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.


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. 


The Machan Appoints Sakshi Sarmandal as Director of Talent and Culture

The Machan Appoints Sakshi Sarmandal as Director of Talent and Culture

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 16, 2024

The award-winning Machan Resorts LLP has further strengthened its leadership team by appointing Sakshi Sarmandal as the Director of Talent and Culture. With over 30 years of exceptional hospitality to its name, The Machan is committed to fostering a people-centric environment, and Sakshi's appointment underscores this dedication.

In her new role, Sakshi will be responsible for executing strategies to enhance the group's employee-centric culture, ensuring that The Machan continues to attract top talent while providing an inspiring workplace. With a Business Administration degree in Human Resources from The Welingkar Institute of Management Studies, she brings a rich blend of academic knowledge and practical experience.

Sakshi’s impressive background in hospitality includes stints at JW Marriott Juhu, Sarovar Hotels, Pride Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and even as a professor at IHM College. Her wealth of experience in talent management and people development is set to play a pivotal role in the growth and success of The Machan brand.

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Speaking on the appointment, Rakshit Sharma, COO, said, "We are thrilled to have Sakshi join our leadership team. Her experience in talent management and passion for developing people will play a key role in strengthening our employee-centric culture and driving the overall growth of our brand."

Expressing her excitement, Sakshi added, "I am excited to be a part of a brand that values sustainability and innovation. My goal is to create an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive in their careers."

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About The Machan:

The Machan is a one-of-a-kind eco-resort renowned for its luxurious treehouses in Lonavala, offering serene views and an unparalleled connection to nature. The group also operates Legacy Mandawa, a heritage haveli resort in Rajasthan, and is expanding with new properties in Jawai, Jaisalmer, Udaipur (Rajasthan), Mulshi, and Pawna.

For more information, please visit www.themachan.com and follow @machanresorts on Instagram.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity Welcomes Shuvendu Banerjee as New General Manager Starting October 2024

Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity Welcomes Shuvendu Banerjee as New General Manager Starting October 2024

By Author

Published on October 4, 2024

Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity is proud to announce the appointment of Shuvendu Banerjee as its new General Manager, effective October 2024. With over two decades of remarkable experience in the hospitality industry, Banerjee brings a proven track record of success, making him a valuable addition to one of Delhi’s leading destinations for business and leisure travelers.

Prior to joining Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity, Shuvendu Banerjee held the position of General Manager at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and strategic partnerships. Banerjee was honored with the prestigious IMPACT AWARD - ALL METRICS ACHIEVED 2023 and the General Manager of the Year 2023 award in the Upper Upscale Category (North) at the BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Awards.

At Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity, Banerjee is set to focus on elevating guest experiences through innovative services, a keen focus on operational efficiency, and fostering strong industry relationships. His deep expertise in sales and marketing, coupled with his ability to drive team building, will be critical in steering the hotel to new heights. He will also work closely with key stakeholders in the travel industry, embassies, and corporate sectors to create growth opportunities for the property.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Banerjee shared, I am thrilled to join Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity, a brand synonymous with delivering exceptional hospitality. My goal is to build upon the hotel’s strong foundation while ensuring a renewed focus on guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement.”

Banerjee’s impressive educational background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Distance Learning. He has also earned certifications from globally renowned institutions such as Cornell University, Harvard University, and IIM Ahmedabad. His leadership style is highly approachable, and he is deeply committed to talent development, a quality that has earned him a respected reputation across the IHG Group, where he has contributed for over 18 years.

Outside of his professional life, Banerjee enjoys sports, music, and long drives. He is looking forward to embracing the new challenges and opportunities that come with leading Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity.

With Banerjee’s appointment, Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity is set to continue its legacy of delivering exceptional hospitality and world-class experiences for guests from around the globe.

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