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.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 22, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Deepak Bothra as its Corporate General Manager, as the brand continues to expand across the Eastern Himalayan region. The move comes as part of the company’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership and maintain consistency across its growing portfolio.

Deepak Bothra brings close to three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Throughout his career, he has worked with several international and regional brands, taking on senior roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.

In his new role, he will lead operational strategy across Summit’s properties, with a focus on improving service standards and overall performance. His responsibilities will also include refining systems, strengthening quality benchmarks, and ensuring a consistent guest experience as the brand expands its footprint in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and other parts of the Northeast.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio."

With this appointment, Summit Hotels & Resorts aims to further streamline its operations while supporting its long-term growth plans in the region.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Appoints Rishabh Jain

Holiday Inn Gurugram Appoints Rishabh Jain

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Rishabh Jain as its new General Manager, marking a strategic leadership addition as the property looks to strengthen its operations and market positioning.

With over 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rishabh brings a balanced mix of operational expertise, sales leadership, and strategic insight to the role. His appointment aligns with the hotel’s focus on driving performance while maintaining strong service standards.

Prior to this, he served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur, where he played a key role during the pre-opening phase and later led the hotel’s growth trajectory over three years. His experience in handling both launch and scale-up phases adds depth to his leadership profile.

In his new role, Rishabh will oversee all aspects of operations at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, including financial performance, team development, guest experience, and overall brand positioning in a competitive market.

He also brings prior experience with IHG Hotels & Resorts, having spent nearly six years across multiple cities in key operational and leadership roles. Over the years, he has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott International, and The Lalit, further strengthening his industry exposure.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Rishabh has consistently focused on service excellence while delivering strong business outcomes. His expertise spans hotel pre-openings, business ramp-ups, post-pandemic recovery strategies, as well as revenue management and sales operations.

Academically, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Vivekanand Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management, Rajkot.

Commenting on his appointment, Rishabh said, “I am delighted to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to working with the team to build on the hotel’s strong legacy, deliver memorable guest experiences, and drive sustained growth.”

Welcoming him to the role, Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager, South West Asia at IHG and General Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar, noted that  Rishabh’s leadership capabilities and deep operational understanding make him well-suited to lead the property into its next phase of growth.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef, marking an important step in his journey with the property. The move recognises his contribution to shaping the hotel’s culinary identity and his consistent focus on innovation.

Chef Suresh, who was previously serving as Chef de Cuisine, has been leading the culinary direction at Mazzo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Over time, he has brought a fresh perspective to South Indian cuisine, presenting it in a way that connects tradition with a more contemporary style.

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A graduate of Oriental Catering College of Hotel Management, Madurai, Chef Suresh combines strong technical knowledge with a personal approach to cooking. His philosophy is built around the idea that every dish tells a story, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of Madurai, the coastal flavours of Kerala, and his Malaysian background. This mix reflects clearly in his menus, which offer a modern take on familiar South Indian dishes.

During his time at Mazzo, he has introduced a range of curated dining experiences that have helped strengthen the restaurant’s presence in Hyderabad. From traditional Onam Sadhyas to specially designed Navratri menus featuring over 40 saatvik dishes, his work highlights both cultural authenticity and thoughtful presentation. Dishes like Venad Paal Konju, jackfruit masala wrapped in banana leaf, and his Malabar Feast have stood out for bringing together familiar flavours with a new approach.

His role has also been key in refreshing Mazzo’s overall menu, turning it into a go-to destination for modern South Indian dining. By combining regional influences with evolving culinary techniques, the restaurant continues to appeal to a wide range of guests.

Chef Suresh’s work has also been recognised at a national level, including the Chef of the Year award at the Restaurant India Awards 2026.

In his new role as Head Chef, he will lead the overall culinary operations of the property, focusing on strengthening its food and beverage offerings while continuing to highlight regional Indian cuisines through creative and engaging dining experiences.

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