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.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Vishal Singh as Assistant F&B Manager

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Vishal Singh as Assistant F&B Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 13, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Vishal Singh as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening internal leadership.

With over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vishal steps into his new role with a strong foundation in food and beverage operations, team leadership, and guest engagement. Having been an integral part of the property, he has consistently contributed to delivering high-quality dining experiences while enhancing operational efficiency.

Vishal’s professional journey reflects diverse experience across leading hospitality brands. Prior to this promotion, he has worked with Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre Hyderabad, Pullman New Delhi, and Fairfield by Marriott Goa, gaining a well-rounded perspective on service excellence and operational management. He began his career with an internship at JW Marriott Kolkata, laying the foundation for his growth in the industry.

Known for his hands-on leadership style and keen understanding of evolving guest preferences, Vishal has played a key role in enhancing the property’s food and beverage offerings. His ability to balance operational efficiency with guest-centric service has been instrumental in driving consistent performance.

In his new capacity, he will oversee food and beverage operations across the property, ensuring seamless service delivery while continuing to innovate and elevate guest experiences in line with global standards set by Marriott International.

This promotion underscores the property’s focus on people-first leadership and its commitment to developing talent from within.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel Appoints K.L. Ramakrishnan as Director of Engineering

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel Appoints K.L. Ramakrishnan as Director of Engineering

By Hariharan U

Published on April 10, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has announced the appointment of K.L. Ramakrishnan as Director of Engineering, further strengthening its operational and technical leadership.

With over 14 years of experience in hospitality engineering, Ramakrishnan brings deep expertise in technical operations, project management, and sustainability-driven initiatives. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s engineering functions, including maintenance of plant and machinery, energy management, safety systems, and infrastructure efficiency.

He will also play a key role in ensuring seamless operations across all technical areas while enhancing guest comfort and maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

Prior to joining Sheraton Grand Bangalore, he served as Director of Engineering at Taj Skyline Ahmedabad, where he led engineering operations for a luxury property. His professional journey also includes key roles with leading hospitality brands such as Marriott International, Accor, The Leela Hotels & Resorts, and The Lalit.

Notably, he has managed multi-property engineering operations at Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott, showcasing his capability in handling large-scale and complex hospitality environments.

Over the course of his career, Ramakrishnan has led several major projects, including plant upgrades, energy optimisation initiatives, and post-pandemic restoration of critical engineering systems. His expertise spans HVAC systems, fire and life safety, water treatment, and preventive maintenance, with a strong focus on sustainability practices such as energy conservation and efficient resource management.

Welcoming him to the team, Sushma Khichar said, “We are pleased to welcome Ramakrishnan to the team. His deep technical expertise, hands-on approach, and proven track record in managing complex engineering operations will be instrumental in maintaining our high standards of efficiency, safety and guest comfort.”

With his extensive technical knowledge and leadership experience, the hotel aims to further strengthen its engineering capabilities and continue delivering seamless guest experiences.


Ayan Halder Appointed Hotel Manager at The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Ayan Halder Appointed Hotel Manager at The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

By Hariharan U

Published on April 10, 2026

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata has announced the appointment of Ayan Halder as its new Hotel Manager, bringing over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality operations and guest experience management.

In his new role, Halder will oversee the hotel’s overall operations, with a strong focus on enhancing guest experiences, strengthening operational excellence, and driving service innovation at one of Kolkata’s most iconic heritage hospitality destinations.

Prior to this appointment, he held key leadership roles with Marriott International, most recently serving as Unit Head – Property Leader in Kochi. He also worked as Director of Rooms Operations at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where he played a pivotal role in driving guest satisfaction, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing revenue performance across departments.

His professional journey also includes experience with globally renowned hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group. Across these roles, Halder has built a strong reputation for delivering guest-centric service, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational innovation.

Recognised for his contributions to the industry, he has received several accolades, including the Hotelier of the Year – Head of Accommodation at the BW Hotelier Awards 2023, along with multiple recognitions for achieving exceptional guest experience scores and operational performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Halder said, “It is an honour to join The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, a property that holds immense historical and cultural significance in the city’s hospitality landscape. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver memorable guest experiences, strengthen operational excellence, and optimize revenue performance while preserving the hotel’s rich heritage. I am also committed to upholding the strong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ethos that The LaLiT stands for, fostering an environment where every team member feels respected, valued, and empowered.”

An alumnus of Institute of Hotel Management Kolkata, he also holds an MBA from Indian School of Business Management Kolkata, further strengthening his expertise in hospitality leadership and business strategy.

With his extensive operational experience and passion for service excellence, Ayan Halder’s appointment is expected to further reinforce the hotel’s position as one of Kolkata’s most distinguished hospitality destinations.

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