Hyatt Regency Ludhiana Welcomes New General Manager Syed Zulfiqar Ali

Hyatt Regency Ludhiana Welcomes New General Manager Syed Zulfiqar Ali

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 1, 2024

Hyatt Regency Ludhiana is excited to announce the appointment of Syed Zulfiqar Ali as the new General Manager, effective May 16, 2024. With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Syed Zulfiqar Ali brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a proven track record of success.

Throughout his illustrious career, Zulfiqar has held key leadership roles at renowned properties such as Courtyard by Marriott SBR Ahmedabad, Four Points by Sheraton Srinagar, Fairfield by Marriott Indore, and Westin Pune. His dedication to excellence and guest satisfaction has earned him several prestigious awards, including Best Housekeeping Leader of the Year in 2014 and Best Director of Rooms in 2016 and 2017 by BW Hotelier.

Under Zulfiqar's leadership, Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad SBR achieved remarkable success, driving profitability and enhancing guest experiences. His tenure was marked by significant improvements in key performance indicators, including net operating profit, gross operating profit, total revenue, average daily rate, market share, and guest satisfaction. In 2023, he achieved the highest guest voice growth Year over Year in South Asia Marriott International.

Zulfiqar is also known for his commitment to sustainability and community engagement. At Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad SBR, he implemented energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management measures, achieving the highest water recycling rate in the APEC region. His leadership not only supported local businesses but also established sustainable practices that benefited the environment.

"I am deeply honored to join Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, a brand synonymous with excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry," said Syed Zulfiqar Ali. "I am committed to building upon the hotel’s legacy of exceptional service and guest satisfaction, and I look forward to working closely with the talented team to achieve new heights of success."

Zulfiqar's leadership style is characterized by transformational growth, team empowerment, and a passion for diverse cultures and cuisines. His journey in the hospitality industry has been both personally transformative and professionally rewarding, driven by a desire to positively impact lives.

About Hyatt Regency Hotels

The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts located in over 200 locations across more than 40 countries. For over 50 years, Hyatt Regency has been known for its commitment to providing enriching experiences, innovative perspectives, and inviting spaces that foster community. The brand's philosophy is rooted in openness, with a dedication to delivering unforgettable celebrations, relaxation, culinary excellence, and expert meetings. Hyatt Regency prides itself on a reputation for insightful care, welcoming guests from all walks of life. For more information, please visit hyattregency.com. Follow @HyattRegency on social media and share your experiences with #HyattRegency.


Four Seasons Mumbai Strengthens Leadership with Two Key Appointments

Four Seasons Mumbai Strengthens Leadership with Two Key Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 24, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, one of the city’s most prestigious luxury destinations, has announced two strategic leadership appointments: Jyotika Sahani as Director of Business Development and Fuzail Nevrekar as Director of Catering. These promotions reflect the hotel’s continued commitment to innovation, guest-centric experiences, and world-class service.

With close to two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Jyotika steps into her new role from her previous position as Director of Catering Sales. Known for her sharp business acumen and long-standing client relationships, she now leads the hotel’s business development efforts, focusing on revenue growth and brand collaborations that align with the Four Seasons legacy of excellence.

Fuzail Nevrekar, a name well-regarded within the Four Seasons Mumbai family, has been with the brand since 2014, starting his journey as a Guest Services Agent. Over the past 11 years, he has grown into a seasoned professional with deep insights into client expectations and a creative flair for curating memorable events. His new role as Director of Catering recognises his contributions and leadership in the luxury event space, particularly weddings.

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The duo’s leadership has already garnered major recognition—under their guidance, the hotel’s catering team won the prestigious Best Catering Team – Asia Pacific at the Pinnacle Awards 2024, presented by Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. They also led the team to exceed all assigned budgets in 2024, marking a milestone year for the hotel.

Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, shared,

“We are delighted to have Jyotika and Fuzail step into these pivotal roles. Their leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence will continue to drive our success in delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests.”

With these appointments, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai further cements its position as a leader in luxury hospitality, business development, and bespoke event experiences in India’s financial capital.


