Arbind Singh Appointed as Deputy VP Operations at Absolute H

Arbind Singh Joins Absolute Hotel Services as Deputy Vice President, Operations & Pre-Opening

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 29, 2024

Absolute Hotel Services India has announced the appointment of Mr. Arbind Singh as the Deputy Vice President, Operations & Pre-Opening. A seasoned hospitality professional with over 25 years of diverse experience, Mr. Singh is set to bring a process-driven approach and operational expertise to the organization’s growing portfolio.

Driving Operational Excellence

In his new role, Mr. Singh will oversee vital functions across operational and pre-opening properties, ensuring they embody the essence of the Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) brand. Known for his strategic vision and ability to transform challenges into opportunities, Singh is poised to play a key role in strengthening the company’s functional efficiencies.

Speaking about the appointment, Mr. Shalil Suvarna, Senior Vice President of Absolute Hotel Services - India & South Asia, remarked, “Considering our company’s growth trajectory, Arbind’s joining strengthens our endeavour to deliver on key performance metrics. His proven ability to create transformative experiences will add immense value to our stakeholders and teams.”

A Vision for Innovation

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Singh shared, “I am genuinely excited to join Absolute Hotel Services and see tremendous latitude in this ever-evolving space of creating memorable experiences for our internal and external partners. I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to continuously innovate and enhance our service levels to global standards.”

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, AHS is one of Asia's fastest-growing hospitality management and branding companies. With regional offices in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Europe, the company operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and serviced residences.

AHS brands, including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, and Travelodge, cater to luxury and economy segments, resonating with global travelers and stakeholders alike. The company also ventures into niche areas such as golf through Absolute Golf Services and operates the Travelodge brand in Thailand and Vienna House under Vienna House Asia.

With Mr. Singh’s addition, Absolute Hotel Services reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative solutions and elevating hospitality standards across its global footprint.

Varun Mehrotra Elevated to Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing for Key Marriott Properties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2025

Marriott International has announced the elevation of Varun Mehrotra to Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing three prominent properties in India: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, The Artiste Kochi – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, and Marriott Executive Apartments UB City.

This expanded role marks a significant progression in Mehrotra’s leadership journey, following his successful tenure as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Whitefield since 2023. In his new capacity, Mehrotra will lead the strategic sales and marketing efforts across all three properties, driving commercial excellence, business development, revenue optimization, and brand positioning in key markets.

With nearly two decades of experience across multiple hotel brands in India, Mehrotra is recognized for his strategic foresight, innovative thinking, and results-driven approach. He has a proven track record of enhancing sales, marketing, and revenue performance through structured planning and deep market insights.

Commenting on his new role, Mehrotra said, “I’m excited to take on this broader portfolio and continue contributing to the brand’s growth in key markets. I look forward to building on strong foundations and driving meaningful results alongside an exceptional team.”

Sanjay Gupta, Multi-Property General Manager, added, “Varun has been a key pillar of our leadership team, and this elevation is a testament to the consistent impact he has delivered. His strong market understanding and results-oriented approach make him exceptionally well-suited for this expanded mandate. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to accelerate commercial performance and reinforce our brand presence across key markets.”

Through this strategic elevation, Marriott underscores its commitment to nurturing high-performing talent and empowering proven leaders like Mehrotra to drive growth, visibility, and market leadership across its diverse portfolio in India.

Serving Stories: Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book Blends Memory, Flavour, and Ambition

By Author

Published on August 14, 2025

For most chefs, a career is measured in menus, restaurants, and accolades. For Chef Himanshu Pandey, it is measured in memories, miles, and moments that shaped him—from the quiet rhythm of his village kitchen in Uttarakhand to the bustling, high-pressure dining scene of the United States.

Now, in his debut book, The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA, he opens the doors to that journey, inviting readers into a world where ambition meets authenticity, and tradition meets reinvention.

A Story Served with Sincerity

This autobiography book is more than a professional biography. It’s a candid, heartfelt account of what it takes to transform childhood dreams into an international career. Chef Himanshu writes of the early lessons learned beside his mother’s hearth, the discipline of working in Indian and Middle Eastern kitchens, and the cultural adjustments of cooking for an American audience—all without losing the soul of the food he grew up with.

Every page carries his belief that food is not just nourishment—it is identity, heritage, and a bridge between worlds.

Where Recipes Become Remembrance

While the book is peppered with recipes, they aren’t simply culinary instructions—they are living stories. Each dish reflects a chapter of his life, whether it’s Bajre Ki Raab recalling winter in the hills, or Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer showcasing how Indian tradition can find elegance on a global fine-dining plate.

“Flavours can travel, but they carry their roots with them,” he writes—a sentiment that runs like a steady flame throughout the book.

For Chefs, Dreamers, and Doers

The Heat & The Hustle resonates far beyond the hospitality industry. It is a story for:

Chefs, who will find lessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance.
Immigrants, who will recognise the challenges and triumphs of starting anew.
Food lovers, who crave the stories behind the flavours.
Dreamers, who need proof that passion and persistence can take them anywhere.

Chef Himanshu’s writing style mirrors his cooking—uncomplicated, generous, and deeply personal.

A New Chapter for an Accomplished Chef

Currently the Executive Chef at The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey, Chef Himanshu has spent over 17 years building a career across India, the Middle East, and the USA. His work has earned him multiple honours, but this book marks a new kind of achievement—a way to inspire others not through a plated dish, but through the written word.

The Heat & The Hustle is more than an autobiography—it is a reminder that behind every chef’s jacket is a story worth telling

The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA
Now available on Amazon India: Click here to purchase

Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport Appoints Anuraag Raha as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 14, 2025

Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport has appointed Anuraag Raha as its new General Manager, marking a homecoming for the seasoned hotelier. With over 24 years of experience across leading brands like IHG, Hyatt, Taj, and Pride Group, Anuraag brings a strong mix of operational expertise, revenue management, and team leadership.

Anuraag has helmed multiple pre-opening and operational roles, delivering top-line growth and enhancing guest experiences in city-centre, heritage, and resort properties. His contributions have earned accolades such as “Pune’s Best General Manager” and the “Exemplary Leader Award”.

Reflecting on his appointment, Anuraag shares, “Returning to Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport as General Manager is both a proud and emotional milestone. I was part of the pre-opening team here as Rooms Division Manager, and to now helm the same hotel feels deeply rewarding. I’m excited to work alongside a committed team to craft meaningful guest experiences and take the hotel to its next chapter of growth”.

Anuraag’s leadership is expected to reinforce Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport’s service culture while driving operational excellence, making it a preferred choice for travellers and business guests alike.

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Arbind Singh Joins Absolute Hotel Services as Deputy Vice President, Operations & Pre-Opening

Driving Operational Excellence

A Vision for Innovation

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

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Varun Mehrotra Elevated to Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing for Key Marriott Properties

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