Yogendra Singh Verma joints Holiday Inn Agra as Director of Sales

We are delighted to welcome Yogendra Singh Verma as our Director of Sales at Holiday Inn Agra.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yogendra brings extensive expertise across leading international hotel brands, with a strong background in corporate, leisure, group and catering sales, business development, key account management and team leadership.

Having previously been associated with Holiday Inn Agra as Assistant Director of Sales, his return marks an exciting new chapter as he takes on this leadership role.

Academically, Yogendra holds a Bachelor of Arts from Edinburgh Napier University and a Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering from the Institute of Advanced Management, Kolkata.

With his experience, industry knowledge and passion for driving business growth, we look forward to achieving new milestones together.

Our General Manager-Mr. Pradipt Sinha says “Yogendra brings strong market knowledge, proven sales expertise and a wealth of hospitality experience to our leadership team. We are confident that his return will help us unlock new opportunities and achieve greater milestones.”

The Leela Palace Bengaluru appoints Gaurav Ganapathy K as Director of Sales & Marketing

Gaurav Ganapathy K brings over 15 years of hospitality experience across luxury and premium brands to his new role at the Bengaluru property.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru announces the appointment of Gaurav Ganapathy K as Director of Sales & Marketing. Bringing over 15 years of experience across luxury and premium hospitality, Gaurav joins the Palace with a strong track record in commercial strategy, revenue growth and building enduring relationships across key markets.

Experience at The Leela Palace Chennai

In his most recent role as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Leela Palace Chennai, Gaurav led the Sales & Marketing function, overseeing the hotel’s commercial strategy and business development across key segments and markets. During his tenure, the hotel witnessed strong and sustained growth across corporate, RFP, catering and events business, alongside deeper engagement with key accounts and strategic partners. His leadership was defined by a strong focus on market development, revenue generation and building lasting relationships that supported the hotel’s continued commercial momentum.

Career across hospitality brands

Prior to The Leela, Gaurav held leadership positions with Marriott International, Accor and IHG, including Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa and Director of Sales at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road and Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park.

Gaurav began his hospitality career with Park Hyatt Chennai and has since developed extensive expertise across corporate sales, MICE, luxury travel, weddings, key accounts, RFPs, budgeting and forecasting. His breadth of experience across commercial functions brings a strategic and relationship-led approach to his new role at The Leela Palace Bengaluru.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru on the appointment

Welcoming the new appointment, Nishant Agarwal, General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said, “We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to The Leela Palace Bengaluru. His extensive experience across luxury hospitality and his strong understanding of evolving markets make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. The Palace has always stood for a distinctive expression of Indian luxury, rooted in gracious hospitality, thoughtful experiences and a deep sense of place. We look forward to Gaurav building on this legacy through meaningful partnerships and a strong commercial vision as we continue to shape the next chapter for the Palace.”

Gaurav Ganapathy K on his appointment

Speaking on his appointment, Gaurav Ganapathy K, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to join The Leela Palace Bengaluru and be part of a property with such a distinctive legacy and enduring connection with the city. The Leela has created a unique expression of Indian luxury, where warmth, culture and thoughtful hospitality come together seamlessly. I look forward to working closely with the team and our partners to build on this strong foundation, deepen meaningful relationships and create new opportunities for the Palace as we continue to evolve with the aspirations of today’s discerning traveller.

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim advance growth journey with appointment of Kumar Rathod as Director of Finance

Kumar Rathod brings over 22 years of experience across hospitality and corporate finance to oversee financial operations at both Novotel Goa properties.

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim announces the appointment of Kumar Rathod as Director of Finance, bringing with him more than 22 years of vast experience in financial planning, analysis and management across luxury hospitality and multinational corporate environments.

Kumar returns to Goa with an extensive hospitality finance portfolio spanning India and the Maldives, having held senior leadership positions across prominent luxury resorts and hospitality brands. He joins us from Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, Maldives and has worked with hospitality brands like Radisson, Intercontinental and Orion. Beyond hospitality, he has held finance roles with organisations including Adlab Films Ltd. Mahindra and Mahindra, Nestle, Desai Group, and Firm of Chartered Accountants.

