Arpit Pant Takes the Helm as Director of Business Development for Ascott in India

Arpit Pant Takes the Helm as Director of Business Development for Ascott in India

By Author

Published on October 30, 2023

In a strategic move to expand its presence in the dynamic Indian hospitality sector, CapitaLand Investment Limited’s (CLI) lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has appointed Arpit Pant as the Director of Business Development for the Indian Subcontinent. With over two decades of rich experience in the hospitality industry, Arpit Pant has worked with top-notch companies such as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

In his new role, Arpit Pant will lead Ascott India’s strategic initiatives to enhance its portfolio of offerings and expand its footprint in the burgeoning Indian hospitality market. His vision and leadership will be pivotal in driving Ascott's growth in India, including identifying new business opportunities, nurturing partnerships, and driving revenue growth.

This strategic appointment comes on the heels of Ascott's acquisition of Oakwood, adding six new properties to their existing portfolio in India. Arpit Pant will work closely with the executive team, overseeing comprehensive business development strategies and focusing on innovation, elevating customer experiences, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Arpit Pant expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am thrilled to be part of the next phase of growth at The Ascott Limited in India, working alongside some of the industry's leading professionals. The brand's versatility in offering tailored solutions for hotels, serviced residences, and co-living presents tremendous growth potential for owners seeking world-class accommodations."

Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager for The Ascott Limited, praised Arpit's appointment, stating that his extensive knowledge and vision in the hospitality industry perfectly align with Ascott's commitment to providing sustainable and comfortable hospitality experiences while expanding its presence in India.

Arpit Pant’s appointment is a significant step toward strengthening Ascott's presence and credibility in the Indian hospitality market. It aligns with Ascott's commitment to provide the best sustainable and comfortable hospitality experience in India.

The Ascott Limited is a globally trusted hospitality company with over 930 properties worldwide, offering a wide range of accommodations, including serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels, and more. Ascott's extensive network spans over 220 cities across more than 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA. The company operates under various award-winning brands and offers an exclusive loyalty program, Ascott Star Rewards.


Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Toscano Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as its Cluster Chef, a move aimed at strengthening culinary leadership, consistency, and innovation across its restaurant portfolio.

 Chef Bhatt brings with him an extensive career spanning luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and high-volume culinary operations in both India and international markets. Prior to joining Toscano, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, and as Head Chef at Patang Re-Evolve Restaurant in Ahmedabad, where he led contemporary concepts and premium dining operations. His international exposure includes roles at Black Spoon Restaurant in Riyadh and multiple TDIC properties in Abu Dhabi, including Caramel Restaurant and Lounge, BOA Steakhouse, and Fanr at Saadiyat Island. His culinary expertise spans Modern Indian cuisine, Indian curries and tandoor, Italian fine dining, molecular gastronomy, American cuisine, tapas concepts, banquets, formal sit-down dinners, outdoor catering, and multi-ethnic buffets, reflecting a balance of tradition and modern global techniques.

In his role as Cluster Chef, Chef Bhatt will oversee pre-opening operations, kitchen setup and maintenance coordination, central kitchen production, supplier management, menu engineering with detailed food costing, staff training, audit compliance, and strict adherence to hygiene and food safety standards.

 Speaking on his appointment, Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt said, "I am honoured to join Toscano Restaurant as Cluster Chef. Toscano has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency, and I look forward to working closely with the team to create innovative menus, strengthen operational systems, and deliver memorable dining experiences that exceed guest expectations while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and culinary excellence." With this appointment, Toscano Restaurant continues to reinforce its commitment to culinary innovation, operational discipline, and delivering world-class dining experiences across its locations.


Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 6, 2026

Novotel has announced the appointment of Mr. Amit Sangwan as the Cluster General Manager of Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. In this role, he will oversee the overall leadership and performance of both properties, further strengthening their presence in one of India’s most popular leisure destinations.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, Amit brings strong expertise in operational excellence, guest experience enhancement, and people-focused leadership. His career spans luxury, upper-upscale, and business hotel segments, where he has led large teams and managed complex operations across multiple brands.

Prior to this appointment, Amit served as General Manager at Novotel Ahmedabad since May 2023. During his tenure, he successfully drove strong commercial results, improved operational efficiencies, and maintained consistently high levels of guest satisfaction, contributing to the hotel’s overall growth and performance.

Amit is widely recognised within the industry for his leadership and achievements. His accolades include being named among the Top 5 General Managers of Business Hotels at the Hospitality Horizon Awards 2024, Gujarat’s Best General Manager by the CMO Asia Awards, and Most Admired GM of the Year at the International Hospitality & Travel Awards. Over the years, he has also led pre-opening projects, destination-led resorts, and diverse food and beverage portfolios.

In his new position, Amit will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of both Novotel Goa properties. His focus will be on enhancing brand positioning, elevating guest experiences, and driving sustainable growth across leisure, MICE, and food and beverage segments.

Commenting on his appointment, Amit said, “I am delighted to take on this new role at Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. Goa is a vibrant leisure destination, and I look forward to collaborating with the teams to build on the hotels’ strong foundations, deliver memorable guest experiences, and achieve long-term success through innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.”


Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.

In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.

Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.

Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.

Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.

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