Hilton Elevates Luxury Experience in Asia Pacific with New Leadership

Hilton Elevates Luxury Experience in Asia Pacific with New Leadership

By Author

Published on January 31, 2024

In a move to strengthen its foothold in luxury hospitality across Asia Pacific, global hospitality leader Hilton has welcomed Candice D’Cruz as Vice President of Luxury Brands for the region. Based in Singapore, Candice will lead Hilton’s esteemed luxury brands, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

With a rich background in the industry, Candice brings over two decades of experience to her role. Formerly the Vice President of Luxury Brand Management and Marketing for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International, she has been recognized as a leader in her field, receiving accolades such as being named number one in "The Power of 25" by Hotelier Middle East in 2019.

In her new role, Candice aims to shape distinctive brand identities and curate localized guest experiences, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in ensuring the enduring success of Hilton’s luxury brands in the region. Her strategic guidance is expected to contribute significantly to Hilton’s commitment to delivering exceptional luxury experiences.

“I am delighted to embark on this journey with Hilton based out of the vibrant city of Singapore. My passion lies in shaping distinctive brand identities alongside curated and localized guest experiences, recognizing their pivotal role in ensuring our brands’ enduring success throughout the region,” said Candice D’Cruz. 

Candice, of Indian origin, currently resides in Singapore with her husband and two children. She is passionate about championing the development of female leaders and cultivating young talent, and she looks forward to empowering her teams to unlock their full potential in this new role.

Hilton’s commitment to luxury hospitality in Asia Pacific is further emphasized by Candice’s appointment, and her extensive experience is expected to play a key role in the brand’s growth and development in the region.


W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

W Goa has announced the appointment of Nishal Seebaluck as its new General Manager, further strengthening its leadership team in the luxury hospitality space.

With over 18 years of experience across ultra-luxury hotels and destination resorts in India, Mauritius, and Morocco, Nishal brings a strong blend of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and guest-centric leadership. Known for elevating brand positioning and driving performance, he has consistently delivered impactful results in competitive luxury markets.

An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Nishal began his career in finance at The Oberoi Beach Resort before transitioning into operations, where he discovered his passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles across renowned properties including The Oberoi Marrakech and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening brand identity, enhancing profitability, and driving market-leading performance. His contributions have also been instrumental in achieving industry recognition, including awards such as Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards and global rankings by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.

Most recently serving as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Nishal now steps into his new role at W Goa, where he is expected to lead the property’s operations, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen its position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination.

Beyond his professional journey, Nishal is known for his passion for travel, food, and cultural exploration, bringing a creative and globally inspired perspective that aligns seamlessly with W Goa’s bold and expressive identity.


Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Deepak Rawat as its new General Manager, marking a significant leadership addition at one of Goa’s most iconic luxury destinations.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepak brings a strong mix of operational expertise, commercial insight, and a people-first leadership approach. Over the years, he has led teams across both international and Indian hotel brands, consistently delivering elevated guest experiences while driving business performance.

His career spans palace hotels, destination resorts, and city properties, giving him a well-rounded perspective on diverse hospitality formats. Known for his passion for Food & Beverage innovation, Deepak has played a key role in conceptualising and leading award-winning dining experiences, reinforcing his focus on creating immersive and memorable guest journeys.

Speaking on his appointment, Deepak Rawat said, “Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa is more than a destination; it is a legacy that resonates across generations. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that stay true to the essence of Tajness.”

Welcoming him, Javed Deshmukh highlighted the importance of the appointment, noting that the resort has been a cornerstone of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1974 and continues to hold a special legacy in the region.

In his new role, Deepak will focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving innovation across Food & Beverage, integrating sustainable practices, and strengthening overall operational performance. His leadership is expected to further elevate the resort’s positioning while shaping a future-ready vision rooted in excellence and collaboration.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales, reinforcing its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the market.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rakib brings a strong commercial outlook and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across corporate and MICE segments. Known for his strategic thinking and people-first leadership approach, he has consistently built high-performing teams and delivered sustained business results.

Prior to this role, he served as Cluster Associate Director of Sales at Andaz Delhi, where he played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding business opportunities. His career also includes significant tenures at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Chennai, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse markets and customer segments.

In his new role, Rakib will lead the hotel’s sales strategy, focusing on driving revenue across segments while further enhancing the property’s positioning in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Rakib Hussain said, “The opportunity to create meaningful guest experiences and inspire teams to push boundaries every day is what keeps me going.”

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on building a dynamic and forward-looking leadership team aligned with its growth ambitions.

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