Absolute Hotel Services Appoints Dinesh Dahiya as Deputy Vice President – Commercial

Absolute Hotel Services Appoints Dinesh Dahiya as Deputy Vice President – Commercial

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 17, 2025

Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) India has announced the appointment of Mr. Dinesh Dahiya as its new Deputy Vice President – Commercial, marking a significant step in strengthening its leadership team. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Mr. Dahiya brings with him a deep reservoir of knowledge and a proven track record in driving commercial success across top global hospitality brands.

Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Dahiya has held strategic leadership roles at renowned names such as Starwood Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor, Fern Hotels, and Sayaji Hotels. His core expertise lies in business development, revenue management, and sales strategy, all of which have consistently contributed to brand expansion and improved commercial performance.

His accomplishments have earned him several accolades in the industry, including:

  • Most Fabulous Leaders Award at the Global MICE & Luxury Travel Congress & Awards (2020)

  • Hospitality Superstars Award (2019)

  • Enterprising Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hospitality & Travel Awards (2019)

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These awards are a testament to his performance-driven approach and strategic foresight—qualities that align well with AHS India’s focus on delivering tailored and scalable hospitality solutions.

In his new role, Mr. Dahiya will bring valuable insights into hotel acquisitions, feasibility assessments, management contracts, and revenue optimization, ensuring AHS India remains agile and competitive in a fast-evolving hospitality landscape.

Shalil Suvarna, Senior Vice President – Operations, AHS India & South Asia, shared:

"Dinesh Dahiya’s proven track record and award-winning leadership make him the perfect choice for this vital role. His ability to drive commercial growth while fostering strong industry relationships will be instrumental in enhancing our market position and delivering excellence across all business verticals."

On his appointment, Mr. Dahiya expressed:

"I am honored to join Absolute Hotel Services during this exciting phase of growth. I look forward to working closely with the dynamic team at AHS to craft innovative strategies, strengthen partnerships, and deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders."

With Mr. Dahiya’s strategic acumen and people-first leadership style, AHS India aims to reinforce its market presence and continue its upward trajectory in India’s dynamic hospitality sector.

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS):

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, AHS is one of Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality management and branding companies, with regional offices in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Europe. It operates multiple brands, including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels, Eastin Hotels, Eastin Easy, Eastin Estates, Travelodge, Vienna House, and the Absolute Collection.

AHS also manages hospitality services through Absolute Golf Services and holds exclusive operational rights for Travelodge Thailand and Vienna House Asia, continuing its mission to deliver innovative and effective hospitality solutions.


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.

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