Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Sahil Ranaut as its new general manager. In this role, Ranaut will lead the hotel’s dynamic team and oversee all operations, with a strong focus on elevating guest experiences and driving impactful business results.

Ranaut brings over 16 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry, having started his career with Marriott in 2009 as a Voyager Management Trainee in revenue management. His journey includes notable tenures with both Marriott and IHG Group before joining Hyatt in 2019.

Most recently, he served as Area Director of Revenue Management at Park Hyatt Hyderabad, where he successfully led revenue strategies for 14 hotels across southern India, demonstrating a results-driven approach complemented by creativity and precision.

Ranaut’s leadership style is rooted in empathy and collaboration, emphasizing that genuine human connection is the foundation of impactful hospitality. His approach balances ambitious business goals with creativity, fueled by his passion for culinary arts and attention to detail.

Reflecting on his new role, Sahil Ranaut said, “As I begin this exciting new phase, I’m truly looking forward to collaborating closely with our incredible Hyatt colleagues to elevate the guest experience while driving impactful business results. I remain deeply grateful to the mentors and teammates who have shaped my journey so far, your guidance, support, and belief have made all the difference. Here’s to continued growth, meaningful partnerships, and creating memorable moments for our guests and teams alike.”

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road continues to strengthen its leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences infused with energy, style, and purpose.

The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, has entered into a landmark partnership with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College, Japan — both operated by the prestigious Taiwa Gakuen Educational Corporation. This collaboration aims to strengthen international culinary education and deepen cultural exchange between India and Japan.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised in Kyoto during a visit by Mr. Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO of IICA, who met Mr. Mikito Tanaka, Vice President of Taiwa Gakuen Educational Corporation, and Mr. Ikeda from the New Business and Innovation Promotion Office. The discussions focused on creating frameworks for faculty and student exchanges, and joint academic programs that reflect the shared culinary philosophies of both nations.

One of the major initiatives emerging from this partnership is the introduction of an Indian Cuisine Program at Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College. The program will be designed and taught by IICA’s chef faculty, led by Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman of IICA, who brings over five decades of global hospitality experience. In return, Kyoto’s faculty will collaborate with IICA to launch a Japanese Cuisine Program in New Delhi, offering Indian students authentic training in Japanese culinary and pastry traditions.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Mikito Tanaka shared, “Taiwa Gakuen Educational Inc. is strengthening its global collaboration in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2031. The signing of this MoU with IICA, New Delhi, is extremely significant as it will accelerate the exchange of food culture and talent between Kyoto and India. We look forward to further collaboration in the future.”

Chef Virender S. Datta added, “This collaboration represents a milestone in IICA’s journey. Bringing Indian cuisine to Japan and introducing Japanese traditions to India will shape globally competent chefs and foster meaningful cultural exchange.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Arjun S. Datta said, “Our shared vision is to deliver world-class culinary education through cross-cultural learning. This MoU lays the foundation for new opportunities for students and faculty in both countries.”

This landmark partnership not only strengthens IICA’s position as a leader in culinary education but also builds a culinary bridge between India and Japan, blending India’s vibrant flavours with Japan’s precision and artistry, a collaboration that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels Group, has announced the appointment of Anuj Chaurasia as General Manager, Business Development, based out of its corporate headquarters in Gurugram.

With over 17 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Chaurasia brings deep expertise in business development, brand expansion, and strategic partnerships. In his new role, he will spearhead the brand’s business development initiatives and contribute to the growth and expansion of the Fortune Hotels portfolio across key markets in India.

Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, Chaurasia held leadership roles with several reputed hospitality brands including Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, Treebo Hospitality Ventures Private Limited, Spree Hospitality, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Taj Hotels and Resorts.

Most recently, he served as Vice President, Licensed Brands Development at Treebo Hospitality Ventures Private Limited, where he successfully led the development of master franchisee brands such as Park Inn and Suites by Radisson, Mercure Hotels, and Ibis Hotels.

Fortune Hotels said that Chaurasia’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening its leadership and expanding its footprint across India’s growing hospitality landscape.