Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

By Author

Published on November 3, 2023

Bengaluru, October 31, 2023 – The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, a beacon of luxury and culinary sophistication, has announced the appointment of Chef Roberto Apa as the new Executive Sous Chef. With a career spanning over a decade, Chef Roberto brings a wealth of experience and culinary flair to this esteemed property.

Chef Roberto's journey in the culinary world is illustrious, marked by his tenure with globally recognized brands such as Marriott International. Before joining The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, he honed his skills at Scalini Restaurant in Doha, where he served as the Executive Chef.

On his appointment, Chef Roberto expressed his commitment to culinary excellence. “My goal is to create memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. The property's dedication to offering the best in class resonates with my approach to culinary art," he stated.

A graduate from IPSAR Lucio Petronio and ALMA of National Academy of Italian Cuisine, Chef Roberto combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for quality and innovation. His expertise in managing large kitchen operations without compromising on excellence makes him a valuable addition to the team.

Chef Roberto's culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his heritage and experiences. “Each dish I create carries a piece of Italian culture, intertwined with family traditions and my global culinary experiences. I believe in reinventing these recipes through innovative techniques, ensuring each meal tells a story,” he remarked.

The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru eagerly anticipates the unique flavors and creative dishes Chef Roberto will introduce, confident that his appointment will further enhance their already distinguished culinary reputation.

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts:

Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts represents the pinnacle of Indian luxury hospitality. With eleven award-winning properties across India, the brand is celebrated for its unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine in each location. Recognized globally for its service and excellence, The Leela has been voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand in consecutive years by Travel + Leisure, USA. The brand continues to expand its presence with upcoming projects, including a leisure resort in Ashtamudi, Kerala. As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance and in marketing alliance with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, The Leela continues to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality, offering experiences that encapsulate the rich heritage and ethos of India.


Sheraton Hyderabad Elevates Sourav Pal Chowdhury to Director of Food & Beverage

Sheraton Hyderabad Elevates Sourav Pal Chowdhury to Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has announced the elevation of Sourav Pal Chowdhury to the role of Director of Food & Beverage. He steps into this position after a successful stint as Assistant Director, where he played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s food and beverage operations.

With close to 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sourav has worked with well-known global brands such as Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. At Sheraton Hyderabad, he is recognised for his attention to detail and a people-first approach, both of which have helped enhance guest experiences while building strong team engagement.

In his new role, he will lead the overall strategy and operations of the hotel’s F&B division. This includes overseeing popular dining venues like Feast and Zega, along with banqueting, in-room dining and Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels. His focus will remain on maintaining consistency in service, improving guest satisfaction and supporting steady business growth.

Commenting on his elevation, Sourav Pal Chowdhury said:

"I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the leadership team. I strongly believe that consistency in quality and service remains key, even in a dynamic market. I look forward to contributing further to the hotel’s growth and delivering meaningful dining experiences for our guests."

This move highlights Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel’s continued focus on recognising internal talent and strengthening its position as a preferred hospitality destination in the region.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources, reinforcing its focus on building a strong, people-first organisation as it continues to expand its presence across the Eastern Himalayan region.

Tara Gurung brings with her extensive experience across leading hospitality brands, with a career shaped by a deep understanding of human capital, organisational culture, and leadership development. She has previously worked with global hotel groups such as Marriott International and Radisson Blu, where she led human resources and learning and development functions across multiple properties and clusters.

Her professional journey reflects a consistent focus on nurturing talent, building high-performing teams, and creating structured learning environments that support both individual growth and organisational success. With strong expertise in training, employee engagement, and team development, she brings a balanced perspective that combines operational insight with long-term people strategy.

In her new role, Tara will oversee the human resources function across Summit’s growing portfolio, with a focus on strengthening organisational culture, building leadership pipelines, and aligning people practices with the brand’s broader growth ambitions. Her leadership is expected to play a key role in supporting the company’s expansion while ensuring a strong and cohesive workplace culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka said, “We are extremely proud to welcome Tara back to her home region. At Summit, we strongly believe in building a homegrown organisation, and it is a matter of pride for us when talented professionals choose to return and contribute to the growth of this region. As we expand our footprint across the Himalayan belt, our focus is not just on building hotels, but on creating meaningful employment opportunities and strong career paths closer to home. I would like to encourage hospitality professionals from the Himalayan region, who may be working away from their families, to explore opportunities back here. The region today offers immense growth potential, and together we can build a vibrant, sustainable hospitality ecosystem.”

Tara Gurung’s appointment comes at a time when Summit Hotels & Resorts is steadily expanding across key destinations, with a continued focus on operational consistency and long-term brand building. Her addition to the leadership team reflects the company’s commitment to evolving its organisational culture alongside its growth journey.


Shyam Nair Appointed Multi-Property HR Director Across Marriott Kochi Portfolio

Shyam Nair Appointed Multi-Property HR Director Across Marriott Kochi Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Kochi Marriott Hotel has announced the elevation of Shyam Nair as Multi-Property Human Resources Director, overseeing HR functions across three key properties, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, and Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

With a career spanning over three decades, Shyam brings a unique blend of experience to the role. He served for 20 years in the Indian Air Force before transitioning into hospitality, where he has spent the last 16 years building expertise in leadership, operations, and people management. Armed with an MBA in HR and Operations, his professional journey reflects a strong foundation in both discipline and strategic thinking.

During his tenure with the Marriott portfolio in Kochi, Shyam has held the position of Multi-Property Director of Loss Prevention, where he played a key role in ensuring operational safety and efficiency. His transition into human resources has been marked by a focus on strengthening recruitment processes, enhancing training frameworks, and streamlining administrative and HR functions across properties.

Beyond core HR responsibilities, Shyam has also been actively involved in driving sustainability initiatives. He has led several green practices, including waste reduction programmes and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting environmental awareness. These initiatives not only align with global brand priorities but also reinforce the properties’ commitment to responsible hospitality.

In his new role, Shyam will lead strategic HR functions including recruitment, compensation management, training and development, employee engagement, and retention. His leadership is expected to further strengthen workplace culture while supporting the continued growth and performance of the Marriott portfolio in Kochi.

This appointment reflects a continued emphasis on strong internal leadership and the importance of people-focused strategies in driving long-term success within the hospitality sector.

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