Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership Team with Three Key Appointments

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership Team with Three Key Appointments

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hotel chains, has strengthened its leadership team with three strategic appointments across key functions. The new leaders bring a blend of global experience, specialised skills and strong industry exposure as the brand continues to expand its footprint across the country.

Chef Rahul Rana Joins as Director – Culinary

With over 22 years of international experience, Chef Rahul Rana takes charge of Cygnett’s culinary direction. A hospitality professional with an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Studies from Switzerland, he has worked with global brands such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental and Sarova Hotels.

His journey spans the UK, Caribbean, Maldives, Indonesia, Kenya and India. Chef Rana has also launched several speciality restaurants, including modern Pan-Asian concepts, Peruvian cuisine and Kenyan-native dining. Known for his modern techniques and large-scale buffet presentations, he is expected to bring a fresh culinary identity to the brand.

Sanjit Kumar Thakur Appointed as Corporate Learning & Development Manager

A seasoned L&D professional, Sanjit Kumar Thakur brings nearly 15 years of hospitality experience. An IHM Kolkata graduate with an MBA in HR, he has previously worked with reputed hotel groups including Taj, Oberoi, Radisson, Sarovar and Accor.

Thakur already oversees the L&D function at Cygnett and is focused on people development, capability building and strengthening talent pipelines across the organisation.

Ravvinder Bhola Joins as General Manager – Information Technology

With more than two decades in hospitality technology, Ravvinder Bhola steps in as the GM – IT. He has served with leading hotel brands such as Starwood, Taj and Marriott across India and global markets.

His strengths include system deployments, digital transformation, cybersecurity, risk management and governance—key areas for modern hotel operations. Bhola is expected to lead Cygnett’s technology roadmap as the brand scales its operations.

Speaking on the appointments, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "As a key hospitality chain, we are committed to strengthening our leadership team with experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. As we continue to grow our footprints across the country, their combination of skills, passion and commitment will help us maintain our service standards and drive our expansion plans."

With these additions, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts continues to build a strong leadership foundation, reinforcing its vision for growth, innovation and guest-centric excellence.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.


Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Foodlink Global has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as Head Chef, reinforcing its culinary leadership in the Middle East region.

With over 15 years of experience, Chef Jayved brings a strong foundation in modern Indian cuisine, kitchen operations, and team leadership. Known for his ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, he has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across large-scale operations.

Prior to this role, he served as Unit Chef at PINCODE Restaurant by Chef Kunal Kapur, where he played a key role in menu innovation and guest satisfaction. His professional journey also includes tenures with Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, where he gained extensive experience in menu development, vendor management, and operational efficiency.

In his new role at Foodlink Global, Chef Jayved will oversee kitchen operations across Dubai, focusing on menu innovation, maintaining global hygiene and safety standards, and enhancing overall dining experiences. His expertise spans curry and tandoor specialities, fusion cuisine, and large-scale kitchen administration, supported by strong knowledge of HACCP compliance and quality audits.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Jayved expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand, highlighting his intent to create innovative dining experiences that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation and techniques.

This strategic appointment underscores Foodlink Global’s commitment to strengthening its culinary excellence and expanding its presence in the competitive Middle East hospitality landscape.

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