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.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Welcomes Kapil Dubey as Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Welcomes Kapil Dubey as Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has announced the appointment of Kapil Dubey as its new Executive Chef, bringing a dynamic blend of culinary expertise, global influences, and a passion for innovation. With an impressive career spanning renowned luxury hotels and resorts, Chef Dubey is set to redefine the dining experience at the property, combining seasonal ingredients, contemporary techniques, and traditional flavors.

A Culinary Vision Rooted in Creativity

A graduate of Mangalore University's hotel management program, Chef Dubey views food as more than just sustenance—it’s a way to create memorable experiences. He believes in the power of a dish to evoke emotions, saying:
"What drives me is that magical moment when a guest experiences something unexpected on their plate—a flavor memory that stays with them long after they've left our tables."

This philosophy of thoughtful, experience-driven dining will shape the culinary landscape at Hyatt Regency Dehradun.

Global Experience, Local Inspiration

Chef Dubey has honed his craft at prestigious establishments, including:

  • Park Hyatt Goa – where he built a strong foundation in luxury dining
  • One&Only Resorts Dubai & Four Seasons Maldives – gaining international exposure
  • JW Marriott & Ritz-Carlton – refining his skills in high-end hospitality
  • Sheraton Hyderabad & The Leela Gandhinagar – where he led culinary teams and earned accolades, including the Times Food Awards Chef of the Year

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Beyond his technical expertise, Chef Dubey’s ability to blend global flavors with regional influences sets him apart. His dishes reflect a fusion of Japanese precision, European simplicity, and Indian heritage, with an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

An Evolving Culinary Experience

Guests at Hyatt Regency Dehradun can expect a refined yet approachable menu featuring:

  • Sous vide preparations for precise flavor and texture
  • Aromatic charcoal cooking for depth and complexity
  • Subtle spice infusions, like the "whisper of cumin", showcasing attention to detail

Committed to sustainability and authenticity, Chef Dubey ensures that every dish tells a story of culture and craftsmanship. By integrating Michelin-starred techniques, tracking emerging flavor trends, and experimenting with new ingredients, he brings a fresh perspective while staying true to the timeless principles of fine dining.

Beyond the Plate: A Holistic Dining Experience

More than just a chef, Kapil Dubey is a storyteller through food. His goal at Hyatt Regency Dehradun is not just to serve exquisite dishes but to curate immersive dining experiences. Whether through a locally inspired tasting menu, an interactive chef’s table, or a personalized culinary journey, he aims to leave guests with a lasting impression of flavors, textures, and emotions.

With Chef Dubey at the helm, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa is poised to become a culinary destination, offering guests an exceptional fusion of tradition, innovation, and hospitality.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Elisha Dsouza as Revenue Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Elisha Dsouza as Revenue Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 22, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has named Elisha Dsouza as its new revenue manager. In this role, Dsouza will lead the hotel’s revenue management initiatives, concentrating on refining pricing strategies, market forecasting, and overall profitability enhancement.

Elisha Dsouza brings with him valuable expertise from his previous role at Marriott International, where he developed strong skills in revenue analysis and strategic pricing. His deep understanding of demand forecasting and distribution channel management is expected to play a key role in strengthening Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore’s competitive edge in the market.

Sharing his excitement about the appointment, Dsouza said, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore. I look forward to leveraging my experience to implement innovative revenue strategies that align with our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

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Varun Mohan, general manager of Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, also shared his thoughts on the new hire: “We are excited to welcome Elisha to our leadership team. His extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and his strategic approach to revenue management will be instrumental in driving our hotel’s growth and success.”


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is delighted to welcome Rahul Uppal as its new Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager. Bringing a wealth of experience in hospitality, culinary innovation, and guest-centric dining, Mr. Uppal is set to enhance the hotel's food and beverage offerings with fresh concepts and operational excellence.

A Vision for Culinary Excellence

In his new role, Mr. Uppal will oversee the entire food and beverage division, focusing on:

  • Enhancing guest satisfaction with unique dining experiences
  • Developing innovative culinary concepts tailored to modern travelers
  • Driving operational efficiency and excellence across F&B services
  • Introducing locally inspired flavors while maintaining global culinary standards

With a strategic approach to F&B management, he brings expertise in menu engineering, cost management, and guest engagement, ensuring a seamless and memorable dining experience for every guest.

A Legacy of Innovation in Hospitality

Prior to joining Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, Mr. Uppal held key leadership positions at renowned hotels and restaurants, where he successfully:

  • Launched new dining experiences
  • Streamlined F&B operations
  • Implemented best practices for exceptional service

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His passion for the culinary arts and deep understanding of evolving dining trends make him a valuable addition to the hotel’s leadership team.

Excited to Lead a Dynamic Culinary Team

Expressing his enthusiasm, Rahul Uppal shared:
"I am truly honored to join Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, a brand that embodies modern hospitality with a strong local touch. I look forward to working with the talented team to create unique and memorable dining experiences for our guests while introducing innovative concepts that cater to the evolving preferences of today’s travelers."

Elevating Hyatt Centric’s Culinary Reputation

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is known for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring signature restaurants and bars that celebrate global flavors with a regional touch. Under Mr. Uppal’s leadership, the hotel is poised to:

  • Strengthen its gastronomic reputation
  • Offer immersive and personalized dining experiences
  • Deliver impeccable service with an innovative approach

With his expertise and vision, Rahul Uppal is set to take Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore’s food and beverage offerings to new heights, ensuring guests experience exceptional flavors and world-class hospitality.

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