Mahesh Khade Leads People and HR Initiatives at Sayaji Hotels

Pune, Maharashtra: With a career spanning hospitality and people management, Mahesh Khade, Maharashtra Cluster Human Resources Manager at Sayaji Hotels, brings extensive experience in human resource development, training and development, employee engagement, leadership and talent management.

Mahesh has been associated with Sayaji Hotel, Pune since 2023, building his experience across key HR roles including Deputy HR Manager and Human Resources Manager. His journey within the organisation has given him a strong understanding of hospitality operations, employee needs and the importance of effective people practices.

In his current role as Cluster Human Resources Manager (Maharashtra), Mahesh works across HR functions with a focus on employee engagement, talent development, training, leadership initiatives and building a positive workplace culture. His approach combines his understanding of hospitality with a strong focus on creating an environment where employees can learn, grow and contribute effectively.

Mahesh holds a degree in Hotel Management along with an MBA in Human Resources, giving him a strong foundation across both hospitality operations and people management.

Speaking about his journey and approach to HR, Mahesh Khade said, “My journey with Sayaji Hotels has been one of continuous learning and growth, and every role has helped me understand people and hospitality from a different perspective. I believe HR is not just about processes, but about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and encouraged to grow. My focus is to strengthen our people practices, develop talent and build teams that are confident, engaged and aligned with the organisation’s goals.”

With experience across different areas of hospitality HR and a strong understanding of the organisation and its people, Mahesh continues to contribute to the development of HR initiatives and workplace practices across Sayaji Hotels. His journey reflects a steady focus on learning, leadership and creating opportunities for people to grow.

Citadines Paras Square Gurugram appoints Christine Kumar as Director of Sales

Christine Kumar brings over 16 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development

Citadines Paras Square Gurugram has appointed Christine Kumar as its Director of Sales.

Hospitality sales and business development experience

With over 16 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development, Christine brings strong expertise in corporate sales, RFP management, MICE, strategic account development, revenue growth, and hotel pre-opening projects.

During her career, she has been associated with leading hospitality brands including Pride Hotels, The Grand New Delhi, Accor Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, The Lalit Hotels, The Chancery Hotels, and Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

Focus on corporate and MICE business

In her new role, she will focus on driving corporate and MICE business, strengthening key partnerships, and expanding the property’s market presence.

Christine Kumar on her appointment

Commenting on her appointment, Christine Kumar said: “I am delighted to join Citadines Paras Square Gurugram. The property offers a unique blend of contemporary hospitality and serviced residence living, and I look forward to leveraging my experience in sales, business development, and pre-opening hotel operations to drive growth, build meaningful client relationships, and contribute to the property’s continued success.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City appoints Rohith V M as Executive Housekeeper

Rohith V M brings over 11 years of luxury hospitality experience across housekeeping operations, pre-opening projects, quality assurance and sustainability.

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City announces the appointment of Rohith V M as Executive Housekeeper. Bringing over 11 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Rohith joins the property with extensive expertise in housekeeping operations, pre-opening projects, quality assurance, sustainability initiatives, and guest experience management across leading hospitality brands.

In his role, Rohith will oversee all housekeeping operations at the property, with a focus on maintaining exceptional cleanliness and hygiene standards, enhancing guest satisfaction, driving operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of service excellence. He will also lead the housekeeping team in delivering seamless guest experiences while supporting the property’s commitment to sustainability and operational quality.

Hospitality experience

A seasoned hospitality professional, Rohith has built a distinguished career with some of the industry’s most respected hotel brands. Prior to joining Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, he served as Executive Housekeeper at Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, where he led housekeeping operations while driving guest satisfaction, departmental performance, and operational excellence. Before assuming this role, he held successive leadership positions at the property as Housekeeping Manager and Assistant Manager – Housekeeping, playing a key role in the hotel’s pre-opening phase, including recruitment, inventory planning, SOP development, snag coordination, and operational setup.

His professional journey also includes leadership roles with Accor at the Novotel & ibis Bengaluru complex, Shangri-La Bengaluru, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru, and an internship with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in departmental budgeting and P&L management, audit and certification compliance, vendor management, preventive maintenance planning, and leading high-performing teams across luxury hospitality environments.

