Hyatt Regency Chandigarh Appoints Takshila Chheda & Rafi Ansari to Key Leadership Roles

Hyatt Regency Chandigarh Appoints Takshila Chheda & Rafi Ansari to Key Leadership Roles

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 4, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chandigarh is pleased to announce two significant additions to its leadership team—Takshila Chheda as Area Director – Digital Marketing, North Region and Rafi Ansari as Director of Food & Beverage. These appointments reflect the hotel’s ongoing commitment to innovation, guest engagement, and culinary excellence.

Takshila Chheda: Driving Digital Innovation

As the newly appointed Area Director – Digital Marketing for Hyatt Hotels in the North Region, Takshila Chheda will lead strategic digital initiatives across multiple properties, aligning them with Hyatt’s broader business goals.

With over a decade of experience, Ms. Chheda has crafted impactful marketing campaigns across industries. Previously, she spearheaded Hyatt’s digital strategy for the East and West regions from Grand Hyatt Mumbai. Her career highlights include:

  • Reliance Industries: Led digital strategy for Jio World Centre, including the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
  • Tata Motors: Developed high-profile campaigns for IPL, Geneva Motor Show, and Auto Expo.
  • Taj Lands’ End, MSL, Edelman, and Perfect Relations: Honed expertise in public relations and corporate communications.

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Ms. Chheda holds an MSc in Corporate Communications and Reputation Management from Manchester Business School, UK, and has also contributed to academia as a Visiting Faculty at KJ Somaiya Institute of Management.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new cuisines, working out, traveling, and reading fiction.

“We are delighted to welcome Takshila Chheda to the Hyatt family in the North region. Her expertise and innovative approach will be invaluable as we enhance our digital presence and guest engagement.”
— Ashwini Kumar, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chandigarh

Rafi Ansari: Elevating Culinary Experiences

Bringing over 18 years of hospitality experience, Rafi Ansari joins as the Director of Food & Beverage, aiming to elevate Hyatt Regency Chandigarh’s dining experiences and service standards.

Mr. Ansari began his career as a Food & Beverage Associate at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu and has since held leadership roles across prestigious hotels, including:

  • Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Marriott Kochi, Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow, and The Westin Goa
  • Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal – Led F&B operations, enhanced brand visibility, and drove revenue growth.

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A go-getter and creative leader, Mr. Ansari thrives on crafting unique dining experiences. Outside of work, he enjoys road trips, cooking at home, and spending time with his daughter. His bucket list includes traveling to Switzerland with his family.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rafi Ansari to the Hyatt Regency Chandigarh family. His expertise, creativity, and passion for exceptional dining experiences will undoubtedly elevate our F&B offerings.”
— Ashwini Kumar, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chandigarh

Hyatt Regency Chandigarh: A Commitment to Excellence

Hyatt Regency Chandigarh, part of the global Hyatt Regency brand, embodies open-hearted hospitality and vibrant community experiences. Nestled in the dynamic city of Chandigarh, the hotel offers a seamless blend of local culture and contemporary luxury, making it a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.

With thoughtfully designed spaces, exceptional culinary offerings, and versatile event venues, Hyatt Regency Chandigarh continues to set new benchmarks in guest experiences and hospitality innovation.

For more information, visit hyattregencychandigarh.com.

Phone: +91 172 440 1234
Email: info@hyattregencychandigarh.com
Website: www.hyatt.com


Reliance Consumer Products Appoints Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand

Reliance Consumer Products Appoints Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has announced the appointment of Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand, further strengthening its presence in the hospitality and food service segment.

An alumnus of Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Deepak brings more than a decade of experience across hospitality operations and HORECA business development.

He began his career in 2014 as a bartender at The Westin Pune before joining JW Marriott Bengaluru as a Bar Executive. In 2017, he moved to Jaipur Marriott, followed by a role as Assistant Bar Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru in 2018.

In 2021, Deepak took up an international assignment with Le Méridien Dubai as Bar Incharge. Returning to India in 2023, he joined Royal Orchid Hotels as Multi Outlet Manager, where he oversaw multiple food and beverage operations.

Before joining RCPL, he served as Business Development Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand at Himmaleh Spirits, focusing on strengthening business relationships within the hospitality sector.

With his extensive experience across premium hotels and the beverage industry, Deepak is expected to play a key role in expanding RCPL's HORECA business in Uttarakhand.


Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a series of strategic leadership changes within its Sales & Marketing function, reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing customer experiences through real-time data, artificial intelligence, and integrated retail finance solutions. The organizational changes will come into effect from September 1, 2026.

As part of the new appointments, Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager – Digital Customer Unit, has been appointed Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid. Amrit Baid will take over as General Manager – Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars, while Jamsheed Bhadha, currently General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning, will transition to a new role within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. Sanjay Kochar, presently General Manager – TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Bhadha as General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning.

Commenting on the organizational changes, Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's customer centricity and sustained success. These organizational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering broader cross-functional exposure to our talents."

Nandita Godbole has held several leadership positions across Marketing, Retail Sales, and the Digital Customer Unit at Mercedes-Benz India. In her new role, she will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to create more personalized and seamless customer experiences across every stage of the ownership journey.

Amrit Baid, who has successfully led Marketing and Customer Experience initiatives, including campaigns such as Dreams Day, Wish Box, and G-Tribe, will now lead the Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars business. Mercedes-Benz India said the appointment aligns with its strategy of integrating retail finance more closely into the customer journey. The company's retail finance portfolio has grown to over ₹15,000 crore and currently supports more than 50 percent of the vehicles retailed through financing programmes such as Star Agility.

The leadership changes reflect Mercedes-Benz India's continued emphasis on nurturing internal talent, strengthening cross-functional leadership, and accelerating innovation-led growth while delivering a more connected and customer-centric luxury automotive experience


Fairfield by Marriott Agra Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

Fairfield by Marriott Agra Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Agra has announced the appointment of Chef Ashwani Nigam as Executive Chef and Mr. Bipin Prajapati as Assistant Financial Controller, strengthening its leadership team with experienced professionals across culinary and financial operations.

The appointments mark another step in the hotel’s ongoing commitment towards delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, operational excellence, and continued growth.

As Executive Chef, Chef Ashwani Nigam will lead the culinary operations at Fairfield by Marriott Agra, overseeing menu development, kitchen operations, food quality standards, and innovative dining experiences. With his extensive industry expertise, he is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strengthen the hotel’s culinary offerings while maintaining Marriott’s commitment to quality and consistency.

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Mr. Bipin Prajapati joins Fairfield by Marriott Agra as Assistant Financial Controller, where he will be responsible for supporting financial operations, reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning. His expertise will contribute towards strengthening the hotel’s financial performance and operational efficiency.

Both appointments reflect Fairfield by Marriott Agra’s focus on building a strong leadership team that supports its vision of providing seamless guest experiences and maintaining high service standards.

With experienced professionals joining key positions, Fairfield by Marriott Agra continues to enhance its operational capabilities while creating memorable experiences for guests visiting the historic city of Agra.

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