Keventers has appointed Shaurya Prabhat as its Chief Executive Officer, marking a new phase of leadership for the heritage brand. He succeeds Agastya Dalmia, who played a key role in bringing the brand back into the spotlight for a new generation of consumers.

An eight-year veteran of the company, Shaurya joined Keventers in 2017 to lead business development when the brand was largely franchise-driven. Over time, he took on wider responsibilities across strategy, operations, marketing, HR, and business excellence, eventually shaping the company’s overall direction.

Before joining Keventers, he worked with The Smart Cube, advising global clients across industries such as retail, banking, pharma, and oil and gas. Academically, he holds a degree from University of London and a master’s from University of Warwick.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Shaurya Prabhat said, “I'd like to thank the Board for entrusting me with the responsibility of shaping the company's next phase of growth. What I've learned over eight years is that the mission never really changes: grow the company, grow the brand, and do it with honesty. If you manage your inputs with excellence, the outcomes take care of themselves. I'm extremely excited about the vast opportunities ahead for us.”

As part of his immediate plans, Shaurya is looking to open 70 new outlets over the next year, with a larger goal of significantly scaling the business over the coming years. The brand is also exploring opportunities beyond outlets, including retail, FMCG, quick commerce, and institutional sales, aligning with its broader vision of building a multi-brand food and beverage portfolio.

Keventers is also sharpening its focus on younger consumers, especially Gen Z, by creating products and experiences that connect with their preferences. From menu innovations like waffles and boba to a stronger presence on social media, the brand is adapting to changing consumer behaviour while staying rooted in its legacy.

Commenting on the transition, Agastya Dalmia said, “I have worked alongside Shaurya for over eight years and known him for longer - I have seen how he thinks, how he leads, and how deeply he cares about this brand. He has led almost all significant decisions we have taken over the years and helped us navigate through the most complex of situations – from Covid and restructuring our business model to fundraising and governance. I could not be prouder of what we have built together, and I could not be more confident about what he will build next.”

Founded in 1925, Keventers continues to be one of India’s most recognised food and beverage brands, known for its milkshakes, waffles, and ice creams, with a growing presence across major cities.

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square has announced the appointment of Naveen Raaj as its new Operations Manager. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings a strong focus on guest experience and operational excellence to the role.

Over the years, Naveen has built a reputation within Hilton Hotels & Resorts across India for consistently delivering high guest satisfaction. His journey reflects a deep understanding of hospitality standards along with a genuine interest in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.

Before stepping into this role, Naveen was associated with Conrad Pune as the Rooms Division Manager, where he played a key role in enhancing guest experience and improving service performance. He also serves as the Regional Quality Champion for South Asia Hilton Hotels, contributing to maintaining service benchmarks across the region.

Naveen began his career with Hilton Chennai and steadily progressed through various roles, contributing to operational improvements and service standards at properties such as Conrad Pune, DoubleTree Ahmedabad, and DoubleTree Suites Bangalore. He has also completed Hilton's SHINE Leadership Development Programme, one of the brand’s most recognised training initiatives.

His contributions to the industry have earned him several recognitions. These include Director of Rooms of the Year 2025 for Luxury Hotels in India by Hotelier India, along with being a finalist for the same category by BW Hotelier India. He was also awarded Front Office Manager of the Year 2024 for Luxury Hotel by Hotelier India. Additionally, he received the title of “Leader of the Year 2024” at Conrad Pune and “Manager of the Year 2020” at Hilton Chennai.

Welcoming him to the team, Nitin Pathak, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, said, “We are delighted to welcome onboard Mr. Naveen Raaj to the team. His strong industry experience, people-centric approach, and commitment to excellence, align seamlessly with our brand values. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our positioning as a preferred hospitality destination in Gurugram.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Naveen Raaj said, “I am excited to join DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square and be part of a brand known for its warm hospitality and guest-first philosophy. I look forward to working with the team to further elevate guest experiences and contribute to the hotel’s continued success.”

MRG Group has appointed Sujata Gowda as Group General Manager – Marketing & Communications, strengthening its leadership team as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

With over 19 years of experience across airlines, hospitality, real estate, and media, Sujata brings a well-rounded understanding of brand building and strategic communication. Over the years, she has worked with leading names such as Sahara Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Taj Hotels, IHG, and Marriott International.

Her career has included key roles in pre-opening hotel projects across cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad, before moving to Bengaluru. Beyond hospitality, she has also built experience in media and partnerships, most recently serving as Regional Head – Brand & Partnership at Times Internet Limited, where she worked on strategic collaborations linked to a major card launch with ICICI Bank.

Sujata’s expertise spans multiple areas including sales, marketing, operations, brand strategy, media planning, corporate communications, and team management. Her strong relationships across print, electronic, and digital media are expected to support the group’s efforts to expand its brand presence and reach.

Sharing her thoughts on the new role, Sujata Gowda said, “A new fresh start is always nerve-recking and exciting at the same time. Marketing & communication in today's day and age is a pivotal role. I couldn't have joined MRG Group at a better time as this is going to be the year of expansion, dynamic changes and accelerated growth. Extremely excited to collate my 19 years of expertise with fostering collaborations with existing teams as the best time for new beginning is NOW.”

With this appointment, MRG Group continues to invest in experienced leadership as it looks to scale operations and strengthen its market positioning.