Fortune Hotels Welcomes Samarth Agarwal as Head of Development

Fortune Hotels Welcomes Samarth Agarwal as Head of Development

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 4, 2024

Fortune Hotels, part of ITC’s hotel group, has announced the appointment of Samarth Agarwal as the new Head of Development. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality business development, investments, and consulting, Agarwal is set to lead Fortune Hotels through its next growth phase.

Agarwal's career includes roles in equity research focused on the gaming and lodging industry in the USA. He later moved into hotel and real estate consulting at Cushman & Wakefield, where he provided strategic advice to top hotel companies, owners, and developers. He then joined InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between Accor Hotels and InterGlobe Enterprises, working on hotel investments. Most recently, he led the Asset Light growth strategy for Lemon Tree Hotels across India, successfully executing over 50 contracts in three years.

As the new Head of Development at Fortune Park Hotels Limited, Agarwal will focus on expanding the network of Fortune-branded hotels across India. Based in Gurgaon, he will manage strategic growth initiatives, form key partnerships, and oversee new developments.

Fortune Hotels believes that Agarwal’s extensive industry experience and visionary leadership will be crucial for the brand’s expansion and success in the competitive hospitality market.

Samarth Agarwal has a diverse background in the hospitality industry. Starting with equity research in the USA, he specialized in the gaming and lodging sectors. He then transitioned to Cushman & Wakefield, providing strategic consulting for leading hotel brands. His move to InterGlobe Hotels involved hotel investments, where he honed his skills in the buy-side of hotel investment deals. At Lemon Tree Hotels, Agarwal led the Asset Light strategy, focusing on management contracts that significantly boosted the company’s growth.

In his new role at Fortune Hotels, Agarwal is expected to leverage his extensive experience to drive the brand’s development efforts. His strategic approach and ability to form effective partnerships are anticipated to play a key role in the brand’s growth.

Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, is a leading chain of business and leisure hotels in India. With 66 signed alliances and over 5,000 rooms across 56 cities, Fortune Hotels aims to provide contemporary accommodation for business and leisure travelers, emphasizing personalized service and great value.

The chain operates under various sub-brands like Fortune Select, Fortune Park, Fortune Inn, and Fortune Resort. Each brand is tailored to meet different guest requirements, ensuring a memorable stay.

Under Agarwal’s leadership, Fortune Hotels plans to expand its footprint across India, enhancing its presence in both established and emerging markets. The focus will be on strategic growth initiatives, fostering partnerships, and developing new properties that align with the brand’s philosophy of offering excellent service and value.

Fortune Hotels is confident that with Agarwal at the helm, the brand will continue to grow and succeed in the competitive hospitality sector. His appointment is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving Fortune Hotels’ long-term goals.

For more information about Fortune Hotels, visit itchotels.com/fortunehotels.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel Appoints Sunil Kumar as Executive Sous Chef

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel Appoints Sunil Kumar as Executive Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 9, 2025

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has appointed Sunil Kumar as its new Executive Sous Chef, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading culinary operations across the hotel’s diverse dining venues.

A seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, Kumar brings a creative touch and deep knowledge of global culinary trends. In his new role, he will focus on ensuring menu innovation, consistent quality, and memorable dining experiences for all guests.

Prior to joining Sheraton, he served as Executive Sous Chef at The Park Hotel, Kolkata, where he was instrumental in improving kitchen systems, motivating teams, and launching a successful new menu. His career also includes key roles at Park Hyatt Dubai Creek Resorts, Andaz by Hyatt New Delhi, Taj Bengaluru, and more.

Kumar holds a degree in European Culinary Management from IMI Switzerland and is certified in advanced food safety supervision. Known for his passion for local ingredients and sustainable cooking practices, he brings a modern, thoughtful approach to his kitchen leadership.

Sushma Khichar, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, shared,

“We are pleased to welcome Chef Sunil Kumar to our culinary team as Executive Sous Chef. With his strong culinary foundation and passion for innovation, we are confident that he will play a key role in supporting our kitchen leadership and further enriching the dining experiences we offer our guests.”

With his rich background and innovative spirit, Chef Kumar is set to elevate the hotel’s culinary offerings and strengthen its reputation for exceptional hospitality.


Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Anju Rathore as Front Office Manager

Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Anju Rathore as Front Office Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 9, 2025

Novotel Mumbai International Airport has announced the appointment of Anju Rathore as its new Front Office Manager. The promotion comes as Rathore completes two successful years with the hotel, marked by exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a strong focus on guest satisfaction.

Over the past two years, Rathore has been a key part of the front office team, contributing significantly to the hotel’s reputation for warm, seamless service. Her ability to create meaningful guest interactions, mentor her team, and maintain high service standards has made her an invaluable asset to the property.

In her new role, she will lead the front office operations, with a focus on enhancing service quality, boosting team engagement, and strengthening guest relations through her signature commitment to excellence.

Rachita Sood, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, expressed her appreciation, stating,

“We are thrilled to see Anju take on this well-deserved role. Her journey with us has been inspiring, and her leadership will further enhance the warm, seamless service our guests have come to expect from Novotel.”

The team remains confident that Rathore’s interpersonal strengths, operational insight, and passion for hospitality will continue to elevate guest experiences and support the hotel’s ongoing success.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Shivark Shandilya as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Shivark Shandilya as Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2025

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Shivark Shandilya as its new Human Resources Manager. With over 19 years of rich experience spanning the hospitality, ITES, and education sectors, Shivark steps into this role with a strong foundation in HR operations, talent management, compliance, and strategic workforce planning.

A graduate of Delhi University, Shivark holds a diploma in hotel management from I.H.M. Gwalior and a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management (PGCHRM) from the esteemed XLRI Jamshedpur. His career includes notable contributions to organizations in various sectors, most recently serving as Human Resources Manager at Holiday Inn Amritsar, strengthening his longstanding association with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

In his new role at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, Shivark will lead the HR function with a focus on refining internal processes, aligning policies with global standards, fostering talent development, and implementing initiatives that boost employee engagement, retention, and performance.

Anurag Rai, General Manager, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating,

“We are thrilled to welcome Shivark to our team and are confident that his wealth of experience and strategic HR acumen will play a vital role in advancing our people-first culture and driving organizational excellence.”

Beyond the professional sphere, Shivark finds joy in playing cricket, watching movies, and cooking, reflecting his vibrant personality and commitment to maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.

As Holiday Inn New Delhi continues to elevate its hospitality standards, Shivark Shandilya’s leadership is expected to contribute meaningfully to the brand’s commitment to people, performance, and progress.

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