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.


Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 19, 2025

Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, has appointed Mr. Kashif Masood as its new General Manager, bringing onboard a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations and leadership.

Mr. Masood’s career spans across top hotel brands including Jaypee Hotels, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group, along with international exposure from his stint in East Africa. A valued member of the Sarovar Group for over six years, he previously led operations at Radisson Blu Outer Ring Road, managed by Sarovar, before stepping into this larger leadership role in Bengaluru.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Mr. Masood is celebrated for his hands-on leadership style, team-building skills, and a strong guest-first philosophy. His core strengths lie in hotel operations and food & beverage management, with a proven track record in aligning teams towards shared goals and elevating guest satisfaction.

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Speaking on his new role, Mr. Masood said,
"Taking on the role of General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites is a privilege and a responsibility I value deeply. My focus will be on building a culture of accountability and genuine hospitality, strengthening the hotel’s market presence, and creating long-term value through thoughtful leadership."

As General Manager, he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s strategic direction, driving business growth, and ensuring operational excellence across departments. His leadership will also be key in mentoring the internal teams and nurturing relationships with guests and stakeholders alike.

Outside the boardroom, Mr. Masood enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming—interests that reflect his curiosity, focus, and discipline, which also shine through in his professional journey.

HospitalityNews extends its best wishes to Mr. Kashif Masood as he begins this exciting new chapter with Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites.


Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The hospitality industry just got its own dedicated voice. Kajal Chandan, a seasoned hospitality professional, has co-founded Newzy Room LLP—a specialized communications studio based in Andheri, Mumbai. With this launch, Kajal aims to bridge the gap between operational know-how and brand storytelling, bringing insider-driven communication strategies to the forefront.

Kajal brings with her over 15 years of experience, having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL’s Ginger Hotels, Mira Hospitality, Pride Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and Kamats Legacy. Her deep-rooted industry understanding positions Newzy Room to offer finely-tuned strategies that resonate with both media and guests.

Newzy Room will offer a bouquet of services including traditional PR (print & digital), influencer engagement, FAM trips, advertorials, industry awards, celebrity interactions, and creative brand storytelling—crafted specifically for the hospitality ecosystem.

"We are dedicated to hospitality—because that's where we come from, and that's what we understand best," shares Kajal. "Our aim is to give the hospitality industry the kind of focused visibility and voice it truly deserves."

At a time when meaningful narratives and brand identity are key to differentiation, Newzy Room arrives with the right mix of media insight and sector expertise—ready to redefine how hotels and hospitality brands communicate their stories.


Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The hospitality industry just got its own dedicated voice. Kajal Chandan, a seasoned hospitality professional, has co-founded Newzy Room LLP, a specialized communications studio based in Andheri, Mumbai. With this launch, Kajal aims to bridge the gap between operational know-how and brand storytelling, bringing insider-driven communication strategies to the forefront.

Kajal brings with her over 15 years of experience, having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL’s Ginger Hotels, Mira Hospitality, Pride Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and Kamats Legacy. Her deep-rooted industry understanding positions Newzy Room to offer finely-tuned strategies that resonate with both media and guests.

Newzy Room will offer a bouquet of services including traditional PR (print & digital), influencer engagement, FAM trips, advertorials, industry awards, celebrity interactions, and creative brand storytelling—crafted specifically for the hospitality ecosystem.

"We are dedicated to hospitality—because that's where we come from, and that's what we understand best," shares Kajal. "Our aim is to give the hospitality industry the kind of focused visibility and voice it truly deserves."

At a time when meaningful narratives and brand identity are key to differentiation, Newzy Room arrives with the right mix of media insight and sector expertise, ready to redefine how hotels and hospitality brands communicate their stories.

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