Hilton appoints Sharad Kumar Upadhyay as Cluster General Manager in Gurugram

With over 25 years of international hospitality experience, Upadhyay will oversee operations and commercial performance at Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre and DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square.

Hilton has appointed Sharad Kumar Upadhyay as Cluster General Manager of Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre and DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square. In his new role, he will oversee operations, commercial performance and guest experience across both properties.

Upadhyay brings more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across India, China, Nepal and Thailand, having held leadership positions in Beijing, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kathmandu, Pattaya and Bangkok.

A 25-year career with IHG Hotels & Resorts

Upadhyay joins Hilton from IHG Hotels & Resorts, where he spent nearly 25 years, most recently serving as general manager of Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, the largest Crowne Plaza in South West Asia.

His career with IHG began in 2002 at Crowne Plaza North Beijing. He subsequently held leadership positions at Crowne Plaza Kathmandu and across Delhi NCR, including director of food and beverage. He also served as executive assistant manager in Thailand before taking on general manager roles in Mumbai and Greater Noida.

During his career, he has led hotels through ownership transitions and post-pandemic recovery, with a focus on revenue growth, guest satisfaction and team performance.

Leadership recognition and executive education

Upadhyay’s contributions have been recognised through honours including the IHG Journey to Tomorrow Award, the IHG IMEA Leadership Award and the IHG Exceptional General Manager Award.

His executive education includes the General Management Program at Cornell University, the Global Advanced Management Programme offered by the Indian School of Business and NUS, and Harvard University’s Professional Development Programme in Design Thinking.

Hilton highlights operational and commercial expertise

Ranjan Malakar, Senior Regional Director – Operations, India, Hilton, said: “Sharad’s depth of experience across markets, and his track record of driving performance through disciplined operations and strong stakeholder relationships, make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team in Gurugram. We look forward to his contributions as he leads both hotels into their next phase of growth.”

Upadhyay said: “I am delighted to join Hilton and lead two hotels that are so well placed in Gurugram’s business and leisure landscape. My focus will be on building strong, diverse teams, delivering memorable guest experiences, and growing the hotels’ performance in close partnership with our owners and stakeholders.

Radisson Resort & Spa Khopoli appoints Shesha Raval as General Manager

Bringing nearly two decades of hospitality experience, Shesha Raval will lead the property's operations, teams and commercial strategy.

Radisson Resort & Spa Khopoli has appointed Shesha Raval as its General Manager. She brings nearly two decades of hospitality experience across leading brands, with expertise in hotel operations, revenue management and commercial strategy.

Hospitality leadership and professional development

In February 2025, Raval completed the Management Development Programme at the Indian School of Hospitality, in affiliation with Les Roches. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from Gujarat University, along with a diploma in Hospitality, Aviation and Travel Management from the Frankfinn Institute.

In her new role, Raval will lead the property’s operations and teams, drawing on her experience across different functions of hotel management

Fortune Hotels appoints Ishan Thakur as Corporate Manager, F&B Service

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ishan Thakur as Corporate Manager, F&B Service.

 A seasoned hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience in F&B leadership roles, Ishan brings extensive expertise in multi-outlet F&B operations, commercial performance, guest experience and team leadership. In his new role, he will be responsible for strengthening F&B service standards, driving operational excellence and supporting business performance across the organisation.

 Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Ishan was associated with Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort as Food & Beverage Manager, where he led the hotel’s F&B operations, overseeing multiple outlets and culinary functions while contributing to overall business performance. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Oberoi, The Leela, Hyatt and Fortune Hotels. His experience spans restaurants, bars, banquets and overall F&B operations, including managing Michelin-starred chef pop-ups and international bar takeovers.

 With strong expertise in F&B strategy, revenue optimisation, menu engineering, guest satisfaction and team development, Ishan has consistently contributed to improving F&B revenue, operational efficiency and service standards. His hands-on, guest-centric approach and strong understanding of luxury service standards position him well to drive F&B excellence and support continued business growth at Fortune Hotels.

Fortune Hotels appoints Tapajit Bhattacharjee as General Manager at Fortune Park Saharanpur

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tapajit Bhattacharjee as General Manager at Fortune Park Saharanpur.

