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.


Grand Mercure Bangalore Appoints Tarushree Singh as Director of Sales & Marketing

Grand Mercure Bangalore Appoints Tarushree Singh as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on June 23, 2026

Grand Mercure Bangalore has announced the appointment of Tarushree Singh as its new Director of Sales & Marketing, strengthening the property’s commercial leadership as it continues to consolidate its position as a leading all-suite business hotel in Koramangala.

With over 18 years of experience in the Indian hospitality industry, Tarushree brings extensive expertise across commercial strategy, revenue management, and business development. She has worked with leading hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, ITC Hotels, Accor, Radisson Hotel Group, and The Oterra.

In her most recent role as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Oterra, Bengaluru, she led the property to its highest-ever revenue performance while driving significant growth in average daily rate (ADR). Her performance earned her the “Leader of the Year” recognition for delivering the highest annual revenue growth since the hotel’s inception.

Over the course of her career, she has held key positions across multiple properties in Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, including Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, Novotel Pune, Novotel HICC Hyderabad, and ibis & Novotel Bengaluru Techpark.

Commenting on the appointment, General Manager Parag Shah said Tarushree brings strong strategic clarity and deep market understanding, particularly of Bengaluru’s evolving hospitality landscape. He added that her proven ability to drive revenue growth in competitive markets makes her well-suited to lead the hotel’s commercial strategy.

Tarushree Singh said Koramangala sits at the intersection of Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem, corporate demand, and a vibrant lifestyle scene. She noted that Grand Mercure Bangalore is uniquely positioned to serve these segments and outlined her focus on strengthening corporate partnerships, expanding MICE opportunities, and growing the extended stay segment.

With this appointment, Grand Mercure Bangalore aims to further strengthen its commercial performance and reinforce its position in one of Bengaluru’s most dynamic hospitality markets.


ibis Appoints Mahi Teja as General Manager of ibis Coimbatore City Centre

ibis Appoints Mahi Teja as General Manager of ibis Coimbatore City Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on June 23, 2026

ibis Hotels has announced the appointment of Mahi Teja as General Manager of ibis Coimbatore City Centre. The appointment marks a significant leadership milestone for the hospitality professional, who brings close to 14 years of industry experience across sales, hotel operations, and business management.

Mahi joins the Coimbatore property after building a diverse career with leading hospitality brands, including Accor and Hyatt Hotels. Having started his journey in sales, he has progressively expanded his expertise across commercial functions, revenue management, guest experience, and operational leadership.

Over the years, he has held multiple roles within the Accor network, gaining experience across both commercial and operational domains. This blend of expertise has helped shape a leadership style focused on business performance, guest satisfaction, and talent development.

In his new role, Mahi will oversee the strategic and operational direction of ibis Coimbatore City Centre, with a focus on strengthening service excellence, driving business growth, and fostering high-performing teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Tejus Jose said Mahi’s journey within Accor reflects his commitment to continuous learning, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. He noted that Mahi’s understanding of both commercial and operational functions positions him well to lead the hotel through its next phase of growth.

A strong advocate of professional development, Mahi has completed several leadership programmes through Accor Academy, including the International Emerging Leaders Programme (2020), the General Leadership Programme (2023), and the MEA APAC Master’s Programme – General Manager in Making (2025).

Most recently, he served as Hotel Operations Manager at ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, where he played a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, revenue performance, and team development.

Speaking on his appointment, Mahi expressed enthusiasm about leading the Coimbatore property, highlighting his focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring operational excellence.

The appointment reinforces Accor’s continued investment in leadership development as it expands the ibis brand footprint across India and strengthens its presence in key business and travel destinations.


Chennais Amirta IIHM Appoints Abanindra Nath Biswal as Principal of Chengalpattu Campus

Chennais Amirta IIHM Appoints Abanindra Nath Biswal as Principal of Chengalpattu Campus

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 22, 2026

Chennais Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has announced the appointment of Abanindra Nath Biswal as the Principal of its Chengalpattu Campus, strengthening the institution's leadership with a seasoned hospitality professional who brings more than three decades of industry experience.

Biswal has been part of the hotel industry since 1992 and has held several leadership positions across renowned hospitality brands in India and overseas. Prior to taking up his new role, he served as Executive Chef at Grande Bay Resort, Mahabalipuram, a position he held from May 2022. He also worked as Chef at Radisson Blu Chennai Egmore between January 2021 and May 2022.

Throughout his career, Biswal has built expertise in culinary operations, strategic planning, food and beverage management, quality compliance, and client servicing. His professional journey includes leadership roles at Mangifera Cuisines Chennai, Clarion Hotel Chennai, Holland America Line USA, Apollo Hospitals Chennai, Aloft Bangalore, Chancery Hotel Bangalore, Fortune Kences Hotel Tirupati, Hotel Swosti Plaza, The Park Hotel Kolkata, Star Cruise Singapore, and Taj Connemara Chennai.

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Known for his strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, Biswal has worked in multicultural environments and is proficient in multiple languages. His experience spans hotel operations, large-scale banqueting, outdoor catering, menu development, quality management, and team leadership.

Over the years, he has successfully managed large hospitality operations, including hotels with extensive banquet facilities, specialty restaurants, and large outdoor catering events. His portfolio includes handling major events such as Aero Show 2007, IPL matches, and large-scale corporate functions catering to thousands of guests. He has also played a key role in introducing Italian, Western, and Mediterranean menus, standardising recipes, implementing operational procedures, and enhancing business performance through innovative food concepts.

Biswal's achievements extend beyond hotel operations. He has been actively involved in hospitality education and training, serving as an External Examiner for food production at Canon School of Catering and Hotel Management, Chennai, and I.H.M Bangalore for several years. He has also participated in food festivals, culinary competitions, and industry development programmes throughout his career.

Academically, Biswal is an alumnus of Tamil Nadu Open University and I.H.M. Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He was recognised as an institute topper during his hotel management studies and received the Best Cocktail Award at the 1st All India All Rounders Competition held at IHM Dadar, Mumbai. He has also completed Niveaux Un and Niveaux Deux at Alliance Francais Chennai.

In addition, he is a member of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), which is affiliated with the World Association of Chefs.

With his extensive industry exposure and commitment to hospitality education, Abanindra Nath Biswal is expected to play a significant role in strengthening academic excellence and industry-oriented learning at the Chennais Amirta IIHM Chengalpattu Campus.

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