Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has created history by becoming the first airport in India, and among a select group worldwide, to achieve Level 2 Accreditation under Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme.

This achievement highlights BLR Airport’s dedication to embedding inclusivity across its infrastructure, services, and passenger experiences, ensuring smoother and more dignified journeys for travellers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The AEA programme is the only global initiative that benchmarks and improves accessibility in air travel, evaluating airports on their policies, facilities, services, and governance frameworks.

By reaching Level 2 Accreditation, BLR Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, making accessibility a central part of its long-term strategies and operational framework. A dedicated accessibility committee, consisting of airport stakeholders, drives initiatives to enhance facilities and mobility solutions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Continuous staff training further ensures that assistance remains empathetic, professional, and personalised.

Speaking on the recognition, Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said:

“We are honoured to be awarded the Level 2 Accreditation under ACI’s Airport Accessibility Enhancement programme. At BLR Airport, accessibility is not just a measure of infrastructure, but a reflection of our belief that travel should be inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger. This milestone is the result of the tireless dedication of our entire team and the invaluable guidance from ACI, reinforcing our vision of building an airport that truly serves everyone. While we celebrate this achievement, we see it as a step forward in our continuous journey to make every traveller feel welcomed and valued at BLR Airport.”

BLR Airport has already pioneered several firsts in India, including the Sunflower Lanyard scheme launched in 2022 to support passengers with hidden disabilities, and the introduction of a sensory room for neurodivergent travellers, the first of its kind at an Indian airport. These initiatives, along with global collaborations and partnerships with government agencies and advocacy groups, further strengthen its role as a leader in building barrier-free, inclusive air travel.

With this recognition, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru reinforces its position as a pioneer in accessibility and inclusivity, advancing the vision of making aviation universally welcoming for all passengers.

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.