Kunal Vasudeva Appointed Co-Founder and Managing Director of Indian School of Hospitality

Kunal Vasudeva Appointed Co-Founder and Managing Director of Indian School of Hospitality

By Author

Published on August 14, 2023

Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), a leading institution in Hospitality and Culinary Arts education, has named Kunal Vasudeva as its Co-Founder and Managing Director, effective from August 01, 2023.

Formerly the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Vasudeva's new role as MD aligns with ISH's integration into Sommet Education, a global leader in hospitality management, based in Switzerland. With a portfolio including esteemed brands like Les Roches, Glion, and Ecole Ducasse, Sommet Education's collaboration reinforces ISH's commitment to excellence. Vasudeva's responsibilities encompass expanding ISH's academic offerings, ensuring exceptional standards in line with global benchmarks, and leveraging the new National Education Policy to foster multi-disciplinary education of international caliber in India.

Dilip Puri, the current Founder and CEO of ISH, will transition into the role of Founder and Executive Chairman. "Kunal has been a part of ISH since its inception and has demonstrated his knowledge, passion and dedication in bringing ISH up to the level it is at in a short span of six years. I look forward to his leadership as we steer the institution towards a future full of opportunities with the rapidly changing landscape of higher education in India," stated Dilip Puri.

Reflecting on his new position, Vasudeva expressed, "Assuming the role of Co-Founder and Managing Director at ISH is a profound honour and a call to action. It amplifies our mission to position India at the forefront of global hospitality and culinary education, fanning the flames of innovation and setting world-class benchmarks. We stand at the cusp of India’s remarkable growth story. Our role is not merely to witness, but to actively contribute to this narrative by moulding a generation of learners who will raise the bar in the hospitality industry, globally. Drawing strength from Dilip’s transformative vision, we aim to transcend the conventional contours of education. We seek to foster a learning environment where creativity is ignited, where ideas are born, and where leaders emerge."

Image Reference: Kunal Vasudev LinkedIn


Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala Elevates Simon Gomes as General Manager

Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala Elevates Simon Gomes as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 28, 2026

Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala has announced the elevation of Simon Gomes as General Manager, marking an important step in the resort’s leadership journey as it moves into its next phase of growth and service focus.

Simon Gomes has been a key part of the property, playing an active role in its operations and guest experience. Over time, he has built a strong connection with both the team and the property, contributing to its consistent performance and service standards. His leadership and hands-on approach have been central to the resort’s progress.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Simon brings a well-rounded background shaped by his work with leading global brands. His career includes 10 years with Hyatt, 8 years with Accor, and the last 5 years with Radisson Hotel Group. This wide exposure across brands and markets has helped him develop a clear and practical approach to operations and team management.

Speaking on his appointment, Simon Gomes said, “I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the team to create exceptional guest experiences while building on the resort’s strong foundation.”

In his new role, he is expected to lead the resort with a focus on strengthening guest experiences while building on the existing foundation. His understanding of the property, combined with his industry experience, positions him well to guide the team in the coming years.

With this leadership update, Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala continues to focus on delivering consistent hospitality while further strengthening its position as a preferred leisure destination in the region.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.

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