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.”

image

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.


Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Toscano Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as its Cluster Chef, a move aimed at strengthening culinary leadership, consistency, and innovation across its restaurant portfolio.

 Chef Bhatt brings with him an extensive career spanning luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and high-volume culinary operations in both India and international markets. Prior to joining Toscano, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, and as Head Chef at Patang Re-Evolve Restaurant in Ahmedabad, where he led contemporary concepts and premium dining operations. His international exposure includes roles at Black Spoon Restaurant in Riyadh and multiple TDIC properties in Abu Dhabi, including Caramel Restaurant and Lounge, BOA Steakhouse, and Fanr at Saadiyat Island. His culinary expertise spans Modern Indian cuisine, Indian curries and tandoor, Italian fine dining, molecular gastronomy, American cuisine, tapas concepts, banquets, formal sit-down dinners, outdoor catering, and multi-ethnic buffets, reflecting a balance of tradition and modern global techniques.

In his role as Cluster Chef, Chef Bhatt will oversee pre-opening operations, kitchen setup and maintenance coordination, central kitchen production, supplier management, menu engineering with detailed food costing, staff training, audit compliance, and strict adherence to hygiene and food safety standards.

 Speaking on his appointment, Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt said, "I am honoured to join Toscano Restaurant as Cluster Chef. Toscano has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency, and I look forward to working closely with the team to create innovative menus, strengthen operational systems, and deliver memorable dining experiences that exceed guest expectations while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and culinary excellence." With this appointment, Toscano Restaurant continues to reinforce its commitment to culinary innovation, operational discipline, and delivering world-class dining experiences across its locations.


Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 6, 2026

Novotel has announced the appointment of Mr. Amit Sangwan as the Cluster General Manager of Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. In this role, he will oversee the overall leadership and performance of both properties, further strengthening their presence in one of India’s most popular leisure destinations.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, Amit brings strong expertise in operational excellence, guest experience enhancement, and people-focused leadership. His career spans luxury, upper-upscale, and business hotel segments, where he has led large teams and managed complex operations across multiple brands.

Prior to this appointment, Amit served as General Manager at Novotel Ahmedabad since May 2023. During his tenure, he successfully drove strong commercial results, improved operational efficiencies, and maintained consistently high levels of guest satisfaction, contributing to the hotel’s overall growth and performance.

Amit is widely recognised within the industry for his leadership and achievements. His accolades include being named among the Top 5 General Managers of Business Hotels at the Hospitality Horizon Awards 2024, Gujarat’s Best General Manager by the CMO Asia Awards, and Most Admired GM of the Year at the International Hospitality & Travel Awards. Over the years, he has also led pre-opening projects, destination-led resorts, and diverse food and beverage portfolios.

In his new position, Amit will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of both Novotel Goa properties. His focus will be on enhancing brand positioning, elevating guest experiences, and driving sustainable growth across leisure, MICE, and food and beverage segments.

Commenting on his appointment, Amit said, “I am delighted to take on this new role at Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. Goa is a vibrant leisure destination, and I look forward to collaborating with the teams to build on the hotels’ strong foundations, deliver memorable guest experiences, and achieve long-term success through innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.”


Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.

In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.

Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.

Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.

Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.