Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 14, 2024

Abdeali Zoomkawala has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Zoomkawala brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at this luxury property, located in the pristine Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

Welcoming Zoomkawala to the team, Vinit Chhabra, General Manager of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated,” Chhabra stated.

Zoomkawala’s career journey spans several prestigious brands, including The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, and Trident Hyderabad. He has also held roles at Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Bookmark in Manali (part of Justa Hotels & Resorts), and more recently at IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate—a historic 140-year-old ice factory in Mumbai that now serves as a community space.

image

Known for his expertise in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership, Zoomkawala has a proven track record of enhancing operational performance, increasing revenue, and prioritizing guest satisfaction.

Academically, Zoomkawala is an alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University in Yorkshire, where he earned a BA in Hotel/Motel Administration and Management. His skill set is further enriched through various certifications and training programs, including sessions on Positive & Effective Communication, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, and a program on Team Synergy by the Academy of Human Excellence. He also holds a Butler Training Certification from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers in the United Kingdom.

On his new role, Zoomkawala shared his excitement about contributing to The Khyber’s reputation as India’s only luxury ski resort. “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Khyber, India’s only luxury ski Resort. As a team, we will strive to keep the flag flying high with world-class services, while continuously innovating to exceed the expectations of our guests. I hope to curate bespoke experiences, enhancing the property’s brand identity,” Zoomkawala remarked.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, perched at 8,825 feet in the Himalayas, is known for its luxurious ambiance and dedication to sustainable practices. Since its opening in December 2012, the 85-room resort has been celebrated for its stunning views of the Affarwat peaks, The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE, and wellness facilities that include a gym and a heated indoor swimming pool. Located close to Gulmarg’s renowned Gondola and the world’s highest golf course, the resort is a popular destination for both ski enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike.


DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad has appointed Kritika Arora as its new human resources manager, marking a return to the hotel where she previously contributed as training executive and assistant manager, HR & Training. With over a decade of experience spanning leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, IHG, Oberoi, and Pride, Arora brings extensive expertise in building strong organisational cultures, fostering employee engagement, and driving talent development.

Before her appointment, Arora served as learning manager at Hyatt, Ahmedabad, where she led talent and training initiatives that enhanced both organisational performance and employee satisfaction. She holds an MBA in Human Resources from Pune University and has undertaken certifications in leadership, train-the-trainer, POSH, and quality assurance.

Commenting on the appointment, Khizer Khan, Hotel Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Kritika back to the DoubleTree family. Her proven expertise in HR, coupled with her passion for fostering inclusive and high-performing teams, will play a pivotal role in strengthening our people-first culture.”

Reflecting on her new role, Kritika Arora shared:

“I am excited to return to DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad, a place that has been instrumental in shaping my career. I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong values by creating an environment where people thrive, grow, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

With Arora at the helm of HR, the hotel is set to reinforce its commitment to a people-first culture, ensuring team growth and an elevated guest experience across all operations.


Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Mariki Sayles as its new Director of Food & Beverage, marking an exciting chapter in the hotel’s culinary evolution. With more than a decade of distinguished international experience spanning India, New York, and beyond, Mariki brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the role.

An award-winning hospitality professional, Mariki was honoured as Mixologist of the Year by The Times of India and served as a judge at ProWine Mumbai 2024, establishing herself as one of the industry’s most forward-thinking F&B leaders. Her diverse experience includes leading beverage operations for Bastian Hospitality’s iconic venues across India, directing transformative consulting projects nationwide, and contributing to the beverage program at New York’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin.

Throughout her career, Mariki has been recognised for creating and elevating cutting-edge bar and restaurant concepts that blend operational excellence with creative storytelling, crafting experiences that resonate deeply with guests.

At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, she will oversee the hotel’s comprehensive food and beverage operations, driving strategy, innovation, and exceptional guest engagement across its acclaimed dining venues, sophisticated banquet facilities, and signature lounges. This appointment underscores the hotel’s dedication to maintaining its leadership position in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Reflecting on her new role, Mariki Sayles shared,

“JW Marriott is synonymous with international standards of excellence, and I am thrilled to contribute to this legacy at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. My vision is to elevate our food and beverage experiences to not only match global benchmarks but also redefine them for the Mumbai market, curating concepts that are innovative, immersive, and unforgettable.”

With her creative vision, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic insight, Mariki’s leadership is set to enhance JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s culinary identity, reaffirming its reputation as the Gateway to Mumbai and a true pioneer of hospitality excellence.


Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

GRT Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Vijaya Kumar as the General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the group’s flagship property. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Kumar brings a wealth of expertise in operations, culinary innovation, and sustainable hospitality practices.

Kumar’s promotion to General Manager marks a significant internal advancement within GRT Hotels & Resorts. He previously served as Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, leading operations across Radisson franchise GRT hotels, and has contributed 17 years of dedicated service to the group across multiple properties. His experience also includes tenures with renowned brands such as Taj, ITC, and SRM Hotels.

Passionate about community impact, Kumar has spearheaded initiatives like Chef Amudhupadai, a program to feed underprivileged children, collaborated with local farmers for organic produce, introduced Braille menus and allergen-friendly dining, and trained differently-abled individuals in hospitality and bakery sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Mr. Vijaya Kumar as General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels. His journey reflects our commitment to nurturing talent from within. Beginning his career as a professional chef, he combines culinary creativity with operational insight, equipping him with a deep understanding of guest experience and hospitality operations. Under his stewardship, Grand Chennai will continue to set new benchmarks in guest satisfaction and brand excellence.”

Speaking about his new role, Vijaya Kumar added:

“It is a privilege to lead Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the flagship property of a brand that has set benchmarks in Indian hospitality for nearly three decades. My focus will be on crafting meaningful guest experiences, championing sustainability, and creating a destination that truly reflects the essence of GRT Hotels. Together with my team, I look forward to carrying this tradition forward while setting new standards for excellence.”

Kumar holds a diploma in hotel management from IHM Chennai, alongside multiple postgraduate degrees including an MBA in Human Resources, MA in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Tourism Management. He is also certified in ISO 22000, AHLA programs, and is an accredited trainer and auditor.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.