LOUIS XIII by Rémy Martin, the legendary French cognac Maison celebrated for its heritage and craftsmanship, has announced the appointment of Ankur Chawla as its Brand Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for India. This partnership marks a significant step in the brand’s journey to strengthen its presence in India’s expanding luxury alcobev market.

With more than 17 years of experience across luxury hospitality, beverages, and entrepreneurship, Ankur Chawla is widely recognised as one of India’s foremost voices in the industry. A thought leader, author, and consultant, he has worked with global names in hospitality and beverage, combining deep operational insight with a strategic approach that drives innovation and growth.

In his new role, Ankur will be responsible for enhancing the LOUIS XIII brand experience in India through exclusive events, curated tastings, and immersive storytelling sessions. He will also develop long-term strategies to strengthen LOUIS XIII’s positioning in the Indian market and collaborate with key partners, luxury brands, and influencers to expand the brand’s footprint across hospitality, lifestyle, and connoisseurship platforms.

Speaking about his appointment, Ankur Chawla said, “LOUIS XIII is not just a cognac, it is a legacy spanning a century — a symbol of artistry, heritage, and luxury. Representing and advising such a brand in India is not only an honour but also an opportunity to create memorable experiences for a discerning audience that is rapidly embracing ultra-luxury. I look forward to deepening the connection between LOUIS XIII and India’s luxury consumers.”

LOUIS XIII’s decision to appoint a dedicated brand ambassador for India reflects its long-term vision for the market, where luxury consumption and appreciation for fine craftsmanship are growing at a remarkable pace.

With Ankur Chawla leading its local representation, LOUIS XIII aims to bring the Maison’s timeless spirit, craftsmanship, and storytelling closer to India’s new generation of connoisseurs.

SEED & BLOOM has announced the appointment of Chef Avinash Gupta as the Head Bakery and Pastry Chef, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand’s expanding presence in Abu Dhabi.

With more than a decade of experience spanning the UAE, USA, and India, Chef Gupta is widely recognized for his creativity, precision, and modern approach to the art of patisserie. In his new role, he will oversee SEED & BLOOM’s bakery and pastry division, focusing on menu innovation, kitchen operations, and team development to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

As part of his responsibilities, Chef Gupta will lead pre-opening operations, design seasonal and signature collections, and maintain strict HACCP and food safety compliance. His leadership approach combines sustainability with craftsmanship, introducing initiatives like eco-conscious kitchen practices and interactive baking workshops to engage both guests and teams.

Before joining SEED & BLOOM, Chef Gupta served as Head Pastry Chef at Prodigy Hospitality Group, Dubai, where he curated contemporary entremets, viennoiseries, and artisanal chocolates tailored to local preferences. His work also involved optimizing kitchen setups, managing costs, and ensuring adherence to Dubai Municipality’s Food Watch standards.

Earlier, he was associated with Fabbri, New Delhi, where he led product innovation in bakery, confectionery, and gelato, conducted product testing, and trained teams in food safety and quality control.

Chef Gupta’s professional journey also includes key roles with Mayfair Hotels & Resorts (India), The Walt Disney Company (USA), Le Méridien (New Delhi), Vivanta by Taj (Srinagar), and Rambagh Palace, Taj Hotels (Jaipur). Across these prestigious establishments, he honed his technical mastery and creative edge, consistently elevating pastry production and menu design.

Expressing his excitement, Chef Avinash Gupta said, “I’m thrilled to join SEED & BLOOM and contribute to a brand that values innovation, artistry, and sustainability. My goal is to craft pastry experiences that beautifully balance tradition and modernity, delighting guests while promoting responsible culinary practices.”

His appointment reflects SEED & BLOOM’s vision of redefining the pastry and bakery landscape in the UAE through innovation, global expertise, and mindful gastronomy.

Marriott Hotels has announced the appointment of Prerna Singh as the new Marketing and Communications Manager for its two Jaipur properties, the 374-key Jaipur Marriott Hotel and the 76-key Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur.

With over five years of experience in marketing and communications, Prerna brings a strong background in hospitality branding and public relations. Before joining Marriott, she held roles at ITC Rajputana and Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, where she contributed to brand visibility and strategic promotions.

Prerna began her professional journey as a Public Relations Executive with JECRC University, and later earned her MBA in Marketing from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Maharashtra.

In her new role, she will oversee marketing strategy, brand communications, digital presence, and public relations for both Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur. Her focus will be on strengthening the brand’s engagement, positioning, and market outreach across Rajasthan’s competitive hospitality landscape.