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.


Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2026

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Ravi Patil as Director of Engineering, strengthening its leadership team with a focus on operational excellence, sustainability and infrastructure management. With over 16 years of experience across luxury hospitality, Patil will oversee the property's engineering operations, technical services, asset management and infrastructure development.

In his new role, Patil will focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening preventive maintenance practices, advancing sustainability initiatives and ensuring the long-term performance of the property's infrastructure. He will also be responsible for supporting the smooth functioning of the hotel's technical operations.

Before joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Patil served as Director of Engineering at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. He has also held engineering leadership positions with Marriott International across Mumbai and Pune. His international hospitality experience includes roles at Fairmont Dubai and Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda.

Known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Patil has led engineering teams and managed maintenance, refurbishment and infrastructure initiatives. His work has focused on improving reliability, maintaining safety standards, enhancing energy efficiency and optimising resource use.

Speaking about his appointment, Ravi Patil said, "Engineering in hospitality is about creating systems that are reliable, efficient and sustainable, while ensuring they work seamlessly in the background to support the guest experience. I look forward to bringing this approach to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and working with the team to further strengthen its operational and engineering standards."


Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has appointed Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer, strengthening its engineering leadership with a professional who brings over 18 years of experience across hospitality, engineering, operations and maintenance.

Ramkumar has worked with several hospitality brands during his career, including Taj Deccan Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR, Park Plaza Chennai OMR, ITC Fortune Select Palms Chennai OMR and Marriott Whitefield Bengaluru. His experience also includes pre-opening assignments and project work with Marriott hotels.

Focus on Engineering and Operational Efficiency

In his new role, Ramkumar will oversee the resort's engineering operations, focusing on the reliable functioning of hotel facilities, preventive maintenance, energy management and cost control.

His responsibilities will include supporting the upkeep of engineering infrastructure, managing equipment performance and ensuring that essential systems operate efficiently. His previous experience spans preventive maintenance planning, energy-cost reduction, budgeting and coordination with different hotel departments.

These functions play an important role in maintaining operational continuity across a hospitality property, supporting both guest comfort and the day-to-day requirements of hotel associates.

Building on 18 Years of Hospitality Experience

Ramkumar's career across multiple hotel brands and assignments brings experience in engineering operations within different property environments. His exposure to pre-opening projects also adds to his understanding of the technical planning and coordination required to establish and maintain hotel facilities.

At Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, he will focus on engineering efficiency, reliable services and operational excellence, supporting the resort's broader objective of delivering a seamless experience for guests and associates.

His appointment marks another milestone in a career built around hospitality engineering, maintenance and operational management.


Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

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.

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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.

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