The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a series of leadership appointments across key functions as the hotel builds its executive team. The appointments cover sales and marketing, food and beverage, finance, human resources and culinary operations.

Working alongside General Manager Neelabh Chugh, the new leadership team brings extensive experience from leading Indian and international hospitality brands. The team will focus on strengthening the hotel’s operations while creating the distinctive guest experiences associated with Vignette Collection.

Varun Goel Appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing

With more than 16 years of hospitality experience, Varun Goel has joined The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection by IHG as Director of Sales & Marketing.

His career includes roles with IHCL, Taj Group of Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and IHG Hotels & Resorts. He has worked across key markets including Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurugram, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Dehradun.

At The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Varun will focus on building the hotel’s market presence, developing strategic partnerships and positioning the property as a preferred luxury destination in the region.

Narender Maan Appointed as Director of Food & Beverage

Narender Maan joins the hotel as Director of Food & Beverage with nearly two decades of luxury hospitality experience.

His career spans brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, The Leela, Hyatt Regency, Kempinski, Radisson Blu MBD and The Grand.

In his new role, he will lead the development of dining concepts and work on strengthening the hotel’s food and beverage offering through innovation, quality and personalised service.

Jagdeep Garhwal Appointed as Director of Finance

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Jagdeep Garhwal has been appointed Director of Finance. He brings experience from Hyatt Regency Chandigarh, Hyatt Pune and The Lalit Chandigarh.

With expertise in hotel pre-openings, financial planning and business support, Jagdeep will focus on financial performance, governance and sustainable growth as the hotel establishes itself in the market.

Ritu Singh Appointed as Human Resources Manager

Ritu Singh joins as Human Resources Manager, bringing more than 21 years of hospitality experience across ITC Hotels, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group.

Her experience covers operations, learning and development, quality and human resources. At The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, she will focus on building a high-performing team and developing a workplace culture that reflects the warmth and personalised hospitality associated with Vignette Collection.

Ajit Kumar Tiwari Appointed as Executive Chef

With more than 25 years of culinary experience in luxury hospitality, Ajit Kumar Tiwari has joined the hotel as Executive Chef.

His career includes leading hospitality brands such as The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, DoubleTree by Hilton, Vivanta by Taj, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels and The Orchid Hotel.

With a strong interest in regional gastronomy, Chef Ajit will bring the flavours and culinary heritage of Haryana to the hotel’s dining experience. His signature creation, “The Legacy of Haryana,” celebrates the region’s diverse food culture through its distinctive flavours, age-old techniques and traditional recipes.

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection by IHG is part of the wider Vignette Collection, which includes properties across Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East. The collection includes Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection, Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection and Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection.

Other properties in the collection include Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection and Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection in Portugal, Yours Truly DC, Vignette Collection in the United States and The Ava Hotel Brisbane, Vignette Collection in Australia.

With its new leadership team in place, The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula is strengthening its focus across operations, dining, guest experience and commercial performance as it builds its presence as IHG’s first Vignette Collection hotel in India and South West Asia.

Wellington College International Pune has appointed Vikram Soni as Head of Admissions and Marketing, strengthening its leadership team as the school enters its next phase of growth and prepares to launch its premium boarding programme.

The school is India's first institution under the Wellington College UK network. It offers the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), combining academic learning, pastoral care and future-ready education within a community representing more than 20 nationalities.

Vikram brings more than a decade of experience across admissions, marketing, communications, brand strategy and educational leadership. He holds an MBA from William Carey University and began his career in advertising, working with brands including Cinepolis, Coca-Cola, Forevermark, Asia Hospital and NoMarks (Ozone Pharmaceuticals).

He later moved into international school leadership, taking on admissions, marketing and communications roles at Cathedral Vidya School, Wisdom International School in China, Mussoorie International School and Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, part of Nord Anglia Education.

During his career, Vikram has worked across admissions, brand strategy, communications, community engagement and external relations, supporting enrolment growth, institutional visibility and stronger parent engagement.

At Wellington College International Pune, he will oversee admissions, marketing and communications. His role will focus on building the school’s visibility, connecting with prospective families, expanding outreach across India and overseas, and supporting the growth of its international community and upcoming boarding programme.

Speaking on his appointment, Vikram Soni, Head of Admissions and Marketing, Wellington College International Pune, said:

"I am delighted to join Wellington College International Pune at such an exciting stage of its journey. Wellington represents a unique blend of British educational heritage, global outlook and a deeply student-centred philosophy. My vision is to build meaningful relationships with families, showcase the distinctive Wellington experience and further establish the school as one of India’s most respected international schools. As we prepare for the launch of our boarding programme, we have an exciting opportunity to welcome a wider community of learners and create an environment where every pupil is inspired to thrive academically, personally and globally."

Commenting on the appointment, Master Nigel Fossey, Master at Wellington College International Pune, said:

"Vikram's appointment comes at an important time for Wellington College International Pune as we continue to grow our academic community and expand our vision for international education in India. His experience across leading Indian and international schools, coupled with his strong understanding of brand building, admissions and community engagement, makes him exceptionally well placed to help shape the next chapter of Wellington's journey. We are delighted to welcome him to the leadership team."

Wellington College International Pune is also preparing to launch its premium co-educational boarding programme in the 2027–28 academic year. The school is continuing to strengthen its leadership team as it works towards expanding its international community and building its presence in India’s education landscape.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport has appointed Anuj Chaudhry as General Manager, bringing more than two decades of hospitality experience across leading brands and diverse markets to the recently opened property.

Opened in January 2026, the hotel is entering an important phase of growth in Bengaluru's expanding airport corridor. In his new role, Chaudhry will oversee the hotel's overall operations, with a focus on business performance, guest experience, service culture and team development.

Chaudhry brings extensive experience across hotel operations, business performance and brand transformation. His background includes leadership roles with several prominent hospitality brands, giving him experience in managing property transitions, strengthening service standards and driving operational performance.

Before joining DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, Chaudhry served as General Manager of Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR, where he led the property's transition and rebranding from Courtyard to Marriott. In 2024, he was appointed Cluster General Manager for Grand Mercure Bangalore, Grand Mercure Mysore and ibis Styles Mysuru.

His career achievements include being recognised as Accor India General Manager of the Year in 2018 and receiving the General Manager of the Year award at the Hotel Operations Summit India in 2020.

At DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, Chaudhry will focus on building on the brand's signature approach to warm hospitality while establishing the property as a preferred choice for business and leisure travellers using Bengaluru's airport corridor.

Commenting on his appointment, Anuj Chaudhry, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, said, "I am delighted to join the Hilton family and take on the opportunity to lead DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport at such an exciting stage in its journey. It is a privilege to be part of a brand known for creating warm and memorable experiences, and I look forward to working closely with the team to build on that promise for every guest."

He added that the hotel will focus on delivering exceptional hospitality, driving strong business performance and strengthening its position within Bengaluru's growing airport market.

Located within KIADB Aerospace Park, approximately 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport is the brand's largest property in South Asia. The hotel features 304 guest rooms and suites, three dining destinations, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa.

With Chaudhry taking charge, the property aims to further strengthen its operational foundations, develop a high-performing team and deliver consistent guest experiences as Bengaluru's northern commercial and airport corridor continues to grow.