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.


The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort, the premier luxury destination on South Goa’s pristine coast, is delighted to announce the appointment of celebrated Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant.

Chef Roberto, a native of Sardinia, brings an impressive international background with leadership roles across renowned hotel brands worldwide. In his new role, he will oversee the complete culinary experience at Oliveto, infusing authentic Italian flavors with his refined techniques to create an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

“With Chef Roberto joining Oliveto, we are excited to offer an enhanced Italian dining experience that reflects the finest in craftsmanship and authenticity,” said a spokesperson from The St. Regis Goa Resort.

Guests at Oliveto can now look forward to innovative menus, classic Italian preparations, and a luxurious dining ambiance designed to transport diners to the heart of Italy while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views of South Goa.

This appointment underscores The St. Regis Goa Resort’s commitment to exceptional culinary experiences as part of its world-class hospitality offerings.


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has announced the appointment of Mr. Ayodhya Tiwari as its Director of Revenue, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team. With over thirteen years of experience across some of India’s most respected luxury and upscale hospitality brands, he brings a strong blend of strategic thinking, analytical expertise, and consistent revenue-driven performance.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Tiwari has built deep expertise across Revenue Management, Reservations, and Distribution, supported by a solid foundation in commercial operations and market optimisation. He has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands including Novotel, Hyatt Regency, Pride Plaza, and The Leela, contributing to several landmark properties and high-performing portfolios.

In his most recent role, he led revenue strategy for multi-property operations, delivering record occupancy levels and sustained RevPAR growth. Across his earlier assignments, he has played a key role in strengthening digital performance, enhancing market positioning, and supporting hotel openings and operational transitions, establishing a strong track record of sound commercial judgement and revenue-first thinking.

In his new role at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Mr. Tiwari will be responsible for leading the hotel’s revenue strategy through a forward-looking and data-driven approach. His focus will include dynamic pricing, refined distribution strategies, and strengthening market share across all business segments, while supporting the hotel’s long-term growth objectives. His ability to anticipate trends, optimise multi-segment demand, and drive a profitable business mix is expected to further enhance the property’s standing in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality market.

Known as a collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, Mr. Tiwari brings a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence. His experience across diverse markets and his adaptability to evolving industry dynamics have shaped him into a results-driven professional with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Speaking about his appointment, Ayodhya Tiwari shared, “I am honoured to join Sofitel Mumbai BKC and look forward to deepening my understanding of the hotel’s distinctive positioning and operational strengths. In my role as Director of Revenue, I am committed to advancing the property’s commercial performance by driving strategic revenue initiatives, strengthening promotional effectiveness, and optimising business mix across segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.”


Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has announced the appointment of David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to enhance its fine-dining and culinary offerings.

A South African national, Chef David brings over 20 years of international luxury hospitality experience, having worked across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and South Africa. Prior to joining Raffles Hotel Le Royal, he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

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His career includes senior culinary leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott, giving him a strong foundation in both destination dining and refined hotel gastronomy.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Chef David will oversee the hotel’s celebrated dining venues, including Restaurant Le Royal, known for its elevated Khmer fine-dining experience, and Le Phnom 1929, a classic French-style brasserie that draws inspiration from the hotel’s colonial heritage.

Welcoming the appointment, Dagmar Lyons, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community.”

Originally opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal features 175 rooms and suites, restored in 2019 to seamlessly blend modern comfort with French colonial elegance, Khmer influences, and Art Deco design. Chef David’s appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to preserving heritage while evolving its contemporary dining narrative.

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