Chef Rajendra Nayak Joins BLR Brewing Co. as Executive Chef

Chef Rajendra Nayak Joins BLR Brewing Co. as Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 3, 2025

BLR Brewing Co. is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Rajendra Nayak as its new Executive Chef. A seasoned professional with a rich culinary journey across Dubai and India, Chef Nayak has previously worked at Social, Fox and Hounds (Dubai), The Citrus at The Leela Palace, and The Grill at Le Meridien, Bangalore. His expertise in blending global techniques with regional flavors promises an exciting new chapter for BLR Brewing Co.’s culinary offerings.

A Passion for Culinary Storytelling

Hailing from Hubli and now based in Bengaluru, Chef Nayak's love for cooking began at home, inspired by his mother’s traditional recipes. Over the years, he has mastered European, Mediterranean, and Konkan cuisine, developing a unique approach that combines flavors, memories, and storytelling on every plate.

"Beyond serving great food, I want to create an experience where each dish tells a story," says Chef Rajendra Nayak. "BLR Brewing Co. is the perfect place to explore this vision, blending bold flavors with carefully curated beer pairings. I look forward to crafting unforgettable dining experiences for our guests."

A Vision for Sustainability and Innovation

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With a keen eye on sustainable food practices, Chef Nayak predicts a rise in plant-based options, sustainable seafood, and ancient grains. His focus aligns seamlessly with BLR Brewing Co.’s commitment to quality, innovation, and conscious dining.

Prasanna, Co-Founder of BLR Brewing Co., shared his enthusiasm:
"We’re thrilled to have Chef Rajendra Nayak on board. His culinary vision perfectly complements our goal of offering customers an extraordinary experience. His expertise in pairing local flavors with international influences will elevate our menu and make every visit a memorable one."

Experience the Fusion of Flavor at BLR Brewing Co.

With four locations across Bengaluru, BLR Brewing Co. is one of the city’s largest brewparks, celebrating the elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. Known for its live gigs, DJ nights, and globally inspired menu, the venue recently won the "Bar with Best Ambiance" award by Times Food & Nightlife.

Under Chef Nayak’s leadership, expect a culinary revolution where beer and food come together in perfect harmony—a true celebration of flavors, culture, and innovation.


Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, the landmark 50th property under IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, has welcomed Sachin Bhardwaj as its new Operations Manager, strengthening the hotel’s leadership as it continues to grow within the Indian hospitality market.

With a career spanning over 16 years, Sachin brings deep industry insight and a strong operational background to the role. Known for his strategic thinking and team-focused approach, he will be overseeing daily operations, driving brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the property.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Sachin worked with top hospitality names like Accor, Marriott, The Lalit, and IHG, where he held various key positions across renowned properties. His experience across multiple formats and markets has helped him master the art of delivering consistently high service standards and operational efficiency.

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Strategically located on the Lucknow - Varanasi Road, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on providing modern comforts, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless experience aligned with the global Crowne Plaza promise.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sachin Bhardwaj said,

“As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring every guest's experience is exceptional and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. We strive to create moments that leave a lasting impression, and I am committed to working alongside a talented team to elevate Crowne Plaza Lucknow as a leading destination for hospitality.”

This appointment comes at a key moment for IHG, as it celebrates its 50th hotel milestone in India, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. With Sachin at the helm of operations, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in service delivery in the region.


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Park Hyatt Chennai has welcomed Mr. Suraj Ashok Gunjal as its new Director of Revenue, a move aimed at strengthening the hotel’s growth and revenue strategy. Backed by a well-rounded career in hospitality, Suraj brings both front-end experience and deep expertise in revenue management to the role.

An alumnus of the University of Pune with a B.Sc. in Hospitality Studies, Suraj began his career at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in the Front Office, where he developed a solid foundation in guest service and operational efficiency. He soon transitioned into revenue and reservations, finding his calling in strategy and data-led decision making.

Over the years, he has worked with top hospitality names including Accor, Ginger, Hilton, and Marriott International. Most recently, he was part of Marriott's Revenue Cluster team in Pune, where he played a key role in optimizing performance across multiple properties.

Suraj’s approach to leadership is grounded in analytics, teamwork, and a keen eye for market dynamics, qualities that align well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s reputation for refined luxury and operational excellence.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Suraj Gunjal said, “I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Chennai as the Director of Revenue. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team and contributing to our shared vision of excellence. I am confident that together, we will uncover new opportunities and achieve exceptional results.”

In this new role, Suraj will oversee revenue functions across the property, focusing on multi-segment optimization, strategic planning, and driving sustained growth for the hotel.


Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

ibis India has officially welcomed Mr. Rais Panjabi as the new Director of Sales for its Mumbai Cluster, which includes ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Panjabi is all set to lead the charge in boosting sales strategy and driving business success across the region.

Before joining ibis, Mr. Panjabi played a key role at Lemon Tree Hotels, where he was known for strengthening market presence, refining sales processes, and guiding high-performance teams. His knack for understanding the market and his people-first approach have consistently led to solid business outcomes.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head for ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “We are delighted to have Rais join us to lead sales for our key properties in the Mumbai cluster. His extensive industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and proven leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our brand’s commercial performance. With Rais at the helm, we are confident of driving sustainable growth and delivering enhanced value to our partners and guests.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Mr. Rais Panjabi said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ibis India family and contribute to the brand’s dynamic growth in Mumbai. ibis’ vibrant energy and customer-centric values strongly resonate with my own professional ethos. I look forward to collaborating with the wider team and leveraging my experience to drive impactful strategies, build stronger client connections, and elevate the sales narrative across the cluster.”

With this move, ibis India continues to invest in seasoned talent to strengthen its leadership bench and deliver memorable guest experiences backed by strong commercial performance.

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