The Leela Mumbai Appoints Sumana Bose Choudhary as Director of Sales & Marketing

The Leela Mumbai has named Ms. Sumana Bose Choudhary as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Sumana brings over 16 years of hospitality experience to the role, with expertise spanning revenue growth, sales strategy, business development and key account management. A results-driven commercial leader, she has a strong track record of leading sales teams to exceed targets, developing markets, securing key accounts and building strategic partnerships.

Before this appointment, she was Multiproperty Director of Sales at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake & Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments. She has also served as Associate Director of Sales at Andaz New Delhi, and earlier at JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, where her career progressed from Sales Manager through Senior Sales Manager to Associate Director of Sales over several years.

Her earlier roles took her through Hyatt Regency Kolkata, Novotel Kolkata and Carlson Marketing, where she was responsible for room and banquet sales across 53 hotels under the Carlson Rezidor group. Over the course of her career, she has built extensive experience across Corporate, MICE, Leisure and Premium Transient segments, with a strong focus on revenue generation, market development and building high-performing teams.

Her work has been recognised through two industry honours: the Best Sales Coach Award from JW Marriott in 2022 and the Grand Queen Leadership Award in the Hospitality sector from the Grand Queen Kolkata Chapter in 2023. She holds a B.Sc. in Hotel Management & Tourism from Annamalai University.

In her new role at The Leela Mumbai, Sumana will lead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, with a focus on driving commercial growth, strengthening strategic partnerships and further enhancing the hotel’s position in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality market.

Chehrazade Berry named as director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt Doha

Chehrazade Berry has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt Doha, where she aims to enhance revenue growth and brand positioning in Qatar's luxury hospitality sector

Park Hyatt Doha has appointed Chehrazade Berry as its new director of sales and marketing.

She brings almost a decade of luxury hospitality commercial leadership to the role, having most recently served as commercial director at Hilton Doha. She has also held positions as sales director at Hilton Doha and director of business development at Shangri-La Doha.

Berry returns to the property, having been the associate director of sales during the Park Hyatt Doha’s pre- and post-opening phases from 2019 to 2021.

Berry will oversee Park Hyatt Doha’s sales, marketing and commercial strategy and is commended by the team for her track record of “driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams, and strengthening brand positioning across Qatar’s competitive hospitality landscape”.

“We are delighted to welcome Chehrazade back to Park Hyatt Doha,” said Esra Parin, general manager of Park Hyatt Doha. “Her proven commercial expertise, passion for luxury hospitality and deep understanding of both our brand and the local market make her the ideal leader to drive our sales and marketing strategy.

“We look forward to the vision, energy and leadership she brings as we continue to strengthen our position as one of Doha’s leading luxury hotels.”

Berry added, “Returning to Park Hyatt Doha feels like coming home. Having been part of the hotel’s opening journey, I am excited to rejoin such an exceptional team and contribute to its continued success. I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong reputation, creating new opportunities for growth and delivering exceptional value for our guests, customers, and partners.”

Saurabh Tiwari named as vice president – Middle East, Maldives & Sri Lanka at IHCL

He has played instrumental roles at Taj properties in Dubai since 2021

Saurabh Tiwari has been appointed as vice president – Middle East, Maldives & Sri Lanka at the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company.

Tiwari brings more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality to the role and has been instrumental in strengthening IHCL’s presence across the region. His role will include driving operational excellence, commercial performance talent development and guest experience.

He joined Taj Dubai in 2021, before being named as area director of operations in 2024. In his tenure he has overseen flagship properties including Taj Dubai, Taj Exotica, The Palm and Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

In his expanded role, Saurabh will provide strategic leadership across IHCL’s operations in the Middle East, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

“I am truly honoured to take on the role of Vice President – Middle East, Maldives & Sri Lanka,” said “My journey with Taj and IHCL has been incredibly rewarding and this appointment is as much a reflection of the people around me as it is a personal milestone.

“I am deeply grateful to the leadership team at IHCL for their continued trust, guidance and confidence in me and to our owners for their support and belief in our vision.”

