Surat Marriott Hotel has announced the appointment of Bishwajeet Kumar as its new executive chef. Kumar brings with him over 23 years of experience in culinary leadership, spanning hotel kitchens, air catering services, cruise liners, and large-scale catering operations. He has worked with reputed hospitality brands such as Marriott International, IHCL, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, and The Orchid. His most recent role was with IHCL’s TajSats Air Catering in Goa.

With expertise in leading kitchen operations, developing menus, and delivering memorable dining experiences, Kumar is known for his operational precision and creative culinary approach.

In his new role at Surat Marriott Hotel, Kumar will oversee all culinary operations, including the hotel’s signature restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on diligent operations, consistent food quality, and enhancing the guest experience.

Expressing his excitement about the appointment, Amit Mehta, Vice President of Operations, said:

“Chef Bishwajeet’s strong operational skills and genuine passion for food will be instrumental in elevating the dining experiences at Surat Marriott Hotel.”

With his extensive background and proven leadership, Kumar is set to strengthen Surat Marriott Hotel’s reputation for offering world-class dining experiences.

Planet Hollywood Thane, the first five-star luxury and lifestyle hotel at Hiranandani Estate, has announced the appointment of Sana Naseem as its new general manager.

Naseem brings with her nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having held leadership roles with globally renowned hotel brands such as IHG, Hyatt, The Imperial, and Machan Resorts LLP. She is widely recognised for her expertise in operations, guest experience design, and commercial growth.

Known for her balanced leadership style, Naseem combines efficiency with empathy, focusing strongly on building motivated teams and delivering personalised guest experiences.

In her new role, Naseem aims to position Planet Hollywood Thane as a premier lifestyle and luxury destination, enhancing the property’s presence in the market through personalised guest journeys, innovative services, and strong brand storytelling. Her vision is to make the hotel a landmark hub for luxury weddings, high-profile events, leisure travellers, and corporate gatherings.

A key highlight under her leadership will be the launch of Banaraas at Planet Hollywood Thane, a fine-dining restaurant designed to redefine the city’s culinary landscape. With a blend of global inspirations, contemporary flair, and immersive dining experiences, Banaraas aims to set new benchmarks in Thane’s dining scene.

Speaking about her appointment, Naseem said:

“I am delighted to lead Planet Hollywood Thane into its next chapter. My vision is to make the hotel not just a place to stay, but a destination in itself. I want every guest to leave with unforgettable memories, whether it is through our service, our events, or our dining experiences.”

With her extensive expertise and visionary leadership, Planet Hollywood Thane is set to strengthen its positioning as a lifestyle-led luxury destination.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the return of Alkhamar Abdukunju as its Director of Food & Beverage, marking a homecoming for a professional whose journey with Hyatt has spanned over eight years.

Alkhamar’s career reflects a dynamic blend of creativity, operational excellence, and guest-first hospitality. Known for his fun-loving personality and passion for beverages and wines, he embodies Hyatt’s ethos of experimentation and empathy. Beyond work, he enjoys creating fun videos, traveling to explore new cultures, and keeping up with Formula 1 racing, pursuits that fuel his fresh perspectives and ability to connect with people.

Speaking about his return, Alkhamar said, “It honestly feels like coming home. This place and its people have played a huge role in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally.”

Alkhamar’s Hyatt journey includes two major milestones: contributing to the opening of Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty and Hyatt Regency Trivandrum. These experiences allowed him to collaborate with some of the industry’s finest professionals and shaped his leadership style, one that combines operational precision with a deep passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

Guided by his personal motto, “Be happy”, Alkhamar continues to lead with positivity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His return is set to further elevate the hotel’s culinary offerings, enhance guest experiences, and reinforce Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty’s position as one of India’s premier luxury hospitality destinations.