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.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Raghuvir G Gurjale as Director of Sales

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Raghuvir G Gurjale as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Raghuvir G Gurjale as its new Director of Sales, marking a strategic leadership addition as the hotel continues to strengthen its commercial presence in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality market.

With over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gurjale brings deep expertise in sales leadership, business development, customer relationship management, and hotel operations. In his new role, he will be responsible for shaping the hotel’s commercial strategy, enhancing brand visibility, and leading the sales and marketing team to drive sustained business growth.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Multi Property Director of Sales for Courtyard by Marriott Trichy and Madurai, where he played a key role in revenue acceleration and strategic account development. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles across several prominent hospitality brands, building strong market relationships and delivering consistent performance across key business segments.

His professional journey includes stints with leading hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton Convention Hotel & Resort – Mahabalipuram, Accord Metropolitan Chennai, The Raintree Annasalai, Hilton Chennai, Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre, The Park Chennai, and The Oberoi Group, reflecting a strong foundation across luxury, upscale, and business hotel segments.

Known for his result-oriented approach and relationship-driven leadership style, Gurjale has consistently focused on building high-performing teams, managing key corporate accounts, and executing effective revenue strategies. His appointment is expected to further strengthen Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal’s position as a preferred destination for business, events, and hospitality experiences in the city.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager of the hotel, said that Gurjale’s extensive industry experience, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities will contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued growth and market success.

The appointment also reinforces the continued leadership presence of Marriott International in India’s hospitality sector, as its portfolio of brands continues to expand and evolve across key urban markets.


DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Appoints Abhay Nath Thakur as Executive Housekeeper

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Appoints Abhay Nath Thakur as Executive Housekeeper

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square has announced the appointment of Abhay Nath Thakur as its new Executive Housekeeper, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team in housekeeping operations and guest service excellence.

In his new role, Abhay will be responsible for overseeing housekeeping operations, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, enhancing guest comfort, and ensuring smooth operational performance aligned with Hilton’s global service standards. He will also focus on improving internal processes, strengthening quality benchmarks, and elevating overall guest satisfaction.

Abhay brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading international hotel brands across India. Prior to this appointment, he served as Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. His career also includes roles across multiple Marriott International properties such as JW Marriott Bengaluru, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna, Fairfield by Marriott Chennai, Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri, and Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur.

His expertise spans housekeeping operations, budgeting and forecasting, quality assurance, laundry management, team development, and guest experience enhancement. Known for his detail-oriented approach and collaborative leadership style, Abhay has consistently led high-performing teams across luxury and upscale hospitality segments.

Speaking on the appointment, Nitin Pathak, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, said the hotel is pleased to welcome Abhay and highlighted his operational expertise and leadership capabilities as key strengths that will further enhance guest experience standards.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Abhay Nath Thakur said he looks forward to contributing to the brand’s guest-centric philosophy and working closely with the team to maintain high service standards and operational excellence.


Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Varun Pandey as Hotel Manager

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Varun Pandey as Hotel Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur has announced the appointment of Varun Pandey as Hotel Manager. Bringing more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Varun joins the hotel with a strong background in hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, and guest experience.

In his new role, he will focus on strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction, and supporting the continued growth of the hotel. He will also work towards fostering a culture centred on collaboration, performance, and people-first hospitality.

Varun began his hospitality journey with The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, in Food & Beverage Service before moving into Sales & Marketing with IHG. Over the years, he has built extensive experience across leading hospitality brands, including IHG, Accor, Starwood, Marriott International, and Radisson Hotel Group.

Throughout his career, he has gained valuable exposure across both upscale and business hospitality segments, contributing to commercial growth, operational performance, and guest engagement initiatives.

Prior to joining Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur, Varun served as Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi. In this role, he played an important part in driving business growth, strengthening the hotel's market presence, and developing strong client relationships.

An alumnus of IHM Hyderabad, Varun also holds a postgraduate MBA from Arunachal University. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys road trips and discovering new destinations, reflecting his passion for travel, experiences, and meaningful connections.

With his diverse industry experience and leadership expertise, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur looks forward to further enhancing its guest experience and strengthening its position in Jaipur's hospitality landscape under his guidance.

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