American Pistachios Growers Appoints Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador

American Pistachios Growers Appoints Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 13, 2024

American Pistachios Growers (APG) has named Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world’s top cricket players, as the brand ambassador for California-grown pistachios for the 2024-25 season. The announcement was made by APG’s India office, highlighting Bumrah’s association with the brand as a move to promote the nutritional benefits of pistachios among Indian consumers.

Garth Thorburn, the Minister Counselor for Agriculture at the US Embassy in India, expressed excitement about this partnership, stating, "Jasprit Bumrah's unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, makes him the ideal ambassador for American Pistachios Growers (APG).” He further mentioned that the collaboration is significant due to the number of Indian-origin pistachio growers in California, strengthening ties between the two nations. Thorburn added, “This partnership promotes a shared vision of health and wellness for people everywhere.”

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Bumrah, who is exclusively represented by RISE Worldwide, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “I’m delighted to partner with American Pistachio Growers. For an athlete, nutrition plays a huge role in performance, and I find pistachios to be a perfect snack. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, offering me sustained energy throughout the day. American pistachios are my go-to because they provide the nutrients I need to stay at my best,” said Bumrah.

Diet specialist and celebrity nutritionist Dr. Siddhant Bhargava also spoke about the health benefits of pistachios, particularly for athletes. “American pistachios are a powerful ally for athletes. They're rich in antioxidants that protect healthy cells from free radical damage and provide complete protein essential for muscle regeneration and repair. They also offer beneficial fats, fiber, and crucial nutrients that support peak performance and overall health,” he explained.

Sumit Saran, the Indian representative of APG, expressed pride in associating with Bumrah, acknowledging his remarkable achievements that have inspired many. Saran pointed out that India is a growing market for American pistachios, and although India does not produce pistachios, awareness of their health benefits is driving demand. “With Jasprit Bumrah, we are looking to take the information about American pistachio nutrition and health to health-conscious consumers across the country,” Saran added.

American pistachios are available on major e-commerce platforms and with leading dry fruit retailers across India. Consumers can find them by searching for "California pistachios," with several brands offering them in the country.


W Goa Appoints Farhan Hamidani as Director of Sales & Marketing and Anuraag Kadam as Director of Human Resources

W Goa Appoints Farhan Hamidani as Director of Sales & Marketing and Anuraag Kadam as Director of Human Resources

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 19, 2025

W Goa has announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals to its leadership team, welcoming Mr. Farhan Hamidani as Director of Sales & Marketing and Mr. Anuraag Kadam as Director of Human Resources. Their combined expertise and visionary leadership are expected to bring fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and further elevate W Goa’s standing in the world of luxury hospitality.

Farhan Hamidani Director of Sales & Marketing

With over 17 years of proven leadership, Farhan Hamidani brings a strong record of driving growth, delivering results, and creating memorable guest experiences. Known for his bold, modern approach, he has successfully reimagined sales strategies, strengthened brand positioning, and built strong relationships across the travel trade, corporate, and lifestyle segments.

Before joining W Goa, Farhan held key leadership positions at The Westin Goa and Novotel Mumbai Juhu, where he played a significant role in boosting growth and strengthening brand presence. His approach goes beyond numbers, focusing on storytelling and designing experiences that resonate with modern travelers, values that align seamlessly with W Hotels’ philosophy of “luxury with a pulse.” His collaborative spirit and passion for guest-centric innovation make him a valuable addition to the W Goa team.

Anuraag KadamDirector of Human Resources

Anuraag Kadam joins W Goa as Director of Human Resources, bringing over 12 years of leadership experience in people management. Having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, he has gained deep expertise in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and aligning HR strategies with business goals.

At W Goa, Anuraag’s strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening the resort’s vibrant workplace culture while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and its signature Whatever/Whenever spirit. His appointment not only supports W Goa’s growth as a luxury destination but also enhances its reputation as an employer of choice.

W Goa warmly welcomes both Farhan Hamidani and Anuraag Kadam, looking forward to their dynamic leadership in shaping the next chapter of the resort’s journey in luxury hospitality.


Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi Appoints Alisha Bansal as General Manager

Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi Appoints Alisha Bansal as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on September 19, 2025

 Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi has announced the appointment of Alisha Bansal as its new General Manager, effective 17th September 2025.

Alisha is a graduate in Tourism, Aviation, and Hospitality Management from ITFT Chandigarh. With over 16 years of experience across India’s leading hospitality brands, she brings a strong track record of operational excellence, guest-centric leadership, and people development to her new role.

She began her career with ITC Hotels and went on to hold leadership positions at RHG, Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa Udaipur, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad. Recognized for her contributions to the industry, she has received multiple accolades, including Best Director of Rooms, Upscale at the Hotelier Awards 2022 and Manager of the Year at Radisson Blu Ahmedabad.

Commenting on her appointment, Alisha Bansal said, “I’m truly delighted to join the IHG family and take on the leadership of Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to further nurture a culture of guest-centricity and position the hotel as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers.”

With this leadership addition, Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi aims to strengthen its reputation for simple, smart, and efficient hospitality, tailored to the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers.

About Holiday Inn Express
Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express is the group’s largest and fastest-growing brand, focused on delivering simple and smart travel experiences. Designed for savvy, on-the-go travelers, it offers a consistent and value-rich experience with thoughtful design and essential amenities.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with 19 hotel brands and one of the world’s largest loyalty programs, IHG One Rewards. With over 6,300 open hotels across 100+ countries and a strong development pipeline, IHG operates a diverse portfolio from luxury to essentials.


The Westin Goa Appoints Preeti Mittoo as Director of Sales and Marketing

The Westin Goa Appoints Preeti Mittoo as Director of Sales and Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 18, 2025

The Westin Goa has announced the appointment of Preeti Mittoo as its new director of sales and marketing. With more than 18 years of expertise across luxury, business, and lifestyle hospitality brands, Mittoo brings a strong track record of leading teams, driving growth, and creating guest-focused experiences.

She began her career with ITC Hotels and The Oberoi Group, where she developed a strong foundation in hospitality sales. Most recently, she served as general manager, sales, North India at Lemon Tree & Aurika Hotels, successfully leading sales strategies for 32 hotels and spearheading the launch of their luxury brand.

This appointment marks her first role with Marriott International. At The Westin Goa, Mittoo’s focus will be on positioning the resort as a destination of choice in Goa while building on Westin’s wellness-infused philosophy and the vibrant spirit of the region. She envisions establishing the property as the benchmark for wellness-driven luxury in India.

Mittoo believes that true success goes beyond filling rooms, it lies in curating soulful, memorable moments that inspire guest loyalty. A strong advocate of teamwork and guest-centric hospitality, her leadership mantra is: “Inspire, empower and stay customer-obsessed, because both teams and guests thrive when genuine care is at the core.”

Welcoming her to the team, Harish Gopalakrishnan, general manager, The Westin Goa, said: “We are delighted to welcome Preeti Mittoo to The Westin Goa family! With her talent and experience, we are confident that together we will curate trend-setting, soulful experiences that position the resort as the benchmark for wellness travel in India.”

Through her new role, Preeti Mittoo aims to blend strategy with empathy, ensuring The Westin Goa remains a leader in Goa’s luxury and wellness hospitality landscape.

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