Pullman Hotels & Resorts has announced two key appointments at Pullman Chennai, bolstering its leadership team and strengthening its foothold in South India’s corporate and MICE market.

Sabarinath R joins as Director of Sales and Marketing, bringing over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality sales and marketing. He previously served as Vice President – Business Development (South) at Foodlink F&B Holdings and as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Leela Palace Chennai. Known for driving exceptional performance, Sabarinath has led successful pre-opening teams, MICE and catering operations, and strategic pricing initiatives. His tenure at The Leela Palace Chennai saw record achievements, including an RGI Index of 139 and the #1 ADR position in February 2024. He was also honoured as Chief Closing Officer of the Year (2022) and HOD of the Year (2014–15) for his leadership excellence.

Joining him is Anish C. Mohan, appointed as Director of Sales. Anish brings extensive experience across hospitality sales and business development, with leadership roles at Taj Coromandel Chennai, The Leela Palaces & Resorts, and aloft Chennai. His expertise spans strategic planning, revenue optimisation, and client relationship management, with proven success in driving growth across corporate, MICE, and leisure segments in competitive South Indian markets.

Commenting on the appointments, Vinodh Ramamurthy, General Manager, Pullman Chennai, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sabarinath and Anish to the Pullman Chennai family. Their extensive experience, strategic insights, and deep understanding of the South Indian market will be instrumental in strengthening our market presence and delivering exceptional experiences to our guests. These appointments reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and maintaining Pullman’s position as a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers.”

With these appointments, Pullman Chennai continues to expand its corporate and MICE offerings, ensuring guests experience innovative sales strategies, personalised service, and world-class hospitality synonymous with the Pullman brand.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore has announced the appointment of Rupesh Karbhari as its official sommelier. Karbhari brings nearly two decades of experience from prestigious luxury hotels and cruise lines, including Cunard Cruise Lines, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. His credentials include the Introductory Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers (2024) and the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines & Spirits (2015). In 2017, he was recognised as a ‘Nominated Educator’ by the Wines & Spirits Education Trust, London, for his exceptional teaching of WSET programmes.

Karbhari expressed his excitement: “Wine has a magical way of connecting people, creating stories and memories with every sip. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, I find immense joy in curating experiences where each glass sparks a conversation between place, culture, and taste, leaving guests with moments they’ll cherish.”

Reuben Kataria, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rupesh Karbhari. In an era where the art of the sommelier is often overlooked, we champion its revival, placing craftsmanship, deep knowledge, and meaningful engagement at the heart of our beverage philosophy. His global expertise will elevate our offerings and redefine Bangalore’s wine and culinary landscape. Rupesh will inspire wine enthusiasts, fostering deeper appreciation and dialogue.”

With Karbhari on board, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore continues to set benchmarks in elegance, sophistication, and unforgettable guest experiences.

MRG Group has announced the appointment of Manjunath Kowtal as General Manager – Sales, reinforcing its focus on building a strong leadership team amid an ambitious expansion plan across its hospitality brands.

A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, Mr. Kowtal brings expertise in sales strategy, brand positioning, and business development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and market leadership. His career includes associations with leading hospitality names such as The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru, Hammerhead Experiences, Sarovar Hotels, Ibis & Novotel Bengaluru Techpark, and Ramada by Wyndham, where he successfully crafted sales frameworks combining performance with purpose.

At MRG Group, Mr. Kowtal will lead the Group’s sales architecture, enhancing revenue models, unlocking new market opportunities, and expanding the brand’s reach across geographies and business verticals.

Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director of MRG Group, said:

"We are pleased to welcome Manjunath to the leadership team. His deep understanding of market dynamics and people-centric approach to sales leadership align perfectly with MRG’s growth vision."

Reflecting on his new role, Manjunath Kowtal added:

"Joining MRG Group at this pivotal stage is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to contributing to its dynamic portfolio and driving initiatives that not only boost business outcomes but also enhance the guest experience."

With several new projects underway, MRG Group continues to focus on strengthening its portfolio, nurturing leadership talent, and setting new benchmarks in hospitality excellence.