THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced the appointment of Abnash Kumar as General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing its leadership team as the ultra-luxury Maldivian resort enters a new phase of operational refinement, guest experience enhancement, and sustainable growth.

With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Kumar brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic planning, project management, business development, and sustainability. His career spans prestigious hospitality destinations across the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, where he has successfully led operations at renowned luxury properties.

Known for his people-centric leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Kumar has built a reputation for elevating guest experiences through service innovation, strong team culture, and sustainable hospitality practices. During his previous leadership assignments in the Maldives, he spearheaded award-winning initiatives recognised globally for their innovation and environmentally responsible design.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said Kumar's extensive international experience and passion for guest satisfaction, people development, and operational excellence align closely with THE OZEN COLLECTION's philosophy of Refined Elegance. He expressed confidence that Kumar's leadership would further elevate the personalised luxury experiences offered at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the resort, Kumar said it is a privilege to lead OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at an exciting stage of its journey. He noted that the brand's commitment to authentic and sustainable luxury strongly resonates with his own values and expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside the team to enhance guest experiences while continuing to build a culture of excellence.

As General Manager, Kumar will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, nurturing talent, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. His appointment comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION continues its international expansion strategy while deepening its commitment to regenerative tourism across its portfolio.

Kumar holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION's continued investment in experienced leadership as it strengthens its position in the global luxury hospitality sector.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has announced the appointment of Karan Singhal as its new Marketing & Communications Manager. With more than six years of experience in hospitality marketing and communications, he joins the hotel with expertise in brand communications, digital marketing, public relations, social media and integrated marketing campaigns.

In his new role, Karan will lead the hotel's marketing and communications strategy, focusing on experience-led campaigns, strengthening brand positioning and enhancing guest engagement across accommodation, dining and hospitality experiences. He will also work towards elevating the hotel's food and beverage offerings through distinctive campaigns, collaborations and experiential concepts, while driving digital visibility, media outreach and audience engagement.

His responsibilities will further include building strategic partnerships and developing integrated marketing initiatives that reinforce the hotel's presence within Bengaluru's competitive hospitality and dining landscape.

Karan began his career with Eleven Inc, a Gurugram-based integrated hospitality marketing agency, before moving to Novotel & Ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, where he served as Complex Marketing & Communications Executive. He later joined Hyatt Regency Ludhiana as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications. Before taking up his new role, he was associated with The LaLiT Chandigarh as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications, leading the hotel's marketing and communications function.

Commenting on the appointment, Akash Kalia, General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Karan to DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. His experience across hospitality marketing, coupled with his understanding of brand communications and the evolving digital landscape, will be instrumental in strengthening the hotel’s presence in the market. His creative approach and focus on experience-led storytelling align with our vision of creating meaningful and memorable guest experiences. We look forward to his contribution as we further strengthen the hotel’s positioning and bring fresh energy to our dining and hospitality experiences.”

Karan holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Aurangabad and an MBA in Marketing from Manipal University Jaipur.

With a digital-first mindset and a passion for hospitality storytelling, Karan will focus on building stronger connections between the brand and its audiences through engaging campaigns and innovative experiences that support the hotel's continued growth in the Bengaluru market.

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Chef Kalpesh Kature as its Executive Chef, further strengthening the hotel's culinary leadership team. With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Kalpesh brings extensive expertise in culinary operations, menu innovation, banquet planning, food cost optimisation, and team leadership.

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Chef Kalpesh served as Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, where he oversaw kitchen operations, developed innovative menus, ensured stringent food safety standards, optimised food and labour costs, and curated bespoke culinary experiences for banquets and events.

Over the course of his career, he has held key culinary positions with several leading hospitality brands, including Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi, ibis Pune by Accor, Royal Orchid Golden Suites Pune, and Radisson Hotel Pune. His experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands, corporate dining, and destination resorts has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary culinary excellence and hospitality operations.

Chef Kalpesh has built expertise in menu development, kitchen administration, inventory management, food cost optimisation, team mentoring, and executing large-scale banquet operations. He is also recognised for conceptualising regional and international cuisines while implementing operational best practices that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, "We are delighted to welcome Chef Kalpesh Kature to Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal as our Executive Chef. His impressive culinary background, commitment to excellence and people-first leadership approach align perfectly with the values we uphold at the hotel. We are confident that his experience and fresh perspective will further strengthen our culinary offerings while creating meaningful dining experiences for our guests. We look forward to the passion and creativity he will bring to our kitchens and wish him every success in his new role."

As Executive Chef, Chef Kalpesh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations across its restaurants, banqueting facilities, and in-room dining services. His responsibilities include driving menu innovation, maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety, mentoring the culinary team, and delivering memorable dining experiences for guests.