Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 13, 2024

Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as its new General Manager, marking another milestone in his illustrious career in the hospitality industry. Backed by over 18 years of experience, Gaurav is well-positioned to lead the property, focusing on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team development.

Joining the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2019, Gaurav has held pivotal roles across several properties. His most recent assignment as Task Force General Manager at Holiday Inn Amritsar highlighted his ability to drive results under challenging circumstances. Gaurav also made significant contributions to Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and Holiday Inn Agra, successfully implementing revenue growth strategies and enhancing guest experiences. Before IHG, he worked with esteemed brands such as Lemon Tree, The Leela, Radisson, Pride Hotels, Trident, and Renaissance.

Through IHG’s Room to Grow program, Gaurav has capitalized on professional development opportunities, taking on multiple responsibilities and excelling at each. His leadership style emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and delivering personalized, memorable guest experiences.

Expressing his excitement, Gaurav shared, “I am honoured to take on this new role and excited to lead the team at Holiday Inn Katra. Katra is a unique destination, rich in culture and spirituality, and I am focused on offering millennials and Gen Z travellers an immersive, authentic experience. We will also strengthen our local partnerships to ensure Katra becomes a more vibrant and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.”

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Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager for IHG South West Asia, praised Gaurav’s dedication, stating, “Gaurav is the kind of leader who thrives on challenges. He has always stepped in whenever needed—whether for task forces or managing key operations—and brings boundless energy, problem-solving capabilities, and a solutions-driven mindset. We are confident that his leadership will help elevate Holiday Inn Katra as a premier destination in the region.”

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Gaurav was honoured with the Best Manager Award in 2022 by India Biz, presented by the Honourable Union Minister of State for Tourism. This accolade highlights his ability to drive excellence in the hospitality industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gaurav is an avid traveller and enjoys playing volleyball in his leisure time. His well-rounded persona and commitment to hospitality promise to bring a fresh perspective to Holiday Inn Katra, ensuring the property remains a top choice for travellers seeking an enriching stay at this spiritual destination.


Surinder Singh Appointed as Area Director – Operations & General Manager at Taj Chandigarh

Surinder Singh Appointed as Area Director – Operations & General Manager at Taj Chandigarh

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2025

Surinder Singh has been appointed as the Area Director – Operations & General Manager at Taj Chandigarh, marking another milestone in his illustrious career spanning over three decades in the luxury hospitality space.

In his new role, Mr Singh will oversee operations across Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening Taj’s presence and driving revenue growth through experiential and guest-centric initiatives. His strategic leadership will play a key role in expanding the brand’s footprint in Northern India, one of Taj’s most dynamic markets.

A seasoned hotelier and visionary leader, Mr Singh has held several senior roles within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Before this appointment, he served as Area Director – Operations for Delhi NCR & Haryana and General Manager of Taj City Centre, Gurugram. His impressive career also includes leadership at some of IHCL’s most iconic properties, including Taj Mahal Lucknow, Blue Diamond Pune, Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka, IHCL SeleQtions, and an earlier stint at Taj Chandigarh itself.

Known for his hands-on leadership and sharp operational insight, Mr Singh blends his foundation in culinary management with a strong focus on innovation and guest experience. Under his leadership at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, the hotel achieved record revenue growth, high employee engagement, and exceptional guest satisfaction scores. His emphasis on sustainability also earned the property a Gold Certification by Earth Check, reinforcing his commitment to responsible hospitality.

Beyond operations, Mr Singh is deeply involved in community building and industry advocacy. He has championed skill development through partnerships with organizations such as Pratham Education Foundation, helping nurture young talent for careers in hospitality. His roles as Vice President of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRAI) and Executive Committee Member of the Hotel Association of India (HAI) further reflect his dedication to shaping the future of the Indian hospitality industry.

Mr Singh has also enhanced his leadership journey through executive programs at IIM Ahmedabad, Cornell University, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, refining his expertise in strategic thinking and organizational excellence.

As he returns to lead Taj Chandigarh, Surinder Singh’s career continues to embody Taj’s values of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt service. His forward-thinking approach and passion for nurturing teams are expected to further elevate Taj Chandigarh’s position as a benchmark for luxury and warmth in North India.


The Residency Hotels Appoints Prakash Jayadevan as Chief Operating Officer

The Residency Hotels Appoints Prakash Jayadevan as Chief Operating Officer

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 23, 2025

The Residency Hotels is proud to announce the appointment of Prakash Jayadevan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this strategic leadership role, Mr. Jayadevan will lead operational strategy, enhance performance across all properties, and ensure consistently exceptional guest experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, B Gopinath – CEO, The Residency Hotels, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Prakash Jayadevan as our new Chief Operating Officer. His deep operational expertise, strategic mindset, and proven leadership make him the ideal partner as we continue to scale and drive long-term growth. I am confident that he will play a critical role in advancing our mission and delivering greater value to our customers, employees, and stakeholders. His leadership will be instrumental as we scale, innovate, and build a company that leads for decades to come.”

With an impressive background in hospitality management and hotel operations, Mr. Jayadevan has earned recognition for his ability to drive service excellence and operational optimization. His appointment comes at a significant time as The Residency Hotels enters a new phase of growth and brand elevation.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Mr. Prakash Jayadevan said, “It is an honour and privilege to step into this role at this exciting juncture of brand expansion at The Residency Hotels. I am dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence for both our internal and external stakeholders. With our brand ethos of ‘Hospitality with Heart,’ supported by an exceptional team, we will continue to provide unparalleled guest experiences and further strengthen our position in the hospitality industry.”

Mr. Jayadevan brings with him extensive leadership experience across renowned hospitality brands including Pioneer Holiday Resorts Limited, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International India and Nepal, and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. His strategic vision and operational acumen are expected to further elevate The Residency Hotels’ reputation for heartfelt hospitality and service excellence.


Anthony Martin Steps Up as Front Office Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad

Anthony Martin Steps Up as Front Office Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2025

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Anthony Martin as its new Front Office Manager, marking a proud moment in his remarkable 16-year journey with Marriott International.

Martin began his career in 2009 at the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, starting out as a Cafeteria Service Boy. His consistent commitment to excellence soon saw him transition to the Front Office department in 2013. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks  from Bell Boy to Front Desk Manager earning recognition for his hard work and leadership.

In 2023, Martin took on a new challenge as Assistant Front Office Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Benaulim Goa, before returning to Hyderabad in 2024 to join Marriott Executive Apartments in the same role.

Reflecting on his journey, Martin shared, “It has been an incredible 16-year journey with Marriott filled with learning, growth and opportunities that have shaped both my professional and personal development.”

Outside of work, Martin enjoys watching cricket, listening to music, and spending quality time with his family and eight-month-old son. In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations and continue to lead the guest services team in delivering the warm, high-standard hospitality that Marriott is known for.

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