Farewell to a Pioneer: Nakul Anand Bids Adieu to ITC After 45 Years

Farewell to a Pioneer: Nakul Anand Bids Adieu to ITC After 45 Years

By Author

Published on January 4, 2024

Nakul Anand, an esteemed figure in the hotel and travel industry, bid adieu to his role as the executive director of ITC after an illustrious 45-year career. Joining ITC Hotels in 1978, Anand ascended to leadership positions, steering ITC's hospitality, travel, and tourism businesses. The farewell ceremony, held at the ITC Green Centre, marked the end of an era in the company.

Anand, recognized for his visionary contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector, played a pivotal role in elevating ITC Hotels to its current zenith. During his tenure, he served as the Managing Director of ITC Hotels from 2003 to 2005 and later assumed the position of a director on the board of ITC in 2011.

Having commenced his career as a management trainee, Anand's journey reflected a commitment to excellence. An economics honors graduate from Delhi University with an AMP Degree from Australia’s Bond University, he brought a wealth of knowledge to ITC.

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“In a career that spans more than four decades, Anand has been acknowledged for his vision, commitment, and his role as a thought leader in the tourism and hospitality industry," as mentioned on the ITC website. Anand's legacy includes championing sustainability in hoteliering, making ITC Hotels a global leader in LEED® Platinum certified properties.

Beyond his contributions at ITC, Anand held leadership roles in the Hotel Association of India and CII National Tourism Committee. Presently, he is a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council, part of the Executive Committee of the Hotel Association of India, and a member of the Senior Advisory Council of the Sustainability Hospitality Alliance.

As Anand steps into retirement, his impact on ITC and the broader hospitality landscape remains an enduring testament to his dedication and leadership.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Appoints Sonal Ram as Marketing & Communications Manager

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Appoints Sonal Ram as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 30, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sonal Ram as its new Marketing and Communications Manager. With over seven years in hospitality marketing and event management, Sonal’s expertise promises a dynamic impact on the hotel’s strategies and guest engagement initiatives.

In her previous role at Lemon Tree Hotels, Sonal played a significant role in launching several properties, including the iconic Aurika Mumbai Skycity. Her skill in driving brand awareness, orchestrating major events, and contributing to revenue growth will be invaluable in her new position at Courtyard by Marriott.

Sonal’s appointment aligns perfectly with Courtyard by Marriott’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences, especially within its Food and Beverage sector. She will lead the development and execution of innovative marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility, attract new guests, and elevate the hotel’s reputation in Mumbai’s vibrant market.

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Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Sonal shared, “I am honoured to be joining such a renowned brand. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s success and helping to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

With Sonal Ram’s expertise and energy, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport looks forward to strengthening its position as one of the city's premier hospitality destinations.

About Courtyard by Marriott:

Ideally located in Andheri East, Courtyard Mumbai International Airport offers 4-star comfort and easy access to Mumbai’s top attractions and business hubs, including Bandra Kurla Complex. Perfect for both business and leisure, guests enjoy a variety of amenities, from spa treatments and an outdoor pool to sophisticated event spaces for weddings and conferences. Indulge in culinary delights at MoMo Café, Ummrao restaurant, and Ark Bar, and unwind in upscale rooms featuring pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai continues to deliver friendly service and memorable experiences that have earned it a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Preeti Chugh as Executive Housekeeper

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Preeti Chugh as Executive Housekeeper

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 26, 2024

Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Preeti Chugh as its new Executive Housekeeper. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Preeti joins Hyatt Regency Chennai, bringing extensive expertise in managing housekeeping operations at high-profile hotels. Her background includes prominent roles at well-known properties such as Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai and Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, where she led teams of more than 100 employees and upheld top-tier brand standards.

In her new role at Hyatt Regency Chennai, Preeti will oversee all housekeeping operations, focusing on maintaining high standards of cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Her responsibilities will extend to managing laundry services, landscaping, and the overall upkeep of the hotel’s facilities, ensuring they meet and exceed Hyatt’s standards. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to quality, Preeti will drive the hotel’s housekeeping efforts to support its reputation as a premier destination for luxury and comfort.

Preeti’s passion for sustainability is evident in her leadership style; she has successfully led “Go Green” initiatives in her previous roles, encouraging environmentally friendly practices across her teams. By implementing eco-conscious practices and tracking sustainable progress, she aims to integrate these values into Hyatt Regency Chennai’s housekeeping operations, aligning with the hotel’s broader environmental goals.

Previously, as Executive Housekeeper at Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai, Preeti played a crucial role in helping the property achieve a 91% audit score for brand standards compliance, reflecting her dedication to operational excellence. Her background in developing and implementing training programs has also proven invaluable, fostering professional growth within her teams and supporting consistent service quality.


Amit Kumar Lala Appointed Director of Operations at The Westin Chennai Velachery

Amit Kumar Lala Appointed Director of Operations at The Westin Chennai Velachery

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 17, 2024

The Westin Chennai Velachery is delighted to announce the appointment of Amit Kumar Lala as the Director of Operations. With an impressive 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Lala brings a wealth of experience in managing operations in some of India's most prestigious hotels.

Amit Kumar Lala has worked with leading hotel chains, including Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, Taj Hotels & Resorts, The Leela Palace, and ITC Hotels. His proven track record in strategic leadership and dynamic operations management makes him a valuable addition to The Westin Chennai Velachery’s leadership team.

Known for his guest-centric approach, Lala has consistently maintained high levels of guest satisfaction, introducing innovative service designs and personalized amenities to elevate the guest experience. His leadership is rooted in teamwork and employee engagement, ensuring that staff are motivated and performance is optimized.

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A strong financial strategist, Lala excels at managing substantial budgets, overseeing revenue, and driving profit margins while delivering excellent service.

An alumnus of IIAS Siliguri and a graduate of Calcutta University, Amit Kumar Lala is poised to bring his expertise and innovative mindset to further strengthen The Westin Chennai Velachery’s reputation for excellence.

For more details about The Westin Chennai Velachery, please visit their official website or follow them on social media for updates. 

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