The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has announced the appointment of Gaurav Shiva as its new General Manager, marking a key leadership addition for the eco-friendly hospitality brand.

With over 29 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Gaurav brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, culinary arts, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and overall business performance management. His career spans leading global hospitality brands including Taj Group of Hotels, Carnival Cruise Lines, Carlson Hotels & Resorts, Accor Hotels, and Royal Orchid Hotels.

A graduate from the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad, where he topped his batch, Gaurav began his career with the Taj Group. During his early years, he worked across more than a dozen properties, building a strong foundation in hotel operations before moving to international assignments.

His global experience includes working with luxury cruise operations in the United States and contributing to the acclaimed three-Michelin-star restaurant Georges Blanc in France. He later played a key role in culinary development initiatives at Carnival Cruise Lines.

On returning to India, Gaurav held several leadership positions across major hospitality brands. His work includes spearheading the launch of Radisson Resort & Spa, Alibaug, and taking on senior roles with Accor Hotels, where he served across multiple responsibilities including Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage, Executive Assistant Manager – Sales & Marketing, Operations, and General Manager.

He has also led pre-opening projects and hotel repositioning assignments across Bengaluru, Mysore, Goa, and Chennai, contributing to operational excellence and brand strengthening.

Prior to joining The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Gaurav served in General Manager and General Manager Delegate roles with Royal Orchid Hotels and Accor Hotels, where he earned recognition for driving performance, building strong teams, and enhancing guest experiences.

Speaking on his appointment, Gaurav Shiva said he is delighted to join The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, a brand known for its commitment to eco-friendly hospitality. He added that Mumbai’s dynamic hospitality landscape offers exciting opportunities to elevate guest experiences and strengthen the hotel’s positioning.

Welcoming him, Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd., said Gaurav’s diverse experience across culinary, operations, and hotel leadership, along with his international exposure, makes him an ideal fit to lead the flagship property. He expressed confidence that under his leadership, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai will continue to set new benchmarks in sustainable hospitality and guest experience.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Gaurav has consistently focused on building collaborative teams, driving innovation, and strengthening guest engagement throughout his career. Outside his professional journey, he is also associated with charitable initiatives such as the Spastic Society of India.

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Samarth Gangthade as its new Food and Beverage Manager, strengthening its culinary leadership team in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality market.

Samarth brings over 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality and F&B operations, with a strong track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing guest experiences, and leading high-performing teams across leading international hotel brands.

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, he served as Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road, where he managed the hotel’s dining portfolio and delivered strong revenue performance through innovative food and beverage concepts. His career also includes key roles with Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, The Ritz-Carlton Pune, P&O Cruises, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, and Royal Caribbean International.

In his new role, Samarth will oversee all food and beverage operations at the hotel, with a focus on improving guest experience, operational efficiency, and introducing innovative dining concepts aligned with evolving consumer preferences. The hotel stated that his expertise in beverage programs, nightlife concepts, and strategic F&B planning will further enhance its culinary positioning in Bengaluru.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said the hotel is pleased to welcome Samarth to the team and highlighted his strong experience in luxury hospitality and his ability to deliver operational excellence.

Samarth holds a B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Ahmedabad, bringing a strong academic foundation along with extensive industry experience to his new role.

With this appointment, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal aims to further strengthen its food and beverage offerings and reinforce its position as one of Bengaluru’s leading hospitality destinations.

Hyatt Regency Trivandrum has announced the appointment of Sajit Sebastian as its new Director of Sales & Marketing, further strengthening the hotel’s commercial leadership as it expands its presence across key business segments.

Sajit brings close to 20 years of hospitality experience, having worked with leading global hotel groups including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Radisson Hotel Group. An alumnus of Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, he is known for his expertise in driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and executing integrated sales and marketing strategies across luxury and convention hotels.

In his new role, Sajit will lead the hotel’s overall commercial strategy, focusing on strengthening market positioning, expanding corporate and MICE business, growing leisure and wedding segments, and developing long-term strategic partnerships. His appointment reinforces Hyatt Regency Trivandrum’s focus on sustainable growth and strengthening its position as one of Kerala’s key luxury hospitality destinations.

Commenting on his appointment, Sajit Sebastian said he is excited to join Hyatt Regency Trivandrum and contribute to its growth. He highlighted his focus on strengthening relationships with guests and partners while exploring new market opportunities for the property.

Throughout his career, he has managed large convention hotels with extensive event spaces, handling major conferences, corporate gatherings, government events, and large-scale social functions. His expertise spans across corporate sales, leisure segments, MICE, destination weddings, and institutional business development.

Hyatt Regency Trivandrum stated that the appointment aligns with its continued commitment to enhancing commercial performance and reinforcing its reputation as a preferred destination for business and leisure travel in Kerala.