Grand Mercure Bangalore has appointed Nilesh Kumar as its new food & beverage manager, further strengthening its leadership team with his extensive expertise in luxury hospitality and guest experience management. With over a decade of experience across India’s finest hotels, Kumar brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and leading high-performing teams.

He joins Grand Mercure Bangalore from Renaissance Bengaluru Racecourse Hotel, where he served as assistant food & beverage manager, spearheading daily operations across multiple outlets, optimising profitability, and elevating service standards. His career journey also includes impactful tenures at Taj West End, Sheraton Grand Whitefield, and The Oberoi, Bengaluru, where he successfully delivered exceptional guest experiences, implemented innovative service enhancements, and managed pre-openings.

Commenting on the appointment, Parag Shah, general manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nilesh to the Grand Mercure Bangalore family. His wealth of experience across iconic hospitality brands, coupled with his commitment to service excellence, will further enrich our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and passion will bring fresh perspectives and set new benchmarks in creating exceptional experiences for our guests”.

Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Punjab Technical University and is recognised for his ability to reimagine F&B operations while maintaining a strong focus on staff training, guest engagement, and profitability. With his appointment, Grand Mercure Bangalore reaffirms its commitment to curating exceptional dining experiences that blend tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality.

Fairmont Udaipur Palace has appointed Harsh Champawat as hotel manager, adding a seasoned leader to its pre-opening team. With more than a decade of experience across India and international markets, Champawat combines operational expertise, strategic foresight, and a passion for delivering elevated luxury hospitality.

 He has been instrumental in shaping the resort’s service ethos, driving operational performance, and curating guest experiences that blend grandeur with warmth. Before joining Fairmont Udaipur, Champawat served as hotel manager at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, where he led operations while maintaining the property’s storied reputation and delivering Taj’s signature hospitality on a global stage.

His career began with Taj Hotels as a management trainee, progressing through iconic properties including Umaid Bhawan Palace, Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, and Taj Palace New Delhi, where he advanced to director of operations. International stints at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James’ Court, London, enriched his understanding of luxury clientele and global market dynamics. Champawat’s leadership is rooted in empowerment, precision, and purpose, setting the tone for a guest journey that is both refined and memorable at Fairmont Udaipur Palace.

Marriott International has appointed Kiran Andicot as senior vice president to lead its South Asia portfolio, overseeing operations, development, and strategic growth across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

In this expanded role, Andicot will align growth with operating performance, strengthen owner partnerships, accelerate hotel conversions and openings, and reinforce regional leadership. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning hotel operations, consultancy, planning, feasibility studies, and development, Andicot joined Marriott’s development and feasibility team in 2006 and has risen steadily over a 19-year tenure.

He has been instrumental in driving growth momentum, signing over 220 hotels in South Asia, including a record 42 hotels and 7,000 rooms in India in 2024, and recently securing a landmark deal with Concept Hospitality to affiliate The Fern portfolio of 115 properties with Series by Marriott. These initiatives extend Marriott’s reach beyond gateway cities into Tier 2 and 3 locations such as Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg, while also diversifying the portfolio into the residences segment. Andicot’s vast expertise and deep market knowledge continue to strengthen Marriott’s position as the largest hospitality chain in India, reinforcing its trajectory of sustained growth in the region.