Qualifications and professional background

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA – Australia), Kumar also holds an Associate CPA designation, IFRS Certification, an Executive MBA from the Indian School of Business Management and a B.Com. from Damodar College, Goa University.

Amit Sangwan on the appointment

Commenting on the appointment, Cluster General Manager – Amit Sangwan said, “We are delighted to welcome Kumar Rathod to the Novotel Goa family. His extensive experience across luxury hospitality, strong strategic financial acumen, and previous association with the Goa hospitality industry make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his expertise will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of both Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim.”

Novotel Goa properties

This appointment comes at an exciting time for both hotels. Novotel Goa Resort & Spa is set to enhance its guest experience further with the upcoming renovation of its guest rooms, scheduled for completion by Q4 2026, while continuing to strengthen it’s position as one of Goa’s preferred family, MICE, and pet-friendly resort destinations. Meanwhile, Novotel Goa Candolim continues to deliver exceptional leisure experiences and remains one of North Goa’s leading hospitality destinations.

Kumar Rathod’s role

In his new role, Kumar will oversee the financial operations of both properties, driving business performance through strategic financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, cost optimisation, financial governance, compliance, and profitability management.

His expertise in multi-property operations, financial analysis, infrastructure development, and team leadership will further support the hotels’ financial and operational objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Neha Liz Chungath as Assistant Manager – Marketing Communications

Bengaluru, September , 2026: Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is pleased to announce the appointment of Neha Liz Chungath as Assistant Manager – Marketing Communications (MARCOM).

In her new role, Neha will be responsible for supporting and strengthening the hotel’s marketing and communications initiatives, with a focus on brand storytelling, content development, digital communication, campaign execution and creating engaging experiences that resonate with the hotel’s audiences.

Neha brings with her experience across marketing, communications, content strategy, social media and luxury hospitality. Prior to joining Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, she was associated with Hyatt Regency Kochi Malayattoor during its pre-opening phase as Assistant MARCOM Manager. Her experience also includes working with MSLGroup (Publicis Groupe), managing communication and planning initiatives across leading FMCG and consumer brands.

Her professional journey has also given her exposure to digital content, social media strategy, reputation management, client relationship management and cross-functional coordination. 

Speaking about her new role, Neha Liz Chungath said, “I am excited to join Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore and become a part of a brand that is known for creating dynamic and engaging guest experiences. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s marketing and communication initiatives and working with the team to create compelling stories and experiences that strengthen the brand’s connection with its audiences.”

Neha holds an undergraduate degree in Communications and Media Studies, English and Psychology from Christ University, Bengaluru, along with a postgraduate qualification in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai. Her interests and expertise span communication, storytelling, guest experience, luxury brand marketing and event management.

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore continues to strengthen its leadership team as it focuses on delivering distinctive hospitality experiences and meaningful connections with guests in the heart of Bengaluru.

Shabana Raj appointed L&D Manager across three Accor properties

Shabana Raj will lead learning and development initiatives across Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru, focusing on capability building and talent development.

Shabana Raj has been appointed as Learning & Development Manager for Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru. In her new role, Shabana will oversee the learning and development function across the three properties, driving initiatives that strengthen employee capabilities, support leadership development and foster a consistent culture of service excellence.

Professional Experience

With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Shabana has worked across leading hotel companies including Accor, Marriott and ITC Hotels. Most recently, she served as Cluster Learning & Development Manager at ibis Hotels Mumbai, where she led L&D strategy across multiple properties, designing structured training calendars covering guest experience, culinary excellence and operational effectiveness, while driving service culture programmes such as the SMILE framework.

She managed the complete training lifecycle, from needs analysis and content development to facilitation and impact measurement, giving her a strong understanding of both learning and development and hotel operations.

Focus Across Three Properties

Across the three properties, Shabana will work closely with the leadership and departmental teams to identify capability gaps, strengthen functional and leadership skills, and create development pathways for employees across different levels.

She will also focus on strengthening internal talent pipelines and enabling high-potential team members to take on larger responsibilities, while ensuring that learning initiatives remain closely aligned with business objectives and guest expectations.

