Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli has announced the appointment of Rajesh Kumar as its new Executive Chef. Bringing over 18 years of culinary expertise, Kumar will now lead the hotel’s vibrant culinary operations, promising to enhance the dining experience for all guests.

Chef Rajesh Kumar’s illustrious career spans roles at some of India’s most celebrated hospitality brands, including Taj Lands End Mumbai, Taj Bengal Kolkata, Rodas – An Ecotel Hotel Powai, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Novotel Outer Ring Road Bengaluru, and most recently, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. His extensive experience has enriched his approach to gastronomy, making him a pioneer in curating memorable dining experiences.

Known for his passion and precision, Kumar has been at the forefront of hosting innovative food festivals and setting benchmarks in kitchen best practices. His focus lies in delivering unique dining moments that go beyond just food, creating lasting impressions for guests. A champion of underrepresented cuisines and custom menu creation, Chef Kumar ensures that every dish is a masterpiece that tells a story.

Anil Chavan, General Manager of Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, expressed excitement about Kumar’s appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Rajesh Kumar to our family. His unparalleled expertise and innovative vision will undoubtedly redefine the dining experience at Novotel Imagicaa. Chef Rajesh’s passion for creating unforgettable culinary moments resonates with our brand’s ethos of offering unique and immersive guest experiences. We are confident that his leadership will inspire our culinary team to reach new heights.”

Chef Kumar’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of gastronomy aligns seamlessly with Novotel Imagicaa’s commitment to offering immersive and delightful guest experiences. Under his leadership, the property is set to create innovative culinary offerings that elevate its position as a premier destination in Khopoli.

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced the promotion of Pankaj Saxena to Area General Manager, West India, and General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi. In his new role, Saxena will be responsible for overseeing the growth and operations of RHG across the West India region while continuing his leadership at Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, a premier hotel located near Pune Airport and the World Trade Center, Pune Kharadi.

With a stellar career spanning over 27 years in the hospitality industry, Saxena has showcased strong leadership skills in both operational and strategic capacities. His extensive experience and commitment to hospitality make him well-suited to spearhead RHG’s efforts to expand and strengthen its presence in West India.

Under his guidance, Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi has flourished as a top-tier property, offering 141 uniquely designed rooms and suites, a luxury spa, diverse dining options, and expansive meeting and event facilities. Notable features include Carmine – All Day Dining Coffee Shop, Citrine – The Cake & Bake Shop, Skye – The Lounge Bar, The Bridge – Connecting Three Cuisines, and The Great Kabab Factory.

Pankaj Saxena holds a Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University. He is also a certified leader under RHG's Leaders Excellence Program, recognized at the RHG Corporate Office in Brussels, Belgium. Over the course of his career, Saxena has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious ‘Hotel of the Year’ award at the Asia Pacific Business Conference in Bangkok. More recently, he has received the Radisson Hotel Group Special Recognition Award and the Centre of Excellence Recognition Award 2024, alongside other honors like the H&RA Western India Honours Recognition Award 2024 and the IHC London & IIHM Hospitality Special Jury Award 2024.

Saxena has represented Radisson Hotel Group at renowned international platforms such as ITB-Berlin and WTM London and has been an active participant in commercial workshops across Southeast Asia and China. He currently serves as an Executive Board Committee Member of the Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA).

Radisson Hotel Group extends its congratulations to Pankaj Saxena on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to his continued leadership and contributions to the company’s growth in West India.

Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi has announced the appointment of Tarun Singh as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. With an impressive 22-year career in the hospitality industry, Singh is set to lead the hotel's sales, marketing, and revenue management strategies.

Proven Leadership and Expertise

Tarun Singh has held leadership roles at prominent brands such as Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, where he successfully managed 11 owned and three managed luxury hotels. Known for driving record-breaking revenue growth and RevPAR dominance, Singh also showcased his capabilities at Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre and The Westin Pune.

Recognized for his innovative marketing strategies, team development skills, and strategic pricing acumen, Singh’s achievements include:

• Winning the prestigious “Leader of the Year” award.
• Earning IHG’s recognition for Commercial Excellence.

Role at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi

In his new role, Singh will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing, and revenue management. His leadership will focus on:

• Strengthening the hotel's market-leading position.
• Enhancing revenue performance and brand reputation.
• Implementing data-driven strategies to optimize market share.

Tarun Singh’s expertise in digital marketing, customer-centric strategies, and data-backed decision-making positions him as the ideal leader to drive Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi’s growth.

Aligning with the Brand Vision

Singh expressed his excitement about the new role: “I look forward to leveraging my experience to elevate Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi’s market presence, enhance guest experiences, and lead the team toward continued success.”

The hotel’s General Manager welcomed Singh’s appointment, highlighting his proven ability to deliver results and inspire teams.

With Singh’s strategic leadership, Radisson Blu Pune Hinjewadi is poised to reinforce its status as a market leader, offering exceptional hospitality experiences while driving sustained revenue growth.