MRG Group has announced the appointment of Manjunath Kowtal as General Manager – Sales, reinforcing its focus on building a strong leadership team amid an ambitious expansion plan across its hospitality brands.

A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, Mr. Kowtal brings expertise in sales strategy, brand positioning, and business development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and market leadership. His career includes associations with leading hospitality names such as The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru, Hammerhead Experiences, Sarovar Hotels, Ibis & Novotel Bengaluru Techpark, and Ramada by Wyndham, where he successfully crafted sales frameworks combining performance with purpose.

At MRG Group, Mr. Kowtal will lead the Group’s sales architecture, enhancing revenue models, unlocking new market opportunities, and expanding the brand’s reach across geographies and business verticals.

Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director of MRG Group, said:

"We are pleased to welcome Manjunath to the leadership team. His deep understanding of market dynamics and people-centric approach to sales leadership align perfectly with MRG’s growth vision."

Reflecting on his new role, Manjunath Kowtal added:

"Joining MRG Group at this pivotal stage is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to contributing to its dynamic portfolio and driving initiatives that not only boost business outcomes but also enhance the guest experience."

With several new projects underway, MRG Group continues to focus on strengthening its portfolio, nurturing leadership talent, and setting new benchmarks in hospitality excellence.

Surinder Singh has been appointed as the Area Director – Operations & General Manager at Taj Chandigarh, marking another milestone in his illustrious career spanning over three decades in the luxury hospitality space.

In his new role, Mr Singh will oversee operations across Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening Taj’s presence and driving revenue growth through experiential and guest-centric initiatives. His strategic leadership will play a key role in expanding the brand’s footprint in Northern India, one of Taj’s most dynamic markets.

A seasoned hotelier and visionary leader, Mr Singh has held several senior roles within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Before this appointment, he served as Area Director – Operations for Delhi NCR & Haryana and General Manager of Taj City Centre, Gurugram. His impressive career also includes leadership at some of IHCL’s most iconic properties, including Taj Mahal Lucknow, Blue Diamond Pune, Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka, IHCL SeleQtions, and an earlier stint at Taj Chandigarh itself.

Known for his hands-on leadership and sharp operational insight, Mr Singh blends his foundation in culinary management with a strong focus on innovation and guest experience. Under his leadership at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, the hotel achieved record revenue growth, high employee engagement, and exceptional guest satisfaction scores. His emphasis on sustainability also earned the property a Gold Certification by Earth Check, reinforcing his commitment to responsible hospitality.

Beyond operations, Mr Singh is deeply involved in community building and industry advocacy. He has championed skill development through partnerships with organizations such as Pratham Education Foundation, helping nurture young talent for careers in hospitality. His roles as Vice President of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRAI) and Executive Committee Member of the Hotel Association of India (HAI) further reflect his dedication to shaping the future of the Indian hospitality industry.

Mr Singh has also enhanced his leadership journey through executive programs at IIM Ahmedabad, Cornell University, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, refining his expertise in strategic thinking and organizational excellence.

As he returns to lead Taj Chandigarh, Surinder Singh’s career continues to embody Taj’s values of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt service. His forward-thinking approach and passion for nurturing teams are expected to further elevate Taj Chandigarh’s position as a benchmark for luxury and warmth in North India.

The Residency Hotels is proud to announce the appointment of Prakash Jayadevan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this strategic leadership role, Mr. Jayadevan will lead operational strategy, enhance performance across all properties, and ensure consistently exceptional guest experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, B Gopinath – CEO, The Residency Hotels, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Prakash Jayadevan as our new Chief Operating Officer. His deep operational expertise, strategic mindset, and proven leadership make him the ideal partner as we continue to scale and drive long-term growth. I am confident that he will play a critical role in advancing our mission and delivering greater value to our customers, employees, and stakeholders. His leadership will be instrumental as we scale, innovate, and build a company that leads for decades to come.”

With an impressive background in hospitality management and hotel operations, Mr. Jayadevan has earned recognition for his ability to drive service excellence and operational optimization. His appointment comes at a significant time as The Residency Hotels enters a new phase of growth and brand elevation.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Mr. Prakash Jayadevan said, “It is an honour and privilege to step into this role at this exciting juncture of brand expansion at The Residency Hotels. I am dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence for both our internal and external stakeholders. With our brand ethos of ‘Hospitality with Heart,’ supported by an exceptional team, we will continue to provide unparalleled guest experiences and further strengthen our position in the hospitality industry.”

Mr. Jayadevan brings with him extensive leadership experience across renowned hospitality brands including Pioneer Holiday Resorts Limited, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International India and Nepal, and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. His strategic vision and operational acumen are expected to further elevate The Residency Hotels’ reputation for heartfelt hospitality and service excellence.