Sharon Raj Joins Kochi Marriott as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing

Sharon Raj Joins Kochi Marriott as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 24, 2025

Kochi Marriott has welcomed Sharon Raj as the new Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing three of Marriott’s key properties in Kerala—Kochi Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, and Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

With a strong career spanning over two decades, Sharon brings rich experience in sales leadership, brand strategy, and multi-property commercial operations. Her professional journey includes working with reputed global hospitality names such as Accor, IHG, and The Executive Centre. Most recently, she was the Cluster Director of Sales & Operations for ibis Chennai City Centre and ibis Chennai Sipcot, where she drove revenue and operational improvements, even stepping in for a strategic taskforce role at ibis Navi Mumbai.

An alumna of S.C.S. Kothari Academy, Sharon holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Science, specializing in Marketing and Human Resources. Her academic foundation, combined with her hands-on experience, makes her a dynamic addition to Marriott’s leadership team in South India.

Sharon joins the Marriott Kerala cluster at a pivotal time when Kochi’s tourism and MICE potential is rapidly growing. “I look forward to spearheading the commercial strategy for these three exceptional properties,” said Sharon. “There’s incredible potential in Kochi, especially as a MICE destination, and I’m excited to explore new opportunities to showcase this vibrant city on the global stage.”

Sachin Malhotra, General Manager at Kochi Marriott, shared his excitement about the new leadership, stating,

“We’re happy to have Sharon on board. Her diverse background and proven expertise make her a valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to elevate the Marriott experience in Kochi.”

With her strategic mindset, cross-brand exposure, and people-first leadership approach, Sharon Raj is set to lead a transformative phase for Marriott’s presence in Kerala, particularly as the region eyes significant growth in corporate travel and destination events.


Junaid Saifi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as IT Manager

Junaid Saifi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as IT Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 23, 2025

 JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Mr. Junaid Saifi as the new Information Technology (IT) Manager, strengthening its leadership team with a focus on technological advancement and digital innovation. With over five years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, Junaid joins the hotel as one of the youngest and most dynamic Multi-Property IT Managers within the Marriott portfolio.

A postgraduate in Master of Computer Applications from KIIT University and a graduate of Agra University, Junaid's strong academic background in technology complements his natural problem-solving skills and solution-oriented approach.

Before this role, Junaid served as the Multi-Property IT Manager for Four Points by Sheraton Srinagar and Sonmarg, where he played a crucial role in streamlining IT operations and driving technical readiness for new property launches. His leadership was instrumental in launching Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg in 2024, overseeing IT infrastructure setup, security implementation, and system integration. His earlier experiences at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, and Manappuram Finance added to his expertise in systems migration, infrastructure optimization, cybersecurity, and enterprise application management.

At JW Marriott Kolkata, Junaid will spearhead the implementation of Marriott’s global IT platforms, ensuring seamless integration with property-specific operations. He will be responsible for infrastructure management, cybersecurity, systems performance, and compliance, while leading digital transformation initiatives to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.

Junaid’s technical portfolio covers complex projects such as VMware ESXi Server Installation, Opera PMS 5.6 Upgrades, Shiji Infrasys Cloud POS Implementation, Mobile Key and GPNS Deployment, Windows 10 Desktop Upgrades, and Digital Signage and Server Room Setup. He is well-versed with enterprise-level applications including Oracle Opera-PMS, Oracle Simphony-POS, VMware, Veeam, Veritas Backup, Webex, and Active Directory. His strengths also include team management, vendor negotiations, and business continuity planning.

In his new role, Junaid will develop and execute strategic IT plans, manage and optimize the hotel's hardware and software infrastructure, implement strong cybersecurity measures, lead IT project management, manage vendor relations, ensure compliance, and provide technical training and support across departments.

“We are delighted to welcome Junaid Saifi to JW Marriott Kolkata,” said Mr. Sunil Kumar, General Manager, JW Marriott Kolkata. “His appointment reaffirms our dedication to staying at the cutting edge of hospitality technology. Junaid brings not only technical prowess but also visionary leadership, and we are confident he will be a great asset to our executive team.”

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As the youngest Multi-Property IT Manager within Marriott International, Junaid’s journey is a testament to his dedication, agility, and passion for innovation. With his forward-thinking approach and deep IT expertise, he is set to play a key role in shaping the future of technology at JW Marriott Kolkata and elevating the guest experience to new heights.

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