Meet Vaibhav Verma: Chief Revenue Officer of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts

Meet Vaibhav Verma: Chief Revenue Officer of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts

By Author

Published on September 6, 2023

In an exciting development, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts has welcomed Vaibhav Verma as their new Chief Revenue Officer. With an impressive 28-year career in hospitality sales and marketing, Vaibhav is set to lead the charge in sales, revenue, distribution, and marketing-related endeavors for the company, which currently operates 20 hotels across eight states in India.

Vaibhav's journey in the hospitality industry began with Surya Best Western New Delhi, followed by roles at Business World magazine and Accor Hotels. He then ventured into entrepreneurship by founding a sales representation company, representing around 14 domestic four and five-star hotels along with Accor on an international scale.

His career continued to soar as he took on the role of National Sales and Marketing Manager at ITC Fortune Hotels. Here, he played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the initial 25 Fortune hotels. Subsequently, he briefly served as the General Manager - Sales at Jaypee Hotels and contributed to the opening of various hotels under the Jaypee umbrella, including Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur, Pune, Vizag, Khyber, Gulmarg, and Rajasthali, Jaipur, while working with JHM Interstate Hotels.

In 2011, Vaibhav assumed the position of Director-Operations and Sales (South Asia) at Hong Kong-based Taiping Carpets India Ltd. He rejoined Jaypee Hotels in 2013 as Vice President of Sales, dedicating nine years to overseeing Sales and Marketing and significantly boosting the Group's revenues. Prior to joining jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, he served as the Chief Revenue Officer at Team Hotels and Resorts, managing Avataara Resort & Spa in Goa.

Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for Vaibhav Verma's appointment, highlighting the need for strong leadership to manage the company's growth as it plans to open more hotels, aiming for a total of 25 by the end of the fiscal year. Vohra emphasized Vaibhav's extensive knowledge, experience, and relationships across the country, which will play a pivotal role in strengthening the brand's presence both strategically and in execution.

Vaibhav Verma shared his excitement about joining the dynamic jüSTa Hotels & Resorts family. “I am very excited to be a part of the dynamic jüSTa Hotels & Resorts family. My task would be to ensure that the current and upcoming jüSTa Hotels & Resorts are not just profitable; they attain dominant positioning in the marketplace.”


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is delighted to welcome Rahul Uppal as its new Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager. Bringing a wealth of experience in hospitality, culinary innovation, and guest-centric dining, Mr. Uppal is set to enhance the hotel's food and beverage offerings with fresh concepts and operational excellence.

A Vision for Culinary Excellence

In his new role, Mr. Uppal will oversee the entire food and beverage division, focusing on:

  • Enhancing guest satisfaction with unique dining experiences
  • Developing innovative culinary concepts tailored to modern travelers
  • Driving operational efficiency and excellence across F&B services
  • Introducing locally inspired flavors while maintaining global culinary standards

With a strategic approach to F&B management, he brings expertise in menu engineering, cost management, and guest engagement, ensuring a seamless and memorable dining experience for every guest.

A Legacy of Innovation in Hospitality

Prior to joining Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, Mr. Uppal held key leadership positions at renowned hotels and restaurants, where he successfully:

  • Launched new dining experiences
  • Streamlined F&B operations
  • Implemented best practices for exceptional service

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His passion for the culinary arts and deep understanding of evolving dining trends make him a valuable addition to the hotel’s leadership team.

Excited to Lead a Dynamic Culinary Team

Expressing his enthusiasm, Rahul Uppal shared:
"I am truly honored to join Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, a brand that embodies modern hospitality with a strong local touch. I look forward to working with the talented team to create unique and memorable dining experiences for our guests while introducing innovative concepts that cater to the evolving preferences of today’s travelers."

Elevating Hyatt Centric’s Culinary Reputation

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is known for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring signature restaurants and bars that celebrate global flavors with a regional touch. Under Mr. Uppal’s leadership, the hotel is poised to:

  • Strengthen its gastronomic reputation
  • Offer immersive and personalized dining experiences
  • Deliver impeccable service with an innovative approach

With his expertise and vision, Rahul Uppal is set to take Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore’s food and beverage offerings to new heights, ensuring guests experience exceptional flavors and world-class hospitality.


From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Thejus Shivarama, Founder and CEO of Juliet and 2Moons, has carved a unique path in the hospitality industry, turning passion and perseverance into a thriving business. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Alliance University, Thejus’s love for food and networking became the driving force behind his entrepreneurial success.

His journey began with Serene Mist Resort, a 9-key boutique property set in a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. This venture laid the foundation for his deep-rooted understanding of hospitality, seamlessly translating into his later successes with Juliet and 2Moons—now among the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD).

