Ace Group International Appoints Chris Penn as CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion

Ace Group International Appoints Chris Penn as CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 12, 2025

Ace Group International, the operator of the globally recognized Ace Hotel brand, has announced Chris Penn as its new CEO. This significant leadership move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to drive international growth and strengthen its position in the lifestyle hospitality market.

With a hospitality career spanning 25 years, Penn brings extensive experience in managing independent lifestyle hotels across various markets. As the former Managing Director of Ace Hotel London, he has an intimate understanding of the brand's ethos. In his new role, Penn will oversee all aspects of Ace Group’s operations, focusing on growth, innovation, and commercial success.

To further support its ambitious growth plans, Ace Group has also appointed Mostafa Abdella as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Meriem Soliman as Chief Brand Officer (CBO).

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  • Mostafa Abdella, as COO, will oversee key functions, including finance, operations, revenue, food and beverage, IT, and HR. His mission will center on delivering exceptional guest experiences while enhancing profitability.
  • Meriem Soliman, who joined Ace Group in 2012 as General Counsel and later served as President, has been named Chief Brand Officer, a role in which she will lead the brand’s creative and strategic vision.

Brad Wilson, Managing Partner of Ace Group International / Atelier Ace, expressed his confidence in the leadership team, stating, “Chris and Mostafa are both seasoned, highly regarded operators with global experience and an intimate understanding of the Ace brand. Their long history of successful partnership will be a major advantage as we continue to seek development opportunities both domestically and internationally.”

The enhanced leadership structure underscores Ace Group’s commitment to delivering elevated hospitality experiences while exploring new development opportunities worldwide. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, the company is poised to strengthen its foothold in the global lifestyle hospitality sector.


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper. With a proven track record of excellence and over a decade of experience in hospitality operations, Mr. Mishra has been instrumental in maintaining the hotel’s high standards of cleanliness, guest comfort, and sustainability. In his new role.

he will continue to lead the housekeeping team with a focus on service innovation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, further strengthening Welcomhotel Guntur’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and ensuring an impeccable stay experience for every guest

About Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur

Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur blends modern luxury with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and signature warm hospitality. With sustainable practices at its core, Welcomhotel Guntur embodies ITC Hotels’ “Responsible Luxury” philosophy, offering guests an experience that is both refined and environmentally conscious.


Cygnet.One Appoints Dr. Pankaj Dikshit as Executive Director to Drive AI-Led Digital Transformation

Cygnet.One Appoints Dr. Pankaj Dikshit as Executive Director to Drive AI-Led Digital Transformation

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Cygnet.One, a global leader in digital tax transformation and enterprise technology, has announced the appointment of Dr. Pankaj Dikshit, PhD (IIT Delhi) as Executive Director. With over 30 years of experience spanning government, enterprise, and technology, Dr. Dikshit brings a rare mix of strategic vision and hands-on expertise in building national-scale digital systems powered by AI and compliance-driven frameworks. He will operate from New Delhi.

An IIT Delhi alumnus, Dr. Dikshit holds both M.Tech and PhD degrees and has previously held senior roles at IBM and the Government of India. Over his career, he has been at the forefront of digital transformation, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and policy innovation, earning recognition from AWS, ET Digitech, and DSCI for his leadership in technology and data-driven governance.

One of his most notable contributions was his pioneering role in India’s GST digital transformation, where he helped scale the system to serve millions of taxpayers, billions of invoices, and transactions across the country. He also played a key role in designing and implementing the E-Way Bill and e-Invoicing frameworks, strengthening revenue collection and compliance through technology.

Speaking on his new role, Dr. Pankaj Dikshit shared, “Having worked closely with both government and industry leaders on large-scale digital transformations, I believe technology is more than compliance,  it’s a catalyst for trust, efficiency, and long-term value. At Cygnet.One, I’m excited to extend this vision by helping enterprises embrace AI-first, secure, and compliant digital systems that redefine the way they operate.”

Niraj Hutheesing, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnet.One, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Dikshit to our leadership team. His work in India’s digital transformation and his experience at the intersection of policy, governance, and technology make him the ideal leader to guide our next phase of growth. His expertise will accelerate our mission to empower enterprises through AI-driven and compliance-led innovation.”

At Cygnet.One, Dr. Dikshit will focus on advancing AI-first digital transformation across key sectors including BFSI, Manufacturing, Pharma, Retail, and the Public Sector. His leadership will help businesses move beyond compliance, turning regulatory alignment into opportunity and driving measurable value through automation and intelligent systems.

Beyond enterprise strategy, Dr. Dikshit is also expected to contribute to Cygnet.One’s core growth pillars, Clients, Cygnetians, and Community by promoting a culture of innovation, mentorship, and social impact through technology.

Cygnet.One continues to stand at the forefront of digital transformation, with expertise spanning Tax, VAT & GST compliance, e-Invoicing, AI-driven data intelligence, and enterprise modernization. The company is actively involved in large-scale implementations across regions including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Europe, helping businesses redefine how they comply, connect, and compete in the evolving digital economy.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Welcomes Chef Mohd. Asif Qureshi as Master Chef – Nazaara

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Welcomes Chef Mohd. Asif Qureshi as Master Chef – Nazaara

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 7, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Chef Mohd. Asif Qureshi as Master Chef – Nazaara, bringing with him over two decades of rich culinary experience across leading hospitality brands in India and abroad. Known for his expertise in Indian, Mughlai, and Awadhi cuisines, Chef Asif is set to further elevate the hotel’s dynamic culinary offerings with his distinctive flair and authentic touch.

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Chef Asif served as Chef de Cuisine at JW Marriott Bengaluru, where he curated refined dining experiences that beautifully blended Indian flavours with a modern twist. His impressive career spans several renowned properties, including The Den Bengaluru, The Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru, ITC Fortune Select Trinity Bengaluru, Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar New Delhi, ITC Chola Sheraton Chennai, Radisson Hotel (GRT) Chennai, and ITC Maratha Mumbai.

On the international front, Chef Asif has led culinary teams at Daalchini Restaurant in Dubai and Move N Pick Hotels in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, enriching his experience with diverse global influences.

Recognised for his mastery of traditional Indian cuisine, Chef Asif focuses on infusing authenticity into every dish while embracing modern culinary techniques. His style blends age-old traditions with innovation, ensuring every dining experience reflects both nostalgia and creativity.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Asif to our culinary team. His vast experience, especially in Indian and Awadhi cuisines, will add great value to our dining experiences. We look forward to his creative interpretations and the new energy he will bring to our culinary offerings.”

With Chef Asif at the helm, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant dining destinations, offering guests a refined yet diverse gastronomic journey that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

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