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.


Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Deepika Jatwani as Guest Experience Manager

Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Deepika Jatwani as Guest Experience Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 27, 2025

Novotel Mumbai International Airport is pleased to welcome Ms. Deepika Jatwani as its new Guest Experience Manager. In her role, Deepika will spearhead initiatives to elevate guest satisfaction, service excellence, and personalized hospitality, ensuring every visitor enjoys a seamless and memorable stay.

A Seasoned Hospitality Professional

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepika brings a strong foundation in guest experience management and operational excellence. Her expertise in curating personalized experiences and deep understanding of guest expectations make her an invaluable asset to the team.

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Speaking about the appointment, Rachita Sood, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, stated:
“We are pleased to welcome Deepika to Novotel Mumbai International Airport. Her dedication to elevating guest engagement and commitment to service excellence will play a pivotal role in enhancing our brand’s hospitality standards.”

A Commitment to Exceptional Hospitality

Deepika’s passion for creating meaningful guest interactions and her innovative approach align perfectly with Novotel Mumbai International Airport’s vision of delivering exceptional service. Her leadership will further strengthen the hotel’s reputation as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.

With Deepika at the helm of guest experience, visitors can look forward to an even more refined, guest-centric hospitality experience at Novotel Mumbai International Airport.


Zibraan Kazi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Operations

Zibraan Kazi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Operations

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 26, 2025

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 Appoints Abishek Chandran as Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications

Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre Appoints Abishek Chandran as Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 25, 2025

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!

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