Amrut Distilleries Elevates Ashok Chokalingam as COO & Master Distiller

Amrut Distilleries Elevates Ashok Chokalingam as COO & Master Distiller

By Hariharan U

Published on March 27, 2026

Amrut Distilleries has elevated Ashok Chokalingam to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Master Distiller. This move reflects the company’s focus on aligning its global strategy with technical expertise as it continues to grow its presence in the premium whisky segment.

The role has been introduced to bring together international marketing and distillation under one leadership, recognising Chokalingam’s ability to bridge both areas. His journey with Amrut has played a key role in taking Indian single malt whisky to global audiences while shaping the brand’s craft and innovation.

Over the years, he has been closely involved in global tastings, masterclasses, and industry interactions, building a deep understanding of consumer preferences across markets. These insights have directly influenced experimentation at the distillery, from cask selection and maturation techniques to blending styles and flavour profiles.

His approach connects feedback from international markets back into production, ensuring that every innovation remains relevant and purposeful. This has helped Amrut maintain a balance between traditional craftsmanship and evolving global tastes.

This leadership change marks a new phase for the company, with a sharper focus on integrating operations and brand direction. It is expected to drive innovation in distillation and blending, while strengthening the global positioning of Indian single malts.

Commenting on the appointment, Rakshit N Jagdale said, “Ashok’s elevation is deeply personal and immensely satisfying for me. He embodies the very best of home-grown talent, evolving with the company, challenging conventions and raising the bar for Indian single malt. Beyond technical brilliance, his global mandate makes this appointment special. He has taken India’s whisky story to the world, absorbed international insights and applied them to strengthen our craft at home. He speaks both the language of our house style and the consumer. Formalizing this role gives me immense pride and joy as we continue building a proudly Indian, globally respected house of excellence.”

Sharing his thoughts, Chokalingam said, “I am deeply grateful to our Chairman & Managing Director, Neelkanth Rao Jagdale, for his trust and belief in me. Amrut has never been a conventional company, and my journey here has been equally unconventional — from sales and international markets to the still house and maturation warehouses. That freedom to experiment, question norms, and bridge the gap between the market and production has shaped me both as a professional and as a craftsman. Amrut gave me the platform to learn globally and create locally. I accept this responsibility with humility and determination, committed to honoring our legacy while continuing to push the boundaries of Indian single malt.”

Chokalingam began his journey with Amrut in 2004 and has since held key roles across international sales, marketing, and distillation. He later took charge of distilling operations, overseeing the creation of several well-known expressions and strengthening the brand’s premium portfolio.

He has also received multiple global recognitions, including ‘Whisky Ambassador of the Year’ and ‘Master Distiller / Blender of the Year’ by Whisky Magazine.

With this elevation, Amrut Distilleries aims to further strengthen its position as a leading name in Indian single malt whisky, combining craft excellence with a clear global vision.


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.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 12, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Milan Rawal as its new Human Resources Manager. Bringing over nine years of experience in hospitality human resources, Milan joins the hotel with a strong background in people management and HR operations.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with several hospitality organisations including Foodlink F&B Holdings Ltd., Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Hampi and Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt. Ltd., gaining experience across various aspects of human resource management.

In her new role, Milan will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's overall HR function. Her responsibilities will include talent acquisition, payroll management, employee relations, workforce planning and budgeting, employee engagement initiatives, learning and development programmes, as well as ensuring compliance with HR policies and labour laws.

Milan holds a PGDM from MIT University and a Master of Commerce degree from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.

Outside her professional commitments, she enjoys playing badminton, travelling and spending time with her family.

Commenting on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said, "We are delighted to welcome Milan to our leadership team. Her strong HR expertise and people-centric approach will play a key role in strengthening our workplace culture and supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Sharing her thoughts on joining the hotel, Milan Rawal said, "I am excited to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to contributing towards building a positive and engaging work environment while supporting the team's growth and success."

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