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.

Marriott International has appointed Kiran Andicot as senior vice president to lead its South Asia portfolio, overseeing operations, development, and strategic growth across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

In this expanded role, Andicot will align growth with operating performance, strengthen owner partnerships, accelerate hotel conversions and openings, and reinforce regional leadership. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning hotel operations, consultancy, planning, feasibility studies, and development, Andicot joined Marriott’s development and feasibility team in 2006 and has risen steadily over a 19-year tenure.

He has been instrumental in driving growth momentum, signing over 220 hotels in South Asia, including a record 42 hotels and 7,000 rooms in India in 2024, and recently securing a landmark deal with Concept Hospitality to affiliate The Fern portfolio of 115 properties with Series by Marriott. These initiatives extend Marriott’s reach beyond gateway cities into Tier 2 and 3 locations such as Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg, while also diversifying the portfolio into the residences segment. Andicot’s vast expertise and deep market knowledge continue to strengthen Marriott’s position as the largest hospitality chain in India, reinforcing its trajectory of sustained growth in the region.

Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield has announced the appointment of Sumin Martin as its new Director of Sales. In this leadership role, he will spearhead sales strategy, drive client engagement, and further enhance the hotel’s position as a market leader.

With more than a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, Martin has built a strong reputation for business growth, client relationship management, and mentoring high-performing sales teams. He joins from The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, where he served as Assistant Director of Sales, overseeing a diverse portfolio that included major business parks in Bengaluru and Mumbai as source markets. His leadership was pivotal in achieving 98 percent retention of key accounts while also securing new business in 2024.

Martin’s earlier career includes leadership roles at Conrad Bengaluru and Park Hyatt properties in Hyderabad and Chennai, where he significantly contributed to strengthening corporate, MICE, and travel trade segments. He began his professional journey with Taj Hotels, gaining a solid foundation in client management and revenue growth. Over the years, he has been recognised for designing impactful sales strategies, successfully executing complex RFP processes, and cultivating long-term partnerships in highly competitive markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Vivek Sharma, General Manager, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, said: “Sumin’s deep expertise in hospitality sales and his ability to forge strong client partnerships make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His vision will be key as we continue to expand our presence and reinforce Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield’s position as one of South India’s premier hospitality destinations”.