Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Kanjana Nikesri as Chef De Cuisine

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Kanjana Nikesri as Chef De Cuisine

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 1, 2024

Hyatt Regency Chennai has officially appointed Ms. Kanjana Nikesri as the new Asian Chef De Cuisine for Stix, the hotel’s renowned Asian restaurant. Ms. Nikesri brings a robust background in culinary arts, honed through years of experience at prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world.

Ms. Nikesri’s culinary journey began with a Western-Thai Culinary Course at Dusit Thani College, complementing her academic foundation, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Ramkhamhaeng University. Over the years, she has held key positions, notably serving as the Asian Chef De Cuisine at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai. There, she excelled in creating innovative menus, controlling food costs, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality dishes across a variety of Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Korean, and Japanese.

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Before her tenure at Sahara Star, Ms. Nikesri worked with several esteemed establishments, such as Ariyasub Co. Ltd and The Chedi Muscat Hotel in Oman, where she focused on menu development, cost management, and team training. Her career also includes significant roles at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea, OZO Samui, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel, and JW Marriott Hotel Dubai. Her professional journey began at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach.

Ms. Nikesri has also pursued further professional development, completing specialized training such as the Essential Train the Trainer program at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea and Essential Food Safety Training from the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. Her diverse skill set includes the intricate art of vegetable and fruit carving and mastery over a wide range of Asian culinary techniques.

In her new role at Stix, Ms. Nikesri will oversee all aspects of Asian culinary operations. She will focus on developing and implementing innovative menus, maintaining high culinary standards, and ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests.


LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

LOUIS XIII by Rémy Martin, the legendary French cognac Maison celebrated for its heritage and craftsmanship, has announced the appointment of Ankur Chawla as its Brand Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for India. This partnership marks a significant step in the brand’s journey to strengthen its presence in India’s expanding luxury alcobev market.

With more than 17 years of experience across luxury hospitality, beverages, and entrepreneurship, Ankur Chawla is widely recognised as one of India’s foremost voices in the industry. A thought leader, author, and consultant, he has worked with global names in hospitality and beverage, combining deep operational insight with a strategic approach that drives innovation and growth.

In his new role, Ankur will be responsible for enhancing the LOUIS XIII brand experience in India through exclusive events, curated tastings, and immersive storytelling sessions. He will also develop long-term strategies to strengthen LOUIS XIII’s positioning in the Indian market and collaborate with key partners, luxury brands, and influencers to expand the brand’s footprint across hospitality, lifestyle, and connoisseurship platforms.

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Speaking about his appointment, Ankur Chawla said, “LOUIS XIII is not just a cognac, it is a legacy spanning a century — a symbol of artistry, heritage, and luxury. Representing and advising such a brand in India is not only an honour but also an opportunity to create memorable experiences for a discerning audience that is rapidly embracing ultra-luxury. I look forward to deepening the connection between LOUIS XIII and India’s luxury consumers.”

LOUIS XIII’s decision to appoint a dedicated brand ambassador for India reflects its long-term vision for the market, where luxury consumption and appreciation for fine craftsmanship are growing at a remarkable pace.

With Ankur Chawla leading its local representation, LOUIS XIII aims to bring the Maison’s timeless spirit, craftsmanship, and storytelling closer to India’s new generation of connoisseurs.


Chef Avinash Gupta Appointed as Head Bakery and Pastry Chef at SEED & BLOOM, Abu Dhabi

Chef Avinash Gupta Appointed as Head Bakery and Pastry Chef at SEED & BLOOM, Abu Dhabi

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

SEED & BLOOM has announced the appointment of Chef Avinash Gupta as the Head Bakery and Pastry Chef, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand’s expanding presence in Abu Dhabi.

With more than a decade of experience spanning the UAE, USA, and India, Chef Gupta is widely recognized for his creativity, precision, and modern approach to the art of patisserie. In his new role, he will oversee SEED & BLOOM’s bakery and pastry division, focusing on menu innovation, kitchen operations, and team development to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

As part of his responsibilities, Chef Gupta will lead pre-opening operations, design seasonal and signature collections, and maintain strict HACCP and food safety compliance. His leadership approach combines sustainability with craftsmanship, introducing initiatives like eco-conscious kitchen practices and interactive baking workshops to engage both guests and teams.

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Before joining SEED & BLOOM, Chef Gupta served as Head Pastry Chef at Prodigy Hospitality Group, Dubai, where he curated contemporary entremets, viennoiseries, and artisanal chocolates tailored to local preferences. His work also involved optimizing kitchen setups, managing costs, and ensuring adherence to Dubai Municipality’s Food Watch standards.

Earlier, he was associated with Fabbri, New Delhi, where he led product innovation in bakery, confectionery, and gelato, conducted product testing, and trained teams in food safety and quality control.

Chef Gupta’s professional journey also includes key roles with Mayfair Hotels & Resorts (India), The Walt Disney Company (USA), Le Méridien (New Delhi), Vivanta by Taj (Srinagar), and Rambagh Palace, Taj Hotels (Jaipur). Across these prestigious establishments, he honed his technical mastery and creative edge, consistently elevating pastry production and menu design.

Expressing his excitement, Chef Avinash Gupta said, “I’m thrilled to join SEED & BLOOM and contribute to a brand that values innovation, artistry, and sustainability. My goal is to craft pastry experiences that beautifully balance tradition and modernity, delighting guests while promoting responsible culinary practices.”

His appointment reflects SEED & BLOOM’s vision of redefining the pastry and bakery landscape in the UAE through innovation, global expertise, and mindful gastronomy.


Marriott Names Prerna Singh as Marketing Manager for Jaipur Properties

Marriott Names Prerna Singh as Marketing Manager for Jaipur Properties

By Author

Published on October 7, 2025

Marriott Hotels has announced the appointment of Prerna Singh as the new Marketing and Communications Manager for its two Jaipur properties, the 374-key Jaipur Marriott Hotel and the 76-key Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur.

With over five years of experience in marketing and communications, Prerna brings a strong background in hospitality branding and public relations. Before joining Marriott, she held roles at ITC Rajputana and Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, where she contributed to brand visibility and strategic promotions.

Prerna began her professional journey as a Public Relations Executive with JECRC University, and later earned her MBA in Marketing from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Maharashtra.

In her new role, she will oversee marketing strategy, brand communications, digital presence, and public relations for both Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur. Her focus will be on strengthening the brand’s engagement, positioning, and market outreach across Rajasthan’s competitive hospitality landscape.

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