Courtyard by Marriott and Port Muziris, Kochi Airport, Appoint Jom John as Multi-Property Director of Sales

Courtyard by Marriott and Port Muziris, Kochi Airport, Appoint Jom John as Multi-Property Director of Sales

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 7, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport and Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, have announced the appointment of Jom John as their new multi-property director of sales. John, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, brings a wealth of knowledge in driving sales strategies and fostering market growth. His impressive career spans renowned brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Narayan Tharoor, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport and Port Muziris, stated, "With his proven expertise and vision, we are confident in Jom's ability to expand our market reach and achieve new milestones. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our service standards and guest satisfaction.”

Expressing his excitement for the new role, Jom John shared, "I am honoured to step into this position and continue my journey with Marriott International. I look forward to leveraging my experience to strengthen our market position and create memorable experiences for our guests."

Jom's appointment marks a significant move toward further growth and success for both Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport and Port Muziris. His strategic insight will support the properties in achieving new goals and elevating the guest experience.

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Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport

Strategically located near Cochin International Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport offers modern accommodations, vibrant surroundings, and exceptional hospitality. The hotel provides a variety of dining options, flexible event spaces, and convenient connectivity to key destinations.

Port Muziris by Marriott Airport Hotel Kochi

As Asia's first Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Port Muziris stands out for its artistic luxury and boutique ambiance, just steps away from Cochin International Airport. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at the acclaimed Lila's Kitchen and experience unmatched elegance, with unique event spaces catering to every need.


Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a series of strategic leadership changes within its Sales & Marketing function, reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing customer experiences through real-time data, artificial intelligence, and integrated retail finance solutions. The organizational changes will come into effect from September 1, 2026.

As part of the new appointments, Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager – Digital Customer Unit, has been appointed Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid. Amrit Baid will take over as General Manager – Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars, while Jamsheed Bhadha, currently General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning, will transition to a new role within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. Sanjay Kochar, presently General Manager – TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Bhadha as General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning.

Commenting on the organizational changes, Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's customer centricity and sustained success. These organizational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering broader cross-functional exposure to our talents."

Nandita Godbole has held several leadership positions across Marketing, Retail Sales, and the Digital Customer Unit at Mercedes-Benz India. In her new role, she will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to create more personalized and seamless customer experiences across every stage of the ownership journey.

Amrit Baid, who has successfully led Marketing and Customer Experience initiatives, including campaigns such as Dreams Day, Wish Box, and G-Tribe, will now lead the Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars business. Mercedes-Benz India said the appointment aligns with its strategy of integrating retail finance more closely into the customer journey. The company's retail finance portfolio has grown to over ₹15,000 crore and currently supports more than 50 percent of the vehicles retailed through financing programmes such as Star Agility.

The leadership changes reflect Mercedes-Benz India's continued emphasis on nurturing internal talent, strengthening cross-functional leadership, and accelerating innovation-led growth while delivering a more connected and customer-centric luxury automotive experience


DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments

DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad has announced two strategic leadership appointments with Chef Ashwani Nigam joining as Executive Chef and Bipin Prajapati taking on the role of Assistant Financial Controller. The appointments reinforce the hotel's commitment to strengthening operational excellence and delivering elevated guest experiences.

Chef Ashwani Nigam brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality and culinary leadership. As Executive Chef, he will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, menu innovation, food quality, and kitchen management while driving distinctive dining experiences across the property's restaurants and banqueting operations.

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Joining the finance leadership team, Bipin Prajapati has been appointed Assistant Financial Controller. With significant expertise in hotel finance, compliance, budgeting, and financial operations, he will be responsible for supporting the hotel's financial planning, reporting, and operational efficiency while ensuring strong financial governance.

The appointments reflect DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad's continued focus on building a high-performing leadership team across key operational functions as the hotel continues to strengthen its position in the city's hospitality landscape.

The management expressed confidence that the combined expertise of Chef Ashwani Nigam and Bipin Prajapati will contribute significantly to enhancing guest satisfaction, operational performance, and the hotel's long-term growth


Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 15, 2026

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh has announced the appointment of Ajit Singh Gandhi as its General Manager, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy, colleague culture, and guest experience while driving its continued growth as a leading lifestyle destination in Chandigarh.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ajit brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, commercial leadership, and talent development. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions with prominent hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, Marriott, and The Lalit, gaining experience across luxury, leisure, corporate, and MICE segments.

Before joining Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit served as General Manager at Hyatt Centric Dehradun, where he led the hotel with a strong focus on operational excellence, colleague engagement, and guest satisfaction. His contributions have been recognised with the Iconic General Manager of the Year 2025 award by Times Hospitality Icons, along with the Top 20 General Managers – People's Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

At Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit will focus on enhancing the hotel's lifestyle positioning by delivering elevated guest experiences, introducing innovative food and beverage offerings, and strengthening the property's connection with Chandigarh's culture and social scene. He will also oversee the continued growth of the hotel's dining and nightlife venues, including KOYO KOYO, the contemporary Asian restaurant, and PVT LTD, the hotel's intimate speakeasy known for its innovative cocktails and immersive experiences.

Commenting on his appointment, Ajit Singh Gandhi said, "I am delighted to join Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, a hotel that reflects the energy, creativity and character of the city itself. I look forward to working alongside an incredibly passionate team to build on the hotel's strong foundation, create memorable experiences for our guests, and further strengthen its position as a destination of choice for both travelers and local patrons."

Ajit's appointment marks an important step in the hotel's continued evolution as it expands its lifestyle offerings for both travellers and residents of Chandigarh. Backed by his people-first leadership approach and operational expertise, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh aims to continue delivering fresh, memorable, and locally inspired experiences.

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