He added, “Most importantly, the credit goes to my teams. Their passion and commitment are behind every milestone we have achieved together. I have always believed that great hospitality begins with great people and I feel fortunate to work alongside some of the very best in the industry.

“IHCL is an organisation that truly invests in its people and gives them the opportunity to grow, lead and make an impact. Taj has been an important part of my professional journey and it is a company I am extremely proud to be associated with. I see myself continuing to grow with IHCL in the years ahead, strengthening our presence across the Middle East, Maldives and Sri Lanka. There is tremendous opportunity ahead and I look forward to building the next chapter together with our teams, owners and leadership.”

DoubleTree by Hilton BenAgaluru Airport appoints Anuj Chaudhry as General Manager

Anuj Chaudhry brings over two decades of hospitality experience across hotel operations, business performance and brand transformation.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport has announced the appointment of Anuj Chaudhry as General Manager, bringing over two decades of hospitality experience across leading brands and diverse markets. With a career spanning hotel operations, business performance and brand transformation, he joins at an important stage of its journey following its opening in January 2026.

Focus on Operations and Guest Experience

In his new role, Anuj will lead the hotel’s overall operations, with a focus on driving business performance, strengthening guest experiences, building a strong service culture and developing a high-performing team.

His experience in leading property transitions and strengthening brand experience will be particularly relevant as the hotel builds on DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature warmth and hospitality while strengthening its position in Bengaluru’s growing airport corridor.

Experience Across Leading Hospitality Brands

Prior to this appointment, Anuj served as General Manager of Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR, where he led the property through its transition and rebranding from Courtyard to Marriott. In 2024, he was appointed Cluster General Manager for Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru. Over the course of his career, Anuj has held leadership roles spanning hotel operations, business performance and brand transformation.

Anuj Chaudhry on His Appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Anuj Chaudhry, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, said, “I am delighted to join the Hilton family and take on the opportunity to lead DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport at such an exciting stage in its journey. It is a privilege to be part of a brand known for creating warm and memorable experiences, and I look forward to working closely with the team to build on that promise for every guest. Together, we will focus on delivering exceptional hospitality, driving strong performance and establishing the hotel as a preferred choice for travelers in Bengaluru’s growing airport corridor.”

Conrad Pune Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Harshad Nalawade as Hotel Manager

Seasoned hospitality leader with over 24 years of experience joins Conrad Pune to lead hotel operations and strengthen guest experience and business performance.

Pune, August 2026: Conrad Pune announced the appointment of Harshad Nalawade as its new Hotel Manager. Bringing more than 24 years of experience across India's luxury and upper-upscale hospitality sector, Mr. Nalawade will oversee hotel operations and support the property's continued focus on guest experience, people development and business performance.

With over 24 years of experience in India's luxury and upper-upscale hospitality sector, he brings expertise across hotel operations, pre-openings, revenue growth, food and beverage and team leadership. Prior to joining Conrad Pune, he served as General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji, where he led the property's operations and focused on strengthening guest experience, team engagement and business performance.

Over the course of his career, Harshad has held leadership positions with Hilton and Marriott across India. At Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai, he served as Hotel Manager during the property's pre-opening phase, overseeing recruitment, budget planning, guest experience and owner-brand alignment for the property's launch. Earlier, as Director of Operations at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott, Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru, he oversaw operations for the dual-brand property, with a focus on guest experience and revenue generation. He also introduced F&B concepts and initiatives to maintain guest engagement during the pandemic.

Harshad also brings a strong connection to Pune, having spent eight years at JW Marriott Hotel Pune in senior Food & Beverage leadership roles, including Director of F&B and Director of Restaurants. His experience in the city gives him a strong understanding of Pune's hospitality landscape and its evolving luxury guest expectations. With his operational expertise, commercial understanding and familiarity with Pune's hospitality landscape, Harshad brings a strong understanding of the city's hospitality market to his new role at Conrad Pune.

Welcoming the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, said, "We are delighted to welcome Harshad to Conrad Pune. His extensive experience across luxury and upper-upscale hospitality, coupled with his strong operational expertise and understanding of guest expectations, will be a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his experience and leadership approach will help us further strengthen our operations, nurture our teams and deliver elevated experiences for our guests."

