Anna Marie Presutti Named First Female President & CEO of San Francisco Travel in 115 years

Anna Marie Presutti Named First Female President & CEO of San Francisco Travel in 115 years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 25, 2024

The San Francisco Travel Association has appointed Anna Marie Presutti as its new President and CEO, making her the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 115-year history. Presutti, who had been serving as interim President and CEO since mid-May, officially steps into this leadership role, overseeing San Francisco Travel’s global efforts to market the city as a prime destination for conventions, meetings, and leisure travel.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of San Francisco’s economy, contributing $9.3 billion in total visitor spending and generating nearly $610 million in tax revenues in 2023. With 23 million annual visitors, tourism supports nearly 63,000 jobs in the city.

"After an extensive national search, we found the best candidate was already leading the charge. Anna Marie is a dynamic and bold advocate for San Francisco," said John Anderson, Chair of San Francisco Travel’s Board. "Her deep familiarity with the organization, coupled with her passion for the city, makes her the ideal leader to take San Francisco Travel to new heights."

image

Presutti has over two decades of experience in San Francisco’s tourism and hospitality industry. Before assuming this role, she served as Vice President and General Manager of Hotel Nikko San Francisco, where she became the first female vice president for Nikko Hotels International in 2006. Her impressive career includes leadership roles at Kimpton Hotels, ITT Sheraton, Hilton Hotels, and Sunstone Hotel Properties.

image

As the newly appointed President and CEO, Presutti aims to rejuvenate San Francisco’s convention business and highlight the city’s culinary scene, arts, and cultural strengths. “I am passionate about this city and its future. We are on the brink of a significant recovery, and my focus will be on building momentum to restore San Francisco’s status as a top global destination,” said Presutti.

Her accomplishments have earned her several accolades, including being named one of “The Most Influential Women in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Business Times and receiving the Hotel Council of San Francisco’s Peter Goldman Award of Excellence.

San Francisco Travel, the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the city’s vibrant tourism industry as one of the top US destinations for tourism and business travel.


Phygital Retail Convention 2025 Set to Showcase ‘Infinite India’ and the Future of Retail

Phygital Retail Convention 2025 Set to Showcase ‘Infinite India’ and the Future of Retail

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 27, 2025

Phygital Retail Convention (PRC) 2025, India's premier retail intelligence event, is all set to make a grand return on May 7-8, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Presented by Inorbit Malls and powered by Mufti, the 6th edition of PRC will revolve around the theme, “Infinite India - The World’s Fastest Growing Retail Market.”

Positioned as the largest gathering of retail minds, PRC 2025 promises a two-day deep dive into innovation, ideation, and growth opportunities with over 1000 participating brands and companies. Year after year, the convention draws over 3000 top retail professionals, making it the ultimate hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and business development, spread across a spectacular 1-lakh-plus sq.ft venue.

Bhavesh Pitroda, Group CEO & Director, IMAGES Group, emphasized the event’s significance, saying, “India today stands at the cusp of a bold new chapter in its economic growth. PRC 2025 reflects the power of this new ‘Infinite India’, through not just its theme, but also via the vast and versatile line-up of speakers, exhibitors and attendees from across the country.”

This year, hundreds of top brands from sectors like fashion, food, lifestyle, real estate, and tech will take center stage, both from India and abroad. PRC 2025 will also see 300+ influential Retail, Business, and Management Leaders sharing their insights, including names like BS Nagesh (Chairman, Shoppers Stop Ltd.), Damodar Mall (CEO, Grocery, Reliance Retail), Harish Bhat (Former Brand Custodian, Tata Sons), Mukesh Bansal (Founder, Myntra, Cure.fit), and many others.

Adding a touch of excitement, India’s quiz legend Siddhartha Basu will return with the much-loved India Retail Brain Game, ensuring a vibrant and interactive experience for all attendees.

Alongside PRC, the concurrent show Retail TechNXT 2025 will present cutting-edge innovations in retail technology, featuring global majors like Salesforce and Diebold Nixdorf among the exhibitors.

Important Links for PRC 2025:

About IMAGES Group:

IMAGES Group is South Asia and the Middle East's leading retail intelligence organisation. Through its various knowledge platforms—print, online reportage, research, and major business events—IMAGES acts as a catalyst for the sustainable growth of modern retail.

For more information, contact:
Namrata Aswani - 9920710261 / Viraj Kalati - 9820065432


Mr. Akshat Arya Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik

Mr. Akshat Arya Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 26, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Akshat Arya has joined Four Points by Sheraton Nashik as the new Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM). With an impressive career in the hospitality industry, Mr. Arya is poised to bring his vast experience and dynamic leadership to take the hotel's sales and marketing efforts to greater heights.

Known for his mantra, “The only thing standing between you and success is you,” Akshat Arya's rise in the hospitality world has been fueled by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Starting as an eager trainee, he has swiftly ascended to become a dynamic sales leader with a proven track record of success across various facets of hospitality.

Akshat Arya’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Four Points by Sheraton Nashik, as his visionary leadership is expected to drive the hotel’s strategic sales initiatives and further strengthen its market presence.

About Four Points by Sheraton Nashik

Four Points by Sheraton Nashik is renowned for its exceptional hospitality services and commitment to guest satisfaction. With a focus on providing comfort and convenience, the hotel promises a memorable stay for all visitors.


Udaipur Marriott Hotel Appoints Mohit Mishra as New Executive Chef

Udaipur Marriott Hotel Appoints Mohit Mishra as New Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 26, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mohit Mishra as the new Executive Chef, effective April 24, 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in India’s leading hospitality brands, Chef Mishra brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to his new role.

A graduate of the Culinary Academy of India, Chef Mohit Mishra has worked at prestigious properties like The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, Taj Deccan Hyderabad, Vivanta Hyderabad Begumpet, and Taj Krishna Hyderabad. His career began at Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa in Goa and Taj Lands End in Mumbai, where he refined his culinary techniques and developed a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.

Chef Mishra is known for his inventive approach to cuisine, emphasizing sustainability, fresh sourcing, and the thoughtful curation of menus. His philosophy centers around crafting culinary experiences that highlight both traditional flavors and contemporary techniques. At Udaipur Marriott Hotel, he will oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, cost control, and ensuring top-notch food safety and preparation standards.

In his new role, Chef Mishra’s vision is to elevate the hotel’s dining offerings, blending Udaipur’s rich culinary heritage with innovative dining experiences that will leave guests with lasting memories. His leadership will play a key role in enhancing the hotel’s diverse and curated culinary experiences, ensuring they reflect the vibrant culture and flavors of the region.

“We are excited to welcome Chef Mohit Mishra to our team,” said Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager of Udaipur Marriott Hotel. “His vast experience and creative culinary artistry align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. We are confident that his leadership will elevate our culinary offerings and delight our guests.”

Udaipur Marriott Hotel, nestled against the majestic Aravalli Hills and overlooking the serene Fateh Sagar Lake, offers an array of indulgent culinary experiences. Chef Mishra’s appointment will further enhance the hotel’s dedication to culinary excellence, promising guests an elevated dining journey that celebrates the essence of Udaipur’s rich cultural and culinary traditions.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.