Hyatt Regency Pune has announced the promotion of Rajeev Rawat to the position of Director of Operations. Rawat, who joined the hotel in February 2024 as Director of Rooms, brings with him over a decade of rich experience in luxury hospitality.

Since coming onboard, Rawat has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, driving revenue growth, and elevating guest satisfaction. Under his leadership, the Rooms Division saw remarkable improvements in profitability, sustainability, and overall guest experience.

In his new role, Rajeev Rawat will oversee the daily functioning of all key departments while continuing to lead service innovation across touchpoints. His focus will also remain on aligning operations with the strategic goals of the hotel, aimed at delivering world-class guest experiences.

With a background that includes leading brands like JW Marriott, Rawat is known for his strong leadership and deep understanding of hotel operations.

“We are excited to see Rajeev take on this expanded leadership role. His passion for hospitality, team leadership, and operational acumen will continue to strengthen our hotel’s commitment to excellence,” said Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences.

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar has welcomed Mohammad Muneer as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. Alongside leading the commercial strategy for the property, Muneer has also taken on a regional responsibility as Area Champion – Sales and Marketing, Southwest Asia for IHG Hotels & Resorts. In this dual role, he will spearhead collaboration and drive performance across multiple hotels in one of IHG’s key growth zones.

With over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Muneer brings an extensive portfolio of leadership experiences. He has worked with some of the most reputed hotel brands including Shangri-La, Taj, The Westin, Le Méridien, and Sheraton. His most recent stint at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, also under the IHG umbrella, saw significant commercial progress under his guidance — highlighting his skill in strategic repositioning and agile operations.

Sharing his thoughts on this new chapter, Muneer said,
“IHG’s ‘Room to Grow’ philosophy has given me the space to evolve into a multidimensional leader. I am excited to take on this dual role at a time when Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar — already well-positioned in the Delhi NCR market — is enhancing its facilities, reimagining guest experiences, and strengthening its appeal as a preferred address for the modern blended traveller. Our strategic priorities will be focused on driving commercial excellence, unlocking new market segments, and scaling both performance and purpose.”

Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager – IHG Southwest Asia, praised the move, stating:
“Muneer’s appointment reflects our strong internal talent pipeline and our vision for future-ready commercial leadership. His structured approach, deep market knowledge, and ability to lead across diverse formats make him uniquely positioned to accelerate outcomes — both at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar and across the Southwest Asia portfolio.”

An alumnus of Vinayaka Missions University, Muneer holds a master’s degree and is known for his passion for reading — a habit that enriches his thoughtful, well-rounded leadership style.

With Muneer at the helm, the Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar and IHG’s Southwest Asia region look forward to an era of renewed growth, market expansion, and customer-centric innovation.

Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport has announced the appointment of Savio Coutinho as its new Executive Chef, marking a fresh chapter in the hotel’s culinary journey. With more than 22 years of industry experience, Coutinho is well-known for blending passion, precision, and creativity in every dish he curates.

From fine dining to banquets and innovative menus, his career spans across some of India’s top hospitality names including Marriott, Radisson, Renaissance, and The Orchids. Now, he brings that vast expertise to Together & Co, Hilton’s signature all-day diner known for its vibrant and diverse food offerings.

“Savio’s strength lies in merging international techniques with local tastes, which makes him an ideal choice to lead our culinary team,” noted the hotel in its official statement.

Speaking about his new role, Coutinho shared, “Cooking is more than a profession, it’s about creating memories on a plate. I look forward to bringing bold flavours and creative dishes to Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport.”

His enthusiasm for the role is matched by a clear vision: “It’s an incredible opportunity to curate memorable dining moments that reflect the warmth and energy of this city. My vision is to build a food culture that is rooted in authenticity, but isn’t afraid to experiment and evolve.”

Outside the kitchen, Savio is a man of many interests, from riding superbikes to strumming the guitar, a spirit of adventure that echoes in his approach to food. His personal motto, ‘Cook with soul, serve with flair’, perfectly mirrors the welcoming and lively spirit of Hilton Garden Inn.