranthambore's positioning and contribute meaningfully to our long term growth plans."

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Pranav Bharadwaj said, "I am delighted to join Aamaghati Wildlife Resort Ranthambore and look forward to working closely with the team to further enhance guest experiences and strengthen the resort's position as a preferred destination for travellers seeking immersive wildlife and leisure experiences."

Sumit Kumar appointed as National Sales Director - East at Espire Hospitality Limited for ZANA Boutique Luxury and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts

Espire Hospitality Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the appointment of Sumit Kumar as National Sales Director – East, further strengthening the company’s commercial leadership as it continues to expand the presence of its brands, ZANA Boutique Luxury and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, across India.

With close to two decades of experience across hotel operations and sales, Sumit brings a well-rounded understanding of both guest-centric approach and revenue-led commercial strategy. Known for his hands-on leadership style and strong market understanding, Sumit has led regional and PAN India sales initiatives across corporate, MICE, and travel trade segments, consistently driving business growth across markets.

Prior to joining Espire Hospitality Limited, Sumit was associated with Royal Orchid Group of Hotels as Associate Director of Sales, where he handled sales responsibilities across key markets including Patna, Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow. During his tenure, he played an important role in driving PAN India sales performance and expanding MICE business opportunities.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Royal Orchid Group of Hotels, Lemon Tree Premier, Clarks Inn, Radisson Hotel Group, The Lalit, The Grand New Delhi, and Lemon Tree Hotels.

In his new role at Espire Hospitality Limited, Sumit will focus on strengthening the company’s presence across East India markets, driving regional sales growth, and expanding corporate and MICE business opportunities. He will also work towards enhancing market outreach and aligning commercial strategies with the company’s broader growth vision.

Commenting on the appointment, Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “Sumit brings with him a strong mix of operational understanding and sales expertise, which gives him a very practical approach to hospitality business. His understanding of the East India market and experience across diverse hotel functions will add great value to our commercial team as we continue to strengthen our country-wide presence and drive growth across our brands.”

Sayaji Hotel, Pune Appoints Harish Kumar as Front Office Manager

Pune: With over 14 years of experience in hospitality operations, guest relations, and front office management, Harish Kumar has been appointed as the Front Office Manager at Sayaji Hotel Wakad, Pune. Harish joins the team with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.

An accomplished hospitality professional, Harish has built an impressive career across leading luxury and upscale hotel brands in India and the Middle East. Before joining Sayaji Pune, he was associated with Radisson Blu Towers Kaushambi Delhi NCR as Assistant Front Office Manager, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing guest satisfaction, managing room inventory strategies, driving upselling initiatives, and leading front office operations efficiently.

Over the years, Harish has held key positions with renowned hospitality brands including Taj Cidade De Goa, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, and ITC Kakatiya. His expertise spans guest engagement, revenue optimization, team leadership, crisis management, and operational efficiency.

A Bachelor of Hotel Management graduate from Osmania University, Harish was also awarded the Second Prize for Academic Excellence during his studies. Known for his passion for hospitality and guest-centric approach, he possesses advanced knowledge of Opera PMS, OTA management, guest feedback systems, and luxury hospitality service standards.

Speaking about his new role, Harish Kumar shared,

“Pune has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic corporate and business destinations, creating immense opportunities for the hospitality sector. Sayaji Pune is perfectly positioned to cater to the evolving needs of today’s corporate travelers. I am delighted to join the team and look forward to enhancing guest experiences through warm hospitality, seamless service, and operational excellence”.

With Harish Kumar’s appointment, Sayaji Hotel Wakad, Pune, further strengthens its leadership team and reinforces its commitment to delivering seamless and personalized hospitality experiences to its guests.

The St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Abhishek Singh as Director of Rooms

Mumbai, May 2026: The St. Regis Mumbai announces the appointment of Abhishek Singh as Director of Rooms, marking a strategic addition to the hotel’s leadership team as it continues to elevate the benchmark for bespoke luxury hospitality in the city.

With a career shaped across some of the country’s most distinguished hospitality brands, including JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Taj Hotels, Accor Hotels, and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Abhishek brings with him a nuanced understanding of modern luxury operations, guest behavior, and service excellence. His professional journey has been defined by a strong operational foundation, an instinctive approach to guest engagement, and an ability to create service environments that are both highly efficient and deeply personal.

Recognized for his discerning leadership style and meticulous attention to detail, Abhishek has consistently led high-performing teams while delivering experiences that feel intuitive rather than transactional. His approach to hospitality is rooted in the belief that true luxury lies in anticipation, consistency, and emotional connection, principles that align seamlessly with the service philosophy of the St. Regis brand.

In his new role, Abhishek will oversee the hotel’s Housekeeping, Front Office, and Spa operations, with a strong emphasis on refining the overall guest journey through operational excellence, elevated service standards, and intuitive hospitality. He will play an instrumental role in further strengthening the culture of bespoke service at The St. Regis Mumbai, while driving seamless collaboration across departments to ensure every guest interaction is delivered with precision, warmth, and sophistication.