 A seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience across leading hospitality brands in India and the Middle East, Tapajit brings extensive expertise in Food & Beverage operations, operational excellence, guest experience and team leadership. 

 In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the property’s operations, strengthening service standards, driving business performance and fostering a high-performing team culture. 

 Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Tapajit served as Director of Food & Beverage at Radisson Blu Greater Noida, where he led the hotel’s Food & Beverage operations, driving service excellence, operational efficiencies and overall business performance. Over the course of his career, he has worked with renowned hospitality brands including Burj Al Arab, Emirates Palace, Kempinski Hotels, Hyatt, Hilton, Taj Hotels and Radisson Hotels.

 With his extensive industry experience and proven leadership capabilities, he is well positioned to drive operational excellence, enhance guest experiences and contribute to the continued growth of Fortune Park Saharanpur. Tapajit is a certified HACCP Leader and a certified Train the Trainer, qualifications that will further support his focus on maintaining high standards of food safety, strengthening operational practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.

Fortune Hotels appoints Somusundaram S as General Manager at Fortune Hosur

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Somusundaram S as General Manager at Fortune Hosur.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 27 years of experience in the hotel industry, Somusundaram brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, business transformation, revenue enhancement, guest experience and team leadership. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the property’s operations, driving business performance, strengthening service standards and fostering a high-performing team culture.  

Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Somusundaram served as General Manager & Business Head at Skylar Hotel, Tirupati, where he played a key leadership role in driving business growth, operational excellence and overall hotel performance. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, MSC/Celebrity Cruises, Lemon Tree Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels and Starlit Suites.

His experience in hotel pre-openings, turnarounds and multi-property operations will further support his focus on driving the performance and service standards of Fortune Hosur. 

Fortune Hotels appoints Sandeep Singh Pal as General Manager at Fortune Jungle Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sandeep Singh Pal as General Manager at Fortune Jungle Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett. 

 A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, Sandeep brings extensive expertise across resort operations, guest experience, business development and team leadership. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the property’s operations, driving business performance, strengthening service standards and fostering a high-performing team culture.

 Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Sandeep was associated with The Golden Tusk, Jim Corbett, where he contributed significantly to strengthening the resort's market position, enhancing guest experiences and driving overall business performance. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotels and Fortune Hotels.

 With his extensive experience, Sandeep is well positioned to manage Fortune Jungle Resort & Spa into its next phase of growth and service excellence.

Fortune Hotels appoints Abhishake Bali as General Manager at Fortune Avenue, Jalandhar

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Abhishake Bali as General Manager at Fortune Avenue, Jalandhar.

 A seasoned hospitality professional with over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Abhishake brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, Food & Beverage management, revenue enhancement, guest experience and team leadership. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the property’s operations, driving business growth, strengthening service standards and fostering a high-performing team culture.

 Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Abhishake served as General Manager at Sarovar Portico, Ajmer, where he led the hotel’s over operations, driving business growth, operational excellence and guest satisfaction. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Sarovar Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels, Clarks Group and Marriott.

 Having progressed through various operational and leadership roles across reputed hospitality brands, Abhishake is well positioned to drive business growth and enhance guest experiences at Fortune Avenue, Jalandhar.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong appoints Tapeswar Jana as Executive Chef

Chef Tapeswar Jana brings over 14 years of culinary experience across leading hospitality brands, including Hilton, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental and ITC Hotels.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong has appointed Chef Tapeswar Jana as its Executive Chef, effective October 2026. He brings over 14 years of culinary experience across luxury hospitality brands, with expertise in culinary operations, menu innovation, team leadership and guest dining experiences.

His professional journey includes leadership roles with Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, The Raintree, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental and ITC Hotels.

Experience across culinary operations and large-scale events

Throughout his career, Jana has led culinary teams across restaurants, banquets, in-room dining and outdoor catering operations. His expertise includes menu development, food cost management, food safety, destination weddings and large-scale events.

He has also received industry recognition at the Times Good Food Awards 2026, winning honours for Best Modern Rajasthani Restaurant and Best European Cuisine.

Strengthening the hotel’s dining experiences

At Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Jana will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations, bringing fresh perspectives to its dining offerings while building on the property’s focus on quality, creativity and hospitality. His appointment is expected to support the hotel’s efforts to create distinctive dining experiences for in-house guests and the local community.

