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.

image

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 St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort, the premier luxury destination on South Goa’s pristine coast, is delighted to announce the appointment of celebrated Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant.

Chef Roberto, a native of Sardinia, brings an impressive international background with leadership roles across renowned hotel brands worldwide. In his new role, he will oversee the complete culinary experience at Oliveto, infusing authentic Italian flavors with his refined techniques to create an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

“With Chef Roberto joining Oliveto, we are excited to offer an enhanced Italian dining experience that reflects the finest in craftsmanship and authenticity,” said a spokesperson from The St. Regis Goa Resort.

Guests at Oliveto can now look forward to innovative menus, classic Italian preparations, and a luxurious dining ambiance designed to transport diners to the heart of Italy while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views of South Goa.

This appointment underscores The St. Regis Goa Resort’s commitment to exceptional culinary experiences as part of its world-class hospitality offerings.


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has announced the appointment of Mr. Ayodhya Tiwari as its Director of Revenue, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team. With over thirteen years of experience across some of India’s most respected luxury and upscale hospitality brands, he brings a strong blend of strategic thinking, analytical expertise, and consistent revenue-driven performance.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Tiwari has built deep expertise across Revenue Management, Reservations, and Distribution, supported by a solid foundation in commercial operations and market optimisation. He has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands including Novotel, Hyatt Regency, Pride Plaza, and The Leela, contributing to several landmark properties and high-performing portfolios.

In his most recent role, he led revenue strategy for multi-property operations, delivering record occupancy levels and sustained RevPAR growth. Across his earlier assignments, he has played a key role in strengthening digital performance, enhancing market positioning, and supporting hotel openings and operational transitions, establishing a strong track record of sound commercial judgement and revenue-first thinking.

In his new role at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Mr. Tiwari will be responsible for leading the hotel’s revenue strategy through a forward-looking and data-driven approach. His focus will include dynamic pricing, refined distribution strategies, and strengthening market share across all business segments, while supporting the hotel’s long-term growth objectives. His ability to anticipate trends, optimise multi-segment demand, and drive a profitable business mix is expected to further enhance the property’s standing in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality market.

Known as a collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, Mr. Tiwari brings a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence. His experience across diverse markets and his adaptability to evolving industry dynamics have shaped him into a results-driven professional with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Speaking about his appointment, Ayodhya Tiwari shared, “I am honoured to join Sofitel Mumbai BKC and look forward to deepening my understanding of the hotel’s distinctive positioning and operational strengths. In my role as Director of Revenue, I am committed to advancing the property’s commercial performance by driving strategic revenue initiatives, strengthening promotional effectiveness, and optimising business mix across segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.”


Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has announced the appointment of David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to enhance its fine-dining and culinary offerings.

A South African national, Chef David brings over 20 years of international luxury hospitality experience, having worked across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and South Africa. Prior to joining Raffles Hotel Le Royal, he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

image

His career includes senior culinary leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott, giving him a strong foundation in both destination dining and refined hotel gastronomy.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Chef David will oversee the hotel’s celebrated dining venues, including Restaurant Le Royal, known for its elevated Khmer fine-dining experience, and Le Phnom 1929, a classic French-style brasserie that draws inspiration from the hotel’s colonial heritage.

Welcoming the appointment, Dagmar Lyons, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community.”

Originally opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal features 175 rooms and suites, restored in 2019 to seamlessly blend modern comfort with French colonial elegance, Khmer influences, and Art Deco design. Chef David’s appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to preserving heritage while evolving its contemporary dining narrative.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.