Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences has announced the appointment of Mr. Mohammad Yusuf Yamin as the new Director of Human Resources. With more than 15 years of experience across leading hospitality brands in India and Nepal, he brings strong expertise in people management, team culture, colleague engagement and industrial relations.

Mr. Yamin joins the Pune hotel after serving as Director of Human Resources at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu for over two years. In Nepal, he played a key role in shaping HR strategy, strengthening colleague engagement and driving organisational development practices.

Before his Hyatt Kathmandu tenure, he spent close to a decade with IHCL, working across important locations such as Srinagar, Lucknow and Corbett National Park. His work there focused on improving HR systems, building team performance, creating a healthy workplace culture and handling complex people-related matters with a balanced and transparent approach.

Known for his hands-on style and calm leadership, Mr. Yamin brings a people-first outlook that aligns well with Hyatt’s service values.

In his new role at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, he will oversee talent acquisition, learning and development, employee relations, performance management and colleague well-being, strengthening the hotel’s commitment to creating a supportive and growth-focused environment for its teams.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hotel chains, has strengthened its leadership team with three strategic appointments across key functions. The new leaders bring a blend of global experience, specialised skills and strong industry exposure as the brand continues to expand its footprint across the country.

Chef Rahul Rana Joins as Director – Culinary

With over 22 years of international experience, Chef Rahul Rana takes charge of Cygnett’s culinary direction. A hospitality professional with an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Studies from Switzerland, he has worked with global brands such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental and Sarova Hotels.

His journey spans the UK, Caribbean, Maldives, Indonesia, Kenya and India. Chef Rana has also launched several speciality restaurants, including modern Pan-Asian concepts, Peruvian cuisine and Kenyan-native dining. Known for his modern techniques and large-scale buffet presentations, he is expected to bring a fresh culinary identity to the brand.

Sanjit Kumar Thakur Appointed as Corporate Learning & Development Manager

A seasoned L&D professional, Sanjit Kumar Thakur brings nearly 15 years of hospitality experience. An IHM Kolkata graduate with an MBA in HR, he has previously worked with reputed hotel groups including Taj, Oberoi, Radisson, Sarovar and Accor.

Thakur already oversees the L&D function at Cygnett and is focused on people development, capability building and strengthening talent pipelines across the organisation.

Ravvinder Bhola Joins as General Manager – Information Technology

With more than two decades in hospitality technology, Ravvinder Bhola steps in as the GM – IT. He has served with leading hotel brands such as Starwood, Taj and Marriott across India and global markets.

His strengths include system deployments, digital transformation, cybersecurity, risk management and governance—key areas for modern hotel operations. Bhola is expected to lead Cygnett’s technology roadmap as the brand scales its operations.

Speaking on the appointments, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "As a key hospitality chain, we are committed to strengthening our leadership team with experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. As we continue to grow our footprints across the country, their combination of skills, passion and commitment will help us maintain our service standards and drive our expansion plans."

With these additions, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts continues to build a strong leadership foundation, reinforcing its vision for growth, innovation and guest-centric excellence.

ibis India has strengthened its commercial presence in two important markets: Mumbai and Gurgaon, by bringing in two experienced sales leaders. This move highlights the brand’s continued focus on building strong corporate relationships, boosting revenue and expanding its commercial reach across the country.

The brand has appointed Gauri Lonke as the Cluster Director of Sales for the Mumbai Cluster, which includes ibis Mumbai Airport and ibis Mumbai BKC. It has also welcomed Rupesh Malik as the Director of Sales for ibis Gurgaon Golf Course Road.

Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head at ibis and ibis Styles India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Gauri and Rupesh to the ibis family. Their collective market expertise, strong industry relationships and demonstrated leadership will further strengthen our commercial engine in two of our most important cities. With their experience and direction, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities and enhancing our engagement with key corporate and travel partners across regions.”

Gauri brings close to 15 years of experience across well-known hospitality brands, having built strong skills in sales planning, key account management and business development. She has previously worked with IHCL, Ginger Hotels and Hyatt Hotels. With her deep understanding of the Mumbai market and ability to build high-value partnerships, she will lead sales strategy and revenue growth for both Mumbai properties.

Sharing her excitement, Gauri said, “Joining ibis at such an important phase of growth is truly energising. The Mumbai market is dynamic and full of potential and I look forward to strengthening our corporate outreach, building new partnerships and enhancing the commercial performance of both hotels.”

Rupesh brings more than a decade of hospitality sales experience with him, having worked with reputed brands including Radisson Hotel Group, where he most recently served as Associate Director of Sales. With his strong background in key account management, B2B and MICE segments, and a deep understanding of the NCR corporate landscape, he will play a major role in strengthening the market position of ibis Gurgaon.

Speaking about his new role, Rupesh said, “I am thrilled to join ibis and contribute to its expanding footprint in Gurgaon. This market has tremendous opportunity and I look forward to deepening corporate relationships, driving revenue-focused strategies and delivering strong commercial results for the hotel.”

With these appointments, ibis continues to invest in strengthening its sales leadership and building a strong commercial foundation that supports long-term growth across India.