Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has reinforced its leadership team with key appointments to drive its expansion and uphold world-class service standards.

Naveen Chander Pandey – General Manager (Pre-Opening and Service Design)

Mr. Naveen Chander Pandey has been appointed as General Manager (Pre-Opening and Service Design) at the corporate office in Gurgaon. With over 22 years of experience in hospitality, including roles at The Park Hotels, ITC Fortune, Vedic Village, and Hotel Hindustan International, he will oversee pre-opening operations and ensure service excellence across properties in India.

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Abhishek Mathur – General Manager, Cygnett Inn Airport, Jaipur

At Cygnett Inn Airport, Jaipur, Mr. Abhishek Mathur has been appointed as General Manager. Bringing over 15 years of industry expertise, he has previously worked with leading hotel brands such as Red Fox by Lemon Tree Jaipur, Pride Amber Vilas, Renest Gandhi Dham, and Castle Mandawa in Rajasthan.

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Krishnakant Vasant Desai – Operations Manager, Cozzet Mahad

Mr. Krishnakant Vasant Desai joins Cozzet Mahad as Operations Manager, bringing 17 years of experience with reputed hospitality brands like Regenza By Tunga, Anamora The Fern, Regenta SG Greenotel, The Park Hotels, Citrus Hotels, Keys Hotel, Parc Estique, Majorda Beach, and Taj City Inn.

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Simarjit Singh – Operations Manager, Cozzet Deera, Sonipat

Meanwhile, Mr. Simarjit Singh has been named Operations Manager at Cozzet Deera, Sonipat. With an impressive 24-year career, he has worked with Radisson Hotels, Taj Hotels, Hyatt, Ramada, Sarovar Hotels, Sterling Holidays, Best Western, and Golden Tulip.

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Cygnett Hotels’ Commitment to Growth and Excellence

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, stated, “As we continue our aggressive expansion towards 100 hotels, these new leaders will be instrumental in executing our growth strategy. Their expertise and dedication will help us maintain the high service standards and professional efficiency that define Cygnett.”

These strategic appointments reinforce Cygnett Hotels & Resorts commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and strengthening its position as a leading hotel chain in India.


Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Chef Sufeeyan Khan to Lead Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ in Goa

Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Chef Sufeeyan Khan to Lead Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ in Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2025

Rosetta Hospitality has announced the appointment of Chef Sufeeyan Khan as Chef de Cuisine at Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ, the group’s signature world-cuisine beachfront dining destination at Varca Beach, Goa. Known for his creative flair and luxury hospitality experience, Chef Sufeeyan will spearhead the restaurant’s culinary journey as it reopens on September 1st after the annual monsoon closure.

Chef Sufeeyan’s career spans renowned properties like W Hotels and The Leela Goa, with his most recent role as Executive Chef at São by the Shore. His unique approach combines global culinary techniques with coastal flavours, delivering experiences that are refined, memorable, and deeply guest-centric.

At Ouzo Delmar, Chef Sufeeyan will work alongside Chef Somnath Porel, Executive Chef at Elements by Rosetta, to curate a contemporary menu highlighting coastal and barbecue-inspired creations with authentic Goan influences. From fresh local produce to flavourful grills, every dish will tell a story of tradition meeting innovation.

I am truly delighted to join the Rosetta Hospitality family”, said Chef Sufeeyan Khan. “This role allows me to blend my passion for world cuisine with Goa’s rich culinary heritage. Our menu is designed to honour timeless traditions while embracing local authenticity—every dish will be crafted with care to create an unforgettable beachfront dining experience”.

Welcoming the new appointment, Abhishek Dhar, General Manager, Elements by Rosetta, Varca, said, “With his expertise and vision, Chef Sufeeyan will play a pivotal role in establishing Ouzo Delmar as one of Goa’s most distinguished dining destinations.”

Adding to this, Chef Milan Gupta, Corporate Chef & EVP, Rosetta Hospitality, noted, “Chef Sufeeyan’s ability to balance global flavours with Goan authenticity resonates perfectly with Rosetta’s culinary vision. His leadership will set new benchmarks of excellence in Goa’s dining scene”.

With this appointment, Rosetta Hospitality reinforces its commitment to creating immersive dining experiences that celebrate sustainability, innovation, and regional authenticity. Guests at Ouzo Delmar can look forward to an elevated culinary era where beachfront dining meets world-class hospitality.


Sharath Rajan Appointed General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi

Sharath Rajan Appointed General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, has announced the appointment of Sharath Rajan as the General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi. In this new role, Rajan will oversee the hotel’s operations, including guest services, team leadership, quality assurance, and overall property performance.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sharath Rajan has built a strong track record in driving operational excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences. His career includes leadership positions across globally renowned hospitality brands such as Accor, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza (IHG), Hilton, and Marriott, with experience spanning both India and overseas markets.

Rajan’s expertise lies in room division operations, guest experience enhancement, revenue optimisation, and hotel promotions. His dynamic and guest-focused approach is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to Fortune Airport Road, Kochi, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to service excellence and quality hospitality.


Gurnoor Bindra Appointed General Manager of The St. Regis Goa Resort

Gurnoor Bindra Appointed General Manager of The St. Regis Goa Resort

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort has announced the appointment of Gurnoor Bindra as its new General Manager, effective June 30, 2025. With over 14 years of leadership experience across Asia and the Middle East, she brings a wealth of expertise to one of India’s most prestigious resorts.

Before moving to Goa, Gurnoor served as General Manager of Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai, the largest Sheraton in the Middle East. Under her leadership, the property underwent a major transformation, launching innovative dining concepts that won industry recognition. Her work has earned her several honours, including ‘Middle East General Manager of the Year’ and a spot among the ‘30 Best GMs in the UAE.’

Her career in hospitality follows an impressive start in finance across the manufacturing and service sectors. Gurnoor holds a degree from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, an Executive Master’s from IIM Lucknow, and has completed executive programs at Cornell University in Strategic Hospitality Management and Hotel Real Estate Investments & Asset Management. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, she has led several high-impact projects across regions to improve guest experiences, boost productivity, and enhance operational efficiency.

Sharing her excitement, Gurnoor Bindra said, “I am truly honoured to join The St. Regis Goa Resort at such a pivotal moment. With the resort’s stunning transformation and the elevated hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, we are poised to craft an experience that is both timeless and world-class. My vision is to place this resort firmly on the global map – making it one of the most sought-after destinations Asia. I look forward to working with our exceptional team to create unforgettable moments for our guests, and to carry forward the legacy of the St. Regis with grace, excellence, and a spirit of celebration”.

Outside of work, Gurnoor is an avid traveller, a trained classical dancer, and a passionate food enthusiast, a balance that reflects her creative and dynamic leadership style.

The appointment highlights Marriott International’s continued focus on strengthening its luxury portfolio in India. With Gurnoor at the helm, The St. Regis Goa Resort is poised to build on its legacy of world-class hospitality while setting new benchmarks in the region.

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