DeVANS Modern Breweries appoints Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer

The beverage industry veteran brings over 30 years of experience across sales, marketing and commercial leadership as the company looks to strengthen operations and expand its market presence.

DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited has appointed Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing on board a beverage industry veteran with over 30 years of experience across sales, marketing, commercial leadership and market expansion.

Bhatia has held leadership roles at global organisations including Red Bull, SABMiller, Diageo, Radico and Kraft Heinz. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening DeVANS’ commercial capabilities, accelerating market development, driving operational excellence and identifying new growth opportunities.

Building on six decades of beverage manufacturing

Founded in 1961, DeVANS has evolved from its roots in liquor bottling into a diversified beverage business spanning beer and premium spirits. Under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Prem Dewan, the company has expanded from one manufacturing unit to four, reflecting its growth over the decades.

The company aims to build on this legacy while developing a more competitive, contemporary and growth-oriented business.

Commenting on the appointment, Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director, DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited, said, “DeVANS has a legacy spanning more than six decades, and our ambition is to build on that foundation as we take the company into its next phase of growth. Vikas brings extensive experience across leading beverage and FMCG businesses, along with a strong understanding of commercial development and market expansion. We look forward to working with him to strengthen our capabilities, develop our business and to further strengthen DeVANS into one of the premier beverage companies in India.”

Bhatia said, “I am delighted to join DeVANS at an important stage in its journey. The company’s legacy, evolving portfolio and ambition to build stronger brands present an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working with the team to strengthen commercial execution, explore new market opportunities and create a platform for sustainable, long-term growth.”

A diversified portfolio of beer, whisky and gin

DeVANS is focused on building brands that resonate with younger legal-age consumers through product innovation, cultural relevance and experiential storytelling.

Its portfolio includes Six Fields beers, comprising Brute, Cult, Blanche and Pilsner; Godfather beer; GianChand, an award-winning Indian single malt whisky portfolio rooted in Jammu’s whisky-making heritage; and Gingalalahu gin.

The company’s brands have received international recognition. Six Fields Brute won Gold and was named Country Winner at the World Beer Awards in the UK, alongside further accolades for Six Fields and GianChand.

Brand engagement through culture and experiences

DeVANS is also investing in culturally relevant brand engagement. Its #CheersForMore campaign for Six Fields, featuring international cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary, celebrates shared experiences around cricket. The campaign reflects the company’s focus on developing distinctive brand narratives and strengthening consumer connections.

Focus on commercial and operational growth

DeVANS’ next phase of growth involves bringing together its established manufacturing base, diversified portfolio and evolving approach to brand-building. Bhatia’s appointment is intended to strengthen the commercial and operational capabilities required to translate these assets into sustained business growth

Conrad Pune appoints Siddhartha Tripathi as Director of Food and Beverage

Tripathi brings over 15 years of hospitality experience, having held leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, JW Marriott Pune and The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

Conrad Pune has appointed Siddhartha Tripathi as Director of Food and Beverage. In his new role, Tripathi will lead the hotel’s food and beverage operations across its restaurants, bars and events, focusing on guest experiences, operational excellence, team development and overall business performance.

Experience across leading hospitality brands

Tripathi brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience, with expertise across food and beverage operations, restaurants, events and team leadership. Before joining Conrad Pune, he served as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. He has also held leadership roles at JW Marriott Pune and The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, among other properties.

His experience across leading hospitality brands, combined with his understanding of the Pune market, brings operational and commercial expertise to his new role.

Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, said, “We are delighted to welcome Siddhartha to Conrad Pune. His strong experience across food and beverage and events, combined with his understanding of the Pune market, will be a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to his contribution in further strengthening our dining experiences, developing our teams and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”

Focus on dining concepts and revenue growth

At Conrad Pune, Tripathi will work closely with the culinary operations, sales and marketing teams to strengthen the hotel’s food and beverage portfolio. His responsibilities will include enhancing dining concepts, driving guest engagement, identifying revenue growth opportunities, maintaining service and operational standards, and developing high-performing teams.

Tripathi said, “I am delighted to join Conrad Pune and look forward to contributing to the hotel’s food and beverage journey. I am excited to work with the team to strengthen our dining experiences, introduce relevant new ideas and continue creating memorable experiences for our guests.”