Sustainability initiatives

Beyond operational excellence, Rohith has been instrumental in implementing sustainability-focused initiatives, including introducing an on-site water bottling plant, transitioning to eco-friendly amenities and cleaning agents, reducing single-use plastics through large-format amenities, and implementing water-saving laundry programmes. His people-first leadership approach, combined with his emphasis on structured training, associate engagement, and continuous quality improvement, has consistently contributed to high guest satisfaction and operational success.

Leadership perspective

Commenting on the appointment, Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rohith to our leadership team. His extensive experience in luxury housekeeping operations, strong people management skills, and commitment to operational excellence make him a valuable addition to the property. We are confident that his expertise, passion for service, and focus on sustainability will further elevate the guest experience and strengthen our operational standards.”

Novotel Pune Nagar Road Appoints Pooja Shukla as Director of Sales

Pune: Strengthening its leadership team, Novotel Pune Nagar Road has appointed Pooja Shukla as its new Director of Sales. With over a decade of experience in hospitality sales and business development, Pooja brings extensive expertise in strategic sales, revenue generation, corporate and MICE business, client relationship management, and event-led business development.

Pooja joins Novotel Pune Nagar Road from Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, where she most recently served as Director of Sales. During her tenure, she drove sales across key business segments while strengthening relationships with corporate and premium clientele.

Over the course of her career, Pooja has held senior sales positions with leading hospitality brands including Four Points by Sheraton Pune, Hyatt Place Jaipur, The Lalit Jaipur, Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi, and Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. Her experience spans corporate and MICE sales, business development, revenue optimisation, contract negotiations, key account management, market analysis, and strategic planning.

In her new role, Pooja will be responsible for leading the hotel's sales and business development initiatives, driving revenue across key business segments, strengthening corporate and MICE relationships, and identifying new opportunities for growth. She will also work closely with the hotel's leadership and operational teams to develop commercial strategies and enhance the property's market presence.

Commenting on the appointment, Anant Leekha, General Manager, Novotel Pune Nagar Road, said, "We are pleased to welcome Pooja to the Novotel Pune Nagar Road team. Her extensive experience in hospitality sales, strong understanding of the market, and proven track record in driving business growth make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to her contribution towards strengthening our commercial performance and building meaningful relationships with our partners and guests."

Pooja has been recognised for her leadership and contribution to the hospitality industry. She was awarded Director of Sales of the Year – 2025 by TravTour MICE India for her work in sales leadership, revenue growth, and business development. She was also recognised among the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders (Judges' Choice) by Hospitality Tip of the Day in 2024 and honoured with the Nari Tujhe Salam Award for Excellence in Business Contribution – 2024. She is a certified Event Manager from NAEMD and holds a BBA from Jaipur National University and a PGDEM from NAEMD, Jaipur.

Treebo Hospitality Ventures appoints Nancy Bhasin Singh as SVP & Head of Brand & Marketing

Former Lenskart India Brand Head joins THV to lead portfolio brand strategy, marketing and guest experience across its multi-segment hospitality business.

Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV) has appointed Nancy Bhasin Singh as Senior Vice President & Head of Brand & Marketing. In this role, Nancy oversees end-to-end brand architecture, marketing strategy, and guest experience across THV’s multi-segment portfolio – spanning value segment (Itsy, Treebo, Treebo Premium), mid-premium segment (Medalio), F&B business, and its SaaS technology business, Hotel Superhero.

Nancy Bhasin Singh’s experience

Nancy brings nearly two decades of expertise at the intersection of consumer strategy, brand scaling, and entrepreneurship. Most recently as Head of Brand (India) at Lenskart, she steered multi-brand strategy, design and positioning for the then, IPO bound company. Prior to Lenskart, she founded ThisForThat, an award-winning fashion-swap startup recognized at the TiE Start-Up Expo. Her background also includes eight years in consumer strategy and advertising at D&H Blurb Communication (part of the Future Group), serving clients such as Liberty, Converse, and Godfrey Phillips India.

THV’s expansion plans

This strategic leadership hire comes as THV looks to aggressively expand its market footprint to cross 2000 plus hotels in the value segment and 100 plus hotels in the mid premium segment over the next 5 years.