Leadership Perspectives

Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “As our teams continue to grow and evolve, a strong learning culture is essential. Shabana’s experience will help strengthen capabilities, support leadership development and further our commitment to service excellence across the three properties.”

Manali Gupta, Cluster General Manager of Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru, said, “People development is at the heart of strong hospitality teams. Shabana brings valuable L&D experience along with an understanding of hotel operations, and we look forward to her strengthening our talent pipeline and creating meaningful growth opportunities for our teams.”

Shabana Raj on Her Appointment

Speaking on her appointment, Shabana said, “Effective learning begins with understanding people, their aspirations and what they need to succeed. I look forward to creating relevant learning opportunities, strengthening our talent pipeline and empowering our teams to take greater ownership of their roles.”

Fortune Hotels appoints Manjur Alam as General Manager at Fortune Pahalgam

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Manjur Alam as General Manager at Fortune Pahalgam.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience in hotel operations, Manjur brings extensive expertise across room operations, revenue management, guest experience and team leadership. In his new role he will be responsible for the hotel property’s operations, driving business performance, strengthening service standards and fostering a high-performing team culture.

Prior to Fortune Hotels, he served as Director of Rooms at Crowne Plaza Pune, where he led Rooms Operations along with revenue management responsibilities, contributing to the hotel’s overall business performance.

Over the course of his career, Manjur has held roles with leading hospitality brands including IHG, Radisson and Hyatt.

With his strong track record in operational excellence, revenue generation, guest experience and people leadership, Manjur is well positioned to drive business growth, service excellence and a strong team culture at Fortune Pahalgam.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad appoints Balwant Singh Sajwan as Executive Chef

Chef Balwant brings nearly two decades of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands in India and internationally.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad announces the appointment of Balwant Singh Sajwan as Executive Chef. With nearly two decades of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands globally, Chef Balwant brings deep expertise in culinary operations, menu development, and team leadership.

Leading Culinary Operations

Chef Balwant has been associated with Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad since its pre-opening in May 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s end-to-end culinary operations, with a strong focus on food quality, menu innovation, operational excellence, and the creation of memorable dining experiences for guests. He will also lead efforts to develop a distinctive culinary identity for the property while maintaining high standards across kitchen operations, food quality, menu curation, and talent development.

Experience Across Hospitality Brands

His career spans renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International, The Venetian Macao, and Sarovar Hotels & Resorts. He helped introduce authentic Indian cuisine at Golden Peacock, a Michelin-starred restaurant at The Venetian Macao. He successfully contributed to the opening of Sarovar Premiere Amritsar and has held key roles at Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Park Plaza, and Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa. He was also honoured to be part of the G20 Summit operations at The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas, Rishikesh.

Commenting on His Appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Balwant Singh Sajwan, Executive Chef, Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, said, “With over 19 years of experience in hospitality, I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. Having been part of the journey, I have witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication that define our team. My focus will be on upholding the highest standards of food quality, driving menu innovation, and nurturing talent within our culinary team. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that reflect both global excellence and local flavours for our guests. I have had the privilege of working with leading brands including Marriott International and Sarovar Hotels, along with international exposure in Macau, where I helped introduce authentic Indian cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in The Venetian Macau.”

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar appoints Vaishnavi Singh as Marketing, Communications & PR Manager

Vaishnavi Singh to oversee marketing, communications and public relations for the Srinagar property.

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, India’s first Radisson Collection Hotel, has named Vaishnavi Singh as Marketing, Communications & PR Manager.

Vaishnavi will oversee the property’s marketing, communications and public relations mandate, including brand positioning, integrated campaigns, digital presence, media relations, influencer engagement and strategic partnerships.

Professional experience

She brings experience across international hospitality brands, multi-property environments and pre-opening projects across India. Her previous experience includes Uday Palace Navsari, a member of Radisson Individuals; Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dwarka, India’s first and only Hawthorn-branded property; Wyndham Garden Udaipur; and other pre-opening hotel projects.

