Abheet Singh Bagga Joins Mirah Hospitality as Head of Brand and Marketing

Abheet Singh Bagga Joins Mirah Hospitality as Head of Brand and Marketing

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 28, 2024

Mirah Hospitality has announced the appointment of Abheet Singh Bagga as the Head of Brand and Marketing. This move aims to strengthen the brand and marketing strategies for all of Mirah Hospitality’s brands in India and Dubai, which include well-known restaurant chains such as Bayroute, Hitchki, The Mezze Company, Rajdhani, and Rajdhani Street.

Abheet Singh Bagga brings a wealth of experience to this new position. He is known for his dynamic approach and has a proven track record in the food and beverage industry. His expertise covers various areas, including brand strategy, marketing, sales, operations, events, and owner relations. Abheet’s creative vision and problem-solving skills have led to impressive results in his past roles.

Jino Joseph, the AVP of Human Resource and Operations at Mirah Hospitality, expressed excitement about Abheet's appointment. “We are delighted to welcome Abheet to Mirah Hospitality. His passion for the industry, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our brand and marketing efforts. We are confident that Abheet will play a pivotal role in driving our brands to new heights,” Joseph stated.

Upon his appointment, Abheet Singh Bagga remarked, “I am thrilled to be joining Mirah Hospitality and to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of these iconic brands. I look forward to working with the talented team at Mirah Hospitality to further elevate the dining experiences and brand presence of Bayroute, Hitchki, and Rajdhani.”

Before joining Mirah Hospitality, Abheet held significant leadership roles at several prominent organizations, including DEFY Vodka, Greater Than Gin, and The Habitat. His appointment comes at a time when Mirah Hospitality is expanding its presence and innovating within the Indian dining landscape.

With Abheet at the helm of brand and marketing, Mirah Hospitality is poised for continued growth and success in the competitive food and beverage industry. His experience and vision will be crucial as the company seeks to enhance its brand identity and customer engagement across its various restaurant offerings.


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.


Himanshu Batra Appointed General Manager of Welcomhotel Jodhpur

Himanshu Batra Appointed General Manager of Welcomhotel Jodhpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

ITC Hotels has announced the appointment of Himanshu Batra as the new General Manager of Welcomhotel Jodhpur, situated at the heart of the city. A seasoned hotelier with over 17 years of experience, Batra brings operational expertise, strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence in creating and delivering remarkable guest experiences.

Over the years, Batra has held key leadership roles across several iconic ITC Hotels, including ITC Narmada (Ahmedabad), ITC Grand Chola (Chennai), ITC Windsor (Bengaluru), ITC Mughal (Agra), and ITC Rajputana (Jaipur). Across each property, he has consistently elevated service standards, fostered high-performing teams, and driven guest satisfaction with precision and poise.

Batra’s association with ITC Hotels began early in his career. He is a graduate of the Welcomgroup Management Institute, which laid the foundation for his journey within one of India’s most respected luxury hospitality chains.

Reflecting on his appointment, Himanshu Batra said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager at Welcomhotel Jodhpur. I look forward to shaping Welcomhotel Jodhpur – a landmark in this beautiful city that blends heritage, crafts, and industrialisation. This makes Jodhpur a value-driven and highly competitive market, and I am eager to position our property as a leader in delivering best-in-class luxury hospitality experiences responsibly, in line with the core ethos of ITC Hotels.”

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