Sidharth Gupta on the appointment

Sidharth Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Treebo Hospitality Ventures, said: “As THV scales across multiple hospitality tiers, our mandate is clear: sharpen brand positioning, deepen guest loyalty, and elevate the unit economics of guest experience. Nancy brings a rare mix of large-scale brand building and entrepreneurial agility. Her deep consumer insight will be instrumental as we redefine our brand promises and unlock market share across categories.”

Nancy Bhasin Singh on her new role

Nancy Bhasin Singh, SVP & Head of Brand & Marketing, added: “Indian hospitality is undergoing a structural shift driven by an evolving modern traveler. THV sits at a powerful intersection of scale, technology, and market opportunity. My focus is to build sharp, distinctive brands across our portfolio that redefine category standards, drive operating leverage for our hotel partners, and deliver uncompromising value to guests.”

Novotel Ahmedabad appoints Riya Gupta as Marketing & Communication Manager

With over 8 years of experience across marketing, advertising, digital, branding, communications and hospitality, Riya Gupta joins Novotel Ahmedabad in a marketing and communications leadership role.

Novotel Ahmedabad announces the appointment of Riya Gupta as Marketing & Communication Manager, strengthening the hotel’s marketing and communications function as it continues to enhance its brand presence, guest engagement and positioning across the market.

With over 8 years of professional experience spanning marketing, advertising, digital, branding, communications and hospitality, Riya brings a diverse understanding of integrated marketing and brand building. Her experience encompasses strategic marketing, digital campaigns, social media, brand communication, F&B marketing, influencer engagement, public relations, experiential marketing and campaign management across varied industries and brand environments.

Experience across marketing and hospitality

Her professional journey reflects a strong blend of creative thinking and strategic execution, with experience in developing communication-led initiatives, managing digital platforms, creating engaging brand narratives and driving campaigns that connect brands with their audiences.

Riya’s journey in hospitality has been particularly enriching through her previous association with Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad, where she gained valuable experience in hotel marketing, F&B promotions, guest engagement, brand communication and integrated marketing initiatives. This experience further strengthened her understanding of the dynamic nature of hospitality marketing and the importance of creating relevant, engaging and experience-led communication.

Embracing the Heartist® Spirit

Joining Accor marks an exciting new chapter in Riya’s professional journey, allowing her to be part of a global hospitality community united by the Heartist® ethos – Heart + Artist. At Accor, Heartists® represent the culture and mindset of bringing heartfelt care, creativity, individuality and authentic human connection to the art of hospitality.

Role at Novotel Ahmedabad

In her new role at Novotel Ahmedabad, Riya will focus on strengthening the hotel’s overall marketing and communication strategy, driving brand visibility and digital presence, developing integrated campaigns, supporting F&B and hotel initiatives, building meaningful media and influencer relationships, and creating compelling communication around the property’s experiences and offerings.

Riya Gupta on her appointment

Commenting on her new role, Riya Gupta, Marketing & Communication Manager, Novotel Ahmedabad, said: “I am delighted to begin this new chapter with Novotel Ahmedabad and to be part of the Accor family. Hospitality is a powerful space where people, experiences and stories come together, and being a Heartist® gives us an opportunity to bring both heart and creativity to everything we do. I look forward to bringing this spirit into my role at Novotel Ahmedabad by creating meaningful communication, building stronger connections with our guests and partners, and showcasing the distinctive experiences that the hotel has to offer. I am excited to work closely with our teams, media partners and industry associates to build stronger brand visibility and bring fresh, engaging and impactful ideas to the property’s marketing and communication initiatives.

Brigade Hotel Ventures appoints Vinay Gupta as Chief Executive Officer

Vinay Gupta brings experience across hotel operations, portfolio transformation, revenue growth and leadership in India and international markets.

Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited (BHVL) has announced the appointment of Vinay Gupta as Chief Executive Officer. In his new role as CEO, Vinay will be responsible for leading a dynamic team of seasoned professionals to take BHVL to greater heights.

