M. Santosh Kumar Joins DoubleTree Hilton Goa-Panaji as Executive Chef

M. Santosh Kumar Joins DoubleTree Hilton Goa-Panaji as Executive Chef

By Author

Published on October 9, 2023

The DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji is thrilled to welcome M. Santosh Kumar as its Executive Chef, bringing a wealth of culinary expertise and experience to the team. With a career spanning continents and numerous accolades, Chef M. Santosh is all set to take the culinary experience to new heights.

Expressing his gratitude, Chef M. Santosh says, "My passion for exploring new flavors and creating unique culinary experiences drives me every day. It is a privilege to continue pushing the boundaries of gastronomy as part of Goa's vibrant culinary culture."

Chef Santosh's impressive journey in the culinary world includes roles at prestigious establishments such as Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia, Zuri White Sands Goa Resort & Casino, Fortune Miramar Goa, and his most recent position at Park Regis Goa. His achievements include being named 'the most admired chef of 2022' by the World Leadership Congress-Asia, receiving the 2017-18 Best Chocolate Showpiece award, and winning the Silver award for the best wedding cake at Aahar F&B Expo. His dedication also earned him titles like Employee of the Month and Best Team Player during his tenure at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia.

Chef M. Santosh has further honed his culinary skills by working alongside celebrity chefs such as Chef Marco Pierre White, Chef Trevor, and Chef Atul Kocchar, solidifying his reputation as a culinary virtuoso.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef M. Santosh finds joy in exploring new destinations, immersing himself in local cultures, savoring authentic culinary delights, and seeking tranquility in offbeat trekking locations.

Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are delighted to welcome Chef M. Santosh to our culinary team, an extraordinary chef whose love for travel, authentic experiences, and fine cuisine adds a unique and exciting flair to our resort. His exceptional talent and culinary expertise will elevate our dining options and provide our guests with a truly unforgettable experience."


W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

W Goa has announced the appointment of Nishal Seebaluck as its new General Manager, further strengthening its leadership team in the luxury hospitality space.

With over 18 years of experience across ultra-luxury hotels and destination resorts in India, Mauritius, and Morocco, Nishal brings a strong blend of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and guest-centric leadership. Known for elevating brand positioning and driving performance, he has consistently delivered impactful results in competitive luxury markets.

An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Nishal began his career in finance at The Oberoi Beach Resort before transitioning into operations, where he discovered his passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles across renowned properties including The Oberoi Marrakech and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening brand identity, enhancing profitability, and driving market-leading performance. His contributions have also been instrumental in achieving industry recognition, including awards such as Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards and global rankings by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.

Most recently serving as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Nishal now steps into his new role at W Goa, where he is expected to lead the property’s operations, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen its position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination.

Beyond his professional journey, Nishal is known for his passion for travel, food, and cultural exploration, bringing a creative and globally inspired perspective that aligns seamlessly with W Goa’s bold and expressive identity.


Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Deepak Rawat as its new General Manager, marking a significant leadership addition at one of Goa’s most iconic luxury destinations.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepak brings a strong mix of operational expertise, commercial insight, and a people-first leadership approach. Over the years, he has led teams across both international and Indian hotel brands, consistently delivering elevated guest experiences while driving business performance.

His career spans palace hotels, destination resorts, and city properties, giving him a well-rounded perspective on diverse hospitality formats. Known for his passion for Food & Beverage innovation, Deepak has played a key role in conceptualising and leading award-winning dining experiences, reinforcing his focus on creating immersive and memorable guest journeys.

Speaking on his appointment, Deepak Rawat said, “Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa is more than a destination; it is a legacy that resonates across generations. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that stay true to the essence of Tajness.”

Welcoming him, Javed Deshmukh highlighted the importance of the appointment, noting that the resort has been a cornerstone of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1974 and continues to hold a special legacy in the region.

In his new role, Deepak will focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving innovation across Food & Beverage, integrating sustainable practices, and strengthening overall operational performance. His leadership is expected to further elevate the resort’s positioning while shaping a future-ready vision rooted in excellence and collaboration.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales, reinforcing its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the market.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rakib brings a strong commercial outlook and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across corporate and MICE segments. Known for his strategic thinking and people-first leadership approach, he has consistently built high-performing teams and delivered sustained business results.

Prior to this role, he served as Cluster Associate Director of Sales at Andaz Delhi, where he played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding business opportunities. His career also includes significant tenures at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Chennai, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse markets and customer segments.

In his new role, Rakib will lead the hotel’s sales strategy, focusing on driving revenue across segments while further enhancing the property’s positioning in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Rakib Hussain said, “The opportunity to create meaningful guest experiences and inspire teams to push boundaries every day is what keeps me going.”

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on building a dynamic and forward-looking leadership team aligned with its growth ambitions.

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