Minor Hotels Appoints Omar Romero as Chief Development and Luxury Officer

Minor Hotels Appoints Omar Romero as Chief Development and Luxury Officer

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 6, 2024

Minor Hotels, a global leader in hospitality, has appointed Omar Romero as Chief Development and Luxury Officer, a newly established role aimed at advancing the company’s international growth. Based in Bangkok, Romero will report to CEO Dillip Rajakarier and work closely with the senior leadership team.

In his new position, Romero will guide the global development strategy, seek new business opportunities, oversee project planning and execution, and manage key partnerships. He will also be influential in shaping the company’s luxury brand portfolio to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Romero joins Minor Hotels with over 20 years of industry expertise. Before this, he served as Chief Development Officer at Six Senses, where he led the global development team and facilitated over 50 hotel management agreements and several branded residence projects. His experience and knowledge are expected to bolster Minor Hotels’ global presence and luxury offerings.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, commented, “At Minor Hotels, creating iconic destinations is at the heart of our success, especially for our experiential luxury brand, Anantara. Omar’s extensive experience in identifying exceptional locations and his dedication to building lasting partnerships make him the perfect leader to drive our global development ambitions. We are confident that with his expertise, Minor Hotels will continue expanding its footprint and creating inspiring, memorable experiences for our guests around the world.”

Romero expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I’m thrilled to be joining Minor Hotels, an organization that delivers exceptional value to owners, guests, investors, and our team. I’m particularly excited about the potential to grow our branded residential offerings alongside our hotel and resort portfolio. I look forward to working with the team to develop iconic destinations and build strong partnerships that will shape the future of our brands.”

The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Asia and the Middle East to balance its current portfolio, which includes brands like Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli.


Novotel New Delhi City Centre Appoints Vishal Sharma as Director of Finance

Novotel New Delhi City Centre Appoints Vishal Sharma as Director of Finance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 19, 2026

Novotel New Delhi City Centre has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new Director of Finance. With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality finance, Vishal brings strong expertise in financial strategy, business planning, performance management, budgeting, forecasting, compliance and cost optimisation.

Throughout his career, Vishal has worked across various financial and operational areas of hotel businesses, with a focus on improving efficiency, profitability and sustainable business performance.

Vishal has been associated with leading hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, Zuri Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Selina Hospitality. His professional journey includes multiple finance leadership roles, with his most recent position being Country Finance Director for Australia and Thailand at Selina Hospitality.

Recognised for his strategic thinking, commercial understanding and strong financial discipline, Vishal has played an important role in strengthening financial controls, improving cost management and enhancing operational efficiencies. His career achievements include supporting the successful conversion of Alila to Hyatt, helping implement the GST system across Hyatt India Hotels and delivering strong GOP flow-through against budget through effective cost management.

In his new role as Director of Finance at Novotel New Delhi City Centre, Vishal will use his extensive hospitality finance experience and performance-focused approach to strengthen financial processes and support the hotel’s continued growth. A strong believer in developing people along with processes, Vishal follows a leadership approach focused on accountability, teamwork and building high-performing finance teams.

Sharing his views on the appointment, Mr Saumitra Chaturvedi, General Manager, said, "Vishal brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to hospitality finance, with a clear understanding of both people and business. His balanced approach and clarity in decision-making will be a valuable addition to our leadership team, and I am confident he will make a meaningful contribution to the hotel."


Nikita Singh Paul Joins ONE Atmosphere Suites as Director of Sales in Gurugram

Nikita Singh Paul Joins ONE Atmosphere Suites as Director of Sales in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 19, 2026

ONE Atmosphere has announced the appointment of Nikita Singh Paul as Director of Sales at ONE Atmosphere Suites at Corner Walk, Gurugram. The appointment comes as the brand prepares for the launch of its first aparthotel and strengthens its commercial leadership team.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nikita brings expertise across global hotel brands, pre-opening projects, unit properties, domestic and outbound sales. She also has strong knowledge of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) and Travel Trade segments.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere and Atmosphere Living, said, “As we prepare to introduce ONE Atmosphere Suites to the Gurugram market, building a strong and experienced leadership team is central to our growth strategy. Nikita brings an impressive combination of market knowledge, commercial expertise, and relationship-driven leadership. Her understanding of the NCR hospitality landscape and proven ability to drive sustainable business growth will play an important role in establishing ONE Atmosphere Suites as a preferred premium aparthotel in the region.”

