Jumeirah Appoints Thomas B Meier as CEO to Drive Global Expansion

Jumeirah Appoints Thomas B Meier as CEO to Drive Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

Jumeirah, the luxury hospitality giant under Dubai Holding, has announced the appointment of Thomas B Meier as its new Chief Executive Officer. Known for his exceptional leadership in the industry, Meier will spearhead Jumeirah’s ambitious Mission 2030, aiming to double the brand’s portfolio and elevate its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality.

Since joining Jumeirah as Chief Operating Officer in October 2021, Meier has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. His tenure has seen remarkable achievements, including the launch of properties in Africa like Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in Tanzania and South Africa. He also oversaw the strengthening of Jumeirah’s leadership team and strategic expansion efforts.

Under his leadership, the brand’s global footprint has continued to grow, with the recent unveiling of iconic properties such as Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the UAE, Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Jumeirah now operates 30 luxury properties across multiple continents, with plans to expand further into key cities and resort destinations.

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In his new role, Meier is set to redefine industry standards and focus on innovative guest experiences that emphasize culture and connection. Commenting on his appointment, Meier said:

“Jumeirah has always set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, consistently delivering extraordinary guest experiences. As we gear up for the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and continue to expand into new markets, I am honoured to lead Jumeirah’s next chapter.

“With bold ambitions, Jumeirah will continue to innovate, staying ahead of industry trends and exceeding the ever-evolving expectations of the most discerning guests. Our vision is to establish Jumeirah as one of the foremost influential hospitality brands worldwide.”

Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, positioning the brand as a beacon of excellence in the global hospitality landscape. With Meier at the helm, the company is poised to achieve unprecedented growth and set new standards in the industry.


Shangri-La Bengaluru Elevates Gaurav Besoya to Director of Rooms

Shangri-La Bengaluru Elevates Gaurav Besoya to Director of Rooms

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 4, 2025

Shangri-La Bengaluru has announced the promotion of Gaurav Besoya to Director of Rooms, recognizing his outstanding leadership and dedication to delivering Shangri-La’s world-class hospitality. A valued member of the hotel's leadership team since 2022, Gaurav has been instrumental in enhancing guest experiences, optimizing service strategies, and fostering a culture of excellence.

With over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, Gaurav has consistently demonstrated a passion for service and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable stay. His ability to build meaningful relationships with guests and lead his team with enthusiasm has played a key role in Shangri-La Bengaluru’s reputation for service excellence.

Sharing his excitement about the promotion, Gaurav Besoya said:

"I am truly honored to take on this new role at Shangri-La Bengaluru, a place that has become like a second home to me. My goal has always been to create seamless and memorable stays for our guests, and I look forward to leading our exceptional team in continuing to elevate their experiences."

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Leadership Recognition

Congratulating Gaurav on his promotion, Mr. Andreas Streiber, General Manager of Shangri-La Bengaluru, expressed his confidence in Gaurav’s leadership:

“At Shangri-La, we take great pride in recognizing and nurturing talent from within. Gaurav has shown remarkable dedication and an innate ability to connect with our guests, ensuring they feel genuinely cared for. His promotion to Director of Rooms is a testament to his hard work and passion, and I have no doubt that he will continue to enhance our guest experiences and uphold the highest standards of hospitality.”

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Expanding Responsibilities

In his new role as Director of Rooms, Gaurav will oversee the seamless operation of Front Office, Housekeeping, Spa, Health Club, and Guest Services, ensuring that every guest at Shangri-La Bengaluru experiences the brand’s legendary warmth and impeccable service.

With his expertise and commitment to excellence, Gaurav Besoya is set to lead Shangri-La Bengaluru into a new era of guest-centric innovation and luxury hospitality.

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La, the flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, is renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality, immersive experiences, and timeless elegance. With over 90 deluxe hotels and resorts worldwide, the brand is committed to delivering thoughtful service and unparalleled luxury.

Congratulations to Gaurav Besoya on this well-deserved promotion! 


