Khushnooma Kapadia Promoted to VP Marketing – South Asia at Marriott International

By Author

Published on September 8, 2023

In a significant development, Khushnooma Kapadia, who previously served as the Area Director of Marketing at Marriott International, has been appointed as the Vice President of Marketing – South Asia. With more than 25 years of experience spanning financial services, communication consulting, and hospitality, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her expertise includes brand marketing, brand development, strategic communications, managing strategic partnerships, media management, digital marketing, social media marketing, and crisis communications.

During her tenure at Marriott International, Khushnooma played a pivotal role in shaping the brand strategy for Marriott's entire portfolio of brands in India, covering various segments from luxury to mid-tier in both Tier I and Tier II markets. She led a team of over 80 marketing managers, contributing extensively to brand development and sustainability through a combination of effective communication and marketing strategies.

Khushnooma's journey with Marriott International began in 2004 when she joined as the Marketing Communications Manager. Prior to this, she held key positions at Good Relations India as the Account Group Head and at Arther Anderson as a Senior Associate. Her academic achievements include earning a gold medal and securing the top position at the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. Over the years, she has received numerous leadership awards and has actively participated as a jury member and panelist in various industry platforms.

This promotion underscores Khushnooma Kapadia's outstanding contributions to the field of marketing and her dedication to advancing the Marriott International brand in the South Asia region.

Ashis Chattopadhyay Appointed Cluster Director of Finance for Eight Marriott Hotels under Chalet Hotels

By Author

Published on December 27, 2025

Chalet Hotels Limited has announced the appointment of Ashis Chattopadhyay as Cluster Director of Finance, with responsibility for leading the finance function across eight Marriott hotels within its portfolio. In this role, he will oversee financial strategy, governance, compliance, and performance management across a large and diverse multi-property operation.

Ashis brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in finance leadership, having worked with Deloitte and held senior finance roles across globally renowned hospitality brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, COMO Group, and Marriott International. His professional journey has been marked by a strong focus on finance transformation, strengthening internal controls, and driving operational efficiencies within complex hotel environments.

Prior to this appointment, Ashis served as Multi-Property Director of Finance for Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway and Four Points by Sheraton Kochi, Infopark, where he played a key role in financial governance and strategic decision-making across properties.

With increasing emphasis on governance frameworks, technology-led finance systems, and disciplined financial management across large hotel clusters, this appointment reflects a strategic strengthening of leadership within Marriott’s India portfolio under Chalet Hotels Limited. Ashis Chattopadhyay’s expertise is expected to further enhance financial resilience, operational transparency, and long-term value creation across the group’s growing hospitality footprint.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Vikash Kumar as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Vikash Kumar as its new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and elevated guest experiences across dining and events.

In his new role, Vikash will oversee food and beverage operations, banquet performance and service delivery, supporting the hotel’s continued emphasis on consistency, quality and guest-focused innovation. With over a decade of experience across F&B service, banquet operations and large-scale event planning, he brings a strong blend of operational depth and people-led leadership.

Vikash began his hospitality journey in 2014 with Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriott, where he developed a solid foundation in food and beverage service and guest engagement. Over the years, he progressed through several leadership roles, gaining hands-on experience in managing high-volume operations and complex event environments.

He joined the Hyatt family in September 2022 as Events Planning Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, where he played a key role in executing high-profile events and strengthening banquet operations. He later moved to Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center as Banquet Manager and was promoted to Assistant Food & Beverage Manager in March 2025.

A graduate in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Vikash is known for his disciplined, collaborative approach and his commitment to building high-performing teams. His return to Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty reflects the hotel’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and developing leaders aligned with Hyatt’s values of care, consistency and service excellence.

About Grand Hyatt

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities

Hospitality in 2026: Nksha’s Growth Plans and Key Dining Trends to Watch

By Hariharan U

Published on December 20, 2025

As the hospitality industry in India prepares to step into 2026, operators are reflecting on a year marked by recovery, refinement, and renewed ambition. According to Pranav Rungta, Co-Founder & Director of Nksha Restaurant and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai, 2025 proved to be a strong year both for his brand and for the wider dining ecosystem.

“Nksha had a strong 2025, earning high praise for its modern North Indian cuisine, elegant ambience, and innovative cocktail programme,” Rungta shared. “Our patrons truly valued the overall experience, from exceptional service to thoughtful presentation, even within the premium dining segment.”

Operating in Mumbai’s highly competitive fine-dining space, Nksha’s ability to deliver consistent quality and value helped it stand out as a destination restaurant. The positive response has also encouraged the brand to look beyond its current footprint.

Looking ahead, Rungta revealed that Nksha is actively exploring expansion plans for 2026. “We are evaluating a new location in Mumbai and also studying opportunities in the GCC region, where we have received very encouraging feedback for the concept,” he said.

From an industry standpoint, Rungta believes 2026 will be shaped by a clear shift in demand patterns. Tier II and Tier III cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Raipur, and Indore are emerging as strong growth markets. “The demand in these cities is growing faster, and there is a massive appetite for established metro brands, provided menus are localised,” he noted.

Premiumisation is expected to continue, particularly in fine dining and craft cocktails, as Indian diners increasingly seek elevated, experience-led outings. At the same time, Gen Z-driven personalisation is set to play a larger role. “AI-powered chatbots, customised health-focused menus such as low-carb or vegan options, and immersive experiences like virtual tastings will become more common,” Rungta added.

As restaurants balance expansion with innovation, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where thoughtful growth, technology-led personalisation, and premium experiences define the next phase of India’s hospitality journey.

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