George Bennet Kuruvilla Wins General Manager of the Year Award

George Bennet Kuruvilla Wins General Manager of the Year Award

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 25, 2024

Hotelivate’s 19th Hotel Investment Conference South Asia (HICSA) recently concluded, marking a significant event for the hospitality industry. Among the highlights was the prestigious MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards, recognizing exceptional leadership and excellence. Held from April 2nd to 4th, 2024, HICSA brought together industry leaders, including Sébastian Bazin, Mark S. Hoplamazian, and Federico J. González.

This year, George Bennet Kuruvilla of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, emerged as the recipient of the General Manager of the Year Award in the Luxury category. Kuruvilla's leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in solidifying The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore’s position as a sought-after luxury destination known for its impeccable service and immersive experiences.

The MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards not only acknowledge outstanding talent but also drive the industry forward by inspiring excellence. This recognition serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions of individuals like Kuruvilla, shaping the future of the Indian hospitality landscape.

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The conference also honored industry veterans, with Kapil Bhatia receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable career journey. With over 725 attendees, HICSA 2024 exceeded expectations, signaling a promising recovery for the industry and highlighting the resilience of hospitality professionals.

As the curtains closed on HICSA 2024, the engaging ‘Hot Seat Debate’ moderated by Manav Thadani brought insightful discussions to the forefront, marking the end of an inspiring and successful event.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Bangalore. The hotel features 277 rooms and suites, as well as seven award-winning restaurants and bars. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is the perfect place to relax and indulge in luxury. Visit our website at ritzcarlton.com/Bangalore.In addition, connect with us on @ritzcarltonbangalore on Facebook and @ritzcarlton.bangalore on Instagram.


Chef Deepak Rawat Joins Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur as Head Chef

Chef Deepak Rawat Joins Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur as Head Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 25, 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Deepak Rawat as the new Head Chef. With a remarkable culinary journey of over 15 years across leading hospitality brands in India and Thailand, Chef Rawat brings with him a deep mastery of Indian cuisine, tandoor, and global culinary techniques.

Before joining Fairfield Jaipur, Chef Rawat served as Sous Chef at IHCL in Haridwar and held key leadership positions at Fairfield by Marriott Indore, Anantara Chiang Mai, and The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok. 

He also played a significant role in setting up Indian kitchens abroad, notably at Aviyana Hotel in Thailand, showcasing his versatility and global sensibility.

Chef Rawat’s return to the Marriott family signals Fairfield Jaipur’s commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences infused with authentic Indian flavours and modern creativity.

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Deepak Rawat back to the Marriott family in this pivotal leadership role,” said Rishabh Jain, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur. “His experience, creativity, and passion for Indian cuisine will undoubtedly create memorable dining moments for our guests.”


The Den Bengaluru Welcomes Eldho Jacob as Director of Sales

The Den Bengaluru Welcomes Eldho Jacob as Director of Sales

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 25, 2025

The Den Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Eldho Jacob as the new Director of Sales. With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Eldho brings a wealth of expertise in driving revenue growth, building strategic alliances, and strengthening brand presence.

Having previously worked with leading hospitality names like Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt Ltd, The Leela Kovalam, Crowne Plaza Kochi, and The Trident, Eldho has earned a strong reputation for his result-oriented sales approach. In his new role, he will be responsible for spearheading sales strategies, achieving key revenue goals, and fostering long-term relationships to enhance The Den’s positioning in the market.

Expressing his excitement, Eldho shared, “I’m excited to join The Den Bengaluru at such a dynamic time for the hospitality industry. My focus will be on strengthening our market presence, fostering strategic partnerships, and creating value-driven experiences for our guests and stakeholders.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den Bengaluru, said, “We are delighted to have Eldho on board as Director of Sales. His wealth of experience, knowledge, and strategic mindset will be invaluable in driving our sales efforts and enhancing sustainable growth. We are confident that under his leadership, The Den Bengaluru will continue to be positioned as a market leader in the hospitality industry.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Eldho enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. His interests include traveling, exploring world cuisines, watching movies, and connecting with people from diverse walks of life.


Tushar Ghugare Joins Park Hyatt Chennai as Director of Finance

Tushar Ghugare Joins Park Hyatt Chennai as Director of Finance

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 25, 2025

Park Hyatt Chennai has announced the appointment of Tushar Ghugare as the new Director of Finance. With a rich background in financial leadership across some of India’s leading hospitality brands, Tushar is poised to bring strategic insight and operational excellence to his new role.

Prior to joining Park Hyatt Chennai, Tushar served as Assistant Director of Finance at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. He has also held significant roles at JW Marriott Bengaluru, Renaissance Bengaluru, Le Meridien Gurgaon, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, and Courtyard Mumbai International Airport. His consistent focus on strengthening financial operations and mentoring high-performing teams has earned him a solid reputation in the industry.

Speaking on his new journey, Tushar shared, “It’s truly a privilege to be a part of the Park Hyatt Chennai family. I am excited to contribute to our shared vision and look forward to working alongside such a talented and passionate team. Together, let’s create benchmarks that reflect not just performance but pride.”

In his current role, Tushar will oversee the Finance division at Park Hyatt Chennai, focusing on financial stewardship, strategic growth, and enhanced operational efficiency while upholding the brand’s renowned standards of luxury and excellence.

About Park Hyatt Chennai

Park Hyatt Chennai, the 44th hotel in the global Park Hyatt portfolio, features 200 luxurious rooms, including 20 suites, set around a tranquil lily pond and nestled beside Guindy National Park. The hotel offers distinctive culinary venues like The Flying Elephant, Park Brasserie, and Mr. Ong, along with wellness offerings at Antahpura Spa and a rooftop infinity-edge pool with serene views. Combining elegance and calm, the hotel is a refined destination for both leisure and business travellers.

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