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

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.

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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.


DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Appoints Naveen Raaj as Operations Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Appoints Naveen Raaj as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square has announced the appointment of Naveen Raaj as its new Operations Manager. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings a strong focus on guest experience and operational excellence to the role.

Over the years, Naveen has built a reputation within Hilton Hotels & Resorts across India for consistently delivering high guest satisfaction. His journey reflects a deep understanding of hospitality standards along with a genuine interest in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.

Before stepping into this role, Naveen was associated with Conrad Pune as the Rooms Division Manager, where he played a key role in enhancing guest experience and improving service performance. He also serves as the Regional Quality Champion for South Asia Hilton Hotels, contributing to maintaining service benchmarks across the region.

Naveen began his career with Hilton Chennai and steadily progressed through various roles, contributing to operational improvements and service standards at properties such as Conrad Pune, DoubleTree Ahmedabad, and DoubleTree Suites Bangalore. He has also completed Hilton's SHINE Leadership Development Programme, one of the brand’s most recognised training initiatives.

His contributions to the industry have earned him several recognitions. These include Director of Rooms of the Year 2025 for Luxury Hotels in India by Hotelier India, along with being a finalist for the same category by BW Hotelier India. He was also awarded Front Office Manager of the Year 2024 for Luxury Hotel by Hotelier India. Additionally, he received the title of “Leader of the Year 2024” at Conrad Pune and “Manager of the Year 2020” at Hilton Chennai.

Welcoming him to the team, Nitin Pathak, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, said, “We are delighted to welcome onboard Mr. Naveen Raaj to the team. His strong industry experience, people-centric approach, and commitment to excellence, align seamlessly with our brand values. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our positioning as a preferred hospitality destination in Gurugram.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Naveen Raaj said, “I am excited to join DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square and be part of a brand known for its warm hospitality and guest-first philosophy. I look forward to working with the team to further elevate guest experiences and contribute to the hotel’s continued success.”


MRG Group Appoints Sujata Gowda as Group GM Marketing & Communications

MRG Group Appoints Sujata Gowda as Group GM Marketing & Communications

By Hariharan U

Published on March 28, 2026

MRG Group has appointed Sujata Gowda as Group General ManagerMarketing & Communications, strengthening its leadership team as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

With over 19 years of experience across airlines, hospitality, real estate, and media, Sujata brings a well-rounded understanding of brand building and strategic communication. Over the years, she has worked with leading names such as Sahara Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Taj Hotels, IHG, and Marriott International.

Her career has included key roles in pre-opening hotel projects across cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad, before moving to Bengaluru. Beyond hospitality, she has also built experience in media and partnerships, most recently serving as Regional Head – Brand & Partnership at Times Internet Limited, where she worked on strategic collaborations linked to a major card launch with ICICI Bank.

Sujata’s expertise spans multiple areas including sales, marketing, operations, brand strategy, media planning, corporate communications, and team management. Her strong relationships across print, electronic, and digital media are expected to support the group’s efforts to expand its brand presence and reach.

Sharing her thoughts on the new role, Sujata Gowda said, “A new fresh start is always nerve-recking and exciting at the same time. Marketing & communication in today's day and age is a pivotal role. I couldn't have joined MRG Group at a better time as this is going to be the year of expansion, dynamic changes and accelerated growth. Extremely excited to collate my 19 years of expertise with fostering collaborations with existing teams as the best time for new beginning is NOW.”

With this appointment, MRG Group continues to invest in experienced leadership as it looks to scale operations and strengthen its market positioning.


Hilton Manyata Appoints Ashish Singh as Director of Sales

Hilton Manyata Appoints Ashish Singh as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on March 27, 2026

Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park has appointed Ashish Singh as Director of Sales, strengthening its leadership team as it continues to expand its presence in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality market.

With over 13 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development, Singh brings a strong track record of driving revenue growth, identifying new business opportunities, and building long-term client relationships across corporate and MICE segments.

He joins from The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, where he served as Director of Catering and played a key role in managing high-impact events while improving catering performance. His journey with the brand also included roles such as Assistant Director of Sales and Senior Sales Manager, reflecting his steady growth and deep understanding of market trends.

Singh’s experience also includes working with leading hospitality brands like Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru and The Park Hotels, giving him a well-rounded perspective on sales leadership in urban markets.

In his new role, he will lead the property’s sales strategy with a focus on driving growth, strengthening corporate relationships, and expanding market share. His responsibilities will include building strategic partnerships, improving revenue streams, and positioning the hotel as a preferred choice for business travel and large-scale events.

With this appointment, Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park continues to invest in experienced talent, further strengthening its position in Bengaluru’s growing hospitality landscape

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