Hyatt Regency Pune has announced the promotion of Rajeev Rawat to the position of Director of Operations. Rawat, who joined the hotel in February 2024 as Director of Rooms, brings with him over a decade of rich experience in luxury hospitality.

Since coming onboard, Rawat has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, driving revenue growth, and elevating guest satisfaction. Under his leadership, the Rooms Division saw remarkable improvements in profitability, sustainability, and overall guest experience.

In his new role, Rajeev Rawat will oversee the daily functioning of all key departments while continuing to lead service innovation across touchpoints. His focus will also remain on aligning operations with the strategic goals of the hotel, aimed at delivering world-class guest experiences.

With a background that includes leading brands like JW Marriott, Rawat is known for his strong leadership and deep understanding of hotel operations.

“We are excited to see Rajeev take on this expanded leadership role. His passion for hospitality, team leadership, and operational acumen will continue to strengthen our hotel’s commitment to excellence,” said Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences.

William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has announced the appointment of Kartik Mohindra as Managing Director for its India operations, marking a strategic move in strengthening the brand’s leadership in one of its key global markets.

Mohindra brings with him over 26 years of rich experience in marketing and sales, having worked extensively in the alcohol, beverage, and FMCG sectors. Prior to joining WG&S, he held the role of Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping business performance and driving international brand expansion.

During his tenure at Pernod Ricard, Mohindra led successful brand strategies that elevated the market presence of iconic labels such as Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Absolut, Blenders Pride, Royal Stag, Imperial Blue, Jameson, Jacob’s Creek Wines, and 100 Pipers. He also spearheaded brand-led innovation across multiple categories, from whiskies to wines and beyond.

This leadership transition follows Sachin Mehta’s move to an international role within WG&S as Managing Director, Canada. Over the past nine years, Mehta has played a significant role in strengthening WG&S’s position in India, contributing to robust business growth and establishing leadership for the brand’s premium spirits portfolio.

Commenting on the development, Doug Bagley, Chief Commercial Officer at WG&S, said,

“These appointments reflect WG&S’ continued investment in key growth markets and a commitment to strengthening our global leadership team. We are excited to welcome Kartik to our team in India – a strategically important market for us. Driven by his expertise, we’re confident that we will further build on the great progress Sachin and the team have made in India in recent years.”

As the company deepens its focus on India’s evolving premium spirits landscape, Mohindra’s appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of innovation and market expansion for William Grant & Sons.

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar has welcomed Mohammad Muneer as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. Alongside leading the commercial strategy for the property, Muneer has also taken on a regional responsibility as Area Champion – Sales and Marketing, Southwest Asia for IHG Hotels & Resorts. In this dual role, he will spearhead collaboration and drive performance across multiple hotels in one of IHG’s key growth zones.

With over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Muneer brings an extensive portfolio of leadership experiences. He has worked with some of the most reputed hotel brands including Shangri-La, Taj, The Westin, Le Méridien, and Sheraton. His most recent stint at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, also under the IHG umbrella, saw significant commercial progress under his guidance — highlighting his skill in strategic repositioning and agile operations.

Sharing his thoughts on this new chapter, Muneer said,
“IHG’s ‘Room to Grow’ philosophy has given me the space to evolve into a multidimensional leader. I am excited to take on this dual role at a time when Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar — already well-positioned in the Delhi NCR market — is enhancing its facilities, reimagining guest experiences, and strengthening its appeal as a preferred address for the modern blended traveller. Our strategic priorities will be focused on driving commercial excellence, unlocking new market segments, and scaling both performance and purpose.”

Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager – IHG Southwest Asia, praised the move, stating:
“Muneer’s appointment reflects our strong internal talent pipeline and our vision for future-ready commercial leadership. His structured approach, deep market knowledge, and ability to lead across diverse formats make him uniquely positioned to accelerate outcomes — both at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar and across the Southwest Asia portfolio.”

An alumnus of Vinayaka Missions University, Muneer holds a master’s degree and is known for his passion for reading — a habit that enriches his thoughtful, well-rounded leadership style.

With Muneer at the helm, the Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar and IHG’s Southwest Asia region look forward to an era of renewed growth, market expansion, and customer-centric innovation.