Bakul Pednekar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Director of People & Culture

Bakul Pednekar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Director of People & Culture

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 25, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Bakul Pednekar as its new Director of People & Culture, marking the return of a homegrown talent with global credentials. With over 17 years of experience in human resources across multiple Four Seasons properties, Bakul brings a wealth of insight, emotional intelligence, and a heartfelt leadership style rooted in the brand’s signature values.

Bakul began his Four Seasons journey in 2007, starting in stewarding operations at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. Through his dedication, empathy, and passion for people-centric leadership, he steadily rose through the ranks, taking on key HR roles at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa, and most recently at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where he served as Director of People & Culture.

Welcoming him back to India, Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, shared, “Bakul is a shining example of our belief in nurturing talent from within. His journey reflects the essence of Four Seasons—growing leaders who live our values daily. With his global perspective and deep understanding of our culture, I am confident he will enrich our team and take our People & Culture practices to even greater heights.”

Throughout his career, Bakul has been known for building inclusive and purpose-driven workplaces, leading impactful learning initiatives, and championing employee well-being. His leadership style is founded on respect, empathy, and a belief in empowering others, making him a respected figure among peers and team members alike.

At Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, Bakul will lead the People & Culture function, shaping inspiring employee experiences aligned with the brand’s legendary service philosophy. His return to India marks a full-circle moment, combining global exposure with local intuition to mentor and develop the next generation of hospitality professionals.

As Four Seasons continues to redefine luxury through care and compassion, Bakul Pednekar’s journey stands as a living embodiment of the brand’s people-first promise.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Sushil Kumar as its new director of engineering. In his role, Kumar will be responsible for overall property maintenance, ensuring that the hotel’s infrastructure, utilities, and critical systems operate smoothly and efficiently at all times.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kumar brings strong technical knowledge, project management expertise, and a hands-on approach to operational excellence. He will lead the engineering team with a focus on strengthening preventive maintenance, improving safety standards, and supporting the hotel’s sustainability goals through better energy management and efficient use of resources.

His responsibilities will also include coordinating renovation and upgrade projects, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining a safe and well-functioning environment that enhances overall guest experience.

Kumar has previously held key engineering roles with leading hospitality brands, including Hilton and IHCL (Taj Hotels). During his career, he has successfully managed large-scale renovation programmes, major utility upgrades, and sustainability initiatives, while building expertise across HVAC and electrical systems, fire and life safety, CAPEX planning, energy management, and complex project execution.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar said, “I am excited to join Novotel Hyderabad Airport and contribute to a property that is known for its high operational standards and commitment to guest experience. My focus will be on strengthening engineering systems, driving safety and sustainability, and supporting the hotel’s growth through efficient and future-forward infrastructure management.”

Welcoming him to the team, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, stated, “We are pleased to have Sushil join the NHA family. He brings a depth of experience that will significantly bolster our engineering function. His proven ability to manage complex projects and build high-performing teams will be a strong asset as we continue to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and overall operational capabilities.”


Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West has announced the appointment of Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as its Engineering Manager. In his new role, Yadav will lead the hotel’s engineering, facilities and sustainability operations, ensuring that all technical systems function seamlessly to support guest comfort and smooth hotel operations.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yadav brings strong expertise in engineering leadership and infrastructure management. He has previously worked with reputed hotel brands including Fairmont Udaipur Palace, The Westin Goa and Della Adventure & Resorts Pvt Ltd. His professional journey reflects a solid understanding of hotel engineering systems, preventive maintenance practices and energy-efficient operations.

At Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, Yadav will be responsible for overseeing advanced energy management, preventive maintenance programmes and the adoption of next-generation building technologies. His appointment comes at a time when reliable, intelligent and sustainable infrastructure plays a critical role in delivering consistent guest experiences and long-term operational resilience.

Commenting on the appointment, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, highlighted the importance of strong engineering leadership in hospitality operations. “Great engineering is often invisible, until it isn’t. With Abhimanyu leading our team, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring our guests' comfort, safety, and seamless experience is never compromised. His focus on proactive care and sustainable innovation reflects our commitment to both our guests and our community,” he said.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West continues to strengthen its leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and guest-centric hospitality.


Crowne Plaza Kochi Appoints Mittu V Alex as Front Office Manager

Crowne Plaza Kochi Appoints Mittu V Alex as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on January 2, 2026

Crowne Plaza Kochi has appointed Mittu V Alex as its new front office manager, reinforcing the hotel’s focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. In his role, Alex will oversee all front office operations, ensuring smooth service while maintaining the hotel’s high hospitality standards.

Alex brings extensive experience in hospitality, having previously worked at Hilton Trivandrum and gained exposure with respected international brands including IHG Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Raintree Hotel, and Radisson Hotels. This diverse background has equipped him with strong expertise in operational efficiency, service excellence, and guest engagement.

Recognised for his customer-centric approach, Alex believes the front office is the heart of the guest journey, shaping first impressions and creating lasting memories.

Dinesh Rai, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Kochi, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Mittu Alex to our family. His extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and guest-focused approach make him a valuable addition. We are confident his leadership will further enhance our guest experience and strengthen our Guest Love scores.”

Alex joins at a time when the hotel continues to achieve high guest satisfaction, reflecting its commitment to personalised service and meaningful connections.

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