Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Welcomes Maria Turkmani as Complex Lifestyle Marketing Manager

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Welcomes Maria Turkmani as Complex Lifestyle Marketing Manager

By Author

Published on September 12, 2023

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is thrilled to introduce Maria Turkmani as their new Complex Lifestyle Marketing Manager. With a unique blend of engineering expertise and a decade-long career in media and marketing, Maria is set to bring fresh creativity and technical know-how to the team.

Maria's professional journey started with a strong foundation in engineering, giving her a distinctive analytical approach and problem-solving skills. Over the years, her career has demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for delivering outstanding results in every project she takes on.

Expressing her enthusiasm for this new role, Maria Turkmani shared, "I'm truly excited to join the dynamic team at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection. This presents an incredible opportunity to merge my technical background with my creative interests in marketing. I can't wait to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and contribute to the hotel's legacy."

Saeid Heidari, General Manager at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, expressed his delight in welcoming Maria Turkmani to the team. He believes that Maria's contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their marketing endeavors.

In her new position, Maria Turkmani will lead strategic marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest experience across Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection's renowned properties. Her responsibilities include developing and executing innovative marketing campaigns, fostering partnerships with lifestyle brands, and ensuring the hotels continue to set new industry standards.

Beyond her professional expertise, Maria's passion for music, love of reading, and dedication to learning new languages highlight her commitment to personal growth and enrichment. This aligns seamlessly with Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection's mission to provide exceptional service and experiences.

Maria Turkmani's appointment as Complex Lifestyle Marketing Manager is a promising addition to Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection. Her unique blend of technical and creative skills, along with her passion for excellence, is sure to make a significant impact on the hotel's marketing endeavors. We look forward to the exciting experiences she'll bring to guests and the legacy she'll help build.


Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

By Hariharan U

Published on June 16, 2026

Dough & Cream Private Limited has announced the appointment of Chef Rajat Nunwal as its new Executive Pastry Chef, reinforcing the company’s focus on innovation, quality, and excellence in the bakery and pastry segment.

With more than 14 years of international culinary experience spanning India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, Chef Rajat brings deep expertise in artisan breads, viennoiserie, plated desserts, chocolate artistry, celebration cakes, luxury buffet presentations, and large-scale bakery operations. His career reflects a strong blend of technical precision and creative expression, consistently delivering refined dessert experiences across diverse hospitality environments.

In his new role, Chef Rajat will oversee pastry and bakery production at Dough & Cream Private Limited, while also leading product development, maintaining quality standards, and driving training initiatives across teams. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio of breads, cakes, desserts, and seasonal specialties, with a focus on both innovation and consistency.

Before joining Dough & Cream, Chef Rajat served as Pastry Chef at SANJH Modern Indian Restaurant in Texas, USA, where he developed contemporary Indian desserts and managed premium bakery production. He also worked as Sous Chef – Bakery & Pastry at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, where he handled luxury pastry operations, buffet presentations, and team coordination.

His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Savorworks in Delhi and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, where he contributed to pre-opening culinary operations and managed key bakery and pastry functions. Chef Rajat began his career with leading hospitality brands such as Le Méridien New Delhi and Hilton Mayur Vihar, building a strong foundation in pastry production and luxury hospitality standards.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Rajat Nunwal said he is delighted to join Dough & Cream and looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth by creating innovative products, mentoring teams, and delivering memorable dessert experiences.

With this appointment, Dough & Cream aims to further strengthen its innovation pipeline and enhance its position in the premium bakery and pastry segment, while continuing to deliver high-quality offerings to its growing customer base.


Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has celebrated a significant milestone as its General Manager, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, completed 25 years with Marriott International. The achievement marks a distinguished career dedicated to operational excellence, guest-centric leadership, and the continued evolution of hospitality in India.

Over the past two and a half decades, Kadambari has played an important role in shaping hotel operations, commercial strategies, sales performance, and talent development across Marriott’s portfolio in South Asia. Her career journey has closely mirrored the growth of India’s hospitality sector, contributing to changing guest expectations and modern service standards.

Currently leading Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Kadambari is widely recognised for her strategic leadership approach, focus on people development, and commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. Her professional journey has also included key leadership positions at Four Points by Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield, where she contributed to both operational performance and business growth.

Reflecting on the milestone, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar expressed gratitude for the experiences, mentors, teams, and guests who have shaped her career over the years.

Hospitality has always been about people, the relationships we build, the experiences we create and the memories guests carry with them long after they leave. Looking back at 25 years, I feel grateful for the mentors, teams and guests who have shaped this incredible journey,” she said.

She also highlighted the transformation of the hospitality industry over the last two decades, noting that today’s travellers increasingly seek authenticity, personalisation, and emotional connections alongside luxury experiences.

A graduate of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management under the Taj Hotels system, Kadambari has built her reputation through collaborative leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to mentoring future hospitality professionals. Beyond hotel management, she has actively championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the industry.

She currently serves as Co-chair of Marriott International’s South Asia Women Ambassador Network and is also the President of Hospitality at the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), Karnataka. Through these roles, she continues to support leadership development and greater representation of women in hospitality.

Her 25-year milestone reflects not only personal achievement but also the broader evolution of the hospitality sector, where guest experiences, wellness, personalisation, and empathetic leadership have become increasingly important. As the industry continues to evolve, leaders like Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar remain instrumental in shaping the future of hospitality through a balance of business excellence and meaningful human connections.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Niraj Chotai as Director of Sales & Marketing

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Niraj Chotai as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has announced the appointment of Niraj Chotai as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he joins the leadership team with a strong background in sales management, business development, revenue generation, market expansion, and pre-opening operations.

In his new role, Niraj will be responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening the hotel’s market presence, increasing brand visibility, and supporting guest experiences that align with Hyatt’s values and purpose. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in several pre-opening projects and strategic partnerships that have contributed to sustainable business growth.

Before joining Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, Niraj was associated with Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru. His professional journey also includes working with leading hospitality brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, Radisson Blu, and Taj Hotels, where he gained extensive experience across various aspects of hotel sales and marketing.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Niraj said, “I am excited to re-join the Hyatt family and be part of a team that is passionate about excellence and meaningful guest experiences.”

Known for his customer-focused approach, analytical thinking, and entrepreneurial outlook, Niraj believes in building strong relationships and leading with integrity and purpose. He is recognised for creating meaningful connections while driving business results.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a keen interest in travelling to new countries, where he explores different cultures and perspectives.

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