A strong advocate for holistic wellbeing and modern luxury living, Abhishek is also leading the vision to reimagine the level 10 of hotel to an immersive wellness destination. Conceptualized as a serene urban retreat, the space is being thoughtfully designed to offer restorative experiences that blend relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindful luxury for the evolving global traveler.

His appointment comes at an exciting time for The St. Regis Mumbai as the hotel continues to evolve its guest experiences while remaining rooted in the timeless elegance, uncompromising service, and signature sophistication that have long defined its legacy.

Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati Appoints Prasanna Thiruvenkadam as Director of Sales

Tirupati, May: Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati is pleased to announce the appointment of Prasanna Thiruvenkadam as Director of Sales. With over a decade of progressive experience in hospitality sales, Prasanna brings a strong commercial acumen, a relationship-led approach, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across diverse and competitive markets.

In his new role, Prasanna will lead the hotel's sales and business development strategy, with a clear focus on strengthening commercial performance and positioning the newly opened property as the preferred choice for guests and business partners in the region. In addition to driving sales, he will also play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s marketing direction and elevating the property’s positioning within Tirupati’s evolving hospitality and spiritual tourism landscape. He was also an integral part of the hotel's pre-opening team, contributing to the planning and execution of its sales foundation ahead of launch. He will oversee business development across key segments, including spiritual travel, leisure, corporate, MICE, weddings, social events, and travel trade.

Prior to joining Marriott International, Prasanna held cluster sales and sales leadership roles with Accor, where he developed an in-depth understanding of the South Indian market, particularly the Coimbatore and Chennai corridors. His familiarity with regional customer behavior and business dynamics across these markets adds considerable value to his new role in Tirupati. He has also held positions with Hilton as assistant sales manager and with Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts as sales executive, building a well-rounded foundation across leading global hospitality brands.

Commenting on his appointment, Prasanna Thiruvenkadam, Director of Sales, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, said, "Tirupati is a truly unique and dynamic market, with strong demand spanning spiritual travel, family stays, corporate movement, and social events. I am delighted to join Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati at such an important stage of the hotel's journey. My focus will be on building meaningful partnerships, deepening our presence across key segments, and ensuring that the hotel becomes the preferred destination for guests and business partners across the region."

Speaking on the appointment, Samata Danday Chand, Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Prasanna to our leadership team. His extensive knowledge of the South Indian market, combined with his relationship-driven approach to sales and his ability to identify and convert new business opportunities, will be a significant asset as we establish Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati in this vibrant market. We are confident that his leadership will contribute meaningfully to the hotel's commercial success and long-term growth."

With Prasanna Thiruvenkadam at the helm of the sales function, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati is well-positioned to strengthen its market presence and deepen engagement with guests, business partners, and the broader travel community across the region.

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse elevates Saurav Banerjee to Director of Rooms

May, Bengaluru, India : Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the elevation of Saurav Banerjee to Director of Rooms, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to recognising and rewarding internal talent. Marking a strong growth story within the organisation, Saurav’s journey through key operational roles reflects Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse’s belief in nurturing loyal, high-performing professionals into leadership positions.

With a strong background in the Front Office and Rooms Division, Saurav has contributed significantly to service excellence, operational efficiency, and team development. His elevation comes at a time when the hotel continues to strengthen its guest experience focus and invest in leaders who grow with the brand.

Commenting on the promotion, Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “Saurav’s promotion is a proud milestone and a reflection of the dedication and consistency he has brought to the hotel over the years. At Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, we believe in recognising people who grow with us and create lasting value for both guests and teams.”

Speaking on his elevation, Saurav Banerjee, Director of Rooms, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, shared, “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as Director of Rooms at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible team and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout this journey. The road ahead is filled with exciting opportunities, and I look forward to creating many more success stories and memorable experiences together.”

With Saurav’s appointment, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse continues to champion a workplace culture that values commitment, recognises performance, and invests in the growth of its people—reinforcing its reputation as a hotel that not only delivers exceptional guest experiences, but also builds leaders from within.

Neha Bhau Joins Suryagarh Collections as Assistant People & Culture Manager Jaipur, Rajasthan

Suryagarh Collections is known for its iconic hospitality destinations including Suryagarh Jaisalmer, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner, and Mary Budden Estate, all partnered with SLH by Hilton. The group also features Laxmi Niwas Palace Bikaner and is expanding with 12 upcoming properties across heritage and leisure destinations.

Before joining Suryagarh Collections, Neha worked with leading hospitality brands including:

• Lemon Tree Premier, Jaipur
• Mementos by ITC Hotels Ekaaya, Udaipur
• Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, New Delhi

Sharing her thoughts on the new role, Neha Bhau said:

“I am excited to join Suryagarh Collections, a brand that beautifully blends heritage with exceptional hospitality. I look forward to contributing to the organization’s growth and creating a positive and inspiring workplace culture.”

Her appointment reflects the brand’s continued focus on strengthening its people and culture initiatives during its phase of expansion.

