Hilton's New Era in India: Zubin Saxena Takes Charge as Country Head

Hilton's New Era in India: Zubin Saxena Takes Charge as Country Head

By Author

Published on November 22, 2023

Hilton has recently announced a major leadership change in its Indian operations. Zubin Saxena has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and Country Head for India, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy for the region. Saxena, an industry veteran with a rich 24-year background in hospitality, is set to take the reins in January 2024.

Saxena's journey in the hospitality sector has been remarkable. Before joining Hilton, he was with Radisson Hotel Group for over eight years, ascending to the role of Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia. His career also includes a notable four-year tenure at IHG, where he served as the Director of Development for South Asia, and advisory roles with Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in India and HVS in New York. Armed with an MBA from the Adam Smith School of Business in Glasgow, Saxena is known for his leadership and team-building skills.

In his new role at Hilton, Saxena will oversee the company's 25 operational hotels in India. His primary focus will be on driving Hilton's expansion in South Asia, with 20 properties currently in the pipeline. Saxena's appointment follows the departure of Navjit Ahluwalia, who has been instrumental in Hilton's growth in India over the past six years, including steering the company through the pandemic.

Ahluwalia's tenure saw significant milestones, like the opening of the Hilton Goa Resort, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, and the DoubleTree by Hilton in Varanasi, among others. He also launched Hilton's new corporate office in Gurugram.

With India representing a major opportunity for Hilton, Saxena's appointment comes at a crucial time. "I am excited by the size and scope of the role and look forward to leading and delivering on our ambitious goals in this incredibly dynamic market,” Saxena commented on his new role. Under his leadership, Hilton aims to triple its estate, introducing new brands such as the Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, set to open in 2027.

Saxena's appointment marks a new chapter for Hilton in India, as the company gears up to expand its footprint and continue its legacy of excellence in hospitality. The industry eagerly awaits the new heights Hilton will achieve under Saxena's visionary leadership.


Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Biswajit Chakraborty as General Manager

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Biswajit Chakraborty as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 29, 2024

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is proud to announce the appointment of Biswajit Chakraborty as its new General Manager. Bringing over three decades of luxury hospitality experience, Chakraborty is set to lead the property, emphasizing an elevated guest experience while upholding the brand’s renowned legacy of personalized service.

With a career spanning prominent leadership roles at luxury hotel brands such as Oberoi, Taj, The Leela, and Accor, Chakraborty’s extensive expertise makes him a seasoned hotelier with a strong strategic vision. Before joining Four Seasons, he served as the Managing Director at Hotelivate, a respected hospitality consulting firm. His previous assignments include key positions like General Manager at Sofitel Mumbai BKC and The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, where his leadership contributed significantly to their sustained success and reputation.

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Chakraborty’s educational background includes degrees from Bangalore University and Christ College alongside a diploma from Cornell University. Known as a true globetrotter, he is passionate about travel, advanced archery, reading, and music, interests that mirror his deep appreciation for global culture. Adding to his impressive list of accomplishments, he holds a black belt in karate, has trained in Kung Fu, and is an active member of the Rotary Club.

In his new role, Chakraborty expressed enthusiasm, sharing, “I am truly honored to join the Four Seasons family and lead the exceptional team at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. This is an exciting chapter in my journey, and I look forward to building on the hotel's legacy of excellence while introducing fresh, innovative experiences that reflect the vibrant culture of the city.”

With his visionary leadership, Biswajit Chakraborty is poised to guide Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru to new heights of excellence, further establishing it as Bengaluru's preferred luxury destination for both guests and travelers.


L'Opéra Welcomes Michelin-Trained Chef Kevin Duthel as New Executive Chef

L'Opéra Welcomes Michelin-Trained Chef Kevin Duthel as New Executive Chef

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 29, 2024

Delhi’s celebrated French pâtisserie and boulangerie, L'Opéra, proudly introduces Chef Kevin Duthel as its new Executive Chef. With more than 20 years in the industry and a distinguished background in French cuisine, Chef Kevin is set to bring an elevated culinary experience to L'Opéra, enhancing its reputation for authentic French flavors and artistry.

Chef Kevin’s culinary journey spans some of France and England’s most prestigious kitchens, including Michelin-starred restaurants where he gained a reputation for innovative techniques and precise attention to detail. His addition to the L'Opéra team aligns with the brand’s vision of providing an exceptional and genuine French experience to its patrons. Laurent Samandari, Co-Founder and CEO of L'Opéra, shared his excitement: “We are delighted to welcome chef Kevin to the L’Opéra family. His expertise and vision align perfectly with our commitment to providing an unparalleled authentic experience. We are confident that our guests will be captivated by the exceptional flavours and artistry that Chef Kevin will bring to our products.”

Chef Kevin expressed his enthusiasm for joining L'Opéra, emphasizing that the brand's dedication to quality and authenticity aligns deeply with his own culinary values. “I am honored to be part of such a prestigious establishment,” he remarked. “L'Opéra’s dedication to authenticity and quality resonates deeply with my culinary philosophy. I look forward to crafting exquisite delicacies that celebrate the rich traditions of France’s culinary culture while incorporating fresh, local ingredients.”


Vikas Deep Rathour Joins The Imperia by Dhaba as Culinary Manager, Bringing Innovation to Indian Cuisine

Vikas Deep Rathour Joins The Imperia by Dhaba as Culinary Manager, Bringing Innovation to Indian Cuisine

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 27, 2024

The Imperia by Dhaba, Somerset, New Jersey’s premier destination for luxury events and fine dining, proudly announces the appointment of Vikas Deep Rathour as its new Culinary Manager. With over 23 years of experience in the culinary world, Rathour is known for his mastery of Indian flavors and his ability to blend traditional cuisine with modern innovation.

Rathour’s culinary journey has been distinguished by his role as Executive Chef at The Yellow Chilli in Johns Creek, Georgia, where his commitment to creativity and quality garnered widespread acclaim. His time there led to the introduction of innovative dishes that elevated the restaurant's reputation. Previously, as Culinary Manager at Mehfil Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina, Rathour pioneered menu innovation, maintained strict quality control, and ensured rigorous hygiene standards in daily operations. His extensive background also includes prestigious roles at top New Delhi establishments such as The Lalit Hotel, Radisson Hotel, Claridges, and Crown Plaza.

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In his new role at The Imperia by Dhaba, Rathour will oversee culinary operations, lead a team of talented chefs, and craft menus that fuse authentic Indian flavors with contemporary flair. The aim is to provide guests with a dining experience that is both refined and deeply rooted in India’s culinary heritage, while upholding the esteemed standards that The Imperia by Dhaba is known for.

Sharing his excitement, Rathour stated, “I am honored to join The Imperia by Dhaba and lead a talented team in delivering a world-class dining experience. My goal is to create a menu that not only celebrates the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine but also offers guests something new, exciting, and memorable every time they dine with us.”

With Rathour’s appointment, The Imperia by Dhaba looks forward to an elevated dining experience, bringing the best of Indian culinary tradition to its guests in Somerset.

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