Speaking on his appointment, Harshad Nalawade, Hotel Manager, Conrad Pune, said, "I am delighted to join Conrad Pune and be part of a team that embodies excellence and exceptional guest experiences. I look forward to contributing to the hotel's continued success and being part of its next phase of growth."

With his extensive operational experience and strong understanding of Pune's hospitality market, Nalawade will play a key role in supporting Conrad Pune's continued growth and evolution of its guest offerings.

Ramee Group Expands Leadership team with the appointment of Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager Sales

National, August 2026 - Ramee Group of Hotels has announced the appointment of Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager Sales. This appointment reflects Ramee Group commitment to strengthening its market presence and driving revenue growth across its properties.

With more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Jacob offers a wealth of knowledge in sales, including how to drive revenue growth, create strong sales strategies, manage important accounts, enhance Ramee Group’s sales capabilities, and support expansion plans in a market that is growing progressively more competitive. At Ramee Group of Hotels, he will now be responsible for the execution of the commercial sales strategy for all new, existing, and upcoming operating hotels.

In his earlier roles, Jacob has held key roles with renowned hospitality and real estate brands in his portfolio, leading the sales portfolio across hotels, restaurants, and outdoor catering segments. His cross- function expertise has scaled him with a well-rounded understanding of diverse customer needs, positioning him well to explore Ramee Group’s sales vision forward.

Speaking on his appointment, Jacob Mojes Balla said, “I am excited to be a part of Ramee Groups of Hotel at such a pivotal point in its growth journey. I am looking forward to capitalizing on my experience to build strong,client relationships, drive revenue, and contribute to the group's continued success in hospitality."

Commenting on the appointment Mr. Saurab Gahoi, Senior Vice President, Ramee Group of Hotels, “We are delighted to welcome Jacob Mojes Balla to the Ramee family. His extensive industry experience and established record in driving sales performance across diverse hospitality segments make him a valuable asset to our leadership team. We are confident that his strategic vision will play a key role in strengthening our market position and delivering sustained growth”.

Novotel Kolkata Appoints Yogesh Kumar as Front Office Manager

Kolkata, August 2026: Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has announced the appointment of Yogesh Kumar as Front Office Manager, bringing with him extensive experience across front-office operations, guest relations, team leadership and hotel performance management.

Yogesh has built a progressive career with leading hospitality brands, beginning with JW Marriott Mussoorie and Vivanta by Taj Guwahati, before joining Courtyard by Marriott, where he took on a series of increasingly senior front-office roles across Bhopal and Shillong. Most recently, he served as Front Office Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, where he was responsible for leading the front-office team, maintaining service standards, monitoring operations, and overseeing budget planning and revenue forecasting.

Over the course of his career, Yogesh has developed expertise in guest services, team management, customer relations, revenue analysis, forecasting and operational performance. His experience reflects a strong understanding of the front office as a vital part of the guest journey, while also contributing to the hotel’s wider business objectives.

In his new role at Novotel Kolkata, Yogesh will focus on driving a cohesive approach to guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, team performance and business results. He will work towards strengthening service standards, encouraging greater team engagement and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the front-office function.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, said, “We are delighted to welcome Yogesh to Novotel Kolkata. His extensive experience in front-office operations, coupled with his strong focus on guest satisfaction and team leadership, will be a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to his contribution in further strengthening our service standards and creating seamless, personalised experiences for our guests.”

A key aspect of his approach will be balancing the efficiency offered by technology with the warmth of personalised hospitality. As guest expectations continue to evolve, his focus will be on leveraging technology to create a more seamless journey while ensuring that meaningful human interactions remain at the centre of the guest experience.

Yogesh also aims to build a professional, proactive and commercially aware Front Office team committed to delivering consistent and personalised service. His appointment further strengthens Novotel Kolkata’s focus on operational excellence and memorable guest experiences. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, spending time with his family and going on drives to explore new places and experiences.

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.