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.

Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 17, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, is strengthening its culinary offerings under the leadership of Executive Chef Thirumal Mohan, who brings extensive experience across luxury hospitality, regional Indian cuisine, banquet operations, convention centres and airline catering. Known for his expertise in South Indian specialities and regional culinary traditions, he oversees the hotel's culinary operations, menu development, food quality and kitchen management.

Chef Thirumal Mohan has previously served as Head Chef at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar and Chef de Cuisine at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, where he handled convention centre and banquet operations. His professional journey also includes culinary roles at Marriott Whitefield, Bengaluru, Aloft Bengaluru and LSG Sky Chefs, where he supported Lufthansa's airline catering operations in Bengaluru.

Over the years, he has developed expertise in culinary team leadership, menu planning, maintaining food quality and consistency, and creating dining experiences for diverse guest segments. His experience across hotel restaurants, large-scale events, banquets and airline catering has given him a broad understanding of kitchen operations and the changing expectations of the hospitality industry.

A key part of Chef Thirumal Mohan's career has been his participation in food festivals celebrating South Indian and regional Indian cuisines. Through these initiatives, he has showcased traditional ingredients, authentic cooking techniques and distinctive regional flavours to guests across India and international destinations.

His culinary festival portfolio includes a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott, Kathmandu, Nepal, and a food festival at Courtyard by Marriott, Kathmandu, both in 2018. In 2017, he participated in the Karnataka Cuisine – Flavours of the Coast festival at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, and a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa.

In 2016, his engagements included a Kerala Cuisine Onam Festival at Marriott Bengaluru, a Karnataka Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar, and a Tamil Nadu cuisine showcase at Courtyard by Marriott, Gurugram. His earlier initiatives featured South Indian cuisine at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in 2015, a Karnataka-themed Indian Culinary Route at Marriott Bengaluru, and a Chettinad Cuisine festival at the same hotel.

His regional cuisine showcases also took him to Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur, and Aloft Bengaluru, where he presented South Indian food festivals in 2014 and 2012, respectively. In 2011, he showcased South Indian cuisine in Belgium through an initiative associated with Lufthansa German Airlines.

At Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, Chef Thirumal Mohan brings together his knowledge of regional cuisines, menu innovation and operational management to strengthen the hotel's food and beverage offerings. His experience in South Indian specialities, supported by his background in large-scale kitchen operations and international culinary showcases, contributes to a dining approach that balances regional authenticity, consistent food quality and contemporary guest expectations.

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ather Raza as Director of Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 16, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has appointed Ather Raza as its new Director of Operations, bringing an experienced hospitality professional back to the property where he was previously part of the pre-opening team. With a career spanning more than two decades across leading hospitality brands in India and the Middle East, Ather brings expertise in hotel operations, pre-opening projects, renovations, guest experience and operational excellence.

His professional journey includes leadership positions at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, Aloft Cessna Business Park, Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, Goa Marriott Resort, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and JW Marriott Mumbai.

Throughout his career, Ather has contributed to improving operational performance, financial planning, guest satisfaction and team development across hospitality properties. He also played an instrumental role in opening the first managed Aloft hotel in Asia Pacific, gaining valuable experience in launching new properties and establishing operational standards.

In his new role at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, Ather will focus on driving operational excellence, enhancing guest experiences, strengthening team performance and supporting the resort's overall business objectives.

His return brings a combination of familiarity with the resort's operations and experience across Marriott and Starwood properties. With his background in hotel management and operational leadership, the appointment supports the resort's continued focus on service quality and guest satisfaction.

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim Appoint Sagarika Das as Reservation Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2026

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim have appointed Sagarika Das as Reservation Manager, strengthening the reservations function across both properties as they continue to focus on guest experience and operational efficiency.

Das brings over eight years of hospitality experience, having begun her career in 2018. Her professional background spans reservations, guest relations and hotel operations, with previous associations including Novotel Chandigarh, other Accor brands across India, Hilton and May Flower.

Her experience across multiple hospitality brands has helped her develop an understanding of reservation management, guest expectations and the importance of delivering a seamless experience from the initial booking interaction through arrival.

In her new role, Das will oversee reservations for both Novotel Goa properties, working closely with the commercial and operational teams to streamline reservation processes, optimise room inventory and enhance the pre-arrival guest journey.

The appointment comes as the properties continue to strengthen their positioning among leisure, family and business travellers visiting Goa. At Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, the hotel's pet-friendly offering and phased guest room renovations are also part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the overall guest experience.

Commenting on the appointment, Amit Sangwan, Cluster General Manager, Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Sagarika to the Novotel Goa family. Her experience across reservations, guest relations and hotel operations, coupled with her previous association with Accor, makes her a valuable addition to our team. The reservations function plays a vital role in shaping a guest's journey and creating that all-important first impression of our hotels. We are confident that Sagarika's guest-centric approach, industry experience and understanding of reservation operations will further strengthen this experience. We wish her every success in her new role and look forward to her contributions to the continued growth of our properties."

Outside work, Das enjoys cooking and reading, interests that reflect her creativity and curiosity to continue learning.

Her appointment highlights the importance of reservations leadership in coordinating room availability, supporting commercial performance and shaping guest perceptions before arrival.

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts is part of Accor, an international hospitality group. The brand operates hotels, suites and resorts designed for business and leisure travellers, offering contemporary accommodation, dining, flexible workspaces, family facilities and fitness amenities.

With more than 600 locations across over 60 countries, Novotel participates in ALL Accor, the group's booking platform and loyalty programme, which provides members access to rewards, services and experiences.

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

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Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

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Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ather Raza as Director of Operations

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Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim Appoint Sagarika Das as Reservation Manager

About Novotel

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