Jaiveer Singh Rathore Appointed Director of People & Culture

Holding nearly two decades of experience in hospitality human resources, Jaiveer Singh Rathore brings expertise in talent management, employee engagement, organisational development, and strategic HR operations. Over the years, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Marriott International and Accor Hotels, where he contributed towards strengthening workplace culture, diversity initiatives, and employee engagement across multiple properties.

Most recently, Jaiveer served as Director of Human Resources at JW Marriott Kolkata, leading HR and training operations for the hotel’s workforce. During his tenure, he spearheaded several initiatives including digitalisation projects, diversity and inclusion programs, and employee engagement strategies.

Jaiveer shares, “Hospitality is built on people and culture. At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, I look forward to contributing towards creating an environment where teams feel empowered, motivated, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences while fostering a strong culture of growth and inclusivity.”

The Access Group appoints Arup Mukherjee as Head of Marketing, Hospitality APAC

The Access Group announced the appointment of Arup Mukherjee as Head of Marketing, Hospitality APAC. The appointment marks a significant step in building a full-service leadership team across Asia-Pacific, bringing dedicated marketing leadership to a region where STAAH, an Access company, already serves more than 30,000 properties across 90 countries.

Arup will lead The Access Hospitality’s marketing strategy across APAC, building brand presence, driving demand, and deepening engagement with hospitality businesses across the region. He will also play a key role in strengthening The Access Group’s presence as an employer of choice across APAC, attracting technology talent across the region.

Extensive Experience in B2B Marketing and Regional Growth

Arup Mukherjee is a seasoned B2B marketing leader with over 16 years of experience across technology, growth, and regional market development. He joins from Wolters Kluwer, where he built the marketing function from the ground up and implemented a comprehensive MarTech stack.

Prior to that, he spent nearly two years at Gartner as Head of India GTS Marketing, leading a global demand generation team across emerging markets. He also spent a decade at Cvent, rising to Regional Manager of Field Marketing and leading marketing initiatives across EMEA and APAC while supporting expansion into new geographies.

He holds an Advanced Programme for Executives certification from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

Focus on Hospitality Technology Growth

India and the broader Asia-Pacific region continue to represent significant opportunities in hospitality technology, with hospitality businesses increasingly seeking modern technology solutions. Through brands including STAAH, ResDiary, Guestline, and SHR, all Access companies, The Access Group aims to further strengthen its position across the region.

The company’s AI-powered platform, Access Evo, supports hospitality businesses through capabilities including channel management, booking engine, revenue management, and reputation management.

Leadership Comments

“We have a strong and growing base of hospitality customers across India and APAC through STAAH, ResDiary, Guestline and SHR, all Access companies. From accommodation providers to food and beverage operators, our focus is on ensuring every one of them has the technology, support, and partnership they need to grow. Arup brings exactly the marketing leadership to help us do that at scale,” said Louise Daley.

Commenting on his appointment, Arup Mukherjee said, “The Access Group is at a genuinely exciting inflection point in APAC, through the existing Access brands of STAAH, ResDiary, Guestline and SHR, giving us an incredibly strong foundation to build from. I am looking forward to building a marketing engine that connects with hospitality operators authentically and drives measurable growth across the region.

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints SK Jahid Akhtar as Pastry Chef

Bengaluru, May , 2026 – Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is pleased to announce the appointment of SK Jahid Akhtar as Pastry Chef. With over 13 years of experience in luxury hospitality and a strong passion for pastry artistry, Jahid brings with him exceptional expertise in bakery and confectionery along with a creative approach to dessert innovation.

 Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Jahid was working as a pastry chef at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences. Over the years, he has built an extensive culinary career with leading hospitality brands, including ITC Maurya New Delhi as sous chef, The Leela Ambience Gurugram as sous chef, The Westin Mumbai Garden City as junior sous chef, Conrad Hilton Pune as junior sous chef pastry, JW Marriott Pune as demi chef de partie, Fariyas Resort Lonavla as commis-I and Hotel V.W. Canyon Raipur. He has also gained international exposure while working with Olivia Restaurant & French Patisserie in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and has been involved in independent pastry projects in Bhubaneswar. Throughout his career, Jahid has been recognized for crafting innovative desserts, managing high-pressure kitchen environments and mentoring culinary teams with a focus on excellence and creativity.

 Known for his attention to detail and passion for creating memorable dessert experiences, Jahid specializes in blending classic pastry techniques with contemporary flavors and presentations. His ability to curate visually appealing and flavorful creations has consistently delighted guests while elevating the overall dining experience. He is also highly skilled in team management, training and fostering a collaborative kitchen culture.

 Jahid holds a degree in hotel management from Biju Pattnaik College of Hotel Management and Tourism, Bhubaneswar and a bachelor of arts degree from Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

 In his new role, Jahid will lead the pastry operations at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, focusing on developing innovative dessert menus, enhancing guest experiences and mentoring the pastry team while bringing fresh creativity to the hotel’s culinary landscape.