Novotel Pune Appoints Anant Leekha as General Manager

Novotel Pune Appoints Anant Leekha as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 9, 2024

Novotel Pune has appointed Anant Leekha as the new General Manager. Leekha, who brings over 20 years of industry experience, will oversee the overall operations and management of Novotel Pune Nagar Road, focusing on enhancing guest engagement and profitability while further establishing the hotel's reputation.

Anant Leekha's appointment marks his return to Pune, where he first served as General Manager in 2016. His extensive experience in sales and operations, combined with his natural ability to motivate and develop dynamic teams, will contribute significantly to the hotel’s growth and success. Leekha is dedicated to delivering the Heartist experience to guests and team members alike.

Prior to his new role at Novotel Pune, Leekha had a distinguished 16-year tenure with Accor, during which he gained deep insights into the company's goals, service standards, and brand identity. Most recently, he served as Cluster General Manager for ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, ibis Navi Mumbai, and ibis Thane, overseeing a total of 631 rooms and achieving consistent excellence in performance metrics.

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Leekha holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. In his new role, he will lead initiatives to drive business growth and enhance guest experiences through strategic and technological advancements.

About Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts:

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers destination hotels designed to be comforting and energizing places where guests can 'press pause' and savor the moments that truly matter. With over 530 locations in more than 60 countries, Novotel provides a wide array of services for business and leisure guests, including spacious, modular rooms with natural and intuitive design; 24/7 catering with nutritious options; dedicated meeting spaces; attentive and proactive staff; family zones for younger guests; multi-purpose lobbies; and accessible fitness centers.

Novotel is part of Accor, a leading global hospitality group with more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues across 110 countries.

For more information, visit: Accor Hotels


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Promotes Aashish Sharma to Director of Sales

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Promotes Aashish Sharma to Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a strategic leadership move, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has elevated Aashish Sharma to the role of Director of Sales, marking a significant step in strengthening its commercial leadership team.

A seasoned hospitality professional, Aashish brings over two decades of experience across leading global hotel brands. He began his journey with the Taj Group, building a strong foundation in service excellence and guest engagement before moving into key sales roles with reputed hospitality brands including Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, JW Marriott Chandigarh, Marriott’s National Sales Office, and DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad.

His association with Hyatt Hotels Corporation has been marked by consistent growth and impact. Joining Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad as Senior Sales Manager, Aashish played a crucial role in strengthening core business segments and driving the hotel’s commercial performance. His contributions led to his promotion as Associate Director of Sales, where he took on broader strategic responsibilities and helped the hotel navigate evolving market dynamics.

In his new role, Aashish will lead the hotel’s overall sales strategy, focusing on revenue growth, market expansion, and building strong, long-term client relationships. He will also oversee the sales team, working closely with leadership to further enhance the hotel’s positioning in Ahmedabad’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, located along the Sabarmati Riverfront, continues to position itself as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers. With this leadership elevation, the hotel aims to further strengthen its commercial performance while delivering consistent guest experiences aligned with the brand’s global standards.

The appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and building strong leadership pipelines that drive long-term growth and operational excellence across its properties.


Chef Bobby Sajwan Wins ‘Most Innovative Chef of the Year’

Chef Bobby Sajwan Wins ‘Most Innovative Chef of the Year’

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

Chef Bobby Sajwan has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Most Innovative Chef of the Year’ award at the Asia Business Leadership Awards 2026, recognising his significant contribution to culinary innovation and excellence across the region.

The award highlights Chef Sajwan’s distinctive approach to modern cuisine, where he seamlessly blends traditional culinary heritage with contemporary techniques. Known for his creative vision and attention to detail, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of gastronomy, delivering dining experiences that resonate with both critics and guests.

Over the years, Chef Sajwan has built a strong reputation for reimagining classic dishes while preserving their authentic essence. His work extends beyond the plate, influencing menu design, ingredient sourcing, and the overall storytelling behind each dining experience. This holistic approach has not only elevated the guest experience but has also inspired a new generation of chefs to experiment and innovate.

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Speaking on the occasion, Chef Sajwan said, “Receiving this award is a true honour. Innovation is not just about creating something new; it is about respecting tradition while evolving with time. I share this achievement with my entire team, whose dedication and creativity make everything possible.”

The Asia Business Leadership Awards recognise leaders and changemakers across industries who demonstrate excellence, vision, and impact. Chef Sajwan’s recognition reflects the growing influence of culinary arts in shaping both cultural narratives and business landscapes across Asia.

With this achievement, Chef Bobby Sajwan continues to strengthen his position as a leading voice in modern gastronomy, setting new benchmarks and inspiring innovation within the global culinary community.


Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Nisha Sharma as EAM at Rosetta Sakleshpur

Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Nisha Sharma as EAM at Rosetta Sakleshpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Rosetta Hospitality has announced the appointment of Ms. Nisha Sharma as Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms and Guest Experience at Rosetta Sakleshpur. The move adds further strength to the property’s leadership team and reflects the brand’s continued focus on delivering thoughtful and guest-centric hospitality.

Ms. Sharma brings with her over 17 years of experience across rooms division operations, front office management, and guest-facing roles in both domestic and international hospitality spaces. Her career includes associations with well-known organisations such as Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Extended Stay America, and Aloft Abu Dhabi, where she developed a strong understanding of operations, systems, and guest engagement.

During her time with Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, she took on multiple leadership roles with growing responsibilities. Most recently, she served as Vice President – Operations, Business Development and Acquisitions, where she played a key role in driving growth strategies and overseeing operations across the group’s portfolio. Prior to this, she was Director of Operations for India, Maldives and Africa, managing service standards, operational performance, and collaboration across regions. She also contributed to rooms division management and learning and development functions earlier in her tenure, including her role as Corporate Rooms Division Learning and Development Manager, where she worked closely with teams to enhance training and operational processes.

Her professional journey also includes experience with Marriott International, W Maldives and Aloft Abu Dhabi, where she gained hands-on exposure to front office operations and guest relations in global hospitality environments.

Known for her ability to build strong teams and improve operational systems, Ms. Sharma brings a balanced approach that combines structured processes with a clear understanding of guest expectations.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Rosetta Hospitality, said:

"We are pleased to welcome Nisha Sharma to Rosetta Sakleshpur. The rooms division plays a defining role in shaping the overall guest journey, and Nisha brings a strong grounding in operational discipline and service culture. Her experience across diverse hospitality environments, along with her focus on team development, will be valuable as we continue to strengthen our offering."

Sharing her thoughts, Ms. Nisha Sharma said:

"Rosetta Sakleshpur represents a distinctive hospitality experience where nature, thoughtful design, and warm service come together in a meaningful way. I am delighted to join Rosetta Hospitality and look forward to working with the team to further refine operational processes and enhance the overall guest journey."

In her new role, Ms. Sharma will lead rooms division operations and oversee guest-facing functions at Rosetta Sakleshpur. Her focus will be on strengthening processes, improving guest engagement, and ensuring a smooth and consistent experience across all touchpoints.

This appointment highlights Rosetta Hospitality’s continued effort to build strong leadership across its properties. With Ms. Sharma joining the team, Rosetta Sakleshpur continues to grow as a refined destination where nature, comfort, and authentic hospitality come together to create memorable stays.

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