Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

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.


Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa Appoints Mallika Chugh as Assistant Director of Marcom

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa Appoints Mallika Chugh as Assistant Director of Marcom

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 24, 2025

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Mallika Chugh as its assistant director of marketing & communications, adding depth to its leadership team as the resort continues to grow its presence among Rajasthan’s most charming luxury destinations. Known for her creative outlook and precise understanding of hospitality branding, Chugh brings strong experience across marketing strategy, communications and brand development.

Over the years, she has worked with leading luxury hotel brands, building a solid record in boosting visibility, launching impactful campaigns and crafting meaningful brand stories that connect with travellers. Her strength lies in blending storytelling with commercial strategy, ensuring every initiative carries both emotion and purpose.

Before joining Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, Chugh worked with well-known hospitality brands where she handled marketing, PR and digital responsibilities across multiple properties. In her most recent role, she managed cluster marketing communications, successfully repositioning properties, creating destination-led campaigns and strengthening engagement across domestic and global markets.

In her new position at the resort, Chugh will lead all aspects of marketing and communications, including brand strategy, content creation, media relations, digital storytelling and partnerships. Her focus will be on shaping a strong brand identity that highlights the resort’s stunning architecture, desert setting and cultural charm, while positioning it as a must-visit luxury destination for travellers from India and around the world.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mallika Chugh to the Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa family. Her deep understanding of marketing, communications, and brand development, combined with her creative vision and strategic acumen, makes her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and compelling narratives she will bring as we continue to elevate our brand and guest experience,” said Nikhil Kher, general manager at the hotel.

Speaking about her appointment, Chugh said, “Joining Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa is both a privilege and an exciting challenge. The property is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Rajasthan, its heritage, artistry, and warmth. My vision is to build a brand narrative that reflects this richness while positioning the resort as a global icon of luxury rooted in authenticity. I look forward to collaborating with a team that shares this passion for storytelling and excellence.”


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints New Executive Chef and Director of Finance

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints New Executive Chef and Director of Finance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 22, 2025

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced two key leadership appointments with the addition of Arun Vats as Executive Chef and Nileshwary Sharma as Director of Finance & Business Support. The hotel aims to further strengthen its culinary and financial operations with the diverse experience and expertise that both leaders bring.

Chef Arun Vats joins the hotel with more than 22 years of culinary experience across India, the Middle East, and international destinations. A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Gurdaspur, he began his career with ITC Hotels at ITC Sonar Bangla, Kolkata, and has since worked with leading brands including The Oberoi Hotels, Taj Group of Hotels and Hard Rock International. His global exposure includes roles on Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Cruise Lines, along with significant positions in Oman and Seychelles. Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, he served as Director of Culinary for Accor Group at Novotel Dona Sylvia Resort Goa and Mercure Devaaya Resort, Goa. Chef Arun specialises in multiple global cuisines and brings a strong focus on innovation and evolving culinary trends.

Nileshwary Sharma takes on the role of Director of Finance & Business Support with over 13 years of financial leadership experience in the hospitality and corporate sectors. A Chartered Accountant and Bachelor of Commerce graduate, she has worked with respected organisations such as R.K. Jha and Associates, Sarupria Somani & Associates, Flicker Projects – Foods & Hospitality, and Alka Group of Hotels. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Finance at Ananta Hotels & Resorts, contributing to strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Arun and Nileshwary to the Crowne Plaza Greater Noida family. Their remarkable expertise, global exposure, and leadership qualities will further elevate our guest experiences and operational standards. We are confident that under their guidance, our culinary and financial operations will reach new heights of excellence.”

With these appointments, the hotel continues to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, supported by strong leadership and a commitment to service excellence.


Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur has announced the appointment of Ashutosh Jayee as its general manager. In his new role, Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, along with managing sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s overall performance.

Jayee previously served as the head of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Jammu, where he contributed to driving commercial strategies and enhancing business development.

“Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur.

Jayee is a native of Jammu and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his master’s in business administration and master’s in tourism management in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

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