Minor Hotels Appoints Rohit Chopra as Area Commercial Director for India

Minor Hotels Appoints Rohit Chopra as Area Commercial Director for India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 19, 2024

Minor Hotels has appointed Rohit Chopra as the new Area Commercial Director for India. In this role, Chopra will lead the group’s commercial strategies, focusing on driving revenue growth, building strong client relationships, and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty across India. Reporting to Vijay Krishnan, Vice President of Operations for India, and Richard Beh, Vice President of Commercial for Asia, Chopra will be instrumental in expanding Minor Hotels’ presence in the country.

Chopra brings over 26 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having held leadership positions at globally renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, and Accor. His career began in 1998 as a sales executive, eventually progressing to Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt in 2004. In 2013, he joined Accor, where he played a significant role in leading strategic sales and distribution initiatives across India and South Asia. His most recent role was as Director of National Sales at Accor, where he contributed to the brand's outstanding performance in India and beyond.

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Expressing his excitement about the new role, Chopra said, "I am thrilled to join Minor Hotels at such an important juncture in its growth. I look forward to using my experience to drive commercial success and strengthen our client relationships. Minor Hotels is known for its exceptional service, and I’m eager to continue our success in India’s dynamic hospitality market."

Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia at Minor Hotels, shared his enthusiasm for Chopra’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rohit to the team. His deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategy, along with his vast knowledge of the Indian hospitality landscape, makes him the ideal choice to lead our commercial operations in India. His commitment to building strong client relationships and driving growth aligns perfectly with our vision for expanding Minor Hotels’ footprint in the country.”

With Minor Hotels keen on strengthening its position in India, Chopra’s leadership is expected to significantly enhance the group's commercial activities and long-term growth in this key market.


Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Saurabh Arya has been appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and events industry, Saurabh brings a strong background in contracting, vendor management, liaising, and project execution. He began his career with MakeMyTrip and most recently served as Senior General Manager – Procurement and Execution at Thomas Cook India Ltd.

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At FCM Meetings & Events, Saurabh will lead the domestic MICE segment, focusing on elevating event experiences and driving strategic growth across the Indian market. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening FCM’s position in the MICE domain, combining operational excellence with innovative event delivery.

With his deep industry knowledge and leadership, FCM is set to achieve new milestones in the domestic events landscape.


India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, India witnessed a rare alignment of strategic action and civil preparedness. As part of a national push to enhance wartime readiness, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed 244 districts to conduct a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill, simulating real-time emergency scenarios like air raids, blackouts, evacuations, and first-aid training. This exercise marked the first such nationwide drill since the 1971 war.

Coinciding with this drill was a decisive military action—Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in direct response to the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives.

The operation’s name, Sindoor, carried deep cultural significance. Named after the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, it was a tribute to the widows and families of those who perished in the Pahalgam attack. The symbolism wasn't just in the name—it extended to the leadership behind its announcement.

For the first time, two decorated women officers—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army—led the press briefing from the National Media Centre, New Delhi. Their poised presence on national television not only conveyed India's military intent but also marked a historic shift in the representation of women in defence communication.

Meanwhile, the mock drill exercises included city-wide blackouts, activation of air raid sirens, school evacuations, public training at community centers, and protection simulations of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and power stations. Volunteers, students, health workers, police, and district officials coordinated the drill to identify gaps and improve emergency response mechanisms.

Government officials emphasized that the timing of the drill and the military strike was no coincidence. It was a dual-layered show of strength—one on the battlefield, the other in civil society. Together, they reflected India’s evolving national defence doctrine that blends military precision, civilian readiness, and symbolic unity.

With Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi leading from the front, India sent a powerful message—not only about its strategic capabilities, but also about the inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking spirit of the nation.

List of All 244 Locations for the Mock Drill

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Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

Spectrum@Metro Mall, in a spirited collaboration with Fever FM, turned up the excitement with a two-day cricket extravaganza — Ball Kids — celebrating the boundless energy and cricket dreams of young fans.

Hosted by popular RJs Rahul Makin and Ilahi, the event featured engaging commentary, lively interactions, and nonstop fun. The box cricket format brought kids together for friendly matches filled with enthusiasm, team spirit, and plenty of memorable moments.

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Participants vied for exciting rewards including signed bats, jerseys, and exclusive merchandise, while the mall buzzed with cheer and cricket-themed excitement.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, shared,

“We were thrilled to see the incredible talent and enthusiasm of these young cricket fans. At Spectrum@Metro, we are committed to creating engaging experiences that bring families and communities together, and this event was a perfect example of that spirit.”

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With community-focused initiatives like these, Spectrum@Metro continues to reinforce its role as not just a retail hub, but a vibrant destination for connection, celebration, and shared joy.

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