Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence: Sumit Kumar's Journey at Hyatt Regency Dehradun

Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence: Sumit Kumar's Journey at Hyatt Regency Dehradun

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 12, 2024

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone in the career of Sumit Kumar, a hospitality leader who has completed two decades of service with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kumar’s visionary leadership, passion for excellence, and commitment to hospitality have left an indelible mark on Hyatt properties across the globe.

Mr. Kumar’s journey with Hyatt began in 2003 at the renowned Grand Hyatt Dubai. His early roles saw him swiftly rise through the ranks, from managing award-winning restaurants to overseeing prestigious Indian dining experiences at Grand Hyatt Muscat. His talent for curating exceptional guest experiences propelled him into leadership roles, including as Director of Food and Beverage at Park Hyatt Goa, where his contributions significantly strengthened Hyatt’s presence in the Indian market.

In 2012, Mr. Kumar embraced his first General Manager role, leading the launch of the Hyatt Place brand in India. His leadership was instrumental in the successful pre-openings of Hyatt Place Gurgaon and Hyatt Place Hampi, where his strategic foresight and ability to build high-performing teams set new standards of operational excellence. His tenure at Hyatt Pune further solidified his reputation as a dynamic leader who consistently drives growth and innovation.

Today, as General Manager of the award-winning Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa, Mr. Kumar continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the Dehradun valley. Under his leadership, the property has seen exceptional growth in both guest satisfaction and occupancy, thanks to his focus on personalized services, large-format amenities, and unique local experiences. His dedication to operational excellence has transformed the resort into a premier destination, seamlessly blending luxury with the natural beauty of the region.

Mr. Kumar’s forward-thinking approach extends to sustainability as well. He has led initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, promote the use of locally sourced products, and align with Hyatt’s global sustainability objectives. His commitment to digital transformation has also optimized online guest engagement, streamlining booking processes and enhancing overall guest experiences.

Beyond his operational achievements, Mr. Kumar has played a pivotal role in establishing Hyatt Regency Dehradun as a key destination for MICE tourism. With its strategic location and proximity to major cities, the resort has become a top choice for corporate conferences, high-profile events, and destination weddings. Mr. Kumar’s vision for the property includes creating fully customizable experiences that cater to the unique needs of each client, ensuring the property stays ahead of industry trends.

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A passionate advocate for mentorship and professional development, Mr. Kumar is committed to nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. He encourages aspiring hoteliers to embrace the dynamic nature of the industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation. “The hospitality industry offers endless opportunities for growth,” Mr. Kumar says. “Every day brings new challenges and the chance to make a meaningful impact, both for our guests and our teams.”

Reflecting on his two-decade journey with Hyatt, Mr. Kumar expresses his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career. “Hyatt has been a tremendous platform for both professional and personal growth. I feel privileged to be part of an organization that truly cares for its people and empowers them to reach their full potential. As I look ahead to the future, I’m excited to continue creating memorable experiences for our guests and contributing to Hyatt’s legacy of excellence.”

As Sumit Kumar enters his third decade with Hyatt, his influence in the luxury and upscale hospitality industry continues to grow. His leadership, driven by passion and innovation, promises a bright future for both his career and the Hyatt brand he has served so loyally for the past 20 years.


The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kanna

Published on February 24, 2026

The LaLiT New Delhi has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new General Manager. Bringing over 18 years of experience across sales, marketing, and hotel operations, Vishal adds a strong commercial edge and leadership depth to the iconic luxury hotel in New Delhi.

Vishal started his hospitality journey with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces and went on to take up senior sales and marketing roles at leading properties such as The Imperial New Delhi, The Claridges New Delhi, and Radisson MBD Noida. His association with the brand is long-standing, having earlier served as Head of Sales at The LaLiT New Delhi, followed by his role as National Head of Sales (Business Hotels) at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

Most recently, Vishal was Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini. He was also part of the IHG EMEAA General Manager Development Programme 2025, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Vishal back to The LaLiT New Delhi in this leadership role. His deep commercial expertise, strong understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape, and long-standing association with the brand position him exceptionally well to lead the property into its next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, the hotel will continue to deliver elevated guest experiences and strengthen its market presence.”

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing overall hotel operations, shaping commercial strategy, and leading guest engagement initiatives, further strengthening the hotel’s standing in the luxury hospitality segment.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Vishal Sharma said, “It is truly an honour to take on this responsibility at The LaLiT New Delhi, a brand widely recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive hospitality. I look forward to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered, while ensuring our guests experience not only exceptional service, but a space that celebrates individuality, respect, and belonging.”


Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

By Hariharan U

Published on February 23, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Mr. Daksh Shandilya and Ms. Ashwini Alpesh Taware as Director of Sales. This step reflects the company’s clear focus on expanding its reach and sharpening its sales strategy for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts.

Daksh Shandilya brings over nine years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Over the years, he has worked with leading brands such as The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, Treehouse Hotels & Resorts, and Old-World Hospitality. His experience covers key account management, business development, and market expansion across competitive regions. He has handled segments including PCO, DMC, and MICE, helping brands grow through structured planning and strong long-term partnerships.

Ashwini Alpesh Taware joins with more than a decade of experience across corporate sales, travel trade, events, and MICE. She has been associated with brands like Lemon Tree Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, and The Orchid Hotel Mumbai. Having worked at both property-level and national sales offices, she understands client expectations and market trends closely.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, "Our focus has always been on building strong leadership teams that can take our brands forward in a competitive market. Daksh and Ashwini come with solid industry experience and a clear understanding of how today's hospitality business works. Their addition strengthens our focus to grow our market footprint, deepen our engagement with key partners, and drive consistent performance across ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts."

In their new roles, Daksh Shandilya and Ashwini Alpesh Taware will focus on improving sales performance and supporting Espire Hospitality Limited’s long-term growth plans across its brands


The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2026

The Leela Hyderabad has announced the appointment of Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at its signature dining destination, Tiga, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence and leadership.

With close to three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Rana brings with him a strong professional foundation shaped by his tenure across several renowned hotel brands. His career includes stints at Park Hyatt Hotels, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Grand InterContinental, Le Royal Meridien, and The St. Regis. Over the years, his work has been defined by a disciplined approach to global cuisines, with a sharp focus on authenticity, precision, and guest satisfaction.

Speaking on his appointment, Rana said, “cooking, for me, is a continuous journey of learning and refinement. i believe in respecting ingredients, techniques, and authentic recipes while evolving with guest expectations. at the leela hyderabad, i look forward to creating dining experiences that balance global influences with flavours that resonate with the local palate.”

At Tiga, Rana aims to curate menus that blend international culinary trends with regional sensibilities. A key highlight of his vision is a strong emphasis on Sichuan-style cuisine, known for its bold spices, layered aromas, and balanced heat, while ensuring the offerings remain approachable for local diners.

Welcoming him to the team, Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad, said, “chef rana’s extensive experience across some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, combined with his commitment to consistency and quality, makes him a valuable addition to our culinary team. his leadership will play a key role in further elevating the dining experience at the leela hyderabad.”

With this appointment, The Leela Hyderabad continues to strengthen its culinary portfolio, positioning Tiga as a destination for refined global flavours delivered with consistency and care.

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