Lakkimsetti Siva Kumar Joins Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitef

Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield Appoints Lakkimsetti Siva Kumar as Director of Finance

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield has announced the appointment of Lakkimsetti Siva Kumar as its new Director of Finance. In this critical role, Kumar will oversee the hotel’s financial operations, focusing on shaping strategic financial policies, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving the hotel’s continued success.

Kumar joins Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield following his impressive tenure as Director of Finance at Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing financial processes, managing the property’s finances with precision, and contributing significantly to its overall performance. His extensive experience in senior financial roles at top hospitality brands such as Marriott and Accor has solidified his reputation as a strategic and results-oriented finance leader.

Starting his journey as a Finance Voyager at MHRS in Kochi, Kumar’s career trajectory is marked by versatility and in-depth expertise in financial management. His strong leadership and innovative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, positioning him as a key asset in the competitive hospitality sector.

Speaking on his new role, Kumar said:

“As Director of Finance at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, I look forward to collaborating with the team to enhance the hotel’s financial performance and contribute to its growth.”

Vivek Sharma, General Manager of Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, shared his excitement:

“We are thrilled to welcome Siva to our leadership team. Siva’s expertise in hospitality finance will drive the hotel’s financial strategy, strengthen operational controls, and align with Marriott International’s vision for growth and innovation in Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape.”

With his vast experience and strategic outlook, Kumar is well-equipped to lead Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield’s financial operations, ensuring its strong financial foundation. His appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving sustainable growth in a competitive market.

ITC Grand Chola Elevates Chef Nikhil Nagpal as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

ITC Grand Chola has announced the elevation of Chef Nikhil Nagpal as its new Executive Chef. The luxury property, known as one of India’s largest hotels with more than 11 food and beverage brands and iconic banquet venues, has chosen a leader who has been part of its journey from the very beginning.

Chef Nikhil was a member of the hotel’s opening team and has grown within the ITC Hotels ecosystem over the years. A homegrown talent, he began his journey at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, and later completed his professional training at the Welcomgroup Management Institute, the group’s in-house management training division. His career reflects ITC Hotels’ strong culture of developing talent and building leaders from within.

Since the inception of ITC Grand Chola, Chef Nikhil has been closely involved in shaping its wide-ranging culinary experiences. From managing large-format banquets to contributing to award-winning signature restaurants, he has supported several concepts and innovations that have defined the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. His creative direction has also played a major role in the growth of Avartana, ITC Hotels celebrated progressive Southern Indian restaurant known for its balance of authenticity, artistry, and modern technique.

As Executive Chef, he will continue to lead Avartana’s culinary direction while taking charge of all restaurant and banqueting operations at the hotel. His focus will remain on elevating guest experiences through thoughtful innovation, precision, and sustainable practices in line with ITC Hotels’ vision of responsible luxury.

Commenting on the elevation, Mr. Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola, said: “Chef Nikhil’s journey at ITC Grand Chola is a true example of leadership built from the ground up. Having been part of the opening team, he brings unmatched depth, creativity, and balance to this role. As the brand custodian of Avartana and a trusted leader in our culinary operations, he is ideally placed to guide our teams and take our food and beverage ambitions to the next level. We have exciting new F&B concepts on the horizon and we look forward to his continued contributions in this new chapter.”

On his new appointment, Chef Nikhil Nagpal said: “Being part of ITC Grand Chola since day one has been an incredibly rewarding journey. The hotel represents scale, diversity, and excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented teams to further strengthen our culinary offerings, while continuing to build on the legacy and innovation that Avartana stands for.”

With one of India’s largest luxury banqueting facilities and a strong portfolio of acclaimed dining destinations, ITC Grand Chola continues to raise the bar in the hospitality space. Chef Nikhil Nagpal’s elevation further highlights the brand’s long-standing commitment to nurturing internal talent and strengthening its culinary leadership for the future.

EBG Group’s Natuf Café Appoints Milind Soman as Cultural Ambassador

By Author

Published on February 12, 2026

EBG Group has announced fitness icon and wellness advocate Milind Soman as the cultural and lifestyle ambassador for its flagship F&B brand, Natuf Café, marking the next phase of growth for the Levantine quick-service chain.

The partnership aligns with Natuf Café’s clean-eating philosophy rooted in Middle Eastern food traditions that celebrate fresh ingredients, balanced flavours and sustainable practices. As the brand sharpens its expansion plans, it aims to cross 100 outlets nationwide by the end of 2026 through a mix of company-owned stores, franchise formats, cloud kitchens and exclusive retail cafés, catering to India’s young, urban and health-conscious consumers. Positioned at the intersection of global flavours and mindful nutrition, Natuf Café offers protein-rich, low-carb, low-fat and low-sugar meals within a plastic-free, sustainability-led ecosystem.

Commenting on the association, Hari Kiran, Co-founder & COO, EBG Group, said, “Milind Soman embodies the values we stand for at EBG—discipline, authenticity, and conscious living. Natuf Café is not just expanding as a QSR brand; it is building a movement around better food choices that respect people, the planet, and long-term well-being. Over the next year, EBG Group plans to invest between ₹35 lakh and ₹1.25 crore per outlet, supporting rapid retail development across key Indian cities.” Amer Juneidi, Founder & Managing Director, Natuf, added, “For me, Natuf has always been about sharing heritage, culture, and honest food. Partnering with Milind Soman feels natural because he represents integrity and mindful living. As we scale Levantine cuisine across India, we remain committed to authenticity, nutrition, and sustainability in every meal.”

Sharing his perspective, Milind Soman said, “What attracted me to Natuf Café is its simplicity and honesty. The food is rooted in tradition, naturally nutritious, and aligned with how people want to eat today - without excess or compromise. I'm glad to associate with a brand that is making healthy, sustainable food part of everyday life.”

With this collaboration, Natuf Café strengthens its positioning as a progressive QSR brand that balances bold global flavours with everyday wellness, reinforcing EBG Group’s People–Planet–Profit vision.

Grand Mercure Mysore Appoints Suresh Kumar as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 12, 2026

Grand Mercure Mysore has announced the appointment of Suresh Kumar as its new Food and Beverage Manager, effective February 11, 2026. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Suresh joins from ibis Styles Mysuru, where he played an integral role during the hotel’s formative growth phase.

At ibis Styles, he helped shape the F&B positioning of key outlets including The Verandah, Flamingo Bar and rooftop venue KA 16, establishing them as preferred dining destinations in the city.

His earlier roles include Banquet Manager at Novotel and ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, and Restaurant Manager with Taj Hotels, reflecting a strong foundation across premium and upscale segments. At Grand Mercure Mysore, Suresh will oversee end-to-end food and beverage operations, leading signature outlets such as La Uppu, By The Blue and Silk Bar, with a focus on menu engineering, cost optimisation, service standards and overall business performance.

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Radhika Tata, General Manager, said his strength in service excellence and team development will further enhance guest experiences. Sharing his thoughts, Suresh expressed enthusiasm about joining the property and delivering memorable dining moments. A recipient of the IHC London and IIHM International Hospitality Day Award 2023, he remains committed to nurturing talent and driving operational consistency in line with the brand’s vision. Grand Mercure, part of Accor’s global portfolio of over 5,700 properties across 110+ countries, continues to celebrate local culture through elevated hospitality experiences.

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Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield Appoints Lakkimsetti Siva Kumar as Director of Finance

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