Meet ITC Hotels' New VP of South and East: Zubin Songadwala

By Author

Published on November 5, 2023

In the dynamic world of hospitality, few stand out like Zubin Songadwala, the newly appointed Vice President of Operations (South and East) at ITC Hotels. Zubin's latest role marks a significant milestone, as he steers the prestigious ITC Hotels' initial international venture, ITC Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka. This appointment is not just a promotion; it's an acknowledgment of his dedication and prowess in the hospitality industry.

Zubin's journey with ITC began at the ITC Windsor in Bangalore, a testament to his enduring relationship with the brand. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, and a graduate from the ITC Hotel Management Institute, his career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. With an impressive resume that includes stints at L’Ecole Hotelier, Switzerland, and W – Seoul, South Korea, Zubin brings a global perspective to his role.

His leadership shines brightest in his vision for operational excellence across ITC Hotels and other potential properties under the Storii and Mementos umbrella. With a focus on states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, and Jharkhand, he is set to revolutionise hospitality standards in these regions.

Zubin's exceptional leadership skills were particularly evident during the pandemic. He led his teams with empathy and resilience, ensuring the smooth operation of hotels during those challenging times. His dedication to quality and precision in operations has garnered him numerous accolades, including awards from EazyDiner, Foodie, BBC FoodFood for General Manager of the Year, IHC London, and IIHM Hospitality.

But it's not just his operational savvy that makes Zubin a revered figure in the hospitality sector. His commitment to promoting 'local' and nurturing talent is commendable. He is known for his exceptional people skills, inspiring associates, and a contemporary management style that perfectly blends strategic acumen with a focus on detail.

As he steps into his new role, Zubin's journey is a blend of strategic foresight and an unwavering commitment to excellence. ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo isn't just ITC Hotels' first international foray; it's a testament to Zubin Songadwala's remarkable journey in redefining hospitality standards, making him not just a leader but a visionary in the truest sense.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Appoints Jitendra Sharma as Regional Manager for Rajasthan Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 27, 2024

Lords Hotels & Resorts has appointed Mr. Jitendra Sharma as the new Regional Manager for its properties in Rajasthan, based out of Nathdwara. In this role, Sharma will be responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the hotels under his leadership, including managing the P&L and operations at Shri Vallabh Vilas Lords Plaza in Nathdwara. His focus will be on ensuring the delivery of True Value Hospitality to guests.

Sharma has been with Lords Hotels for almost a decade, previously serving as the Sr. General Manager at Lords Plaza Jaipur, where he made significant contributions by boosting profitability and improving guest ratings. His deep understanding of the brand’s goals, service standards, and identity, gained over 22 years in the industry, will be key in driving future success. He holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the prestigious Pusa Institute.

“I am excited to lead Shri Vallabh Vilas Lords Plaza,” Sharma said. “The chance to manage operations in such a culturally rich and vibrant destination is something I truly look forward to. I'm eager to work with the passionate team here to continue delivering exceptional experiences.”

Vikas Suri, VP Operations & Development at Lords Hotels & Resorts, added, “We are pleased to announce Mr. Sharma’s new role, where he will take charge of multiple hotels across Rajasthan. His experience and vision will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and achieving our growth goals.”

Shri Vallabh Vilas Lords Plaza is located near the famous Shrinath ji Temple in Nathdwara, offering easy access, breathtaking views, and luxurious all-suite accommodations. Spread across two acres, this exclusive hotel provides elegantly designed interiors, a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, and a dedicated staff, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable stay without losing the spiritual charm of the location.

iD Fresh Welcomes Gaurav Kwatra as Chief Marketing Officer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 25, 2024

iD Fresh Food has announced the appointment of Gaurav Kwatra as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). A seasoned marketing and business leader, Kwatra brings over two decades of expertise in building and leading some of the most iconic global and Indian brands.

In his new role, Kwatra will be at the forefront of iD Fresh’s marketing and brand-building strategies, focusing on accelerating market expansion and enhancing customer engagement.

A Proven Leader in Food and Beverages

Kwatra’s career spans 20 years with industry giants like Nestle and Britannia, where he led impactful marketing campaigns and introduced innovative strategies that drove disruptive growth and profitability. Known for his ability to rejuvenate brands and spearhead successful ventures, he has earned a reputation as a results-oriented leader.

Leadership Vision

Commenting on the appointment, Rajat Diwaker, CEO (India), iD Fresh Food, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Gaurav Kwatra to the iD Fresh family. With his deep expertise in brand-building and innovation across global and Indian markets, we are confident that Gaurav will bring a fresh perspective and energy to our journey. His track record of success and passion for driving consumer-centric strategies align perfectly with our mission to bring clean, high-quality fresh food to every household. This leadership appointment marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to strengthen our presence in India and beyond.”

Kwatra’s Vision for iD Fresh

Expressing his excitement, Gaurav Kwatra said, “I am excited to join iD Fresh at such an important time in the company’s growth journey. iD Fresh has built a solid brand with a strong sense of commitment to delivering high-quality, clean, fresh food products. What resonates most with me is the bedrock of strong values on which the company is built. I look forward to enhancing iD Fresh’s market presence and creating deeper connections with our consumers.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With Kwatra’s appointment, iD Fresh aims to further its mission of bringing fresh, high-quality food to households, strengthening its foothold in India and expanding its global presence.

Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, Announces New Leadership

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 24, 2024

Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, has announced key leadership appointments, welcoming Anthony Crasto as Revenue and Reservations Manager and Manjula Gowda as Director of Sales. These strategic hires underline the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality.

With over two decades of experience, Anthony Crasto is a seasoned expert in revenue optimization, reservations management, and guest service. Having held pivotal roles at renowned brands like The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Radisson Blu, Novotel, and ITC Hotels, Crasto has honed his expertise in forecasting, data analysis, and strategic revenue management. His ability to implement innovative pricing strategies and manage complex distribution channels has consistently delivered outstanding results.

At Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Crasto will spearhead revenue strategies, refine reservation processes, and ensure seamless operational efficiency. Speaking about the appointment, Ashley James, General Manager of the resort, said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Anthony Crasto to the Angsana family. His remarkable expertise and thoughtful leadership bring immense value to our team. I am confident his innovative vision will enhance guest experiences and contribute to the resort’s growth and success.”

Adding to the momentum, the resort has also appointed Manjula Gowda as Director of Sales. With over 19 years of industry experience, Gowda is a powerhouse of strategic vision and revenue-driven results. Her career spans leadership roles with renowned brands such as Ramanashree, Hilton, The Chancery, Pullman, Mövenpick, and Raintree Hotels.

Gowda’s expertise extends beyond traditional hospitality, having driven regional growth for Raintree Hotels and excelled in MICE operations at The Lalit Ashok. Her skills in business development, market analysis, and process optimization have made her a sought-after leader in the industry. At Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Gowda will lead innovative sales initiatives, strengthen market positioning, and elevate guest experiences.

Commenting on Gowda’s appointment, Ashley James shared, “We are thrilled to have Manjula Gowda join the Angsana family as our Director of Sales. Her seasoned leadership and strategic outlook align seamlessly with our dedication to excellence. I am confident her innovative approach and passion for growth will strengthen our market presence and enhance the guest experiences that define our resort.”

With these key appointments, Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, continues to build on its legacy of offering world-class hospitality and exceptional service.

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