Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced three leadership appointments across its Human Resources and Marketing & Communications functions, welcoming Mohana Priya as Cluster Director of Human Resources, Pooja Nerkar as Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager and Sumesh Mohan as Human Resources Manager.

The appointments bring together professionals with experience across luxury hospitality, hotel operations, people development, marketing communications and pre-opening projects, strengthening the hotel's focus on talent, workplace culture and brand engagement.

Mohana Priya Appointed Cluster Director of Human Resources

With more than 22 years of hospitality experience, Mohana Priya joins Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty as Cluster Director of Human Resources.

A postgraduate in Commerce from the University of Madras and an MBA in Human Resources from ICFAI, Priya began her career in manufacturing before moving into hospitality in 2006.

Her hospitality career began with Marriott International, where she moved into Human Resources after developing experience in people management. She subsequently held leadership positions with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Chennai and the Hyatt portfolio, including Hyatt Regency Chennai and Park Hyatt Chennai.

Priya served as Director of Human Resources at Park Hyatt Chennai from December 2019 until her latest appointment.

Her experience includes people development, organisational culture and employee engagement, with a leadership approach centred on empathy, authenticity and accountability. Her work has also been recognised with the Hotelier India HR Person of the Year 2025 – Upscale & Luxury award.

Speaking about her appointment, Priya said, “I am truly excited to be joining Grand Hyatt Kochi. It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of an iconic property, work alongside a dynamic team, and contribute to the hotel’s continued success.”

At Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Priya will focus on people and culture initiatives, with her leadership philosophy centred on putting people first.

Pooja Nerkar Takes Charge of Marketing & Communications

Pooja Nerkar has been appointed Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager, bringing more than a decade of hospitality experience across marketing, communications, food and beverage, guest experience and events.

Nerkar began her career at Renaissance Convention Centre Hotel, Mumbai, before moving through guest service and food and beverage roles with Hilton Chennai and Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

She subsequently moved into marketing and communications at Hyatt Regency Chennai, where she progressed from Food and Beverage Team Leader to Marketing and Communications Executive and most recently Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager.

Her marketing experience spans social media, digital marketing, website and SEO, brand communications, creative production, media and influencer relations, photography, videography and events.

Her contributions have been recognised through awards including Employee of the Year at Hilton Chennai and HyCare Discoverist of the Year at Hyatt Regency Chennai.

In her new role, Nerkar will contribute to the hotel's marketing and communications strategy, with a focus on brand engagement, campaigns and amplifying the property's experiences across relevant audiences and platforms.

Sumesh Mohan Joins as Human Resources Manager

Sumesh Mohan has been appointed Human Resources Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, bringing 17 years of hospitality experience spanning hotel operations, Human Resources, talent development and pre-opening operations.

A graduate of Christ University, Bengaluru, with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management, Sumesh also holds an MBA in Hotel Management & Human Resources from Mumbai University.

He began his hospitality career in 2009 as a Pastry Chef before transitioning to Human Resources in 2015. Over the past 11 years in HR, he has taken on progressively senior responsibilities, including leading HR operations at Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal, Bengaluru, where he was later promoted to Assistant Director of Human Resources.

His career has included roles across India and the Maldives at properties including The Westin Hyderabad, Sheraton Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, Velaa Private Island, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark, Hyatt Place Rameshwaram, Hyatt Regency Thrissur, Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal and Sterling Holidays Resorts.

His experience across pre-opening properties has also given him exposure to team building, HR processes and operational readiness.

Sumesh has received recognition including the Best Human Resources Manager Award for Human Resources Leadership in Talent Acquisition in 2018 and the Serve 360 Award for contributions to CSR initiatives under Marriott International in South Asia.

At Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, he will focus on recruitment, talent development, administration, compliance and people management, while aligning HR priorities with the hotel's business objectives.

Together, the three appointments strengthen Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty's leadership across people development, organisational culture and brand communications, adding experienced professionals to functions that directly influence both employee engagement and the guest experience.