Kamat Hotels India Ltd. Appoints Varun Sahani as Senior VP of Operations

Kamat Hotels India Ltd. Appoints Varun Sahani as Senior VP of Operations

By Author

Published on October 23, 2023

Kamat Hotels India Ltd., a prominent name in the Indian hospitality sector, is proud to announce the promotion of Varun Sahani to the role of Senior Vice President of Operations. With a rich career spanning almost three decades and a proven track record of success within the organization, Mr. Sahani is well-poised to guide the company into a dynamic new phase.

“I am thrilled about the future of Kamat Hotels India Ltd.,” stated Varun Sahani. “Our objective is to persistently deliver extraordinary guest experiences while remaining adaptable to evolving market trends. We're placing a specific emphasis on our recently launched upper mid-segment hotel chain, 'IRA by Orchid Hotels,' with the aim of filling gaps in the market by offering guest-centric, tech-friendly, and locally inspired experiences.”

Varun Sahani and his team recognize that each city has its unique culture, and IRA properties will embrace and reflect these local vibes in every aspect. This approach sets IRA apart from other upper mid-segment hotel chains, making each stay a culturally enriching experience. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are central to Kamat Hotels India Ltd.'s ethos. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through various initiatives, including energy conservation, waste management, and responsible sourcing.

Varun Sahani believes in placing guests at the heart of all decisions, ensuring their satisfaction remains a top priority. 

He encourages guests to make the most of the innovative solutions and tech-friendly services already in place, such as express check-in, for enhanced convenience.

“In my journey, I've learned the essence of leadership. It's about setting an example, empowering your team, fostering clear communication, always having a strategic vision, embracing adaptability, and, above all, recognising and appreciating the collective efforts of your team. For aspiring professionals in the hospitality sector, my advice would be to master the basics; it's the foundation of any successful career. Build a professional network to learn from others and grow. Seek mentorship, as learning from seasoned experts can be invaluable. Cultivate soft skills because, beyond technical knowledge, personal attributes like empathy and effective communication are equally vital. Prioritize a guest-centric approach, as happy guests are the heart of our industry. Lastly, strive to develop the qualities of a true leader,” shares Varun Sahani. 

Varun Sahani's promotion to Senior VP of Operations is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and vision for the future of Kamat Hotels India Ltd. The company looks forward to achieving new heights under his leadership.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

image

image

  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

image

  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

image

  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

image

  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

image

Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.