Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 27, 2025

Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Bavani Srinu as Cluster Marketing Communications Director and Nihal Kurian as Commercial Director. The new leadership is expected to drive innovation in marketing, sales, and business strategy, reinforcing Hilton’s position in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality market.

Bavani Srinu – Driving Marketing Excellence

With over 18 years of experience, Bavani Srinu has built a reputation for transforming brands across industries, including real estate, technology, and digital enterprises, before transitioning to hospitality. She has led marketing strategies across Singapore, Dubai, India, and Australia, spearheading impactful digital campaigns and enhancing brand engagement.

As Cluster Marketing Communications Director, Srinu will oversee marketing strategies for three properties:

  • Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks
  • Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park
  • Hilton Garden Inn Bangalore

Her focus will be on brand positioning, digital-first campaigns, and media relations to strengthen Hilton’s market presence.

Excited about her new role, Srinu shared, "Joining the Hilton family is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to leading innovative marketing initiatives that enhance Hilton's market presence. My goal is to build on the strong foundation in place and create campaigns that resonate with our guests while reinforcing our regional and global brand positioning."

Welcoming her aboard, Manish Garg, General Manager of Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, added, "Bavani’s extensive marketing experience, coupled with her strong startup background, brings a fresh perspective to hospitality. Her digital expertise and customer engagement strategies will be a game changer for Hilton."

Nihal Kurian – Strengthening Commercial Growth

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With 17 years in hospitality and commercial management, Nihal Kurian has been instrumental in driving revenue growth at leading hotel brands, including:

  • Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel
  • Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield
  • Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru
  • Hilton Garden Inn Pune Hinjawadi

As Commercial Director, Kurian will lead Hilton EGL’s commercial strategy, focusing on revenue optimization, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. His expertise in sales and marketing has played a pivotal role in re-establishing market presence for previous brands.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Kurian stated, "I am excited to be part of Hilton EGL, a brand that is synonymous with excellence in hospitality. My focus will be on leveraging strategic partnerships, enhancing guest experiences, and driving commercial success in this dynamic market."

Abhiram Menon, General Manager of Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, welcomed Kurian, saying, "We are thrilled to have Nihal on board. His vast experience, strategic vision, and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly strengthen our commercial efforts in Bengaluru. His leadership will be invaluable in driving business growth."

With these new appointments, Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and driving sustained growth in the Bengaluru market.


Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, the landmark 50th property under IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, has welcomed Sachin Bhardwaj as its new Operations Manager, strengthening the hotel’s leadership as it continues to grow within the Indian hospitality market.

With a career spanning over 16 years, Sachin brings deep industry insight and a strong operational background to the role. Known for his strategic thinking and team-focused approach, he will be overseeing daily operations, driving brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the property.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Sachin worked with top hospitality names like Accor, Marriott, The Lalit, and IHG, where he held various key positions across renowned properties. His experience across multiple formats and markets has helped him master the art of delivering consistently high service standards and operational efficiency.

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Strategically located on the Lucknow - Varanasi Road, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on providing modern comforts, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless experience aligned with the global Crowne Plaza promise.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sachin Bhardwaj said,

“As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring every guest's experience is exceptional and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. We strive to create moments that leave a lasting impression, and I am committed to working alongside a talented team to elevate Crowne Plaza Lucknow as a leading destination for hospitality.”

This appointment comes at a key moment for IHG, as it celebrates its 50th hotel milestone in India, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. With Sachin at the helm of operations, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in service delivery in the region.


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Park Hyatt Chennai has welcomed Mr. Suraj Ashok Gunjal as its new Director of Revenue, a move aimed at strengthening the hotel’s growth and revenue strategy. Backed by a well-rounded career in hospitality, Suraj brings both front-end experience and deep expertise in revenue management to the role.

An alumnus of the University of Pune with a B.Sc. in Hospitality Studies, Suraj began his career at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in the Front Office, where he developed a solid foundation in guest service and operational efficiency. He soon transitioned into revenue and reservations, finding his calling in strategy and data-led decision making.

Over the years, he has worked with top hospitality names including Accor, Ginger, Hilton, and Marriott International. Most recently, he was part of Marriott's Revenue Cluster team in Pune, where he played a key role in optimizing performance across multiple properties.

Suraj’s approach to leadership is grounded in analytics, teamwork, and a keen eye for market dynamics, qualities that align well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s reputation for refined luxury and operational excellence.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Suraj Gunjal said, “I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Chennai as the Director of Revenue. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team and contributing to our shared vision of excellence. I am confident that together, we will uncover new opportunities and achieve exceptional results.”

In this new role, Suraj will oversee revenue functions across the property, focusing on multi-segment optimization, strategic planning, and driving sustained growth for the hotel.


Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

ibis India has officially welcomed Mr. Rais Panjabi as the new Director of Sales for its Mumbai Cluster, which includes ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Panjabi is all set to lead the charge in boosting sales strategy and driving business success across the region.

Before joining ibis, Mr. Panjabi played a key role at Lemon Tree Hotels, where he was known for strengthening market presence, refining sales processes, and guiding high-performance teams. His knack for understanding the market and his people-first approach have consistently led to solid business outcomes.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head for ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “We are delighted to have Rais join us to lead sales for our key properties in the Mumbai cluster. His extensive industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and proven leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our brand’s commercial performance. With Rais at the helm, we are confident of driving sustainable growth and delivering enhanced value to our partners and guests.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Mr. Rais Panjabi said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ibis India family and contribute to the brand’s dynamic growth in Mumbai. ibis’ vibrant energy and customer-centric values strongly resonate with my own professional ethos. I look forward to collaborating with the wider team and leveraging my experience to drive impactful strategies, build stronger client connections, and elevate the sales narrative across the cluster.”

With this move, ibis India continues to invest in seasoned talent to strengthen its leadership bench and deliver memorable guest experiences backed by strong commercial performance.

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