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.


ibis Hyderabad HITEC City Appoints Rajesh Dudi as Director of Sales

ibis Hyderabad HITEC City Appoints Rajesh Dudi as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on July 24, 2026

ibis Hyderabad HITEC City has announced the appointment of Rajesh Dudi as Director of Sales, strengthening the hotel’s commercial leadership as it continues to expand its presence in one of India’s fastest-growing business destinations.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajesh brings extensive expertise in sales leadership, business development, revenue generation, and commercial strategy. Throughout his career, he has worked with Accor and several leading hospitality brands, building a strong track record of driving business growth across diverse markets.

In his new role, Rajesh will oversee the hotel’s overall sales and commercial strategy, with a focus on expanding corporate and travel trade partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and strengthening ibis Hyderabad HITEC City’s presence across key market segments. He will also work closely with the leadership team to drive sustainable revenue growth while supporting the hotel’s long-term business objectives.

Commenting on the appointment, Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, ibis and ibis Styles India, said, "Rajesh brings with him a wealth of commercial expertise and a proven ability to deliver consistent business results across a wide range of hospitality brands. His deep understanding of the Hyderabad market, combined with his experience in leading successful sales teams and building long-term client partnerships, makes him a valuable addition to the ibis Hyderabad team. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen the hotel's commercial performance while enhancing its position in one of India's most competitive hospitality markets."

Rajesh began his hospitality career in food and beverage operations before transitioning into sales, where he steadily advanced into senior commercial leadership roles. Over the years, he has led corporate account management, business development, revenue generation, and pre-opening initiatives across multiple hospitality brands.

His contributions to commercial excellence have earned him industry recognitions, including the Asia Pacific Sales Leader of the Year and Asia Pacific Best Sales Leader awards.

Before joining ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, Rajesh headed the sales and marketing function for a leading entertainment destination, where he played a key role in expanding business from meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. He also focused on developing strategic partnerships and creating new revenue opportunities across the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Speaking on his appointment, Rajesh Dudi said: "I am excited to join ibis Hyderabad at a time when the city continues to grow as an important business and travel destination. ibis has earned the trust of travellers through its reliable and modern hospitality, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that foundation. My focus will be on strengthening our corporate relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and supporting sustainable growth while continuing to deliver great experiences for our guests."

The appointment reflects ibis’ continued focus on strengthening its commercial leadership as the brand expands across India, reinforcing ibis Hyderabad HITEC City’s commitment to delivering sustained business growth and enhanced guest experiences.


Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar Appoints Chef Kailash Singh as Executive Chef for Texas Operations

Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar Appoints Chef Kailash Singh as Executive Chef for Texas Operations

By Hariharan U

Published on July 23, 2026

Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar has appointed Chef Kailash Singh as Executive Chef for its Texas operations, strengthening the restaurant’s culinary leadership as it continues to expand its presence in the U.S. dining market.

Based in Highland Village, Texas, Chef Kailash will oversee the restaurant’s culinary direction, focusing on delivering authentic Indian flavours through contemporary techniques, innovative menu concepts, and elevated dining experiences.

With an international hospitality career spanning India, the United States, Poland, and the UAE, Chef Kailash brings extensive expertise in progressive Indian cuisine, menu development, kitchen operations, and team leadership.

Before joining Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar, Chef Kailash served as Sous Chef at BarNaan, Brookfield, USA. He most recently worked as Chef de Partie at ROOH San Francisco, where he contributed to the restaurant’s progressive Indian dining approach, combining traditional flavours with modern culinary techniques and contemporary presentation.

Earlier in his career, Chef Kailash worked in Warsaw, Poland, where he created Indian-inspired menus for international diners by blending traditional recipes with modern culinary concepts. He also served as Chef de Partie at Namak by Chef Kunal Kapoor at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, specialising in authentic tandoor preparations and regional Indian cuisine.

His professional journey also includes experience with renowned culinary establishments such as Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, New Delhi; Oven Hot Bakery & Sweets L.L.C., Abu Dhabi; Café Out of the Box, Khan Market; Trinity Residency, Gurugram; and Mojo Blu, Cyber Green.

Throughout his career, Chef Kailash has contributed to multiple pre-opening projects, handling kitchen planning, menu creation, operational systems, and culinary team training.

Commenting on the appointment, Vipul Jain, Founder of Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar, said, "Chef Kailash Singh brings a wealth of international culinary experience and a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine. His passion for quality, innovation, and authentic flavours aligns perfectly with our vision of offering guests an elevated Indian dining experience."

Speaking about his new role, Chef Kailash Singh said, "It is an honour to join Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar at such an exciting stage of its growth. Throughout my career, I have believed in delivering food with perfection while respecting the authenticity of Indian cuisine. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that combine regional Indian flavours with modern culinary craftsmanship for our guests in Texas."

With Chef Kailash Singh leading the kitchen, Delhi6 Indian Kitchen & Bar aims to further strengthen its position as a destination for authentic Indian cuisine in Texas, offering guests a blend of heritage flavours, innovation, and modern hospitality.


Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall Appoints Zeba Hasan as Rooms Division Manager

Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall Appoints Zeba Hasan as Rooms Division Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2026

Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall has announced the appointment of Zeba Hasan as its new Rooms Division Manager, strengthening the hotel's leadership team as it continues to enhance guest experiences and operational excellence.

In her new role, Zeba will lead the hotel's Rooms Division, overseeing key guest-facing operations with a focus on maintaining high service standards, developing teams and delivering seamless guest experiences. She will also work closely with the leadership team to support the hotel's overall business goals.

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With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Zeba has built her career across leading Accor properties in India. Before joining Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall, she served as Cluster Front Office Manager at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim, where she managed front office operations across both hotels.

During her tenure, she played an important role in improving guest engagement and operational performance while helping the property become India's highest enrolment-performing hotel for the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty programme.

Commenting on the appointment, Ram Shetty, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Zeba to Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall. Her extensive experience, collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of the Accor ecosystem make her a valuable addition to our team. With a strong focus on driving commercial growth, enhancing guest engagement, and elevating the hotel's market presence, Zeba's appointment comes at a pivotal time. Her expertise will support our vision of delivering memorable experiences while strengthening our positioning in Bengaluru's competitive hospitality landscape. We are confident that she will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality."

Speaking about her appointment, Zeba Hasan said:

"I am delighted to join Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall and begin this exciting new chapter in my journey with Accor. The opportunity to work with such a passionate team and contribute to a hotel that is known for its warm hospitality and service culture is truly exciting. I am committed to creating exceptional guest experiences by building a high-performing Rooms Division that places equal emphasis on service excellence, operational efficiency, and team engagement. Together with the team, I look forward to introducing thoughtful initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. I look forward to working alongside the team to build on the hotel's strong foundation and continue creating meaningful and memorable experiences for every guest."

With her strong operational background and experience within the Accor network, Zeba's appointment is expected to further strengthen the hotel's service standards while supporting its continued growth in Bengaluru's competitive hospitality market.

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