With his experience in food and beverage operations and knowledge of the local hospitality landscape, Tripathi will support the continued development of Conrad Pune’s dining and events portfolio

Accor appoints Deeppreet Bindra as Director of ibis and ibis Styles India

The hospitality leader brings over two decades of experience across hotel operations, commercial performance and people leadership as Accor advances the growth of its midscale brands in India.

Accor has appointed Deeppreet Bindra as Director – ibis & ibis Styles India, as the hospitality group continues to strengthen its presence and expand the two brands across the country.

In his new role, Bindra will lead the strategic and operational performance of ibis and ibis Styles in India, focusing on portfolio growth, commercial performance, guest experience and team development. He will work closely with hotel teams and partners to strengthen brand performance and support continued growth across established and emerging markets.

More than two decades of hospitality experience

Bindra brings over two decades of experience across the service and hospitality sectors, with expertise spanning hotel operations, commercial performance, sales, guest experience and people leadership. His career includes leadership roles with American Express, Kingfisher Airlines, The Oberoi Group and Marriott International, where he gained experience across hotel operations and business performance.

His contribution to the hospitality industry has been recognised through several accolades, including General Manager of the Year – Upper Upscale at BW Hotelier 2026; General Manager of the Year at the FHRAI Annual Convention 2025; General Manager of the Year at Hotelier India 2022; and General Manager of the Year – Consumer Operations at the Marriott APEC Conference 2021.

Most recently, Bindra held leadership roles with Marriott International, where he led hotel operations and commercial performance while developing engaged teams.

Focus on growth and guest experience

The appointment comes at an important phase in the development of ibis and ibis Styles in India. While ibis offers accessible and reliable hospitality, ibis Styles brings a distinctive, design-led proposition. Both brands are positioned to serve the evolving needs of India’s domestic and business travel markets.

Bindra will focus on building on this foundation, driving business performance and delivering consistent guest experiences across the portfolio as the brands expand their presence.

Vineet Mishra, Vice President, PME, Accor India & South Asia, said, “We are delighted to welcome Deeppreet to Accor and look forward to his leadership as we continue to strengthen ibis and ibis Styles in India. His extensive experience across hotel operations, commercial performance and people leadership, combined with his strong track record in the industry, will be valuable as we build the next phase of growth for the brands. I am confident that Deeppreet will create meaningful value for our guests, owners and partners.”

Commenting on his new role, Deeppreet Bindra, Director – ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “I am excited to join Accor and take on the opportunity to lead ibis and ibis Styles in India. Both brands have established a strong presence in the country, with clear and distinctive propositions, and I look forward to building on this foundation. My focus will be on strengthening business performance, delivering consistent guest experiences and working closely with our teams and partners to drive sustainable growth. I am looking forward to contributing to the next chapter of the brands’ journey in India.”

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport appoints Anish Ghadiyar as Food & Beverage Manager

With over 12 years of hospitality experience, Ghadiyar brings expertise in F&B operations, banquet management, revenue generation and guest experience.

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport has appointed Anish Ghadiyar as Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team and its focus on dining and guest experiences.

With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ghadiyar brings expertise across food and beverage operations, restaurant and banquet management, revenue generation, cost optimisation, guest experience and team leadership.

Experience across hotel operations and F&B management

Ghadiyar began his career with Accor Asia Pacific through the Accor General Management Trainee Program and has since held a series of progressive leadership roles. Before joining Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, he served as Food & Beverage Manager at Novotel Hyderabad, where he was responsible for overseeing the hotel’s complete F&B operations.

Over the course of his career, he has led multi-outlet operations, managed large-scale events, driven revenue growth, improved operational efficiencies and built high-performing teams across Novotel properties in Visakhapatnam, Pune and Hyderabad.

He also has a keen interest in beverage innovation, with a focus on developing new concepts and creating distinctive guest experiences.

Focus on dining and banquet experiences

Commenting on the appointment, Subhrajit Bardhan, General Manager, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, said, “We are pleased to welcome Anish to the team. His operational experience, leadership approach and passion for creating engaging F&B experiences will add significant value as we continue to strengthen our dining and banquet offerings.”

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Appoints Remank Goel as Hotel Manager

With a career shaped by leading hospitality brands and the Delhi-NCR market, Remank takes charge.

