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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 19, 2024
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, nestled in the captivating Empty Quarter, is delighted to announce the appointment of Italian national Giuseppe "Pino" Lavarra as its new Culinary Director. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Chef Pino, a Michelin-starred chef, brings a new era of culinary excellence and innovation to this iconic desert destination.
Chef Lavarra's culinary journey began with a rigorous three-year program at Ipssar A. Perotti, an esteemed Italian hospitality kitchen management school in Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy. In 1986, he took on his first role as Chef de Cuisine at The Marina Mandarin Singapore Hotel Group and Penang Mutiara Beach Resort's Restaurant, La Farfalla. Following this, he assumed a leadership position at Palazzo Sasso in Ravello, Italy, with Virgin Group Hotels as Executive Sous Chef.
His career then took him to the acclaimed 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons in Oxford, UK, where he served as Sous Chef from 1998 to 1999. During this time, Chef Lavarra had the notable opportunity to hone his skills under the guidance of Celebrity Chef Raymond Blanc. Continuing his career trajectory, Chef Lavarra joined Park Hyatt The Carlton Tower's Grissini Restaurant in London but returned to Palazzo Sasso with Virgin Group in 2001, where he excelled as Executive Chef until 2013. During this tenure, he led the kitchen to earn 2 Michelin stars at the fine dining restaurant Rossellinis, and managed other outlets including The Lounge & Bar, Room Service, The Beach Club Restaurant, and Selected Banquets events.
In 2013, Chef Lavarra began a new chapter at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong as the Culinary Director of Tosca Restaurant, where he earned a Michelin star in just six months and held it until 2018. He subsequently held the position of Executive Chef at The Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Doha between August 2018 and 2023. In 2020, he had the honor of being selected to plan, set, and deliver an exquisite dinner for Mr. Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic, during his visit to Doha.
Chef Pino's journey also includes notable projects such as leading the opening of Zilos Restaurant in Jeddah earlier this year and contributing as Culinary Coach and Trainer for various international ventures, such as Nolita Restaurant in Naples and Dorothea in Budapest. Moreover, his role on Marriott International's Advisory Board for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa underscores his influence in shaping global culinary standards. His leadership excellence was also showcased during the Qatar FIFA World Cup, where he curated bespoke menus for VIP lounges and exclusive events, solidifying his reputation as a culinary luminary.
Jean-Paul Dantil, General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara, commented on this new appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Chef Pino Lavarra to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. His expertise and commitment to culinary innovation align perfectly with our vision of providing exceptional dining experiences amidst the breathtaking desert landscape." "We are particularly excited about the new restaurant concept he will be leading, set to launch in Q4. Chef Pino is currently immersed in every detail, from menu development to staff training, ensuring that our guests will enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. We look forward to revealing more details very soon."
Jean-Paul Dantil, General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara, commented on this new appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Chef Pino Lavarra to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. His expertise and commitment to culinary innovation align perfectly with our vision of providing exceptional dining experiences amidst the breathtaking desert landscape."
"We are particularly excited about the new restaurant concept he will be leading, set to launch in Q4. Chef Pino is currently immersed in every detail, from menu development to staff training, ensuring that our guests will enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. We look forward to revealing more details very soon."
Chef Pino's impressive list of accolades includes consecutive Michelin stars, Best Chef honors, 3 Forks Gambero Rosso, and Best Italian Restaurant distinctions. His strategic leadership, wealth of experience, and meticulous approach are expected to elevate the resort's reputation as a premier destination for luxury hospitality and gastronomy.
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By Hariharan U
Published on June 10, 2026
Leads Brand Connect has announced the appointment of Puneet Chhabra as Business Head for Amazonika Mundi India, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands the Brazilian plant-based food brand’s presence in the Indian market.
Under the exclusive sales, marketing, and distribution partnership between Leads Brand Connect and Amazonika Mundi India, Chhabra will be responsible for driving revenue growth, business operations, and market expansion across multiple channels, including HoReCa, food service, B2B, modern trade, and online platforms.
A seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chhabra brings extensive expertise in brand building, distribution development, commercial leadership, and market expansion. His responsibilities will also include leading product innovation initiatives across ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat, and ready-to-drink categories.
Commenting on the appointment, Richa Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, said Chhabra’s experience across institutional, retail, and digital channels makes him well-positioned to accelerate Amazonika Mundi’s growth strategy in India.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Chhabra highlighted the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food choices among Indian consumers. He noted that Amazonika Mundi’s plant-based portfolio aligns strongly with evolving consumer preferences and presents significant opportunities across retail and food service segments.
