Novotel Promotes Next-Generation Marketing Leaders Across Andhra Pradesh Properties

Novotel Promotes Next-Generation Marketing Leaders Across Andhra Pradesh Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on June 5, 2026

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor have announced the promotions of two emerging marketing professionals, reinforcing the group's commitment to nurturing talent from within and building the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Chandan Sharma has been promoted to Marketing and Communication Manager, while Abhiram Sridhar has been elevated to the position of Cluster Assistant Marketing Manager – Digital. The appointments reflect the properties' focus on recognising performance, creating career growth opportunities, and strengthening leadership across key business functions.

In their expanded roles, both professionals will play an important part in shaping the marketing and brand strategies of the three properties, with responsibilities spanning digital marketing, brand campaigns, guest engagement initiatives, revenue-driven programmes, and market visibility efforts.

Commenting on the promotions, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, we take pride in nurturing talent and giving our people opportunities to grow within the organisation. Chandan and Abhiram have both contributed meaningfully to our brand journey, and these promotions recognise not only their performance, but also the promise they bring to the future. We are pleased to see them take on larger roles and are confident they will continue to strengthen our market presence in the years ahead.”

As Marketing and Communication Manager, Chandan Sharma will oversee the overall marketing function for the properties, leading digital, traditional, and public relations initiatives aimed at strengthening brand positioning and market visibility.

Over the past year, Sharma has played a significant role in enhancing direct revenue performance by increasing web-direct contributions through targeted performance marketing and direct booking initiatives. He has successfully conceptualised and executed multiple campaigns across social media, search, and display platforms while developing seasonal promotions, destination-focused experiences, and food and beverage campaigns.

Working closely with the sales teams, Sharma has contributed to sharpening brand presence across multiple channels. Under his marketing leadership and strategic brand-building efforts, the properties collectively secured 16 industry awards over the past year across hotel, restaurant, and individual achievement categories, further strengthening their standing in the hospitality sector.

In his new role as Cluster Assistant Marketing Manager – Digital, Abhiram Sridhar will lead digital marketing initiatives across all three properties. His responsibilities will include driving social media strategy, paid marketing campaigns, website performance, audience engagement, and digital partnerships aligned with the hotels' commercial objectives.

Recognised for his combination of creative thinking and data-driven decision-making, Sridhar has played a key role in driving audience growth and engagement through impactful digital storytelling and integrated campaigns. His performance-led marketing initiatives have contributed to stronger website traffic, increased lead generation, and improved conversion outcomes for the properties.

The promotions highlight the strength of the organisation's internal talent pipeline and reflect a broader commitment to innovation-led marketing, strategic brand development, and delivering meaningful guest experiences across every touchpoint.

As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, investing in young leadership and digital expertise remains a critical focus for hotel brands seeking stronger customer engagement and sustained business growth. Through these appointments, the Novotel and Accor-managed properties continue to demonstrate their commitment to fostering talent while building future-ready marketing capabilities


Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a series of strategic leadership changes within its Sales & Marketing function, reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing customer experiences through real-time data, artificial intelligence, and integrated retail finance solutions. The organizational changes will come into effect from September 1, 2026.

As part of the new appointments, Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager – Digital Customer Unit, has been appointed Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid. Amrit Baid will take over as General Manager – Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars, while Jamsheed Bhadha, currently General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning, will transition to a new role within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. Sanjay Kochar, presently General Manager – TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Bhadha as General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning.

Commenting on the organizational changes, Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's customer centricity and sustained success. These organizational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering broader cross-functional exposure to our talents."

Nandita Godbole has held several leadership positions across Marketing, Retail Sales, and the Digital Customer Unit at Mercedes-Benz India. In her new role, she will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to create more personalized and seamless customer experiences across every stage of the ownership journey.

Amrit Baid, who has successfully led Marketing and Customer Experience initiatives, including campaigns such as Dreams Day, Wish Box, and G-Tribe, will now lead the Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars business. Mercedes-Benz India said the appointment aligns with its strategy of integrating retail finance more closely into the customer journey. The company's retail finance portfolio has grown to over ₹15,000 crore and currently supports more than 50 percent of the vehicles retailed through financing programmes such as Star Agility.

The leadership changes reflect Mercedes-Benz India's continued emphasis on nurturing internal talent, strengthening cross-functional leadership, and accelerating innovation-led growth while delivering a more connected and customer-centric luxury automotive experience


DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments

DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad has announced two strategic leadership appointments with Chef Ashwani Nigam joining as Executive Chef and Bipin Prajapati taking on the role of Assistant Financial Controller. The appointments reinforce the hotel's commitment to strengthening operational excellence and delivering elevated guest experiences.

Chef Ashwani Nigam brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality and culinary leadership. As Executive Chef, he will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, menu innovation, food quality, and kitchen management while driving distinctive dining experiences across the property's restaurants and banqueting operations.

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Joining the finance leadership team, Bipin Prajapati has been appointed Assistant Financial Controller. With significant expertise in hotel finance, compliance, budgeting, and financial operations, he will be responsible for supporting the hotel's financial planning, reporting, and operational efficiency while ensuring strong financial governance.

The appointments reflect DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad's continued focus on building a high-performing leadership team across key operational functions as the hotel continues to strengthen its position in the city's hospitality landscape.

The management expressed confidence that the combined expertise of Chef Ashwani Nigam and Bipin Prajapati will contribute significantly to enhancing guest satisfaction, operational performance, and the hotel's long-term growth


Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 15, 2026

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh has announced the appointment of Ajit Singh Gandhi as its General Manager, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy, colleague culture, and guest experience while driving its continued growth as a leading lifestyle destination in Chandigarh.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ajit brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, commercial leadership, and talent development. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions with prominent hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, Marriott, and The Lalit, gaining experience across luxury, leisure, corporate, and MICE segments.

Before joining Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit served as General Manager at Hyatt Centric Dehradun, where he led the hotel with a strong focus on operational excellence, colleague engagement, and guest satisfaction. His contributions have been recognised with the Iconic General Manager of the Year 2025 award by Times Hospitality Icons, along with the Top 20 General Managers – People's Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

At Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit will focus on enhancing the hotel's lifestyle positioning by delivering elevated guest experiences, introducing innovative food and beverage offerings, and strengthening the property's connection with Chandigarh's culture and social scene. He will also oversee the continued growth of the hotel's dining and nightlife venues, including KOYO KOYO, the contemporary Asian restaurant, and PVT LTD, the hotel's intimate speakeasy known for its innovative cocktails and immersive experiences.

Commenting on his appointment, Ajit Singh Gandhi said, "I am delighted to join Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, a hotel that reflects the energy, creativity and character of the city itself. I look forward to working alongside an incredibly passionate team to build on the hotel's strong foundation, create memorable experiences for our guests, and further strengthen its position as a destination of choice for both travelers and local patrons."

Ajit's appointment marks an important step in the hotel's continued evolution as it expands its lifestyle offerings for both travellers and residents of Chandigarh. Backed by his people-first leadership approach and operational expertise, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh aims to continue delivering fresh, memorable, and locally inspired experiences.

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