Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the promotion of Asish Kumar to Director of Sales, strengthening the hotel’s commercial leadership team as it focuses on expanding market share and driving business growth in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality landscape.

The appointment comes at a time when corporate travel, weddings, business events, and leisure demand continue to shape hospitality growth. With a stronger focus on sales strategy, client partnerships, and revenue opportunities, the hotel aims to further strengthen its position across key market segments.

Asish joined Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse in February 2024 as Senior Sales Manager and has played an important role in driving corporate business growth, developing strategic accounts, and supporting revenue performance across multiple segments. He has also contributed to the expansion of CaterINN, the hotel’s outdoor catering vertical.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Asish brings expertise in business development, account management, sales strategy, and revenue generation. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s sales initiatives, strengthen high-value client relationships, and create new opportunities across corporate, MICE, leisure, and catering segments.

Commenting on the appointment, Vidur Bakshi, Director of Sales & Marketing, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “Asish’s promotion comes at an important time for the hospitality industry, where strong sales leadership is essential to convert demand into sustainable revenue growth. His contribution to our corporate business and client partnerships has been significant, and we are confident he will continue to build commercial momentum for the hotel.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Asish Kumar, Director of Sales, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “I am honoured to take on this role at a dynamic time for the market. My focus will be on strengthening corporate relationships, growing opportunities in all segments and supporting long-term revenue growth for Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse.”

The promotion reflects Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse’s focus on internal talent development, commercial agility, and building a sales-driven approach to support long-term business performance.

About Holiday Inn:

Holiday Inn makes it easy for travellers to connect with friends, family, and colleagues across thousands of locations worldwide. The brand delivers memorable experiences for business and leisure travellers through warm hospitality, contemporary design, and comfortable spaces.

Holiday Inn hotels offer amenities including full-service restaurants, meeting and business facilities, swimming pools, and flexible public areas designed for work, relaxation, and connection.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC General Manager Neha Chhabra has been recognised twice by the international hospitality community within a span of nine weeks, highlighting her leadership journey and contribution to the global hospitality industry.

Between April and June 2026, Chhabra received two prestigious honours, the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality award and the Fellowship of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) — recognising her leadership excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing hospitality standards.

The first recognition was presented on 24 April 2026, marking International Hospitality Day. Awarded jointly by the International Hospitality Council (London) and IIHM, the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality award acknowledged Chhabra for her visionary leadership and innovations that have contributed to shaping the hospitality industry and inspiring future generations.

Nine weeks later, on 30 June 2026, IIHM elected Chhabra as a Fellow of its International College of Distinguished Fellows. The honour recognises hospitality professionals for exemplary service and significant contributions to the profession.

Both recognitions carry the signatures of Dr. Suborno Bose and Prof. David Foskett OBE, MBE, prominent figures associated with IIHM and the International Hospitality Council network.

At Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Chhabra has focused on creating a hospitality experience that blends Sofitel’s French elegance with the energy and character of Mumbai. Her leadership approach reflects a balance of operational excellence, personalised service, and people-focused hospitality.

Speaking about the recognitions, Neha Chhabra, General Manager, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, said, “These honours arrived only months apart, but they tell the same story. Hospitality is rarely built alone. If anything, this recognition belongs to every colleague at Sofitel Mumbai BKC who chooses, every single day, to make heartfelt hospitality look effortless.”

The back-to-back recognitions add to a successful period for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, which was also named Best Luxury Hotel, South West Asia at the World Luxury Awards 2025, further strengthening the hotel's position in the luxury hospitality landscape.

Park Hyatt Chennai has announced the appointment of Sohaib Kidwai as its new General Manager, strengthening the leadership team of one of India's prominent luxury hospitality destinations. With more than two decades of experience across luxury and upscale hospitality, Kidwai brings expertise in hotel operations, commercial strategy, food and beverage innovation, pre-openings, and guest experience management.

A seasoned hospitality professional and Hyatt veteran, Sohaib has held leadership roles across several properties within Hyatt's portfolio, along with Marriott International, developing extensive experience in operational excellence, business growth, and people-focused leadership.

Most recently, Sohaib served as General Manager of Hyatt Centric Chandigarh, where he led the hotel through a period of strong growth by enhancing its market positioning through innovative guest experiences and distinctive culinary concepts. During his tenure, the hotel launched PVT LTD, Hyatt's first speakeasy bar in India, along with Koyo Koyo, a contemporary Asian dining destination that gained recognition as one of the region's notable restaurants.

His leadership initiatives contributed to stronger guest engagement, improved commercial performance, and industry recognition, including accolades from Travel + Leisure India and the NDTV Food Awards.

Prior to his role at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh, Sohaib played a key role in the successful opening of Hyatt Place Vadodara and held leadership positions at Hyatt Regency Chennai, Hyatt Pune, Park Hyatt Chennai, and Grand Hyatt Mumbai, gaining extensive experience across multiple segments of luxury hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Sohaib Kidwai said, "I am honoured to lead Park Hyatt Chennai, a hotel that beautifully reflects the essence of the Park Hyatt brand through its understated luxury, exceptional culinary experiences and highly personalized service. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to continue creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests while building on the hotel's strong legacy of excellence."

In his new role, Sohaib will oversee overall hotel operations with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, nurturing talent, strengthening commercial performance, and further elevating Park Hyatt Chennai's reputation for refined luxury, exceptional dining experiences, and personalised service.

His appointment reflects Park Hyatt Chennai's continued commitment to delivering a distinctive luxury hospitality experience built around intuitive service, immersive culinary offerings, and thoughtful guest experiences.

With his extensive leadership background and deep understanding of luxury hospitality, Sohaib Kidwai is positioned to build upon the hotel's strong foundation while continuing its journey of excellence in Chennai's evolving luxury hospitality landscape.