Her expertise spans brand strategy, marketing communications, content creation, social media, influencer marketing and media relations. With experience across operating and pre-opening environments, she has worked on brand visibility, launches, campaigns and communications initiatives within the hospitality sector.

Role at Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar

At Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, Vaishnavi will focus on strengthening the hotel’s brand presence across key markets and developing meaningful engagement with guests, media, influencers and industry partners.

Speaking on her appointment

Speaking on her appointment, Vaishnavi Singh said: “I am delighted to begin this new chapter with Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar. The property presents a unique opportunity to tell the story of Kashmir through the lens of contemporary luxury, authentic experiences and the destination’s rich cultural heritage. I look forward to creating distinctive brand narratives, building meaningful collaborations and strengthening the property’s presence across the evolving luxury travel landscape.”

Shubhankar Jyoti, General Manager, Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, said: “We are pleased to welcome Vaishnavi to the team. Her experience across hospitality brands, pre-opening projects and integrated marketing and communications will bring valuable perspective to the property’s brand and communications strategy. We look forward to her contribution towards strengthening the hotel’s positioning and connecting with our audiences in meaningful ways

Fortune Hotels appoints Ravindra Kumar Joshi as General Manager at Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ravindra Kumar Joshi as General Manager at Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal.

An accomplished hospitality professional with over three decades of experience in hotel operations, luxury resort management, P&L management, guest experience and stakeholder engagement. He will oversee the hotel’s operations, commercial performance, guest experience and overall business growth, while strengthening the property’s market positioning.

In his previous stints, Ravindra has held key positions with leading hospitality brands, including Hyatt Regency, Le Méridien, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Meerak Hotel and Country Inn Resorts. He has a proven track record in managing luxury resorts and multi-property operations, including the transformation of Country Inn Bhimtal into a flagship, award-winning destination resort. He has also served as Secretary of the Regional Hotel Association, contributing to the development of the hospitality sector in Uttarakhand.

Ferrero India Appoints Rohit Batra as Sales Director

India, September 2026: Ferrero India Private Limited, part of the Ferrero Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sweet-packaged products, today announced the appointment of Rohit Batra as the new Sales Director, Ferrero India, effective 1st September 2026.

In his new role, Rohit will head Ferrero India’s sales organisation and spearhead its growth agenda across all sales channels. He will focus on strengthening Ferrero India’s Route-to-Market strategy, Commercial Excellence and Category Excellence initiatives. He will be responsible for building market share, strengthening customer partnerships and driving sharper execution across all channels including General Trade, Modern Trade, E-Commerce and Out-of-Home.

 Rohit Batra is a part of the Executive Management team and has held positions such as Head of Supply Chain and Head of Emerging Markets during his 13+ year of tenure at Ferrero. With over 30-year experience, Rohit  has led several roles in the areas of Supply chain, Manufacturing, Operations and Procurement in FMCG, Pharma and service industries.

 Commenting on the appointment, Hamid Touil, Managing Director, Ferrero India, said: “We are delighted to have Rohit take on the leadership of our sales organisation. His extensive experience across the value chain, combined with his deep understanding of the business and customers, gives him a unique perspective to strengthen and lead our growth agenda.”

 Speaking on his new role, Rohit Batra, Sales Director, Ferrero India, said: “I am excited to take on this role at an important phase in Ferrero India’s growth journey.  With an ever-evolving customer landscape, we look forward to strengthening our go-to-market capabilities, accelerating each channel growth and creating greater value for our customers and consumers.”

 Rohit’s appointment further strengthens Ferrero India’s leadership as the company continues to invest in building a future-ready, agile and consumer-centric sales organisation, with a focus on sustainable growth, stronger market penetration and enhanced execution across India’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar Appoints Deepak Tiwari as General Manager

Bhavnagar, September 2026: Kamat Hotels India Limited has announced the appointment of Deepak Tiwari as General Manager at IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, marking another step towards strengthening the leadership team and operational excellence at the property.

Deepak Tiwari brings with him rich experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise spanning hotel operations, food and beverage management, team leadership, business development, employee management and operational excellence. Known for his people-centric leadership style, solutions-oriented approach and commitment to organisational goals, he has consistently focused on building high-performing teams while delivering exceptional hospitality standards.

