The Leela Gandhinagar, in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, has appointed Rahul Mehta as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. With a stellar career spanning over 15 years, Mr. Mehta brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing and client relationship management.

Mr. Mehta's expertise encompasses strategic sales planning, stakeholder engagement and finance management, supported by a strong analytical mindset and thorough understanding of P&L management. His diverse experience includes leadership roles at renowned hospitality brands such as Novotel Ahmedabad, Park Hyatt Hyderabad and The LaLiT Hotels, Palaces & Resorts. He has also worked extensively in Scotland. Most recently, he served as Associate Director of Executive Education with Ahmedabad University.

Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, "We are delighted to welcome Rahul Mehta to The Leela family. His deep understanding of the hospitality industry, coupled with his proven ability to craft innovative sales strategies, will undoubtedly propel The Leela Gandhinagar to new heights of success."

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Mehta said, "I am delighted to be a part of The Leela Gandhinagar. This is a proud moment for me and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this iconic property and strengthening its position as a premier luxury hospitality destination. I am thankful to The Leela for this opportunity."

Mr. Mehta is a gold medalist with an MBA in International Hospitality and Events Management from IMI, Switzerland. He also holds a BA in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and a Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management from IIHM, Kolkata.

Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Mehta has a passion for reading, running, exploring world cuisines and playing volleyball.

Shangri-La Bengaluru, renowned for its blend of luxury and Asian hospitality, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shireen Sheriff as the new Director of Marketing and Communications. With an impressive career spanning over two decades across the hospitality, retail, and luxury sectors, Shireen brings unparalleled expertise and innovative thinking to the esteemed property.

Shireen’s illustrious journey began at Taj Fisherman’s Cove in Chennai, and she has since held influential roles across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, including her most recent position as a Marketing and PR Consultant. Her strategic efforts have significantly enhanced the brand presence of luxury businesses, with a keen emphasis on digital transformation, branding, and guest engagement.

Vision and Leadership

In her new role, Shireen aims to integrate sustainability and technology into every aspect of the guest experience. She elaborates,

"It’s about offering guests not just luxury, but moments of connection and authenticity. Our goal is to create seamless journeys enriched by technology while fostering a more sustainable future in hospitality."

Under her leadership, Shangri-La Bengaluru’s seven dining outlets, including the renowned Shang Palace, Ssaffron, and Yataii, as well as the CHI Spa, will continue to shine as core elements of the hotel’s offerings. Shireen also plans to focus on storytelling and digital innovation, enhancing the brand’s engagement with its audience.

Words from the General Manager

Andreas Streiber, General Manager of Shangri-La Bengaluru, shared his enthusiasm for Shireen's appointment:

"We are thrilled to welcome Shireen to the Shangri-La family. Her vast experience and forward-thinking approach perfectly align with our commitment to delivering world-class Asian hospitality. We are confident her leadership will propel us to new heights in guest satisfaction and brand presence."

Beyond the Office

A passionate traveler, Shireen believes that “travels are the best teachers”, with markets and museums ranking high on her must-visit list. Her diverse interests include animal welfare, scuba diving, and art, reflecting a rich personal tapestry that complements her professional ethos.

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La is the iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, synonymous with heartfelt Asian hospitality. Known for its imaginative designs, cultural experiences, and authentic service, the brand operates in over 90 locations worldwide, from Australia to the United Kingdom.

About Shangri-La Circle

Shangri-La Circle is the brand’s travel lifestyle platform offering members exclusive benefits across 100+ properties worldwide, including restaurants, wellness facilities, and family experiences. For more details, visit the Shangri-La Circle website.

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim has announced the appointment of Nitin Gosain as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. With more than 19 years of experience in sales and marketing leadership across some of the most renowned hospitality brands, Gosain is known for his strategic vision and ability to deliver remarkable revenue growth.

Before joining Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, Gosain held key roles at IHG, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Holiday Inn properties in Pune and Chandigarh. During his tenure, he led his team to achieve an impressive 10 percent growth in topline revenue, earning accolades for their outstanding performance across various metrics. Gosain has a proven track record in crafting and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies, building strategic client partnerships, and running impactful marketing campaigns aimed at expanding market share and profitability.

His experience also includes designing customized promotional packages for corporate clients, securing high-value accounts, and utilizing digital platforms to boost business performance. Notable achievements include his tenure at Amari Hotel Dhaka and Radisson Blu Rudrapur, where he optimized GDS channels and ensured sustained excellence in performance indicators like MPI and RGI.

Gosain has earned recognition in the industry, having been nominated as the "Best Director of Sales and Marketing" and representing IHG at global forums and workshops. His extensive expertise in sales strategies, market dynamics, and key account management positions him as a vital force in driving business success.

Commenting on the appointment, Anuraag Raha, General Manager of Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, stated, “As he takes on this exciting new role, we are confident that Nitin’s strategic vision, dynamic leadership, and vast industry experience will play a pivotal role in elevating the sales and marketing efforts at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim.”