Throughout his career, Chhabra has held leadership positions with several prominent food and beverage companies, including Kohinoor Foods, Amira G Foods, Miraya International, AAA Foods, Borges India, and Lavazza. He has also worked extensively with leading hospitality and retail brands, including Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Marriott, Accor, IHG, Walmart India, Reliance Mart, and Spencer’s.
Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 2020, Amazonika Mundi is a 100 percent plant-based food company inspired by Brazil’s biodiversity. The brand traces its roots to Sottile Alimentos, a startup launched by brothers Thiago Rosolem and Bruno Rosolem in 2018. Since its inception, the company has focused on creating sustainable and innovative food products using natural Brazilian ingredients.
Today, Amazonika Mundi operates in Brazil, India, Israel, and Switzerland, with ambitions to expand its footprint further through premium plant-based food offerings and sustainable food solutions.
Leads Brand Connect, headquartered in Noida, has evolved from an integrated communications agency into a growing consumer brands company. Alongside Amazonika Mundi, the company manages brands such as Coração do Vale and continues to bring international gourmet and lifestyle brands to the Indian market.
Published on June 9, 2026
Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has announced the appointment of Ravi Rai as its new General Manager. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, enhancing guest experiences, driving operational excellence, and advancing talent development across the property.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ravi Rai brings deep expertise across hotel operations, strategic planning, guest engagement, brand development, and business growth. His career spans leadership roles across some of the most respected hospitality brands in India and reflects a strong track record of managing large teams and delivering consistent service excellence.
Prior to joining Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Ravi served as General Manager at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, a well-known eco-conscious five-star hotel recognized for its sustainability-led hospitality practices. His earlier experience includes leadership roles within the Accor Group, where he managed properties such as Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada, and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor.
He has also held key positions with globally recognized hospitality groups including Hilton, Taj Hotels (IHCL), and Carlson Rezidor. Over the years, Ravi has developed a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, having worked across F&B, rooms division, and senior leadership roles, enabling him to build well-rounded and performance-driven teams.
Commenting on the appointment, Austin Roach, Managing Director, Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “Mr Rai brings exactly the kind of leadership this property needs at this point in its journey. His operational track record and ability to integrate sustainability into a hotel’s culture as a genuine business philosophy stood out to us. We are unwavering in our commitment to responsible hospitality, and having someone at the helm who has lived and delivered that commitment instills strong confidence in our future.”
Speaking about his new role, Ravi Rai said, “Joining Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road feels like a natural next step, both professionally and in terms of values. My focus will be on channelling that energy purposefully, building a culture where sustainability is not a talking point but a daily practice owned by every member of the team. We will set clear goals, upskill our people, and raise the bar on responsible hospitality while continuing to deliver the exceptional guest experiences this hotel is known for.”
With his extensive operational background and people-centric leadership approach, Ravi Rai is expected to play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s positioning in Bengaluru’s competitive luxury hospitality market while driving its next phase of growth.
Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has announced the appointment of Narendra Singh as its new Housekeeping Manager. The appointment reflects the hotel’s continued focus on strengthening operational excellence and maintaining high standards of guest experience.
Narendra Singh brings more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across several reputed luxury hotel brands in India. He began his career as a Guest Service Associate with Sewara Hospitality and gradually progressed into supervisory and managerial roles through consistent performance and operational expertise.
Over the years, he has held key positions at SUJAN Luxury Hotels and Six Senses Fort Barwara, where he served as Housekeeping Supervisor and Assistant Manager. Most recently, he was associated with The Leela Palace Jaipur as Housekeeping Manager, where he contributed to maintaining premium service standards and streamlined housekeeping operations.
In his new role at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Narendra Singh will be responsible for overseeing all housekeeping operations. His focus will be on ensuring the highest levels of cleanliness, hygiene, and guest satisfaction in line with Hyatt’s global brand standards.
Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Narendra Singh said, “I have long admired Hyatt as a brand and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and uphold its values at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. I look forward to fostering meaningful experiences and creating lasting memories with the team.”
Known for his strong communication skills, integrity, and detail-oriented approach, Narendra is widely regarded for his operational discipline and commitment to excellence. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor camping, cooking, and exploring historical places, reflecting a balanced and dynamic personality.
The leadership team at Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar expressed confidence that his experience and passion will further strengthen the hotel’s housekeeping operations and enhance overall guest satisfaction.
About Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar:Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar is a contemporary upscale hotel located in Jaipur’s key business district, offering easy access to Jaipur International Airport, World Trade Park, and major tourist attractions. Designed for modern travelers, the hotel features spacious rooms with separate living, working, and sleeping areas, along with all-day dining, a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and flexible meeting spaces. It caters to both business and leisure guests with seamless service and intuitive amenities.
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