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.


Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli Appoints Hemant Chowdhary as Director of Sales & Marketing

Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli Appoints Hemant Chowdhary as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on February 18, 2026

Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli has announced the appointment of Hemant Chowdhary as Director of Sales & Marketing, strengthening the hotel’s commercial leadership as it grows as a premier leisure destination in Maharashtra.

With over two decades of experience across global hotel brands including Hyatt, IHG, Wyndham, and Starwood, Hemant brings deep expertise in driving revenue growth, enhancing brand positioning, and building high-impact commercial strategies across competitive hospitality markets.

In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s sales and marketing initiatives, focusing on revenue performance, strategic partnerships, and optimising the business mix to strengthen leisure demand. Hemant will also align commercial efforts with the property’s long-term growth objectives.

Hemant’s background spans leisure hospitality, pre-opening strategies, and hotel positioning, having successfully boosted brand visibility and commercial performance across multiple assignments. He holds an MBA from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai, and is a graduate of IHM Ahmedabad, combining strong academic credentials with hands-on industry experience.

Anil Chavan, General Manager of Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, said, “We are delighted to welcome Hemant to Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli. His strong commercial acumen, deep understanding of leisure-driven hospitality, and proven ability to build strategic partnerships make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. As we continue to strengthen our positioning as one of the region's preferred getaway destinations, we are confident that his expertise will play a key role in driving sustained growth and enhancing our market presence.”

With this appointment, Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli aims to further enhance its commercial roadmap, reinforcing its reputation as a preferred destination for leisure travellers, corporate guests, and experiential stays.


Chef Saravanan Appointed Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Chennai

Chef Saravanan Appointed Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 18, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Chef Saravanan as its new Executive Chef. With extensive experience across luxury hospitality, international kitchens, and successful entrepreneurial ventures, he brings a dynamic culinary vision to the resort.

Chef Saravanan is renowned for his mastery of South Indian cuisine and his innovative approach to global flavours. He will oversee the resort’s entire culinary portfolio, including signature restaurants, bars, and banqueting operations. His philosophy focuses on fresh produce, authentic techniques, and thoughtful craftsmanship, ensuring every dining experience is memorable.

A seasoned leader with deep industry insight, Chef Saravanan has consistently raised culinary standards throughout his career. His diverse experience from luxury hotels to global cruise lines and independent ventures, adds unique depth to both his cooking and leadership style.

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa looks forward to this new chapter under Chef Saravanan, celebrating creativity, passion, and culinary excellence.


Fairmont Udaipur Palace Appoints Siddhartha Mehendale

Fairmont Udaipur Palace Appoints Siddhartha Mehendale

By Hariharan U

Published on February 17, 2026

Fairmont Udaipur Palace has announced the appointment of Siddhartha Mehendale as Director of Finance. Set against the Aravalli Hills, the palace strengthens its leadership team with a seasoned finance professional bringing over 25 years of experience across luxury hospitality and international markets.

In his new role, Mehendale will oversee financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, procurement, compliance and strategic resource optimisation. His mandate includes ensuring robust financial stewardship that supports the palace’s vision of timeless luxury, exceptional guest experiences and long-term value creation.

A seasoned finance business partner, Mehendale has built a distinguished career across India, the Middle East and island destinations, driving profitability, strengthening governance frameworks and enabling sustainable growth. Most recently, he served as Director of Finance at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, where he led long-term financial strategy, revenue optimisation, cost-efficiency initiatives and compliance excellence while mentoring a large finance team.

His professional journey includes senior leadership roles with Accor Group across multiple properties, including multi-property Director of Finance for Novotel and ibis Bengaluru, as well as assignments at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, ibis Pune and international postings in Qatar, Maldives and Bahrain. His expertise spans pre-opening operations, CAPEX planning, audit excellence, contract renegotiations and implementation of global internal control systems.

Recognised for balancing fiscal discipline with business enablement, Mehendale has been honoured with the Accor Finance Person of the Year awards in 2014 and 2024.

Commenting on his appointment, Mehendale said he looks forward to building strong financial foundations that enable innovation, excellence and sustainable growth at Fairmont Udaipur Palace.

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