Before joining IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, Deepak Tiwari held key positions with reputed hospitality brands, including The Fern Resort & Spa Bhavnagar, Sayaji Hotel Jamnagar, Regenta Central by Royal Orchid Hotels, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully managed overall hotel operations, food and beverage functions, team supervision, budgeting, event planning and business growth initiatives.

In his new role, Deepak Tiwari will oversee the overall operations of IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening guest experiences, nurturing talent and driving business growth. His extensive understanding of F&B markets, multilingual communication abilities and hands-on experience in hospitality operations will further contribute to the property’s growth and service excellence.

His appointment comes with an opportunity to further strengthen the property’s operational capabilities and build on its commitment to delivering contemporary hospitality experiences. With his strong industry experience and leadership approach, Deepak Tiwari is expected to play a key role in driving the property’s performance and creating greater value for guests, employees and stakeholders.

Commenting on the appointment, Vishal Kamat, Executive Director at Kamat Hotels India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Deepak Tiwari to the Kamat Khandan. His extensive experience across hotel operations, food and beverage, team leadership and business development makes him a strong addition to our leadership team. His people-centric and solutions-oriented approach, coupled with his understanding of the F&B market, will be instrumental in strengthening operations and taking IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar to new heights. We wish him a successful and rewarding journey ahead.”

With a strong foundation in hospitality operations and a passion for delivering excellence, Deepak Tiwari looks forward to leading the team and contributing to the continued growth and success of IRA by Orchid, Bhavnagar.

Atmosphere Core appoints Mohamed Mansour as General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili

Mohamed Mansour brings over two decades of hospitality experience to lead operations at the two Maldives resorts.

Atmosphere Core announces the appointment of Mohamed Mansour as General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, strengthening the leadership of two distinctive island resorts within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.

With more than 21 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Mansour brings a wealth of operational expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of guest-centric service. His career began in Front Office and progressed through the Room Division, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, service excellence, guest experience, and team leadership.

Two decades of hospitality experience

Throughout his career, Mohamed has held key roles across renowned international hospitality groups, gaining diverse experience across a wide range of properties, markets, cultures, and operational environments.

Recognised for his hands-on leadership style, people-focused approach, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, Mohamed combines strong operational discipline with a genuine passion for developing teams and creating memorable experiences for guests.

Leading operations across two resorts

In his new role, Mohamed will oversee the operations of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, bringing his extensive operational experience and leadership approach to both resorts.

Commenting on his appointment, Mohamed Mansour, General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi & OBLU SELECT Lobigili, said, “We put people at the heart of everything we do. True leadership transforms challenges into opportunities and teams into families, all while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, said, “Mansour’s appointment comes at an exciting time for both Ailafushi and Lobigili, which are now well-established resorts with distinct identities and dynamic operations. His wealth of experience and proven ability to lead large resort operations, combined with his strong focus on people and service, will be a great asset to both teams.

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West appoints Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef

Chef Sohail brings more than 21 years of culinary experience across IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson to his new role.

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has announced the appointment of Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef, bringing more than 21 years of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands to the property.

Chef Sohail’s career spans renowned hospitality groups including IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson, where he has built extensive expertise across culinary operations and guest-focused dining experiences. His professional experience encompasses fine dining, banquet operations, menu development, and the creation of innovative culinary concepts, with a strong focus on delivering consistency, creativity, and memorable experiences.

Leading culinary operations

In his new role at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, Chef Sohail will lead the property’s culinary operations, oversee menu development and innovation, and work with the culinary team to create engaging dining experiences for guests.

Chef Sohail Karimi on his appointment

Speaking about his appointment, Chef Sohail Karimi, Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, “Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am excited to be part of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West and look forward to creating distinctive culinary experiences that celebrate great flavours, creativity, and quality. I am also eager to work closely with the team to introduce new ideas and experiences that delight our guests.”

Focus on culinary offerings

Chef Sohail’s appointment reflects Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West’s continued focus on enhancing its culinary offerings and delivering warm, contemporary hospitality experiences to both leisure and business travellers

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.