Leadership appointment

“Vinay’s appointment comes at a significant stage in BHVL’s journey as a newly listed company and reflects our commitment to building a strong leadership team for the future. His proven track record in driving business growth, scaling operations, and creating long-term value will be instrumental as we focus on our next phase of expansion. With his strategic vision and deep industry expertise, I am confident Vinay will make a meaningful contribution to BHVL’s continued success and growth. We have known Vinay for the past 20 years, as he was the first GM of our first hotel. Him coming back as CEO is a full circle moment for us,” said Nirupa Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited.

“I am honoured to be part of an organisation with a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the organisation’s strengths. Our main focus will be to deliver a world-class hospitality experience while catering to the evolving needs of our guests and the market. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to contributing to BHVL’s continued growth and success,” said Vinay Gupta, CEO, Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited.

Experience across hospitality markets

Previously, Vinay was associated with InterGlobe Hotels & Accor, during which time he led the transformation and repositioning of a 22-hotel portfolio, driving significant revenue growth, operational excellence, and leadership development. He also headed a portfolio of more than 25 hotels across India for SAMHI, with Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG as brand partners. Vinay has also held multiple General Manager roles across India and Australia with Hilton, Accor, and Mirvac, building deep expertise in luxury and upscale hotel operations while consistently improving asset performance, and had earlier held leadership roles in the UAE, the UK, and Australia.

Academic background

Vinay is an alumnus of IHM Pusa, the University of Central Lancashire, and Lancaster University

Fortune Hotels appoints Vaibhav Prabhakar Kulkarni as General Manager in Bengaluru

Vaibhav Prabhakar Kulkarni brings over 20 years of experience across hotel operations, sales, business development and revenue management.

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group announces the appointment of Vaibhav Prabhakar Kulkarni as General Manager at Fortune Park JP Celestial, Bengaluru.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across hotel operations, sales, business development, revenue management and team leadership, Vaibhav brings a wealth of industry expertise to his new role. He will oversee the hotel’s operations, commercial performance, guest experience and team development, while supporting the property’s business growth and operational priorities.

Vaibhav’s hospitality experience

Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Vaibhav has held key managerial positions with leading hospitality brands, including The Clarks Hotels & Resorts by IHCL, Radisson, Eco Hotels & Resorts, Sarovar Hotels and Al Areen Holdings. His proven track record in managing premium hospitality properties and driving operational excellence positions him well to lead Fortune Park JP Celestial with innovation and distinction.

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Sudhir Gupta as Corporate General Manager – Finance

Summit Hotels & Resorts has appointed Sudhir Gupta as Corporate General Manager – Finance, strengthening its corporate leadership team as the hospitality company continues to expand its portfolio across India.

With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality finance and financial operations, Sudhir  Gupta brings extensive expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, management reporting, taxation, cost controls, hotel pre-openings and finance systems. In his new role, he will oversee the finance function across Summit Hotels & Resorts, with a focus on strengthening financial controls, improving reporting systems and supporting the company's growth and expansion plans.

Prior to joining Summit Hotels & Resorts, Sudhir Gupta served as Cluster Financial Controller for Marriott Surat and Courtyard by Marriott Surat, where he was responsible for the finance operations of both hotels. His mandate included budgeting, business reviews, financial reporting, revenue recognition, taxation, cost and inventory accounting, vendor negotiations and financial controls. Earlier in his career,  Sudhir Gupta held finance leadership and operational roles across Southern Hotels Pvt. Ltd., 1589 Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (Clarks Collection), JHM Interstate Hotels, Crowne Plaza and The Oberoi Group, giving him experience across both corporate and property-level hotel finance.

His experience spans both property and corporate-level finance, including involvement in hotel pre-openings, implementation of accounting and operating systems, performance analysis and the development of financial processes across multi-property portfolios.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sumit Periwal, Director, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "As Summit enters its next phase of growth, building stronger corporate systems behind our expanding portfolio is an important priority. Sudhir brings a valuable combination of hotel-level financial understanding and multi-property corporate experience. His exposure to budgeting, controls, systems and pre-openings will be particularly relevant as we strengthen our financial framework and scale the business across new markets."