A Customer-First Philosophy

Thejus believes that many hospitality brands remain rigid in their offerings, often missing out on genuine guest satisfaction. His approach is simple: give customers what they truly want.

"If a guest at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, I make sure they get it," he shares. This flexibility and personal touch have become key differentiators for his brands, creating a loyal customer base that values his commitment to personalized service.

Overcoming Hardships & Learning the Ropes

Thejus’s journey wasn’t smooth. As a newcomer to the industry, he faced significant challenges, including misleading consultants who took advantage of his inexperience. Financial setbacks followed as he unknowingly overspent on unnecessary expenses—over-ordering cutlery, crockery, and food trials that inflated costs by 200%.

A three-month delay in launching one of his projects only added to the pressure, forcing him to cover staff salaries and rent before the doors even opened. Despite these struggles, he emerged stronger, learning to trust his instincts, build reliable teams, and streamline operations.

Building a Hospitality Powerhouse

Today, Thejus is credited with creating Boho Sunsets, Bangalore’s only true sundowner experience. What many initially thought would last just six months is now a well-established brand. His ability to connect personally with customers and adapt to their evolving needs has made Juliet and 2Moons a go-to destination for Bangalore’s hospitality scene.

His next big venture? Minx—a craft cocktail club set to redefine Bangalore’s nightlife. Unlike the many cocktail bars in the city, Minx aims to be Bangalore’s first true cocktail club, bringing a premium and immersive drinking experience.

A Unique Leadership Style

Rejecting the traditional corporate approach, Thejus fosters a culture of freedom and learning within his team. He encourages his staff—both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH)—to take ownership of their roles, make mistakes, and grow from them.

"My job is not to micromanage but to mentor," he says. By empowering his team to take the lead, he has built a strong, resilient, and motivated workforce, which he considers his biggest asset.

Racing with Cheetahs, Not Horses

For Thejus, staying ahead of the competition doesn’t mean following trends or copying others—it’s about staying true to his brand’s strengths. His personal mantra, "Race with cheetahs, not with horses," reflects his belief in setting his own pace, breaking conventions, and redefining hospitality on his terms.

From being an underdog in the industry to a recognized hospitality entrepreneur, Thejus Shivarama’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With Juliet, 2Moons, Boho Sunsets, and now Minx, he continues to shape Bangalore’s hospitality landscape, proving that the real secret to success lies in passion, personalization, and persistence.


Rohit Bajpai Appointed as Cluster General Manager for Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

Rohit Bajpai Appointed as Cluster General Manager for Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 19, 2025

Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel has announced the appointment of Rohit Bajpai as the Cluster General Manager, where he will oversee the operations of both Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad. With over 25 years of expertise in the hospitality sector, Rohit is known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and guest engagement skills.

A seasoned professional with a strong background in food and beverage operations, Rohit has spent a significant part of his career working with leading hotel brands across northern India. He joined Marriott International in 2018 as the Hotel Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri, before moving to Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, where he successfully positioned India’s only pure vegetarian five-star hotel. His experience spans pre-openings, project management, hospitality training, and revenue optimization.

A Vision for Excellence in Ahmedabad’s Hospitality Scene

As Cluster General Manager, Rohit’s priorities include:

  • Enhancing guest experiences across both Renaissance and Fairfield properties
  • Driving revenue growth through innovative hospitality strategies
  • Strengthening the F&B experience to elevate culinary offerings
  • Optimizing hotel operations for greater efficiency and service excellence

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Rohit Bajpai shared:

“I am pleased to take up this opportunity as a challenge with Renaissance and Fairfield by Marriott in a city like Ahmedabad. I am humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing overall hotel operations for both properties.”

About Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel

Renaissance Ahmedabad is a five-star premium luxury hotel located in Ahmedabad’s commercial district, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and the Narendra Modi Stadium. The hotel boasts contemporary rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a multi-specialty spa, and a 24-hour fitness center. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at:

  • R Kitchen – All-day dining with Indian and international cuisine
  • Mill & Co. – A café specializing in signature coffee blends
  • Kuro – The Asian Bistro – An award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant

The exclusive Club Lounge provides a perfect setting for business meetings or a relaxing evening.

About Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

Located centrally on Ashram Road, Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad offers 147 elegantly furnished rooms, ergonomic workstations, and a 24-hour business center. The hotel features 5,500 sq. ft. of conference space, ideal for hosting seamless events. Guests can dine at Cafe 1st Story, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.

Marriott International’s Legacy

Marriott International, Inc. is a global hospitality leader with approximately 9,000 properties across 141 countries. The company’s Marriott Bonvoy® program offers exclusive travel rewards and experiences.

For more details, visit www.marriott.com.

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