Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia Takes the Helm as Area Director – Operations at IHCL

Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia Takes the Helm as Area Director – Operations at IHCL

By Author

Published on January 12, 2024

In a strategic move to reinforce operational excellence, Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia has been appointed as the Area Director – Operations at IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited). This announcement follows Dr. Ahluwalia's remarkable journey within IHCL, spanning 18 years, where he has consistently showcased his leadership prowess.

Commencing his tenure in September 2005 as the Executive Housekeeper at Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, Goa, Dr. Ahluwalia's commitment and strategic acumen have propelled him through various key roles. He has served as the Executive Housekeeper at Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield, and Taj Chandigarh. Additionally, he played a crucial role as the Accommodation Manager at Vivanta Panaji, Goa, and Taj Lands End, Mumbai, eventually rising to the position of Executive Assistant Manager at Taj Bengal.

Dr. Ahluwalia's foray into general management began at Taj Wellington Mews, Mumbai, where he significantly enhanced service standards. His subsequent role as General Manager – North Goa saw him successfully steer IHCL hotels in the region towards continuous success. In his new role as Area Director – Operations, he will provide oversight to the operations of IHCL hotels in Goa on an interim basis.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President – Operations, South India, International & Expressions, Dr. Ahluwalia brings not just strategic vision but also a passion for personalized guest experiences. His affable personality has been instrumental in fostering positive connections with stakeholders. This elevation is a testament to his dedication and invaluable contributions to IHCL's growth. As Dr. Ahluwalia takes on this new responsibility, IHCL anticipates further strides in operational efficiency and service excellence.


JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Gorav Arora as General Manager

JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Gorav Arora as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 3, 2026

JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Gorav Arora as its new General Manager, effective January 23, 2026. The move reflects the hotel’s continued focus on strengthening leadership, driving operational excellence, and nurturing a people-first culture.

A seasoned hospitality professional, Gorav Arora brings with him over 24 years of experience across some of the world’s most respected hotel groups. His career includes leadership tenures with Hyatt Hotels, The Oberoi Group, and Accor, where he successfully handled multiple senior assignments and played a key role in business growth and service excellence.

Over the years, Arora has worked across major Indian markets including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. This wide exposure has given him a strong understanding of varied guest expectations, regional market dynamics, and culturally rooted luxury hospitality. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he has consistently focused on building high-performing teams while delivering memorable guest experiences.

At JW Marriott Kolkata, Arora will lead the hotel’s overall operations, brand positioning, and growth strategy, with a focus on elevating guest satisfaction, strengthening employee engagement, and reinforcing the property’s standing as one of Eastern India’s leading luxury destinations.


Le Méridien Navi Mumbai Appoints Firoz Sarwar as Director of Sales

Le Méridien Navi Mumbai Appoints Firoz Sarwar as Director of Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 2, 2026

Le Méridien Navi Mumbai has announced the appointment of Mr. Firoz Sarwar as Director of Sales at the newly launched property. With more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Firoz brings deep expertise in sales and business development strategy, revenue generation, and leading high-performance teams.

Known for his strategic business acumen, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership style, Firoz has played a key role in driving market expansion and brand growth across several leading luxury hotel portfolios. His professional journey includes associations with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Accor, and The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts.

An MBA (Marketing) institute topper and scholarship holder, with a B.E. in Information Technology, Firoz blends strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of market dynamics. He began his hospitality career with The Leela Goa (now The St. Regis Goa) and later contributed significantly to the grand launch of Accor’s first luxury hotel in India, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, supporting its successful positioning in the market.

Prior to his new role, Firoz served as Associate Director of Sales at Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, where he led sales teams across Mumbai, Pune, and Mahabaleshwar. His focused approach towards developing the wedding and social events segment resulted in notable revenue growth and strengthened the resort’s overall market presence.

In his new role at Le Méridien Navi Mumbai, Firoz will lead sales strategy and business development initiatives, with a focus on positioning the hotel as a premium urban lifestyle destination. His responsibilities will include driving sustainable revenue growth and market share, enhancing brand visibility, and contributing to an elevated guest experience.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Saurabh Chowdhury, General Manager, Le Méridien Navi Mumbai, said, “We are happy to welcome Firoz to Le Méridien Navi Mumbai. His understanding of the market, strong sales leadership and experience with some of the finest hospitality brands make him a great fit for our team. As we build the hotel’s presence in the city, his perspective and energy will be key to our journey ahead.”

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Firoz Sarwar shared, “It’s an exciting time to join Le Méridien Navi Mumbai at the very start of its story. The brand’s creative spirit, combined with the scale and potential of this market, is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to shaping strong relationships, building momentum and creating a distinct sales narrative that positions the hotel as a dynamic urban lifestyle destination.”

Outside of work, Firoz enjoys long drives, exploring new destinations, and has a keen interest in advanced astrology. His appointment marks a new chapter for Le Méridien Navi Mumbai as the hotel strengthens its leadership team and market presence.


JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Appoints Utami Indah Dewi as Director of Spa & Recreation

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Appoints Utami Indah Dewi as Director of Spa & Recreation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 31, 2026

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Utami Indah Dewi as Director of Spa & Recreation. In her new role, Dewi will lead the vision, strategy, and daily operations of the resort’s spa, wellness, fitness, and recreational offerings, further strengthening its position as a destination for holistic luxury and well-being.

Dewi will be responsible for enhancing guest engagement, driving financial performance, nurturing high-performing teams, and continuously evolving the resort’s wellness ecosystem in line with global luxury and wellness trends.

With over a decade of international experience in luxury hospitality, Dewi brings a global perspective shaped by her work across the Maldives, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Her professional journey from spa therapist to senior leadership roles reflects a strong hands-on understanding of spa operations, combined with commercial insight and people leadership.

She has previously held leadership positions with several globally respected hospitality brands, including One&Only The Palm, Dubai; Hilton; Waldorf Astoria; Fairmont; and Sun Siyam Resorts. Her expertise includes managing large multi-treatment-room spas, curating and launching innovative wellness menus, leading diverse therapist and front-office teams, and maintaining high standards of health, safety, and hygiene.

Trained in Ayurveda, Dewi also holds a diploma in spa therapy along with multiple leadership and wellness certifications, further strengthening her holistic approach to wellness management.

Commenting on the appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, said, “Wellness is one of the key pillars of the property’s philosophy, and Utami’s extensive global exposure, combined with her deep understanding of holistic spa and recreation operations, makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that under her guidance, our wellness offerings will continue to evolve delivering thoughtful, immersive experiences that resonate with today’s discerning luxury traveller and reinforce our commitment to mindful living.”

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