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara has appointed Remank Goel as Hotel Manager, bringing over 15 years of hospitality experience across sales, business development, revenue generation and commercial leadership.

Remank joins from Lemon Tree Hotels, where he served as Cluster Director of Sales - Gurugram, overseeing business across nine operating hotels. Prior to this, he was Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, leading commercial strategy, revenue generation, corporate and MICE business, and sales and marketing initiatives.

His career includes senior roles with IHG Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Hotels, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, along with experience in corporate travel with FCM Travel Solutions India. He holds a PGDBM in Sales & Marketing from IMT Ghaziabad and a qualification in Hospitality Administration and Management from JPIHM.

“We are pleased to welcome Remank to Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara. His experience across different areas of hospitality, along with his strong understanding of the Delhi-NCR market, will be valuable to the property. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to focus on our guests, our people and the overall performance of the hotel.”

~ Manish Kumar Bansal
Director, Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara

In his new role, Remank will oversee the hotel's day-to-day operations, with a focus on guest experience, operational efficiency, financial performance, revenue growth and market positioning. He will also work closely with the hotel's teams and stakeholders to strengthen business across its corporate, leisure, MICE and social segments.

Rosetta Hospitality appoints Abhishek Dhar as General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur

Dhar returns to the 100-acre coffee plantation resort in Karnataka after leading Elements by Rosetta in Goa, bringing more than 25 years of hospitality experience.

Rosetta Hospitality has appointed Abhishek Dhar as General Manager of its flagship resort, Rosetta Sakleshpur, set within a 100-acre coffee plantation in Hassan, Karnataka, approximately a three-hour drive from Bengaluru. Dhar returns to the property, where he previously served as Resident Manager, after most recently leading Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, as General Manager.

With more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Dhar brings expertise across food and beverage, hotel operations and guest experience. His career spans leading hospitality brands in India and overseas, including The Imperial, New Delhi; Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru; Raffles Hotel Singapore; The Leela Palaces & Resorts; Hyatt Hotels; Alila Hotels & Resorts; InterContinental Hotels Group; Evolve Back; GreenPark Hotels & Resorts; and Rosetta Hospitality.

A career spanning luxury hospitality and resort operations

Dhar began his hospitality career at The Imperial, New Delhi, where he developed his experience in luxury hotel operations and progressed over six years to the role of Assistant Restaurant Manager. He subsequently held positions at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Leela Palaces & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Alila Hotels & Resorts. His experience across food and beverage and hotel operations prepared him for broader resort management and leadership responsibilities.

He joined Rosetta Hospitality in 2019 as Pre-Opening Manager for Rosetta Sakleshpur, overseeing operational preparations ahead of the property’s opening. He later served as Resident Manager, developing an in-depth understanding of the resort’s operations and nature-led positioning.

Dhar subsequently moved to Goa as General Manager of Elements by Rosetta, where he oversaw overall operations and guest experience. During his tenure, the resort achieved a five-star classification, marking a significant milestone in its development.

Focus on service excellence and experiential offerings

As General Manager, Dhar will oversee Rosetta Sakleshpur’s overall operations, focusing on service excellence, team development and guest satisfaction. He will also guide the continued development of experiential offerings, strengthening the property’s connection with its natural surroundings and regional character across accommodation, dining and events.

Commenting on the appointment, Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Rosetta Hospitality, said, “Abhishek Dhar’s return to Rosetta Sakleshpur brings together his familiarity with the property and the experience he has gained leading Elements by Rosetta. His understanding of our operating ethos and the distinct character of Sakleshpur will be valuable as we continue to evolve the guest experience and strengthen the resort’s positioning.”

Dhar said, “Returning to Rosetta Sakleshpur as General Manager is a meaningful opportunity, given my earlier association with the property and my journey with Rosetta Hospitality. Leading Elements by Rosetta has further broadened my perspective on resort operations, team leadership and evolving guest expectations. I look forward to working with the team to build on Sakleshpur’s distinctive character and create thoughtful, memorable experiences rooted in the destination.”

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai appoints Anuradha Venkatachalam as General Manager

With over 16 years of international hospitality experience, Venkatachalam will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy, brand positioning and guest experience initiatives

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai has appointed Anuradha Venkatachalam as its new General Manager, effective 1 October 2026. She brings over 16 years of international hospitality experience across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, spanning commercial strategy, marketing, operations, pre-openings and brand launches.

