Atmosphere Core Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

Atmosphere Core Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 3, 2024

Atmosphere Core, a leading international hospitality company, has announced two strategic additions to its leadership team. Alain Camille Trefois joins as the General Manager of OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, a celebrated diver’s paradise and 4-star superior resort. Meanwhile, Mohammed Belhacen takes on the pivotal role of Cluster Director of Revenue, overseeing Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and the COLOURS OF OBLU brands.

Alain Trefois, a seasoned hospitality expert with four decades of global experience, will now lead operations at Helengeli Island. His distinguished career spans luxury hotel and resort management in Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the Maldives. Fluent in five languages and recognized for his transformative leadership, Alain is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and fostering high-performing teams.

Speaking about his new role, Alain shared, “Helengeli Island’s unparalleled house reef and exceptional diving opportunities resonate deeply with me. I am committed to enhancing our services, creating unforgettable moments for global travelers, and supporting my team’s growth through hands-on leadership.”

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On the corporate side, Mohammed Belhacen brings extensive expertise in revenue optimization to his new role as Cluster Director of Revenue. With a career spanning Canada, France, Morocco, Switzerland, and the UK, Mohammed has successfully implemented revenue strategies across luxury and midscale properties. Previously, he served as Senior Multi-Hotel Director of Revenue for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Morocco.

Mohammed expressed his vision, stating, “Revenue management is about achieving balance—aligning pricing, occupancy, and strategy to optimize growth. I look forward to collaborating with teams to drive innovative strategies for our stunning resorts.”

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Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, remarked on the appointments, “Our ethos, ‘Joy of Giving,’ guides us to empower teams and deliver meaningful guest experiences. Alain’s inspiring leadership and Mohammed’s revenue expertise will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and enhancing guest journeys.”

As Atmosphere Core expands its footprint with nine resorts in the Maldives and upcoming properties in Sri Lanka and India, these appointments underscore the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality.


Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2025

Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.


Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.

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