LuLu Group India has announced the appointment of Rahul Raj as its new Head of Hospitality, a move that underscores the Group’s commitment to scaling new heights in India’s luxury and lifestyle hospitality space.

Rahul, who has been with LuLu Group as the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trivandrum since its launch, now steps into a larger role to oversee the Group’s entire hospitality portfolio in India. Under his leadership, the Trivandrum property quickly became a regional benchmark for service, operational excellence, and employee engagement.

A seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of experience, Rahul has held leadership roles with some of the most reputed names in the industry, including Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Taj Hotels, and Oberoi Hotels. His journey has taken him across key hospitality markets such as Goa, Pune, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Trivandrum.

As the new Head of Hospitality, Rahul will be responsible for operational strategy, brand development, and enhancing guest experiences across LuLu Group’s growing hospitality ventures in India.

“I’m deeply honoured to take on this expanded role with LuLu Group India,” Rahul shared. “Having been part of the Group through Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, I’ve witnessed firsthand its commitment to excellence and innovation. I look forward to shaping a distinctive hospitality vision that is as people-focused as it is performance-driven.”

With his strategic vision, operational expertise, and people-first approach, Rahul Raj is well-positioned to steer LuLu Group’s hospitality division into a new era of inspired leadership and guest-centric innovation.

JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Mr. Shubham Awasthi as its new Director of Engineering. With more than 12 years of hands-on experience in hospitality engineering, Mr. Awasthi steps into the role with a strong background in operational efficiency, sustainability, and technical leadership.

In his new position, he will lead the hotel’s engineering and maintenance functions, focusing on optimising energy use, adhering to compliance standards, and spearheading long-term sustainability initiatives. He will also play a strategic role in developing and executing CAPEX plans, while aligning with the brand’s goals for operational excellence and enhanced guest experiences.

Before joining JW Marriott Kolkata, Mr. Awasthi held the same role at Hotel Le Meridien Goa, where he was instrumental in executing energy-saving projects and modernising MEP systems. His efforts earned the property the “Highest Saving in Water Intensity” award in 2021. His previous roles include leadership positions at JW Marriott Pune, Fairfield by Marriott Indore, and Marriott Whitefield Bangalore, where he was recognised for his consistent performance and technical know-how.

“I’m truly honoured to take on this role at JW Marriott Kolkata,” said Mr. Awasthi. “This property is iconic in the city’s hospitality landscape and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and innovation through sustainable and efficient engineering practices.”

An engineering graduate from Sir Padampat Singhania University, Rajasthan, Mr. Awasthi holds certifications in multiple systems, including MESH, Transcendent, Opera, GxP, AutoCAD, and BMS. He also serves as a Transcendent Trainer for the South Asia and Maldives market, showcasing his deep commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality engineering space.

This key appointment adds further strength to JW Marriott Kolkata’s leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to setting new benchmarks in luxury hospitality across East India.

AIPL Joy Gallery continues to make waves in Gurugram’s retail scene with the grand opening of Celio, the popular French menswear brand. The newly launched store spans 4,572 sq. ft on the ground floor, joining an impressive lineup of global fashion labels including Calvin Klein, Arrow, and Tommy Hilfiger.

The launch of Celio marks another significant milestone in AIPL Joy Gallery's journey to becoming Gurugram’s most fashion-forward and experiential retail destination. Designed to reflect the pulse of urban lifestyle, the store blends effortlessly with the mall’s premium aesthetic and cosmopolitan appeal.

AIPL Joy Gallery is the first development on the Golf Course Extension–SPR belt to bring together such a curated selection of international apparel brands under one roof. With a strategic location and an architectural layout that enhances customer flow and experience, the destination offers a seamless journey across fashion, dining, and entertainment.

Ishaan Singh, Director, AIPL, commented on the launch:

“We are delighted to welcome Celio to AIPL Joy Gallery. This addition strengthens our commitment to bringing top-tier global and national brands to our retail mix, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience for our visitors. AIPL Joy Gallery is a hub where fashion, dining, and entertainment converge seamlessly. With Celio's international appeal and stylish offerings, we're continuing to deliver on our vision of creating an immersive, world-class experience for today's urban consumer.”

With a well-zoned layout featuring apparel, accessories, home concepts, F&B, and entertainment, AIPL Joy Gallery is fast becoming the preferred destination for both global and homegrown brands seeking to connect with the modern Indian shopper.