Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Strengthens Leadership Team

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong Strengthens Leadership Team

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 13, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong has bolstered its leadership team by announcing five significant appointments, bringing in seasoned professionals to enhance its commitment to world-class hospitality. Each of these leaders comes with extensive expertise and experience in their respective domains, ensuring a seamless guest experience at the property.

  1. Kalpesh Kature, Executive Chef
    With over 15 years of experience, Kalpesh Kature is a culinary expert renowned for his innovative menus and dynamic team leadership. He has honed his skills with prominent brands like Renaissance Ahmedabad, Sodexo by Google, and Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi. His expertise spans menu planning, inventory management, and team motivation, promising an elevated dining experience for guests.

  2. Lalmuankimi Khawlhring, Assistant Manager, Spa & Recreation
    Bringing a wealth of experience in spa and wellness, Lalmuankimi Khawlhring has worked with notable hospitality brands such as Le Meridien Coimbatore, The O Hotel Goa, and The Westin Pune. Her deep understanding of holistic wellness and luxury spa services will enrich the hotel's recreational offerings, catering to guests' relaxation and rejuvenation needs.

  3. Shiva Kumar Kaave, Chief Engineer
    With a distinguished career spanning 20 years, Shiva Kumar Kaave has worked with leading international hotel chains, including Marriott, Accor, and Taj. His previous roles at Four Points by Sheraton Pune and Vivanta by Taj Panaji Goa underscore his technical expertise and operational excellence, ensuring the hotel’s infrastructure remains top-notch.

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  4. Abhishek Pachaury, Assistant Manager, IT
    A seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience, Abhishek Pachaury specializes in advanced property management systems, networking, and server platforms. His technical acumen, combined with a decade of hospitality industry experience, will ensure seamless IT operations, contributing to the hotel’s efficiency and guest satisfaction.

  5. Deepak Kumar, Assistant Director of Finance
    With a remarkable 21-year career in financial leadership, Deepak Kumar has held key positions across Marriott, Hilton, and Le Meridien properties in India. His expertise in strategic financial management will be instrumental in driving the hotel's fiscal growth and long-term profitability.

These strategic appointments reflect Courtyard by Marriott Shillong’s unwavering dedication to enhancing its operational excellence and guest services. The collective experience and expertise of the new leadership team are set to elevate the hotel’s standing in the region.


DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad has appointed Kritika Arora as its new human resources manager, marking a return to the hotel where she previously contributed as training executive and assistant manager, HR & Training. With over a decade of experience spanning leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, IHG, Oberoi, and Pride, Arora brings extensive expertise in building strong organisational cultures, fostering employee engagement, and driving talent development.

Before her appointment, Arora served as learning manager at Hyatt, Ahmedabad, where she led talent and training initiatives that enhanced both organisational performance and employee satisfaction. She holds an MBA in Human Resources from Pune University and has undertaken certifications in leadership, train-the-trainer, POSH, and quality assurance.

Commenting on the appointment, Khizer Khan, Hotel Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Kritika back to the DoubleTree family. Her proven expertise in HR, coupled with her passion for fostering inclusive and high-performing teams, will play a pivotal role in strengthening our people-first culture.”

Reflecting on her new role, Kritika Arora shared:

“I am excited to return to DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad, a place that has been instrumental in shaping my career. I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong values by creating an environment where people thrive, grow, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

With Arora at the helm of HR, the hotel is set to reinforce its commitment to a people-first culture, ensuring team growth and an elevated guest experience across all operations.


Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Mariki Sayles as its new Director of Food & Beverage, marking an exciting chapter in the hotel’s culinary evolution. With more than a decade of distinguished international experience spanning India, New York, and beyond, Mariki brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the role.

An award-winning hospitality professional, Mariki was honoured as Mixologist of the Year by The Times of India and served as a judge at ProWine Mumbai 2024, establishing herself as one of the industry’s most forward-thinking F&B leaders. Her diverse experience includes leading beverage operations for Bastian Hospitality’s iconic venues across India, directing transformative consulting projects nationwide, and contributing to the beverage program at New York’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin.

Throughout her career, Mariki has been recognised for creating and elevating cutting-edge bar and restaurant concepts that blend operational excellence with creative storytelling, crafting experiences that resonate deeply with guests.

At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, she will oversee the hotel’s comprehensive food and beverage operations, driving strategy, innovation, and exceptional guest engagement across its acclaimed dining venues, sophisticated banquet facilities, and signature lounges. This appointment underscores the hotel’s dedication to maintaining its leadership position in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Reflecting on her new role, Mariki Sayles shared,

“JW Marriott is synonymous with international standards of excellence, and I am thrilled to contribute to this legacy at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. My vision is to elevate our food and beverage experiences to not only match global benchmarks but also redefine them for the Mumbai market, curating concepts that are innovative, immersive, and unforgettable.”

With her creative vision, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic insight, Mariki’s leadership is set to enhance JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s culinary identity, reaffirming its reputation as the Gateway to Mumbai and a true pioneer of hospitality excellence.


Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

GRT Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Vijaya Kumar as the General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the group’s flagship property. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Kumar brings a wealth of expertise in operations, culinary innovation, and sustainable hospitality practices.

Kumar’s promotion to General Manager marks a significant internal advancement within GRT Hotels & Resorts. He previously served as Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, leading operations across Radisson franchise GRT hotels, and has contributed 17 years of dedicated service to the group across multiple properties. His experience also includes tenures with renowned brands such as Taj, ITC, and SRM Hotels.

Passionate about community impact, Kumar has spearheaded initiatives like Chef Amudhupadai, a program to feed underprivileged children, collaborated with local farmers for organic produce, introduced Braille menus and allergen-friendly dining, and trained differently-abled individuals in hospitality and bakery sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Mr. Vijaya Kumar as General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels. His journey reflects our commitment to nurturing talent from within. Beginning his career as a professional chef, he combines culinary creativity with operational insight, equipping him with a deep understanding of guest experience and hospitality operations. Under his stewardship, Grand Chennai will continue to set new benchmarks in guest satisfaction and brand excellence.”

Speaking about his new role, Vijaya Kumar added:

“It is a privilege to lead Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the flagship property of a brand that has set benchmarks in Indian hospitality for nearly three decades. My focus will be on crafting meaningful guest experiences, championing sustainability, and creating a destination that truly reflects the essence of GRT Hotels. Together with my team, I look forward to carrying this tradition forward while setting new standards for excellence.”

Kumar holds a diploma in hotel management from IHM Chennai, alongside multiple postgraduate degrees including an MBA in Human Resources, MA in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Tourism Management. He is also certified in ISO 22000, AHLA programs, and is an accredited trainer and auditor.

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