His appointment forms part of Summit Hotels & Resorts' ongoing effort to strengthen its corporate leadership and build scalable systems to support its growing hospitality portfolio.

Divyansh Khanna Joins as Front Office Manager

Divyansh brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality to his new role as Front Office Manager. Having built his career across leading hospitality brands including The Postcard Hotel, Trident Nariman Point, and The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Khanna has developed extensive expertise in front office operations, guest engagement, team leadership, and service delivery.

His professional journey across housekeeping, duty management, and front office leadership has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations and a strong foundation in creating seamless guest experiences.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and become part of a team that is recognised for its exceptional hospitality," says Divyansh Khanna. "I look forward to working closely with the team to create memorable first impressions for our guests while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement."

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Khanna will lead the Front Office team, overseeing guest arrivals and departures, concierge services, daily operations, and team development while ensuring seamless coordination across departments to deliver the personalised service synonymous with the brand.

Mohammad Sadiq Appointed as Quality Manager

With over a decade of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality across India, Qatar, and the Maldives, Mohammad Sadiq joins The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore as Quality Manager. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with top luxury domestic and international brands such as Leela, Marriott, Hyatt and Accor.

Mohammad has worked with hotels such as Marriott International Maldives, Park Hyatt Chennai, Accor Hotels Doha, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and The Park Chennai, where he successfully led quality assurance initiatives, pre-opening projects, operational audits, and compliance programmes across diverse hospitality environments.

Recognised for his focus on continuous improvement, Sadiq has consistently driven quality initiatives while implementing international standards that enhance operational performance and elevate guest experience.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and look forward to working alongside a talented team to further strengthen our quality culture and uphold the exceptional service standards that define the brand," says Mohammad Sadiq. "It is a privilege to be part of a hotel renowned for its commitment to excellence, and I look forward to contributing to memorable experiences for our guests."

In his role, Sadiq will oversee the hotel's quality management systems, internal audits, and compliance programmes while working closely with cross-functional teams to further strengthen quality standards across the property.

Treebo Hospitality Ventures Appoints Nancy Bhasin Singh to Lead Portfolio Brand Strategy and Marketing

Former Lenskart India Brand Head joins THV as SVP & Head of Brand & Marketing to elevate guest experience transformation and drive brand differentiation across its multi-segment portfolio.

BENGALURU, August 2026: Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV) has appointed Nancy Bhasin Singh as Senior Vice President & Head of Brand & Marketing. In this role, Nancy oversees end-to-end brand architecture, marketing strategy, and guest experience across THV’s multi-segment portfolio - spanning value segment (Itsy, Treebo, Treebo Premium), mid-premium segment (Medalio), F&B business, and its SaaS technology business, Hotel Superhero.

Nancy brings nearly two decades of expertise at the intersection of consumer strategy, brand scaling, and entrepreneurship. Most recently as Head of Brand (India) at Lenskart, she steered multi-brand strategy, design and positioning for the then, IPO bound company. Prior to Lenskart, she founded ThisForThat, an award-winning fashion-swap startup recognized at the TiE Start-Up Expo. Her background also includes eight years in consumer strategy and advertising at D&H Blurb Communication (part of the Future Group), serving clients such as Liberty, Converse, and Godfrey Phillips India.

This strategic leadership hire comes as THV looks to aggressively expand its market footprint to cross 2000 plus hotels in the value segment and 100 plus hotels in the mid premium segment over the next 5 years.

Sidharth Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Treebo Hospitality Ventures, said:

"As THV scales across multiple hospitality tiers, our mandate is clear: sharpen brand positioning, deepen guest loyalty, and elevate the unit economics of guest experience. Nancy brings a rare mix of large-scale brand building and entrepreneurial agility. Her deep consumer insight will be instrumental as we redefine our brand promises and unlock market share across categories."

Nancy Bhasin Singh, SVP & Head of Brand & Marketing, added:

"Indian hospitality is undergoing a structural shift driven by an evolving modern traveler. THV sits at a powerful intersection of scale, technology, and market opportunity. My focus is to build sharp, distinctive brands across our portfolio that redefine category standards, drive operating leverage for our hotel partners, and deliver uncompromising value to guests."