Experience across international hospitality brands

Venkatachalam began her career with Crowne Plaza Bahrain in 2010 and subsequently held leadership roles with JW Marriott Kuwait and IHG in Oman and Singapore. Most recently, she served as Hotel Captain at Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud, where she led the pre-opening and launch of the first Moxy hotel in South Asia.

A people-first approach to leadership

Venkatachalam’s leadership philosophy centres on developing talent, empowering teams and creating meaningful experiences for stakeholders. She is particularly passionate about empowering women and nurturing future hospitality leaders, with an emphasis on building teams where employees feel trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Her approach also focuses on bringing a brand’s personality to life across guest touchpoints, combining brand storytelling with operational delivery.

Focus on brand identity and commercial growth

At Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, Venkatachalam will focus on strengthening the hotel’s commercial performance and brand positioning. Her priorities include building on its art-inspired identity, developing its culinary offerings and creating distinctive experiences for guests and employees.

Commenting on her appointment, Anuradha Venkatachalam, General Manager, Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, said, “I am delighted to begin this new chapter with Pullman Chennai. I have always believed that people are at the heart of hospitality. My focus has always been on building teams, developing hospitality leaders and creating experiences that have meaning for everyone we work with and welcome. I look forward to building on Pullman Chennai’s distinctive identity and taking its story forward with the team.”

With her international experience, people-first leadership philosophy and focus on brand development, Venkatachalam takes charge as Pullman Chennai Anna Salai enters its next phase.

Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road welcome Deep Vahi as Multi-Property General Manager

October 2026: Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road are delighted to welcome Deep Vahi as Multi-Property General Manager. Bringing nearly two decades of experience across Sales, Marketing and Operations, Deep joins the properties following a career that has taken him through diverse commercial and operational leadership roles.

 Deep began his career with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts before joining JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in 2008, where he built his foundation in Sales. His career with Marriott International has since evolved across the National Sales Organization, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport and JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, spanning Sales, Marketing and Operations. Returning to JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in 2021 as Director of Sales & Marketing, Deep transitioned into Operations in 2024 and most recently served as Hotel Manager.

His contributions have been recognized with several Marriott International honors, including the President’s Circle Award, two Chairman’s Circle Awards and the Sales & Marketing Leader of the Year – Luxury (APEC) award. In his new role, Deep will lead both properties with a focus on building on their strong foundations, unlocking new avenues for growth, and fostering a culture where business performance, associate development and guest experience go hand in hand.

Commenting on his appointment, Deep Vahi, said, “Namaskara Bengaluru. It is a privilege to begin this new chapter in the Silicon Valley of India, a city that beautifully brings together innovation, culture and a distinctive sense of warmth. I look forward to immersing myself in this dynamic city, building meaningful relationships with our guests , partners and most importantly working alongside the talented teams at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road.

For me, hospitality has always been about people and the experiences we create together. I look forward to nurturing a culture where our associates feel inspired, empowered and proud to bring their very best every day, while creating memorable and meaningful experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.”

 Beyond his professional interests, Deep is an avid cricket enthusiast and enjoys both watching and playing the sport.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Welcomes Chef Tapeswar Jana as Executive Chef

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Tapeswar Jana as its new Executive Chef, effective October 2026. Bringing over 14 years of culinary experience across luxury hospitality brands, Chef Tapeswar has built a strong track record in culinary operations, menu innovation, team leadership and delivering memorable dining experiences. His professional journey includes leadership roles with Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, The Raintree, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental and ITC Hotels.

Throughout his career, Chef Tapeswar has led diverse culinary teams across multiple restaurants, banquets, in-room dining and outdoor catering operations. His expertise spans menu development, food cost management, food safety, destination weddings and large-scale events. He has also received industry recognition, including the Times Good Food Awards 2026 for Best Modern Rajasthani Restaurant and Best European Cuisine, reflecting his commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

At Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Chef Tapeswar will lead the hotel's culinary operations, bringing fresh perspectives to its dining experiences while building on the property's commitment to quality, creativity and warm hospitality. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel's culinary offerings, with a continued focus on creating distinctive experiences for both in-house guests and the local community.