Commenting on Nikita joining the team, Vipul Kamboj, General Manager, ONE Atmosphere Suites at Corner Walk, Gurugram, said, "We are delighted to welcome Nikita to the leadership team at an important stage in the property’s journey. Her extensive experience in sales and business development, coupled with her strong understanding of corporate and long-stay demand in NCR, will be invaluable as we build our commercial strategy ahead of the launch. I look forward to working closely with her to create strong partnerships and position the property for long-term success.”

Known for her business understanding, knowledge of the NCR market and ability to create strong client relationships, Nikita has successfully delivered business growth through strategic partnerships, revenue-focused initiatives and building effective sales teams.

Speaking about her new role, Nikita Singh Paul, Director of Sales, ONE Atmosphere Suites at Corner Walk, Gurugram, said, “I am excited to join ONE Atmosphere at such a defining stage in the brand’s journey. The aparthotel segment presents a compelling opportunity in Gurugram, particularly as travellers increasingly seek flexible, premium accommodation that combines the comfort of a residence with the service standards of hospitality. I look forward to working with the team to build meaningful client partnerships, create a strong market presence, and contribute to the successful launch and sustained growth of ONE Atmosphere Suites.”

In her new role, Nikita will oversee the property’s sales strategy, business development activities, corporate partnerships, key account growth and revenue generation initiatives. She will also contribute to the pre-opening commercial plans while developing opportunities across corporate, extended-stay and other important business segments.

With Gurugram and the wider NCR region continuing to grow as a key business and travel destination, Nikita’s appointment adds further strength to ONE Atmosphere Suites’ leadership team. The move supports the brand’s vision of creating a premium aparthotel experience that combines residential comfort with hospitality services.


Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata Appoints Chef Ganesh Singh as Executive Chef

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata Appoints Chef Ganesh Singh as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on August 19, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre has appointed Chef Ganesh Singh as Executive Chef, bringing an experienced culinary leader with more than a decade of hospitality experience across India and Bhutan to the property.

Born in Uttarakhand and raised in Shillong, Chef Ganesh's early years at Assam Rifles Public School, a military boarding institution, shaped his approach to discipline, leadership and teamwork. These values have continued to influence his culinary career across leading hospitality brands in South Asia.

After completing his hospitality education in Kolkata, Chef Ganesh began his professional journey with Hyatt Pune, where he gained experience across diverse kitchen operations and developed his technical foundation.

He later joined the pre-opening team at Kochi Marriott Hotel in 2014, taking on increasing responsibilities as his culinary and leadership expertise developed. In 2019, he moved to JW Marriott Kolkata as Sous Chef and was subsequently promoted to Chef de Cuisine. His return to Kochi Marriott as Executive Sous Chef further strengthened his focus on team development, collaboration and operational excellence.

One of the defining chapters of his career came at Le Méridien Thimphu, Bhutan, where he led culinary operations in an international environment catering to distinguished guests, including heads of state, ambassadors, military leaders and government delegations. His experience included serving His Majesty the King of Bhutan on multiple occasions and hosting the Prime Minister of India along with senior government delegations.

Now returning to Kolkata, Chef Ganesh brings both professional experience and a personal connection to the city where he studied and developed his appreciation for India's diverse culinary traditions.

"Kolkata has always had a special place in my heart. It is where I studied, where I grew professionally, and where I learned to appreciate the diversity of Indian cuisine and hospitality," said Chef Ganesh Singh.

At Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, Chef Ganesh will focus on strengthening the property's overall culinary and hospitality proposition. His priorities include elevating Kava into a sought-after buffet destination in Kolkata, developing the culinary and experiential identity of Vertex, the hotel's rooftop bar, and further positioning Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre as a destination for social celebrations, corporate events and dining experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Somrup Chanda, General Manager – Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre, said Chef Ganesh's experience across diverse markets, international exposure and people-centric leadership approach would add significant value to the team.

He added that Kolkata's discerning food culture presents an opportunity for Chef Ganesh to bring a fresh perspective to the property's culinary offerings while strengthening Kava, Vertex and the wider food and beverage proposition.

With Chef Ganesh Singh taking charge of the culinary operations, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre aims to further develop its dining experiences while strengthening its position as a hospitality and events destination in the city.

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