JW Marriott Kolkata is proud to announce the appointment of Zibraan Kazi as its new Director of Operations. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years, Zibraan brings a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, operational excellence, and guest-centric leadership to his new role.

A Journey of Leadership & Excellence

Prior to joining JW Marriott Kolkata, Zibraan played a pivotal role in leading some of the most prestigious luxury hotels. Most recently, he was associated with Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, where he successfully drove guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team management. His career also includes leadership positions at St. Regis Mumbai and Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall (Accor Group), where he was instrumental in elevating service standards and optimizing operations.

With extensive experience in pre-opening projects, vendor management, and staff development, Zibraan is known for his hands-on approach and strategic vision in luxury hospitality.

Academic & Professional Expertise

Zibraan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Dadar Institute of Hotel Management Mumbai (2007) and an MBA in Sales & Marketing from Sikkim Manipal University (2012). His strong educational foundation, combined with years of experience, has equipped him to drive operational excellence and enhance guest experiences.

Setting New Benchmarks at JW Marriott Kolkata

Located in the heart of Kolkata, JW Marriott Kolkata is a symbol of luxury, elegance, and world-class hospitality. The hotel has consistently ranked #1 on TripAdvisor, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Adding to its legacy, 2:Fifty9, its signature bar, has been recognized among India’s Top 100 Bars, offering an unparalleled experience in mixology and hospitality.

In his new role, Zibraan will oversee daily operations, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation in guest experiences. His expertise will further strengthen JW Marriott Kolkata’s position as a premier luxury destination.

Leadership Perspectives

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Zibraan Kazi shared:
"I am honored to join JW Marriott Kolkata, a hotel that stands as a benchmark of excellence in the industry. I look forward to working with the talented team here to enhance guest experiences and take luxury hospitality to new heights."

Sunil Kumar, General Manager of JW Marriott Kolkata, welcomed Zibraan, stating:
"We are thrilled to have Zibraan Kazi as our new Director of Operations. His wealth of experience, passion for hospitality, and leadership skills align perfectly with our vision. With Zibraan on board, we are confident that JW Marriott Kolkata will continue to redefine luxury experiences in India."

A New Chapter for JW Marriott Kolkata

With Zibraan Kazi at the helm of operations, JW Marriott Kolkata is set to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation, and unparalleled guest satisfaction. The hotel extends a warm welcome to him and looks forward to his leadership in shaping its future.

Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre has announced the appointment of Abishek Chandran as the Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including a significant tenure at Hilton, Chandran has built a reputation for successfully executing marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility and drive business growth.

Leading Marketing & Communications Across the Cluster

In his new role, Chandran will oversee marketing and communication strategies across the cluster, working closely with the cluster commercial director, general managers, and Hilton brand teams. His responsibilities include developing and executing innovative campaigns, strengthening brand positioning, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance Hilton Gurugram’s market presence.

This marks Chandran’s second pre-opening experience, adding to his expertise in launching and establishing new properties. His deep understanding of brand management, high-performing campaigns, and guest engagement strategies has played a pivotal role in strengthening Hilton’s market presence and driving revenue growth.

Driving Hilton’s Key Campaigns & Brand Presence

Chandran’s contributions extend beyond the individual property, as he actively collaborates with the Hilton corporate office to conceptualize and implement marketing rollouts across the region. Some of his notable projects include “It’s Ok” and “Wedding Diaries by Hilton”, which have reinforced Hilton’s brand identity and customer engagement.

Leadership Acknowledgment

Welcoming Chandran to his new role, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, shared:
"We are thrilled to appoint Abishek Chandran as our Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications. His passion for excellence and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in driving our marketing initiatives and further strengthening our brand presence in the region."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Abishek Chandran said:
"I am honored to take on this role at Hilton. Hilton’s legacy of innovation and excellence inspires me, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to create impactful campaigns that elevate our brand. Together, we will continue delivering exceptional guest experiences and reinforcing Hilton’s leadership in the hospitality industry."

With Chandran at the helm of marketing and communications, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre is poised to enhance its brand visibility and guest engagement, further solidifying its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Congratulations to Abishek Chandran on this new leadership role!

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has elevated Nikhil Sharma to the position of managing director & chief operating officer for South Asia. In his new role, Sharma will continue to spearhead RHG’s operations and growth strategy across the region, leveraging his in-depth knowledge of the South Asian hospitality sector.

Previously serving as managing director & area senior vice president, Sharma has been instrumental in the brand’s success and growth throughout South Asia. His leadership has been vital in driving RHG’s presence and ensuring smooth operations, and his redesignation underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership structure to meet evolving industry dynamics.

Radisson Hotel Group remains a dominant player in the Indian market, operating close to 199 hotels under various stages of development. The group is the largest international hotel operator in the Delhi NCR region, and more than half of its portfolio is concentrated in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, reinforcing its strategy to tap into emerging markets.

RHG has consistently expanded its footprint across India by introducing a diverse mix of brands such as Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Radisson Individuals, and Radisson Individuals Retreats.

With Sharma at the helm in South Asia, RHG is poised to continue its upward trajectory, delivering strong business results and further deepening its market reach.