JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Welcomes Baranidharan Thirunavukkarasu as Executive Pastry Chef

By Author

Published on July 15, 2023

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru is excited to announce the appointment of Baranidharan Thirunavukkarasu as the new executive pastry chef. With a remarkable 16 years of culinary expertise, Thirunavukkarasu will be leading the patisserie department at the hotel.

Known for his passion, creativity, and collaborative spirit, Thirunavukkarasu is a master in crafting exquisite desserts for various dining occasions, including restaurants, events, and fine dining experiences. His extensive skills encompass the art of creating artisan bread, pastries, chocolates, wedding cakes, themed desserts, and a wide range of confections. With a strong command of advanced pastry techniques, adherence to food safety standards, and a keen eye for pastry design, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.

Thirunavukkarasu's exceptional talent has been recognized through several prestigious awards and accolades. He was honoured with the Precious Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association and received the Star of the Sugar Award at the International Sugar Contest in Italy. He also achieved a Gold Medal for his dessert at the CHTA Taste of the Caribbean event in the Cayman Islands in 2019. Notably, he garnered multiple gold medals for Dessert and Showpieces for four consecutive years (2013-2017) from the Cayman Culinary Society.

As a skilled leader, Thirunavukkarasu possesses advanced culinary expertise, a strong foundation of knowledge, and the ability to inspire his team members to exceed customer expectations. His appointment is set to elevate the pastry offerings and provide an exceptional experience for guests at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru.

Jumeirah Appoints Thomas B Meier as CEO to Drive Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

Jumeirah, the luxury hospitality giant under Dubai Holding, has announced the appointment of Thomas B Meier as its new Chief Executive Officer. Known for his exceptional leadership in the industry, Meier will spearhead Jumeirah’s ambitious Mission 2030, aiming to double the brand’s portfolio and elevate its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality.

Since joining Jumeirah as Chief Operating Officer in October 2021, Meier has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. His tenure has seen remarkable achievements, including the launch of properties in Africa like Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in Tanzania and South Africa. He also oversaw the strengthening of Jumeirah’s leadership team and strategic expansion efforts.

Under his leadership, the brand’s global footprint has continued to grow, with the recent unveiling of iconic properties such as Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the UAE, Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Jumeirah now operates 30 luxury properties across multiple continents, with plans to expand further into key cities and resort destinations.

In his new role, Meier is set to redefine industry standards and focus on innovative guest experiences that emphasize culture and connection. Commenting on his appointment, Meier said:

“Jumeirah has always set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, consistently delivering extraordinary guest experiences. As we gear up for the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and continue to expand into new markets, I am honoured to lead Jumeirah’s next chapter.

“With bold ambitions, Jumeirah will continue to innovate, staying ahead of industry trends and exceeding the ever-evolving expectations of the most discerning guests. Our vision is to establish Jumeirah as one of the foremost influential hospitality brands worldwide.”

Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, positioning the brand as a beacon of excellence in the global hospitality landscape. With Meier at the helm, the company is poised to achieve unprecedented growth and set new standards in the industry.

Sudip Ghorai Appointed Housekeeping Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is delighted to announce the appointment of Sudip Ghorai as its new Housekeeping Manager. With an illustrious career spanning over 12 years in the hospitality industry across India, the UAE, and Bahrain, Sudip is set to bring his wealth of knowledge and dedication to operational excellence to the resort.

Sudip’s professional journey is defined by leadership roles at some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, including Marriott, Sarovar Hotels, Ramee Group, and Della Resorts. His expertise lies in managing housekeeping operations for luxury properties, executing pre-opening and renovation projects, and ensuring guests enjoy an unparalleled experience. With a steadfast focus on maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene, Sudip has been recognized for his ability to streamline operations and uphold brand integrity.

An academically accomplished professional, Sudip holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from the Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and an International Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality from Highfield, Dubai. His credentials are further enriched by certifications from the American Institute of Professional Studies, Dubai, and training in leadership and safety from esteemed organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Sudip Ghorai remarked, "It is an honour to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. I am excited to work with a talented team and bring my experience to elevate the guest experience further. My focus will be on maintaining impeccable housekeeping standards and creating a welcoming environment that reflects the brand's commitment to excellence."

In his role as Housekeeping Manager, Sudip will oversee the operations of the 88-room luxury resort, ensuring a clean, hygienic, and inviting stay for all guests. Additionally, he will prioritize staff training, cost control, and implementing best practices to boost efficiency and productivity.

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar warmly welcomes Sudip Ghorai to the team and is confident that his expertise and leadership will contribute significantly to elevating the resort’s guest experience and operational excellence.

Ace Group International Appoints Chris Penn as CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 12, 2025

Ace Group International, the operator of the globally recognized Ace Hotel brand, has announced Chris Penn as its new CEO. This significant leadership move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to drive international growth and strengthen its position in the lifestyle hospitality market.

With a hospitality career spanning 25 years, Penn brings extensive experience in managing independent lifestyle hotels across various markets. As the former Managing Director of Ace Hotel London, he has an intimate understanding of the brand's ethos. In his new role, Penn will oversee all aspects of Ace Group’s operations, focusing on growth, innovation, and commercial success.

To further support its ambitious growth plans, Ace Group has also appointed Mostafa Abdella as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Meriem Soliman as Chief Brand Officer (CBO).

Mostafa Abdella, as COO, will oversee key functions, including finance, operations, revenue, food and beverage, IT, and HR. His mission will center on delivering exceptional guest experiences while enhancing profitability.
Meriem Soliman, who joined Ace Group in 2012 as General Counsel and later served as President, has been named Chief Brand Officer, a role in which she will lead the brand’s creative and strategic vision.

Brad Wilson, Managing Partner of Ace Group International / Atelier Ace, expressed his confidence in the leadership team, stating, “Chris and Mostafa are both seasoned, highly regarded operators with global experience and an intimate understanding of the Ace brand. Their long history of successful partnership will be a major advantage as we continue to seek development opportunities both domestically and internationally.”

The enhanced leadership structure underscores Ace Group’s commitment to delivering elevated hospitality experiences while exploring new development opportunities worldwide. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, the company is poised to strengthen its foothold in the global lifestyle hospitality sector.

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