Hilton Mumbai Airport Appoints Arvind Kumar Kewalchand as Director of Marketing & Communications

Hilton Mumbai Airport Appoints Arvind Kumar Kewalchand as Director of Marketing & Communications

By Author

Published on March 4, 2025

Hilton Mumbai Airport has officially announced the appointment of Arvind Kumar Kewalchand as its new Director of Marketing & Communications. With over 16 years of experience in hospitality marketing, Arvind brings expertise in brand positioning, digital strategy, public relations, and guest engagement. His extensive experience, spanning India and international markets, makes him a valuable addition to Hilton Mumbai Airport’s leadership team.

A recognized industry leader, Arvind was recently honored as the Marketing & Communications Manager of the Year 2024 at the Hotelier India Awards, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the hospitality sector. His proven track record includes successful marketing roles at Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels and Royal Orchid Hotels, where he played a pivotal role in branding, digital marketing, and strategic communications. Notably, he spearheaded the launch of South Asia’s first Moxy Hotel in Bengaluru, leading market entry strategies, large-scale brand campaigns, and innovative guest engagement initiatives. His international experience in Dubai has further honed his expertise in global hospitality trends and consumer behavior.

In his new role at Hilton Mumbai Airport, Arvind will oversee marketing, communications, public relations, and brand partnerships, driving the hotel’s market positioning and enhancing guest experiences. His deep understanding of brand storytelling and data-driven marketing strategies will be instrumental in strengthening Hilton’s presence in the region.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Arvind said:

“I am thrilled to join Hilton Mumbai Airport and be part of a brand known for its legacy of hospitality and innovation. This role presents an exciting opportunity to create impactful marketing strategies, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen the hotel’s presence in a competitive market. I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful brand engagement and set new benchmarks in hospitality marketing.”

Welcoming Arvind to the team, Deepak Kumar, General Manager at Hilton Mumbai Airport, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Arvind to the Hilton Mumbai family. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in strengthening our brand presence and enhancing guest experiences.”

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With this appointment, Hilton Mumbai Airport is set to elevate its marketing initiatives, drive brand innovation, and create deeper guest engagement, further solidifying its position in the competitive hospitality landscape.


Pilibhit House, IHCL SeleQtions, Appoints Harsh Rawat as F&B Manager

Pilibhit House, IHCL SeleQtions, Appoints Harsh Rawat as F&B Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 3, 2025

Pilibhit House, IHCL SeleQtions, Haridwar, has appointed Harsh Rawat as the new Food & Beverage Manager. With nearly six years of experience in luxury hospitality, Rawat will be responsible for spearheading the F&B operations at the serene riverside retreat. Known for his innovative hospitality approach and leadership expertise, he is committed to delivering exceptional service standards.

A Journey of Excellence in Hospitality

Harsh Rawat began his career as a Hotel Operations Trainee at Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, quickly progressing within the Taj Group. His dedication and expertise led to a promotion as a Catering Assistant at Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi. By 2019, he advanced further, taking on the role of Restaurant Manager at Taj Nadesar Palace, refining his skills in curating guest experiences and operational efficiency.

A Vision for F&B Innovation at Pilibhit House

Rawat’s deep understanding of spiritual destinations and strong leadership abilities make him the perfect fit for Pilibhit House, which blends luxury hospitality with a soulful Haridwar experience. His expertise in curating innovative dining experiences and delivering exceptional service is set to enhance the hotel's culinary offerings and guest satisfaction.

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Leadership Endorsement

Welcoming Rawat to the team, Vikas Nagar, Hotel Manager, Pilibhit House, IHCL SeleQtions, stated:

“We are delighted to have Harsh Rawat on board. His journey within the Taj Group, from Varanasi to Haridwar, reflects his dedication and passion for hospitality. We are confident that his leadership will further elevate our F&B operations and enrich the guest experience at Pilibhit House.”

Expertise & Qualifications

A graduate in Hotel Management from the International Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi, Rawat also holds:

Level 2 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Front of House Service Excellence Certification from the British Butler Institute

With a blend of experience, leadership, and industry expertise, Rawat is poised to make a significant impact on Pilibhit House’s F&B operations, bringing new ideas and unparalleled guest experiences to the forefront.

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