Atul Bhalla Appointed Vice President Operations at ITC Hotels

Atul Bhalla Appointed Vice President Operations at ITC Hotels

By Author

Published on October 26, 2023

In a recent organizational development, Atul Bhalla has taken on a new role as Vice President of Operations for ITC Hotels' North & West region. With almost three decades of experience within the ITC Hotels family, Atul's journey takes a strategic turn as he works from New Delhi.

Atul Bhalla's responsibilities encompass driving operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of lifestyle and luxury brand properties. He will also provide essential support for upcoming projects, all while focusing on an asset-right growth strategy for the brand.

As a key member of ITC Hotels' leadership team, Atul has donned various senior management roles during his impressive tenure with the organization. His role as Vice President of Operations- North & West, ITC Hotels India, reflects a commitment to creating and executing a strategic roadmap in collaboration with the Divisional Chief Executive, General Managers, and functional heads. The ultimate goal is to enhance stakeholder value, whether for owned, managed, or franchise properties, while continuing to strengthen the brand's equity.

Atul's journey with the group commenced in 1998 at ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad, and since then, he has held various senior management positions at multiple ITC Hotels locations, including Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai. But it's not all work and no play; Atul enjoys his downtime on the golf course, striving to improve his handicap, or seeking adventure off-road with his stick-shifts.

Notable highlights from his tenure include the successful launch of ITC Royal Bengal, the 14th luxury hotel under the ITC brand in India, and his pivotal role in managing the complex operations at ITC Sonar. Atul was also a key player in the pre-opening phase of ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, two of ITC Hotels' most significant and grandest properties. His recent accomplishments include the successful inception and launch of the newest lifestyle brands, Storii & Mementos, from the ITC group.


Pavan Kumar Appointed as Vice President Operations at Pacific Hospitality

Pavan Kumar Appointed as Vice President Operations at Pacific Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 23, 2024

Pacific Hospitality, a leading upscale fine dining restaurant chain, has announced the appointment of Pavan Kumar as its new Vice President Operations. With a remarkable career spanning over 16 years in the international hospitality industry, Pavan brings extensive knowledge and a successful track record in senior food and beverage management roles.

Pavan Kumar’s career includes holding prestigious positions at notable establishments such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, and Dusit Thani Hotel. His expertise covers areas such as strategic leadership, revenue maximization, operational excellence, and international market adaptation—all essential skills he will bring to Pacific Hospitality.

In his new role, Pavan will be responsible for overseeing the entire food and beverage portfolio for Pacific Hospitality, which operates multiple renowned restaurants in Hyderabad, including Farzi Café, AIDU, and Noho. He will focus on creating and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), leading new restaurant openings, and driving revenue growth through innovative promotions and strategic planning.

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Expressing his excitement about the appointment, Pavan Kumar said, "I am thrilled to join Pacific Hospitality and contribute to the growth of such a respected brand. My goal is to enhance our operational efficiency, ensure unparalleled guest experiences, and support the team in achieving our ambitious objectives."

Throughout his career, Pavan has led the pre-opening of several prestigious establishments, including Mövenpick JBR in Dubai, Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and Westin Hotel & Spa in Doha. He has also been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the industry, earning accolades such as the "Best Italian Restaurant" from Times Food Nightlife Awards and the "Best Wine Destination" from India Wine Awards.

With Pavan Kumar’s leadership, Pacific Hospitality looks forward to solidifying its position as a premier dining destination and continuing to offer exceptional dining experiences to its patrons.

About Pacific Hospitality:

Pacific Hospitality is a well-known upscale fine dining restaurant chain with multiple locations across India, celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional service. The brand is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences through innovation and a commitment to quality.


Chef Amit Kumar Appointed as Executive Chef at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat

Chef Amit Kumar Appointed as Executive Chef at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 22, 2024

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Amit Kumar as the new Executive Chef. With over 14 years of diverse culinary experience in prestigious properties under Marriott International, Chef Amit brings a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering top-tier dining experiences. His appointment marks a new chapter for the hotel's culinary team, which will now benefit from his fresh perspectives and creative expertise.

