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.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage, strengthening its leadership team as the hotel continues to enhance its culinary offerings and destination dining experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage operations across its signature restaurants, bar, in-room dining, and banqueting services. His focus will include elevating guest experiences, introducing innovative culinary concepts, improving commercial performance, and developing high-performing teams.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jitendra Singh brings extensive expertise in food and beverage operations, revenue optimisation, guest experience enhancement, and business growth initiatives. He has held leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International, The Corinthians Resort & Club, Golden Tulip, and Holiday Inn.

Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Singh served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Ahmedabad, where he managed multi-outlet operations, large-scale banqueting, and revenue-driven F&B strategies. Throughout his career, he has contributed to operational excellence, successful pre-openings, and strengthening guest satisfaction across hospitality properties.

Commenting on the appointment, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said that Jitendra’s experience across high-volume and multi-outlet F&B operations makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team. He added that Singh’s expertise will support the hotel’s efforts to strengthen culinary offerings and create memorable dining experiences.

Speaking about his new role, Jitendra Singh said he looks forward to building on Novotel Hyderabad Airport’s strong food and beverage foundation by introducing fresh culinary perspectives, thoughtfully curated menus, and innovative concepts that combine creativity, quality, and warm hospitality.

With signature dining venues including Food Exchange, Gourmet Bar, and its popular Sunday brunch experiences, Novotel Hyderabad Airport continues to focus on creating engaging culinary offerings through seasonal menus, curated concepts, and innovative beverage programmes for both hotel guests and Hyderabad’s food enthusiasts.

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers high-quality hotels designed as comfortable and energising spaces where guests can achieve balance while travelling for work, leisure, or a combination of both. The brand operates over 590 locations across more than 60 countries and is part of Accor, a leading hospitality group with over 5,700 properties worldwide. Novotel is also part of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme.


Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has announced the elevation of Stephen George as its Director of Operations, further strengthening the hotel's leadership team. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen takes on the new role after serving as Director of Food & Beverage, where he made significant contributions to the hotel's operational performance, guest satisfaction and business growth.

In his new position, Stephen will work closely with the General Manager to oversee day-to-day hotel operations, enhance business performance, improve guest experiences and ensure operational excellence across all departments while maintaining Marriott and Renaissance brand standards.

Since joining the hotel in 2024, Stephen has played an important role in driving the growth of the food and beverage business, managing large-scale events, supporting the hotel's renovation journey and building a strong, high-performing team culture.

Before joining Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, he held leadership roles with leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, Club Mahindra, Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Goa, bringing extensive operational expertise to his new position.

Speaking on his elevation, Stephen George, Director of Operations, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"It is a privilege to take on this role at a hotel that has been an important part of my professional journey. I look forward to working with our teams to build on our strong foundation, drive operational excellence and create memorable guest experiences while supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Welcoming him to his new role, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"Stephen has consistently demonstrated strong operational leadership, a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of our business. His elevation reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead the hotel into its next phase of growth while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests."

With this leadership elevation, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel continues to invest in developing internal talent while reinforcing its focus on operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced the appointment of Abnash Kumar as General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing its leadership team as the ultra-luxury Maldivian resort enters a new phase of operational refinement, guest experience enhancement, and sustainable growth.

With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Kumar brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic planning, project management, business development, and sustainability. His career spans prestigious hospitality destinations across the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, where he has successfully led operations at renowned luxury properties.

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Known for his people-centric leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Kumar has built a reputation for elevating guest experiences through service innovation, strong team culture, and sustainable hospitality practices. During his previous leadership assignments in the Maldives, he spearheaded award-winning initiatives recognised globally for their innovation and environmentally responsible design.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said Kumar's extensive international experience and passion for guest satisfaction, people development, and operational excellence align closely with THE OZEN COLLECTION's philosophy of Refined Elegance. He expressed confidence that Kumar's leadership would further elevate the personalised luxury experiences offered at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the resort, Kumar said it is a privilege to lead OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at an exciting stage of its journey. He noted that the brand's commitment to authentic and sustainable luxury strongly resonates with his own values and expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside the team to enhance guest experiences while continuing to build a culture of excellence.

As General Manager, Kumar will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, nurturing talent, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. His appointment comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION continues its international expansion strategy while deepening its commitment to regenerative tourism across its portfolio.

Kumar holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION's continued investment in experienced leadership as it strengthens its position in the global luxury hospitality sector.

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