Exclusive Interview: Radhika Tata on Women’s Role in Hospitality

Exclusive Interview: Radhika Tata on Women’s Role in Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

The hospitality industry thrives on inclusivity, collaboration, and leadership, and women have played an integral role in shaping its evolution. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the strides made toward gender equality and the ongoing journey of empowerment.

Radhika Tata, General Manager of Grand Mercure Mysore, sees this day as an opportunity not just to celebrate progress but to inspire real change. "Women in leadership stand at the crossroads of responsibility and progress. This day enables us to reflect on the revolutionary steps women have taken to overcome barriers and redefine their roles across all industries," she shares.

Creating Inclusive Leadership in Hospitality

The rise of women in leadership positions is a testament to the industry’s evolving landscape, yet challenges persist. Radhika emphasizes the importance of creating environments where women can thrive. "Empowering women is central to our values. As female leaders, we must actively foster workplaces where women feel encouraged to step into leadership roles," she states.

Hospitality is an industry that demands resilience, adaptability, and innovation—qualities that women continue to showcase across various roles, from operations to executive management. By breaking stereotypes and advocating for equal opportunities, women leaders are shaping a more inclusive industry for future generations.

The Power of Mentorship in Hospitality

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A strong mentorship culture is crucial in nurturing the next generation of female leaders. "Women’s Day highlights the significance of mentorship and legacy. As leaders, it is our responsibility to mentor young women, share experiences, and provide them with the resources and confidence to pursue leadership roles," Radhika explains.

Through guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth, the industry can ensure a more diverse and empowered leadership pipeline. Hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups must continue to prioritize inclusive policies that enable women to balance their careers with personal aspirations, ensuring long-term success.

A Call for Continued Change

As the hospitality sector moves toward greater inclusivity, Radhika believes that leadership goes beyond personal and professional achievements. "It revolves around empowering, motivating, and inspiring every woman, fostering an atmosphere where women are encouraged to succeed," she reflects.

International Women’s Day is not just about celebration—it’s about action. It is a day to recognize the incredible contributions of women in hospitality, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and commit to fostering an industry where leadership knows no gender.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Appoints Subham Saha as Director of Catering Sales

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Appoints Subham Saha as Director of Catering Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on June 8, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has announced the appointment of Subham Saha as its new Director of Catering Sales, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team in the competitive Bengaluru events and hospitality market.

With over 10 years of experience in hospitality sales, business development, and revenue generation, Subham brings strong expertise in catering sales, MICE operations, strategic account management, and client relationship building. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s catering sales strategy across weddings, social celebrations, corporate events, and large-scale MICE segments, while focusing on revenue growth and strengthening client partnerships.

Prior to joining Sheraton Grand Bangalore, Subham served as Associate Director of Sales at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, where he played a key role in driving group and catering business while strengthening corporate and event planner relationships. His career also includes leadership roles at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, The Lalit Ashok Bangalore, and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. He has additionally worked as part of the task force team at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, contributing to business development and sales performance initiatives.

Throughout his career, Subham has demonstrated strong commercial acumen and a results-driven approach to hospitality sales. His expertise spans catering sales, account management, business development, market expansion, client engagement, and revenue optimisation. He has also been recognised within Marriott International with the prestigious President’s Circle Award across the APEC region for two consecutive years, highlighting his consistent performance and contribution to business growth.

Commenting on the appointment, Sushma Khichar, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, said the hotel is delighted to welcome Subham to the leadership team, noting his strong understanding of catering and events, along with his proven ability to drive revenue and build long-term client relationships.

We are delighted to welcome Subham to the team. His strong understanding of the catering and events business, combined with his proven track record in driving revenue growth and building meaningful client relationships, makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” she said.

With his extensive experience in hospitality sales, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway aims to further strengthen its catering and events portfolio under his leadership, enhancing its position as a preferred destination for high-profile gatherings and celebrations in Bengaluru.


Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai Appoints Raish Shaikh as Food & Beverage Manager

Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai Appoints Raish Shaikh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 8, 2026

Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai has announced the appointment of Raish Shaikh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, effective May 12, 2026. The appointment reflects the hotel’s continued focus on strengthening its food and beverage offerings and elevating guest dining experiences in Mumbai’s competitive hospitality market.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Raish brings strong operational expertise across food and beverage management, guest engagement, and team leadership. Over the course of his career, he has worked with several leading luxury hospitality brands including Aurika Mumbai Skycity, The Leela Mumbai, The Westin Mumbai, Hyatt Regency Mumbai, and Grand Hyatt Mumbai. Prior to this role, he served as Deputy F&B Manager at Aurika Mumbai Skycity.

Raish holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Anjuman-I-Islam Institute of Hotel Management. He is known for his people-first leadership style, operational discipline, and focus on building high-performing teams while consistently enhancing guest satisfaction.

Sharing his vision for the role, Raish said his focus will be on building a strong, motivated F&B team that delivers memorable guest experiences while driving sustainable profitability through creativity and consistency.

My vision is to lead a Food and Beverage team that delivers memorable guest experiences, develops talent, and drives sustainable profit through consistency and creativity,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture that encourages innovation and efficiency. Raish believes that simplifying operational processes and reducing unnecessary complexity helps teams perform better and deliver stronger guest experiences.

Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys bike riding and coaching youth cricket, interests that reflect his belief in discipline, teamwork, and continuous growth. His personal philosophy, “Stay focused, never give up,” continues to guide both his personal and professional journey.

Expressing his excitement about rejoining the Hyatt ecosystem, he shared his appreciation for the brand’s culture and standards of service.

I am very thrilled to join Hyatt again. The culture, the team, and the standard of service are something I've always carried with me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute once again,” he said.

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai aims to further strengthen its culinary and beverage experiences, focusing on innovation, guest engagement, and operational excellence under Raish Shaikh’s leadership.


Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

By Hariharan U

Published on June 8, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has celebrated a significant milestone as its General Manager, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, completed 25 years with Marriott International. The achievement marks a distinguished career dedicated to operational excellence, guest-centric leadership, and the continued evolution of hospitality in India.

Over the past two and a half decades, Kadambari has played an important role in shaping hotel operations, commercial strategies, sales performance, and talent development across Marriott’s portfolio in South Asia. Her career journey has closely mirrored the growth of India’s hospitality sector, contributing to changing guest expectations and modern service standards.

Currently leading Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Kadambari is widely recognised for her strategic leadership approach, focus on people development, and commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. Her professional journey has also included key leadership positions at Four Points by Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield, where she contributed to both operational performance and business growth.

Reflecting on the milestone, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar expressed gratitude for the experiences, mentors, teams, and guests who have shaped her career over the years.

Hospitality has always been about people, the relationships we build, the experiences we create and the memories guests carry with them long after they leave. Looking back at 25 years, I feel grateful for the mentors, teams and guests who have shaped this incredible journey,” she said.

She also highlighted the transformation of the hospitality industry over the last two decades, noting that today’s travellers increasingly seek authenticity, personalisation, and emotional connections alongside luxury experiences.

A graduate of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management under the Taj Hotels system, Kadambari has built her reputation through collaborative leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to mentoring future hospitality professionals. Beyond hotel management, she has actively championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the industry.

She currently serves as Co-chair of Marriott International’s South Asia Women Ambassador Network and is also the President of Hospitality at the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), Karnataka. Through these roles, she continues to support leadership development and greater representation of women in hospitality.

Her 25-year milestone reflects not only personal achievement but also the broader evolution of the hospitality sector, where guest experiences, wellness, personalisation, and empathetic leadership have become increasingly important. As the industry continues to evolve, leaders like Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar remain instrumental in shaping the future of hospitality through a balance of business excellence and meaningful human connections.

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