Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Announces Key Leadership Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 17, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Linu K as Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Shafique Ahmed as Executive Sous Chef, and Ningombam Khelbas Meetei as Assistant Training Manager. These key appointments mark the hotel’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth, development, and excellence in its operations.

Linu K, the new Assistant Executive Housekeeper, brings over 13 years of extensive experience in hospitality. His background includes roles with prominent brands such as Evolve Back Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, and Grand Hyatt Mumbai. At Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Linu will oversee the housekeeping department, focusing on maintaining high standards of cleanliness, attention to detail, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.

Shafique Ahmed steps in as Executive Sous Chef with a wealth of experience spanning 14 years. Having worked with renowned global brands such as Accor, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott, Ahmed’s culinary expertise will drive innovation in the hotel’s dining operations. He will manage the award-winning restaurants, banquet kitchens, and in-room dining services, ensuring that Courtyard by Marriott Shillong continues to deliver unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Completing the trio of appointments is Ningombam Khelbas Meetei, the hotel’s new Assistant Training Manager. With 12 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, including roles as Duty Manager and Hospitality Trainer, Khelbas will be instrumental in shaping the growth and development of the hotel’s staff. His focus will be on enhancing the work culture and driving operational excellence through strategic training initiatives.

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These appointments underscore Courtyard by Marriott Shillong’s dedication to leadership development and delivering top-tier hospitality experiences. With these industry professionals on board, the hotel is poised to continue setting new benchmarks in guest satisfaction and operational success.


Magical Blends Rolls Out Easy Monsoon Skincare with Personalised Plant-Based Serums

Magical Blends Rolls Out Easy Monsoon Skincare with Personalised Plant-Based Serums

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Magical Blends has unveiled a simple, effective skincare routine tailored for the monsoon season, powered by their unique patented personalised skincare system. This innovative range features six active plant-based serums clinically researched to address common skin concerns. Designed to be blended with a choice of cream or gel base, these serums promise a quick, hassle-free skincare ritual that fits easily into daily life.

For the monsoons, Magical Blends recommends a targeted combination to keep skin healthy and radiant despite the humidity. Their Niacinamide-enriched Glow Boosting Serum works wonders on dull skin with blemishes, helping to brighten the complexion, even out texture, prevent breakouts, and maintain a robust skin barrier.

The Sun Defence SPF 50 PA++++ Serum stands out as India's first oil-in-serum sunscreen, offering strong UVA & UVB protection without leaving a white cast. It’s also designed to shield against blue light from digital screens—ideal for daily AM use, rain or shine.

To keep acne at bay, the Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid infused Pore Refining Serum is recommended for controlling sebum and refining pores. This versatile serum can be used across the face or as a spot treatment, fitting into both AM and PM routines based on skin type.

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Meanwhile, the Vit C Brightening Serum is best used at night, working through the PM hours to fade pigmentation, stimulate collagen, and deliver a clearer, firmer, more youthful look by morning. Using it at night helps maximise its brightening benefits without concerns of sunlight-led oxidation.

Magical Blends’ monsoon skincare regime is straightforward: mix a pea-sized amount of your chosen base (cream or gel) with 3-4 drops each of the Sun Defence and Glow Boosting serums for the morning. At night, blend the base with 3-4 drops each of the Vit C Brightening and Pore Refining serums. Those with very oily or acne-prone skin can use the Pore Refining Serum in both routines. Apply evenly to face and neck for best results.

All products are dermatologically tested and free from sulphates, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial fragrances, and colours. They are cruelty-free and formulated with clean, plant-based actives.

Currently available at a special monsoon price of INR 1,056 for a set of four serums (three-week packs), the collection can be purchased online at https://magicalblends.in/collections/monsoon-essentials

So while the weather may be gloomy, your skin doesn’t have to be. Brighten up with Magical Blends’ monsoon essentials and step out with confidence this season!


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Shishir Kumar Jena as CFO to Drive Growth

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Shishir Kumar Jena as CFO to Drive Growth

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Shishir Kumar Jena as Chief Financial Officer, a strategic move that underscores the boutique hospitality group’s ambitious growth plans across India.

Bringing over 32 years of deep-rooted experience in the hospitality sector, Shishir Kumar Jena is a seasoned finance leader known for his expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation. His career spans notable stints with respected hospitality brands such as Acron, Radisson, and Fortune Inn Exotica, where he consistently combined rigorous financial discipline with a commitment to guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

Jena’s extensive exposure to diverse ownership structures and property formats equips him with a rare ability to navigate complex financial environments with strategic precision. This background positions him perfectly to support Stone Wood’s expansion goals and evolving operational needs. For Jena, finance is not merely a profession—it’s a passion that drives his mission to build robust, profitable hospitality ventures.

His portfolio of expertise covers financial modelling, budget management, revenue optimization, and strategic planning across various segments of the hospitality landscape. This versatility will be pivotal as Stone Wood rolls out its diversified growth strategy across different markets and property types.

“We are delighted to welcome Shishir Kumar Jena to our leadership team at this pivotal moment in our company’s journey,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “His extensive financial expertise and deep understanding of the hospitality industry make him the ideal candidate to guide our financial strategy as we embark on this exciting expansion phase. Shishir’s proven track record in driving operational efficiency and value creation will be instrumental in supporting our vision to redefine boutique hospitality across India.”

For more details, visit https://www.stonewoodresorts.com/.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Bolsters Leadership with Two Key Appointments

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Bolsters Leadership with Two Key Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida is proud to announce the addition of two seasoned hospitality professionals to its leadership team. Abhishek Sharma joins as the new Front Office Manager, while Simmy Chaudhary steps in as the Executive Housekeeper. Together, they bring over two decades of rich experience and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest service.

Abhishek Sharma – Front Office Manager

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With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Abhishek Sharma brings deep expertise and operational insight from some of the most respected hotel brands, including Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Taj, Accor, and Radisson. Prior to joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, he held senior positions such as Front Office Manager at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Park Plaza Chandigarh-Zirakpur, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing guest experience and streamlining front office operations.

His strategic thinking, team leadership, and guest-centric approach are well aligned with the Crowne Plaza brand values.

Simmy Chaudhary – Executive Housekeeper

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Joining the team as Executive Housekeeper, Simmy Chaudhary brings 13 years of extensive experience in the housekeeping and guest service domain. Before this role, Simmy served as the Assistant Executive Housekeeper at St. Regis Mumbai, and has held key housekeeping roles across renowned hotels such as Taj Palace Delhi, The Park, Eros Nehru Place, Radisson Blu Kaushambhi, Best Western, and Claridges Nabha Mussoorie, among others. She has also worked at notable properties across India including Radisson Blu Udaipur, Royal Retreat Resort Udaipur, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, and Trident Agra.

Simmy specializes in strategic planning, operational excellence, cleanliness standards, and enhancing guest comfort. Known for her hands-on approach and attention to detail, she is committed to maintaining the highest levels of hygiene and quality across the property.

Welcoming the new leaders, Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, shared: “The backbone of any successful hotel is its people, and we are truly fortunate to welcome Abhishek Sharma and Simmy Chaudhary to our team. Their wealth of experience, passion for service, and commitment to excellence perfectly align with our mission to deliver outstanding hospitality. I am confident that their leadership will further elevate our standards and guest satisfaction.”

These strategic appointments mark a significant step forward in Crowne Plaza Greater Noida’s journey to provide world-class hospitality. The entire team looks forward to the leadership and contributions of both Abhishek Sharma and Simmy Chaudhary as they embark on this new chapter.

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