Fortune Hotels appoints Vaibhav Prabhakar Kulkarni as General Manager at Fortune Park JP Celestial, Bengaluru

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vaibhav Prabhakar Kulkarni as General Manager at Fortune Park JP Celestial, Bengaluru. 

An accomplished hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across hotel operations, sales, business development, revenue management and team leadership, Vaibhav brings a wealth of industry expertise to his new role. He will oversee the hotel’s operations, commercial performance, guest experience and team development, while supporting the property’s business growth and operational priorities.

Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Vaibhav has held key managerial positions with leading hospitality brands, including The Clarks Hotels & Resorts by IHCL, Radisson, Eco Hotels & Resorts, Sarovar Hotels and Al Areen Holdings. His proven track record in managing premium hospitality properties and driving operational excellence positions him well to lead Fortune Park JP Celestial with innovation and distinction.

Chef Bhuvanesh Kalburgi Brings 25 Years of Culinary Expertise to Sayaji Hotel Pune

Pune, August 2026: A career spanning over two decades, kitchens shaped by diverse hospitality experiences and a strong belief in the power of food to create memorable experiences come together as Chef Bhuvanesh Kalburgi takes on the role of Executive Chef at Sayaji Hotel Pune.

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Bhuvanesh brings a wealth of knowledge across culinary operations, pre-opening projects, hotel management and hospitality leadership. His approach to the culinary craft combines creativity with operational precision, with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency and developing teams that share a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Before joining Sayaji Hotel Pune, Chef Bhuvanesh served as Executive Chef at Hilton Garden Inn Hinjewadi, where he led culinary operations with a focus on innovation, efficiency and guest satisfaction. His experience in managing kitchen operations and working closely with cross-functional teams has helped him create efficient systems while ensuring that the culinary experience remains at the heart of hospitality.

For Chef Bhuvan, the kitchen is as much about people and experiences as it is about food. Over the years, his journey has involved leading diverse teams, managing demanding culinary operations and adapting to the changing expectations of today's diners. His expertise in pre-opening environments has further strengthened his ability to build kitchen operations from the ground up while maintaining a clear focus on quality and service.

At Sayaji Hotel Pune, Chef Bhuvanesh will lead the culinary team and oversee the food and beverage operations across the property. His focus will be on evolving the culinary offerings, introducing fresh ideas and experiences, strengthening kitchen operations and nurturing culinary talent, while staying connected to the preferences of the hotel's diverse clientele.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Bhuvanesh Kalburgi said, “Every new kitchen brings with it an opportunity to learn, create and build something meaningful. I am excited to begin this new chapter at Sayaji Hotel Pune and look forward to working with the team to create food experiences that are memorable, consistent and rooted in a genuine passion for hospitality.”

With a career built around culinary leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to the craft, Chef Bhuvan looks forward to bringing his experience and perspective to the next chapter of Sayaji Hotel Pune's culinary journey.

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu appoints Sameer Bhargava as Director of Food & Beverage

Mumbai, India (August 2026): JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to announce the appointment of Sameer Bhargava as Director of Food & Beverage. With 18 years of hospitality experience, including 12 years in food and beverage leadership, Sameer brings experience across luxury hospitality, diverse dining formats, and markets across India.

In his new role, Sameer will oversee the hotel’s restaurants, bars, banquets, and in-room dining, with a focus on evolving its culinary offering, creating relevant experiences for guests and diners, and developing the teams.

Sameer joins JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu from The Leela Palace Chennai, where he served as Director of Food & Beverage. During his tenure, he led a seven-venue operation, with responsibilities spanning culinary innovation, menu engineering, talent development, strategic partnerships, and business growth. He also worked on opportunities across the social, entertainment, and luxury segments, developing culinary, music, and luxury-led experiences that brought together different aspects of the city’s lifestyle landscape.

His earlier career has taken him across some of India’s leading luxury hospitality properties, where he has worked across fine dining, all-day dining, bars, and banquets. This includes managing diverse restaurant operations as well as large-scale in-room dining, giving him experience across the different facets of food and beverage.

Sameer has also completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 2 course, adding to his understanding of wine and beverage.

At JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Sameer will bring together this experience as the hotel continues to develop its restaurants, bars, and dining experiences. His appointment comes at a time of further development for the hotel’s established food and beverage portfolio, as JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu continues to evolve its dining experiences, strengthen its existing venues, and explore new opportunities to engage guests and the city’s discerning diners. 

Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Surender Singh brings experience across ITC Hotels, The Leela, Accor, The Roseate Hotels and The LaLiT.

Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie announces the appointment of Surender Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager. Singh brings with him extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having held food and beverage roles across leading hotel groups including ITC Hotels, The Leela, Accor, The Roseate Hotels and The LaLiT.

His career spans multiple facets of hotel operations, giving him a well-rounded perspective on service excellence, team leadership and guest-centric hospitality.

Role and responsibilities

In his new role, Singh will oversee the property’s food and beverage operations, including restaurant, bar, banqueting and in-room dining services, with a focus on elevating guest experience and upholding the culinary standards associated with the Welcomhotel and ITC Hotels brand.

Speaking on his appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Singh said, “I am delighted to join the Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie family. This iconic property has a rich legacy of hospitality, and I look forward to building on that heritage while delivering memorable food and beverage experiences to our guests.”

Eco Hotels appoints Mahek B. Patel as Head of Operations

The appointment comes as the company expands its hospitality portfolio and strengthens operational processes across properties.

Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited has announced the appointment of Mahek B. Patel as Head of Operations, strengthening its leadership team as the company continues to expand its hospitality portfolio and scale operations across properties.

Mahek brings extensive experience in hospitality operations, having worked with established hotel brands including Bloom Hotel, Lemon Tree Premier, and The Resort Hotel. His experience spans property operations, standard operating procedure (SOP) implementation, guest experience management, team leadership, quality control, and cost optimisation.

Focus on operations and service standards

In his new role, Mahek will focus on driving Operations consistency and service excellence across Eco Hotels & Resorts’ properties, working closely with property teams and department heads to strengthen processes, implement and monitor SOPs, enhance guest experiences and service standards, improve efficiencies, develop and mentor teams, and support effective budget management and cost optimisation across the portfolio.

Leadership comments

Commenting on the appointment, Vinod K. Tripathi, Executive Chairman, Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited, said, “We are pleased to welcome Mahek B. Patel to Eco Hotels & Resorts. As we continue to expand our presence and scale our portfolio, strong leadership across our properties will be critical to maintaining consistency and delivering an exceptional guest experience. Mahek’s experience in managing hotel operations and his understanding of service delivery will be valuable as we strengthen our operational framework and prepare the organisation for its next phase of growth.”

Speaking on his appointment, Mahek B. Patel, Head of Operations, Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited, said, “I am delighted to join Eco Hotels & Resorts at an exciting stage of its growth journey. The opportunity to contribute to the company’s expanding portfolio and strengthen Operations standards across properties is both challenging and rewarding. I look forward to working closely with the teams to build efficient processes, deliver consistent guest experiences, and create a strong Operations foundation that supports the company’s long-term growth.”

Strengthening operational framework

With a focus on service quality, team development and efficient resource management, Mahek’s appointment is expected to further strengthen Eco Hotels & Resorts’ ability to deliver consistent hospitality experiences as it expands its footprint

Raffles Udaipur Announces the Appointment of Henna Punjabi as Director of Marketing and Communications

National, August 2026: Raffles Udaipur announces the appointment of Henna Punjabi as Director of Marketing and Communications. In her new role, Henna will lead the hotel’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, communications, digital initiatives, and strategic partnerships, further strengthening Raffles Udaipur’s presence in the luxury hospitality landscape.

With over a Decade of experience in marketing and communications, Henna brings a strong track record of shaping distinctive brand narratives and delivering high-impact campaigns that connect meaningfully with guests and media. Her career across globally renowned hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, has given her extensive expertise in brand strategy, integrated marketing, digital communications, and strategic partnerships. Bringing this breadth of experience and a strong focus on compelling brand storytelling, she will further strengthen Raffles Udaipur’s visibility, guest engagement, and continued growth in the luxury hospitality space.

