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.


IHCL Appoints Aejaz Shaikh as Hotel Manager for Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage

IHCL Appoints Aejaz Shaikh as Hotel Manager for Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage

By Hariharan U

Published on May 20, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced the appointment of hospitality professional Aejaz Shaikh as Hotel Manager of Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Shaikh brings strong expertise in hotel operations, commercial strategy, and brand development. His career has been marked by consistent business performance, market share growth, and enhanced guest experience delivery across competitive hospitality environments.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of Sales & Marketing for both Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon and Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, where he led integrated commercial strategies spanning rooms, food and beverage, events, and ancillary revenue streams.

During his tenure, the properties witnessed strong growth across key segments including MICE, weddings, and leisure travel, alongside improved brand visibility in both domestic and international markets.

An alumnus of the University of Madras and the University of Mumbai, Shaikh holds multiple qualifications in business management, marketing, and hospitality.

Commenting on the appointment, Vivek Batra said that Shaikh’s strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of the Goa market make him well suited to lead the property, adding that his leadership is expected to further strengthen positioning and guest experience excellence.

The appointment reinforces IHCL’s continued focus on strengthening leadership across its luxury portfolio in Goa, a key market in India’s premium hospitality landscape.


Taj North Goa Appoints Reekshit Siddhanta as Deputy General Manager

Taj North Goa Appoints Reekshit Siddhanta as Deputy General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on May 20, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced the appointment of hospitality veteran Reekshit Siddhanta as Deputy General Manager for two of its flagship North Goa properties - Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa and Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa.

With over 24 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Siddhanta brings extensive expertise across operations, guest experience management, and leadership roles in some of India’s and the UAE’s most recognised luxury hotels.

His journey with the Taj brand began in 2002 as a Management Trainee in Housekeeping, after which he held several key positions across the group. His career highlights include leadership roles such as Executive Housekeeper at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, participation in the pre-opening team of Taj Falaknuma Palace, and senior Rooms Division leadership roles including Director of Rooms at Fairmont Jaipur, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa, and Taj Dubai.

Prior to his current appointment, he served as Hotel Manager at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa, further strengthening his operational leadership experience within the region.

Commenting on his new role, Siddhanta said that contributing to the legacy of Goa’s iconic heritage resorts is a “dream come true,” adding that his vision is to elevate the hospitality experience through world-class service rooted in the essence of “Tajness.”

Cluster General Manager for North Goa, Javed Deshmukh, noted that Siddhanta’s operational expertise and passion for service excellence will further strengthen the leadership team and enhance guest experiences across the properties.

The leadership appointment reinforces the long-standing legacy of Taj’s North Goa resorts, which continue to be among India’s most iconic luxury hospitality destinations, known for their immersive experiences, heritage charm, and personalised service.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Promotes Bharrat Bhutani to Associate Director of Revenue

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Promotes Bharrat Bhutani to Associate Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the promotion of Bharrat Bhutani to the position of Associate Director of Revenue, strengthening its commercial leadership team.

In his new role, Bharrat will be responsible for shaping the hotel’s overall revenue strategy, including pricing, forecasting, distribution, and market positioning. He will also oversee performance across rooms, food and beverage, and events, while focusing on improving direct bookings and aligning commercial efforts with IHG Hotels & Resorts standards.

Bharrat brings over ten years of experience in hospitality revenue management and commercial operations. Before this promotion, he served as Revenue Manager at the same property, where he contributed significantly to improving average daily rate (ADR), refining pricing strategies, and consistently achieving revenue targets.

His earlier experience includes working with well-known hospitality brands such as Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, Radisson Hotel Group, Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport, and Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa. His expertise covers revenue optimisation, forecasting, budgeting, distribution management, and market analysis, along with cross-functional commercial planning.

Academically, Bharrat holds a Post-Graduation Program in Revenue Management from Vedatya Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Amity School of Hospitality. He is also certified by IHG Hotels & Resorts in Revenue Management Essential and Advanced courses.

Outside his professional responsibilities, Bharrat enjoys listening to music and exploring different cuisines during his free time.

Commenting on the promotion, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said,

“Bharrat has consistently demonstrated strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. His contribution towards driving revenue performance and strengthening the hotel's market positioning has been commendable and we are delighted to see him step into this expanded leadership role.”

Speaking on his new role, Bharrat Bhutani said, “I am honoured to take on this new role at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the team to drive sustainable revenue growth, enhance guest value and contribute to the hotel's ongoing success.”

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