Neha Chhabra to Lead Sofitel Mumbai BKC into Its Next Chapter of Luxury and Innovation

Neha Chhabra to Lead Sofitel Mumbai BKC into Its Next Chapter of Luxury and Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 5, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Neha Chhabra as its new General Manager. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury and business hospitality, Neha brings a deep understanding of operations, guest experience, and brand leadership, perfectly reflecting Sofitel’s signature blend of French zest and Indian warmth.

A seasoned hotelier and dynamic leader, Neha has led several prestigious properties under globally acclaimed hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as General Manager at JW Marriott Goa, where she positioned the property among North Goa’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Under her leadership, the hotel garnered over 27 industry accolades, including honours from Travel + Leisure India, Condé Nast Traveler, and the HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024.

Prior to this, Neha was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where her agile leadership through the pandemic drove both operational excellence and strong financial performance. Her earlier roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Trident Bandra Kurla, and The Oberoi New Delhi further enriched her expertise in delivering exceptional service and guest satisfaction across diverse luxury environments.

Renowned for her people-first approach and commitment to excellence, Neha has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

  • Goa’s Best General Manager 2024 (CMO Asia)

  • Leadership Excellence 2022 (APEC GM Awards)

  • Diamond General Manager of the Year 2021–22 (Global, Courtyard Brand)

She has also been honoured among the Most Fabulous Women Leaders in Hospitality and recognized as Hotel Manager of the Year 2019 by BW Hotelier and Stelliers South Asia.

Reflecting on her appointment, Neha Chhabra shared,

“Joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an exciting opportunity to build on the brand’s legacy of French sophistication and Indian hospitality. I look forward to leading the exceptional team here to further strengthen Sofitel’s position as Mumbai’s most distinguished luxury destination and to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests.”

In her new role, Neha will oversee the hotel’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among her teams.

With her vast experience and visionary leadership, Neha Chhabra’s appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, as the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of India’s financial capital.


Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

By Hariharan U

Published on January 5, 2026

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road have announced the appointment of Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations. A seasoned hospitality professional with close to two decades of experience, Dutta brings strong operational expertise, people-focused leadership, and a deep understanding of Accor’s brand culture.

In his new role, Dutta will oversee overall operations across both Novotel and ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. His responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest experience, strengthening financial performance, and building high levels of team engagement. His leadership is expected to further reinforce the hotels’ positioning as preferred destinations for both business and leisure travellers in Bengaluru.

Dutta has been associated with Accor India for over 15 years and has held several key leadership roles across the group’s portfolio. Most recently, he was part of Accor’s prestigious MEA–APAC Master’s Program, a fast-track General Manager development initiative, where he gained extensive cross-functional exposure at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.

Earlier in his career, he served as Director – Talent & Culture at leading Accor properties including Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre; Novotel & ibis Chennai OMR; Novotel & ibis Chennai SIPCOT; and Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, playing a key role in strengthening people practices and organisational culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Sandeep Johri, general manager, Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bhavani in his new role. His strong operational grounding, people-centric leadership style, and deep understanding of Accor’s culture make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident he will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and elevating guest experiences across both hotels.”


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Sushil Kumar as its new director of engineering. In his role, Kumar will be responsible for overall property maintenance, ensuring that the hotel’s infrastructure, utilities, and critical systems operate smoothly and efficiently at all times.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kumar brings strong technical knowledge, project management expertise, and a hands-on approach to operational excellence. He will lead the engineering team with a focus on strengthening preventive maintenance, improving safety standards, and supporting the hotel’s sustainability goals through better energy management and efficient use of resources.

His responsibilities will also include coordinating renovation and upgrade projects, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining a safe and well-functioning environment that enhances overall guest experience.

Kumar has previously held key engineering roles with leading hospitality brands, including Hilton and IHCL (Taj Hotels). During his career, he has successfully managed large-scale renovation programmes, major utility upgrades, and sustainability initiatives, while building expertise across HVAC and electrical systems, fire and life safety, CAPEX planning, energy management, and complex project execution.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar said, “I am excited to join Novotel Hyderabad Airport and contribute to a property that is known for its high operational standards and commitment to guest experience. My focus will be on strengthening engineering systems, driving safety and sustainability, and supporting the hotel’s growth through efficient and future-forward infrastructure management.”

Welcoming him to the team, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, stated, “We are pleased to have Sushil join the NHA family. He brings a depth of experience that will significantly bolster our engineering function. His proven ability to manage complex projects and build high-performing teams will be a strong asset as we continue to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and overall operational capabilities.”


Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West has announced the appointment of Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as its Engineering Manager. In his new role, Yadav will lead the hotel’s engineering, facilities and sustainability operations, ensuring that all technical systems function seamlessly to support guest comfort and smooth hotel operations.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yadav brings strong expertise in engineering leadership and infrastructure management. He has previously worked with reputed hotel brands including Fairmont Udaipur Palace, The Westin Goa and Della Adventure & Resorts Pvt Ltd. His professional journey reflects a solid understanding of hotel engineering systems, preventive maintenance practices and energy-efficient operations.

At Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, Yadav will be responsible for overseeing advanced energy management, preventive maintenance programmes and the adoption of next-generation building technologies. His appointment comes at a time when reliable, intelligent and sustainable infrastructure plays a critical role in delivering consistent guest experiences and long-term operational resilience.

Commenting on the appointment, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, highlighted the importance of strong engineering leadership in hospitality operations. “Great engineering is often invisible, until it isn’t. With Abhimanyu leading our team, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring our guests' comfort, safety, and seamless experience is never compromised. His focus on proactive care and sustainable innovation reflects our commitment to both our guests and our community,” he said.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West continues to strengthen its leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and guest-centric hospitality.

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