Commenting on the appointment, Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, said, "We are delighted to welcome Henna to the Raffles Udaipur family. Her extensive experience in luxury hospitality marketing, combined with her strategic vision and collaborative approach, makes her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to her contribution in further strengthening the brand and elevating the guest experience."

Sharing her thoughts on her new role, Henna Punjabi said, “I am delighted to be part of Raffles Udaipur, a hotel that is synonymous with timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality. I look forward to working with the team to further enhance the brand’s presence, foster meaningful partnerships, and create impactful experiences that resonate with guests.”

Her appointment marks another step in strengthening Raffles Udaipur’s leadership and marketing capabilities, supporting the hotel’s continued focus on building a distinctive brand presence, meaningful guest engagement, and memorable experiences in India’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Eros Hotel New Delhi appoints Mohit Singh as Director of Operations

Mohit Singh brings nearly two decades of hospitality experience across hotel operations and food & beverage.

Eros Hotel New Delhi by IHG announces the appointment of Mohit Singh as Director of Operations. Mohit joins Eros Hotel New Delhi with extensive experience in hotel operations and food & beverage, having most recently served as Director of Operations and Area F&B Champion at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar Delhi.

Operating under IHG, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to strengthen its leadership team and its position in the capital’s luxury hospitality landscape. In his new role as Director of Operations, Mohit will support the hotel’s service excellence and operational efficiency.

As Director of Operations, Mohit will work closely with the hotel’s leadership team to support its operational priorities and uphold high standards of service and guest experience. His extensive experience across hotel operations and food & beverage will further contribute to Eros Hotel New Delhi’s continued focus on delivering quality hospitality.

Experience across leading hospitality brands

A seasoned hospitality professional, Mohit has worked with several renowned hospitality establishments, including Indian Accent, Jaypee Hotel, The Oberoi, The Leela Hotel Delhi, Four Points by Sheraton New Delhi, and the IHG Group of Hotels. His Diverse experience across leading hospitality brands has enabled him to develop a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations and guest service.

Hospitality and marketing expertise

Mohit holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Catering Technology and is a postgraduate in Marketing. His academic background, combined with nearly two decades of professional experience, brings together specialised hospitality knowledge and marketing expertise.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune appoints Dirham Haque as Director of Culinary

National, August 2026 – The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Dirham Haque as Director of Culinary. Dirham brings with him over 15 years of rich culinary experience across India and the Middle East, having worked with some of the region's most renowned luxury hospitality brands, including ITC Hotels, The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and JW Marriott. His expertise spans luxury hotels, specialty restaurants, banqueting operations, and pre-opening projects, underscoring a distinguished career marked by culinary innovation, operational excellence, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Dirham served as Director of Culinary at JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, where he oversaw seven restaurants, bars, and extensive banqueting operations. Earlier, he was part of the pre-opening team at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE, helping launch six restaurants and bars before progressing to the role of Executive Chef.

Dirham began his culinary career with ITC Maurya, New Delhi, where he was part of the acclaimed Dum Pukht team, ranked among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. His experience also includes pre-opening contributions at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, leadership roles at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, and exposure at the iconic Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab. During his tenure with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Gurgaon and Dubai, he played a key role in the success of Ananta at The Oberoi, Dubai, which earned three Black Hats, one of the region's highest culinary accolades and an equivalent of Michelin-star recognition in the region.

In his new role as Director of Culinary at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Dirham will bring his extensive international and Indian culinary experience to further elevate the hotel’s dining experiences, champion culinary excellence, and create memorable gastronomic journeys for guests and Ladies and Gentlemen alike.

Speaking on his appointment, Dirham Haque said, “Joining The Ritz-Carlton, Pune is an exciting milestone. I look forward to working with the excellent team her to curate memorable dining experiences, win more accolades and uphold the brand’s iconic gold standards of service.”

His appointment reflects The Ritz-Carlton, Pune’s continued commitment to culinary excellence and innovation, further strengthening its position as one of the city’s premier luxury hospitality destinations. With his deep expertise across luxury hospitality, specialty dining, and large-scale culinary operations, Dirham is poised to create distinctive gastronomic experiences that delight guests and uphold the legendary service standards of The Ritz-Carlton.