The Serai & Barefoot Resorts has announced the appointment of Prachi Tandon as General Manager, Marketing & Communications, further strengthening its leadership team and brand positioning in the luxury leisure segment.

With over 16 years of experience across luxury, hospitality, and entertainment marketing, Prachi is known for her expertise in growth marketing, digital storytelling, media relations, and brand communication. She has previously worked with leading brands including The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Raffles (Accor), Conrad Hotels & Resorts, PVR- The Luxury Collection, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

Bringing together strategic precision and creative excellence, she has built high-performing teams, designed impactful campaigns, and crafted brand narratives that balance business acumen with artistry. At The Serai & Barefoot Resorts, Prachi will focus on shaping the brand voice, enhancing guest engagement, and elevating the experiential luxury quotient.

Welcoming her to the team, Malavika Hedge, Director, Café Coffee Day Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to welcome Prachi Tandon to The Serai & Barefoot Resorts leadership team. Her expertise in marketing, digital innovation, and brand storytelling, combined with her ability to elevate luxury experiences, makes her an invaluable addition as we strengthen our presence in the growing leisure segment”.

Sharing her excitement, Prachi Tandon added, “I am truly excited to join The Serai & Barefoot Resorts at such a dynamic time for the industry. With the leisure segment witnessing remarkable growth, there is immense opportunity to craft elevated experiences that resonate with discerning audiences. I look forward to contributing to the journey of innovation, excellence, and strengthening its luxury presence in this evolving landscape”.

About The Serai & Barefoot Resorts:
Part of Coffee Day Enterprises, The Serai & Barefoot Resorts offer a blend of authentic experiences and refined comfort. The Serai spans Chikmagalur’s lush coffee plantations, Kabini’s riverfront wilderness, and Bandipur’s tiger reserve, while Barefoot at Havelock in the Andamans brings barefoot luxury to the pristine Radhanagar Beach, ranked among Asia’s finest. Together, they embody understated elegance, sustainability, and unforgettable escapes.

Grand Mercure Bangalore has appointed Nilesh Kumar as its new food & beverage manager, further strengthening its leadership team with his extensive expertise in luxury hospitality and guest experience management. With over a decade of experience across India’s finest hotels, Kumar brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and leading high-performing teams.

He joins Grand Mercure Bangalore from Renaissance Bengaluru Racecourse Hotel, where he served as assistant food & beverage manager, spearheading daily operations across multiple outlets, optimising profitability, and elevating service standards. His career journey also includes impactful tenures at Taj West End, Sheraton Grand Whitefield, and The Oberoi, Bengaluru, where he successfully delivered exceptional guest experiences, implemented innovative service enhancements, and managed pre-openings.

Commenting on the appointment, Parag Shah, general manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nilesh to the Grand Mercure Bangalore family. His wealth of experience across iconic hospitality brands, coupled with his commitment to service excellence, will further enrich our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and passion will bring fresh perspectives and set new benchmarks in creating exceptional experiences for our guests”.

Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Punjab Technical University and is recognised for his ability to reimagine F&B operations while maintaining a strong focus on staff training, guest engagement, and profitability. With his appointment, Grand Mercure Bangalore reaffirms its commitment to curating exceptional dining experiences that blend tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality.

Fairmont Udaipur Palace has appointed Harsh Champawat as hotel manager, adding a seasoned leader to its pre-opening team. With more than a decade of experience across India and international markets, Champawat combines operational expertise, strategic foresight, and a passion for delivering elevated luxury hospitality.

 He has been instrumental in shaping the resort’s service ethos, driving operational performance, and curating guest experiences that blend grandeur with warmth. Before joining Fairmont Udaipur, Champawat served as hotel manager at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, where he led operations while maintaining the property’s storied reputation and delivering Taj’s signature hospitality on a global stage.

His career began with Taj Hotels as a management trainee, progressing through iconic properties including Umaid Bhawan Palace, Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, and Taj Palace New Delhi, where he advanced to director of operations. International stints at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James’ Court, London, enriched his understanding of luxury clientele and global market dynamics. Champawat’s leadership is rooted in empowerment, precision, and purpose, setting the tone for a guest journey that is both refined and memorable at Fairmont Udaipur Palace.