InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has announced three key leadership appointments across its finance, front office and housekeeping departments. Sarath Kumar D joins the leadership team as Finance & Business Support Manager, Avik Roy Chowdhury takes on the role of Front Office Manager, and Debaraj Rout has been appointed Housekeeping Manager. Together, they bring extensive experience in hotel operations, financial management, guest services and team leadership.

Sarath Kumar D – Finance & Business Support Manager

Sarath Kumar D brings over a decade of experience in financial management, business planning and strategic operations across hospitality brands including IHG, Marriott and Accor. In his role as Finance & Business Support Manager, he oversees the resort's finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, compliance and financial strategy. He also works closely with senior leadership to support profitability and operational efficiency.

Throughout his career, Sarath has held progressive finance leadership positions at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Fairfield by Marriott Chennai, Mercure Chennai and Club Mahindra Holidays & Resorts. His professional achievements include leading the financial management of a ₹25 crore property renovation, implementing PeopleSoft ERP to strengthen financial reporting and maintaining strong audit compliance. He has also consistently delivered financial planning aligned with business objectives.

Sarath holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Anna University. His expertise covers financial controls, statutory compliance, cost optimisation and process improvement, supported by an analytical approach and collaborative leadership style.

Avik Roy Chowdhury – Front Office Manager

Avik Roy Chowdhury brings over a decade of experience in front office operations, guest services and hotel leadership across IHG and Accor properties. As Front Office Manager, he leads the resort's front office team, focusing on guest satisfaction, service quality, operational efficiency and brand standards.

His career includes progressive leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Electronic City, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR, Holiday Inn Agra, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, Novotel Kochi Infopark and voco Jim Corbett. Avik has received several professional recognitions, including the Star of the Year, Highest Upseller Award and Manager of the Quarter awards. As an IHG Certified Trainer and Brand Audit Champion, he has led quality audits, loyalty programmes, operational training and guest experience initiatives, contributing to hotel performance and brand compliance.

A graduate in Hotel Management from NSHM, Durgapur, Avik is known for his guest-first approach, collaborative leadership and focus on team development. His expertise in front office operations and quality assurance supports consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.

Debaraj Rout – Housekeeping Manager

Debaraj Rout brings over 13 years of experience in housekeeping operations, team leadership and hotel pre-openings across leading hospitality brands, including IHG and Marriott International. At InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, he leads the housekeeping department, focusing on cleanliness, service standards, operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

His previous leadership roles include positions at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik, Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bengaluru OMR, Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Yeshwanthpur and Holiday Inn & Suites Bengaluru. Debaraj has extensive experience in hotel pre-opening projects, establishing housekeeping operations, developing standard operating procedures, staff training, inventory management and quality assurance. His contributions have earned him several performance recognitions, including Best Manager and Best Department honours. He is also an IHG Departmental Trainer.

A diploma holder in Hotel Management, Debaraj is recognised for his disciplined management approach and commitment to continuous improvement. He emphasises attention to detail, effective people management and consistent service standards in maintaining a high-quality guest experience.

With these appointments across finance, front office and housekeeping, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort brings together professionals with experience in financial planning, guest services and operational management. Their expertise will support the resort's focus on service quality, operational performance and guest satisfaction.

JW Marriott Kolkata has appointed Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 22 years of experience across luxury hotels, fine dining and large-scale banqueting operations.

Singh joins the Kolkata property following his most recent assignment as Executive Chef at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, where he led culinary operations across multiple dining venues and banquet facilities.

His career includes senior culinary roles at several prominent hospitality properties in India, including The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata; Trident Udaipur; Trident Chennai; Oberoi Gurgaon; and Trident Gurgaon. Across these assignments, he gained experience in restaurant and banquet management, menu development, food quality and kitchen team leadership.

With experience spanning both domestic and international hospitality markets, Singh brings a broad understanding of culinary operations and the requirements of luxury dining. His background in managing diverse food and beverage outlets and large-scale banqueting is expected to support JW Marriott Kolkata's culinary offerings and guest dining experiences.

As Director of Culinary, Singh will bring his expertise to the hotel's food and beverage operations, with a focus on culinary execution, consistency and team development.

His appointment marks a new chapter in his career and adds to the hotel's culinary leadership as it continues to serve guests across its dining and event offerings.

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has appointed Ombeer Singh as Head Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership team with an experienced hospitality professional who brings over 18 years of industry experience.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, including menu planning and development, food quality, kitchen management, hygiene and safety compliance, and team leadership. He will also work closely with the hotel's leadership team to enhance dining experiences for business and leisure travellers.

Before joining Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Singh served as Executive Chef at Novotel Jodhpur, where he led culinary operations, menu innovation and kitchen management while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction standards.

His professional journey also includes key culinary assignments with TAJ SATS Air Catering, Marriott Jaipur, Waldorf Astoria Dubai and InterContinental Hotel Doha in Qatar. During his tenure as Chef de Partie at Waldorf Astoria Dubai, he gained international experience in premium dining and luxury hospitality operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Srivatsa Allampalli, General Manager, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ombeer to Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. His extensive culinary expertise, international exposure, and passion for excellence will be instrumental in elevating our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his leadership will further enhance our guests’ dining experiences and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued growth and success.”

Singh's career reflects experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands and large-scale culinary operations. His appointment is expected to support the hotel's focus on culinary innovation, consistent food quality and memorable guest experiences.

Outside the kitchen, Singh enjoys outdoor camping, cooking and exploring historical destinations, interests that complement his appreciation for different cultures, flavours and experiences.

The appointment reinforces Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar's focus on strengthening its leadership team and developing its food and beverage offerings for modern travellers.