Throughout his career, Chef Amit has consistently demonstrated a drive for culinary excellence. His recent tenure as Executive Chef at Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa saw him elevate the property's dining experience, establishing it as a renowned destination for food enthusiasts. Prior to this, he served as Executive Chef at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity, where he successfully managed the overall culinary operations of the 253-key hotel. His leadership and creativity contributed to the property's reputation as a premier F&B destination in the capital city.

Chef Amit's extensive portfolio also includes culinary roles at Le Méridien Goa, Le Méridien Gurgaon, and The Westin Hyderabad, where he developed expertise across various cuisines and managed diverse culinary operations, including butchery, commissary, and nightlife dining innovations. His deep understanding of Italian cuisine and his ability to seamlessly blend modern techniques with authentic flavors have earned him widespread recognition in the culinary world.

In his new role at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, Chef Amit will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional dining experiences at the hotel's restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining services. His innovative approach to menu curation, combined with his attention to quality and flavor, is expected to significantly enhance the hotel's food and beverage offerings.

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Speaking on his appointment, Chef Amit Kumar said, “I am excited to be a part of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat and look forward to working with the talented team here to create memorable dining experiences. My goal is to bring a modern, yet authentic touch to the culinary offerings, focusing on high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques.”

About The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat:

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat stands as a luxurious symbol of modern hospitality, offering a perfect blend of wellness and elegance. Located in the heart of New Town, the hotel boasts world-class service, exquisite dining options, and rejuvenating experiences, making it a prime destination for travelers. With breathtaking views spanning across its 32 floors, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is an embodiment of contemporary luxury in the city.


Experienced Leaders to Elevate Guest & Employee Experiences at Atmosphere Core

Experienced Leaders to Elevate Guest & Employee Experiences at Atmosphere Core

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 22, 2024

International hospitality company Atmosphere Core has announced two pivotal leadership appointments. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returns to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, while Milan Mookerjee joins as Vice President of Human Resources. These leadership changes reflect Atmosphere Core’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences and fostering a people-centric culture across its portfolio of three brands and nine resorts.

Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch Returns as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere

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Born in Australia, Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, develop new projects cost-effectively, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency.

Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.

As the General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, Maurice will leverage his deep understanding of the brand to lead the resort with a focus on anticipating, crafting, and elevating guest experiences. "The culture and hospitality inspired by the Joy of Giving resonate deeply with me, and this shared value brings me back to the Atmosphere family,” Maurice said. "At RAAYA by Atmosphere, we are creating a castaway island experience of choice, a guest experience like no other, with a fine balance of escapism and energy. And I look forward to fostering a collaborative working environment so that we create unforgettable moments for our guests."

Milan Mookerjee Appointed as Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core

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Veteran Human Resources leader, Milan Mookerjee, will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across Atmosphere Core's resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, Milan is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture.

Reflecting on his approach to human resources, Milan said, "Leadership is a privilege that we owe to our team. Intentionality with direction and purpose drives results, and I am committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people to grow and succeed. In hospitality, success begins with a motivated, engaged workforce, and I believe in creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This includes investing in continuous learning, nurturing talent, and promoting a strong sense of belonging within the team."

Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programs tailored to business needs.

Leadership Impact

Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, emphasised the importance of a strong leadership team. "At Atmosphere Core, we foster a people-first culture built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring that every employee takes pride in their work. This dedication extends to curating experiences that guests cherish and return for. Maurice’s deep industry expertise and understanding of our brand, combined with Milan’s people-centric approach, will significantly enhance our operations and guest satisfaction across our resorts."

Notes To Editors:

  • Picture Caption: Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere
  • Picture Caption: Milan Mookerjee, Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core

About Atmosphere Core:

Atmosphere Core is a dynamic international hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company operates nine resorts in the Maldives and has a strong pipeline of one resort in the Maldives, one resort in Sri Lanka, and fourteen hotels and resorts across India – all set to open within the next three years. Distinctive design, an authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and the freshest and finest cuisine lend a unique flavour to every Atmosphere Core property.

Atmosphere Core Website: www.atmospherecore.com
Brand Websites: THE OZEN COLLECTION | COLOURS OF OBLU

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