Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on May 25, 2024
Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, is excited to announce the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as their new Chief Executive Officer. With an impressive background in the luxury travel industry, Muckermann brings over 25 years of experience to this prestigious role. She previously led Silversea Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, which is renowned as the world's largest ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line.
Muckermann joins Kempinski at a pivotal time. The iconic hospitality brand, with its 127-year tradition of excellence, is preparing for significant global expansion. Currently operating 82 hotels in 36 countries, Kempinski aims to add 34 more properties to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa over the next few years. This strategic growth is intended to further cement Kempinski's reputation for providing unparalleled luxury and exceptional service.
René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kempinski Hotels S.A., expressed his confidence in Muckermann's leadership. "Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury. Her proven ability to elevate the guest experience while maximizing profitability for leading travel brands made her the ideal choice to lead Kempinski Hotels. Her dynamic, forward-thinking approach will be vital as we continue to usher in a new era of luxury for our brand."
Muckermann is the first woman to lead Kempinski Hotels in its 127-year history. She expressed her excitement about joining the company, stating, "I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand. I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honoring its rich history. I look forward to working with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury."
Throughout her career, Muckermann has significantly enhanced sales and profitability while upgrading customer experiences for global luxury brands such as Loro Piana, MSC Cruises, and NCL. Her extensive international experience, having lived in Italy, France, and the USA, and her proficiency in five languages, underscore her global perspective and capability. Additionally, she holds a Doctorate in Political Sciences and Economics and an MBA from both Columbia and London Business School.
Kempinski Hotels is known for its unique and legendary properties, each reflecting the cultural traditions of their locations while maintaining the high standards expected of the brand. As the company looks forward to expanding its presence, Muckermann's leadership is expected to guide Kempinski through this exciting phase, reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.
With this new appointment, Kempinski Hotels continues to build on its rich heritage, combining tradition with innovation to offer the finest experiences in the world of luxury hospitality.
Emirates and Marriott International to Open World’s First Ri...
Emirates and Marriott International, Inc. have signed an agr...
Pre-Budget 2026: Travel-Tech and Hospitality Leaders Call fo...
As India moves closer to the Union Budget 2026, stakeholders...
Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24...
In a move set to delight romance lovers and cinema nostalgis...
Pre-Budget 2026: Travel & Hospitality Seek Policy Push to Su...
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, India’s travel and hosp...
By Hariharan U
Published on February 5, 2026
Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.
In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.
Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.
Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.
Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
The Ritz-Carlton, Pune has announced the appointment of Ishwinder Gill as its new General Manager, bringing with him over two decades of distinguished experience in the global hospitality industry.
In his new role, Ishwinder Gill will focus on further enhancing the hotel’s luxury positioning, strengthening operational excellence, and elevating overall guest experiences. His appointment reflects the brand’s continued commitment to thoughtful leadership and refined luxury in one of India’s key hospitality markets.
Ishwinder joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune after a successful tenure as General Manager at W Goa, where he played a pivotal role in reinforcing the resort’s reputation as one of India’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations. His transition marks a shift from leading a vibrant lifestyle brand to steering one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality names.
Previously, Ishwinder served as Chief Operating Officer at Far East Hospitality, overseeing operations across 26 hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. During his time in Singapore, he was instrumental in the development and success of several acclaimed upscale and luxury brands, including The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Oasia Resort Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel, and The Clan Hotel.
An alumnus of Cornell University, USA, and the William Angliss Institute, Melbourne, Ishwinder brings a strong academic foundation combined with deep operational expertise and a global perspective. This positions him well to lead The Ritz-Carlton, Pune into its next phase of growth and excellence.
Commenting on his appointment, Ishwinder Gill said, “I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Pune and embark on this new chapter. It is an honour to be part of such a globally respected brand, and I look forward to working with the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Pune to further elevate the hotel as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in India.”
His appointment further underscores The Ritz-Carlton, Pune’s focus on strong leadership, exceptional service standards, and delivering memorable experiences aligned with the evolving expectations of today’s global luxury traveller.
The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has announced the promotion of Ms. Deepmala Chaudhary to the role of General Manager – Sales & Corporate Revenue, acknowledging her long-standing contribution and leadership across the Group’s commercial functions.
Associated with The LaLiT since 2013, Ms. Chaudhary has steadily grown through key leadership roles, most recently serving as Head – Corporate Revenue. With over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality revenue management, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s revenue performance across India and international markets, including London.
In her expanded role, she will oversee integrated sales and corporate revenue strategies across rooms, food & beverage, MICE, and digital channels. Her responsibilities will continue to include pricing strategy, demand forecasting, distribution optimisation, and yield management, working closely with unit general managers and central teams.
During her tenure, Ms. Chaudhary has driven stronger direct and online booking performance, built strategic partnerships, and established robust centralised revenue systems across the Group’s portfolio.
Commenting on the promotion, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “Deepmala’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding of hospitality business dynamics.”
Her elevation reflects The LaLiT’s focus on nurturing internal talent and building future-ready leadership.
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.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.