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


Trehan Iris Appoints Milind Soman as Wellness Advisor to Champion Holistic, Nature-Led Living

Trehan Iris Appoints Milind Soman as Wellness Advisor to Champion Holistic, Nature-Led Living

By Hariharan U

Published on December 13, 2025

Trehan Iris, a leading name in Indian real estate for over seven decades, has announced a strategic initiative to embed holistic wellness at the heart of all upcoming developments. Following its guiding philosophy, “Nourish Your Being”, the company is incorporating biophilic design, nature-led environments, and mindful community amenities to create living and working spaces that elevate everyday well-being.

In line with this vision, Trehan Iris has appointed actor, model, fitness and wellness icon Milind Soman as its Wellness Advisor. Known for promoting holistic health, endurance, and sustainable lifestyles, Milind will guide the wellness framework for upcoming projects in Gurugram and Noida, helping shape spaces that encourage residents and professionals to adopt healthier, more mindful habits.

Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said, "Wellness is the ultimate luxury. Our collaboration with Milind Soman brings this philosophy to life in our developments, ensuring that every design element, amenity, and experience supports holistic well-being."

Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, added, "Real estate must evolve with people’s changing needs, and wellness is central to that evolution. With Milind’s guidance, we’re designing spaces that naturally promote healthier lifestyles."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Milind Soman commented, "Wellness is not about doing something extra, it's about integrating healthy habits and mindful choices into everyday life. I’m delighted to partner with Trehan Iris to shape communities where well-being becomes intrinsic to how people live, move, and connect."

Trehan Iris continues to redefine luxury real estate, ensuring that holistic wellness, nature, and balance remain integral to all future developments, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across Gurgaon, Noida, and Bangalore.

Media Contact:
Ayushi Srivastava
Associate Account Manager | PR Professionals

About Trehan Iris:
With over seven decades of expertise, Trehan Iris has delivered more than 15 million sq. ft. across 100+ landmark projects, including IRIS Broadway Gurgaon, IRIS Tech Park, and IRIS Cyber Tower. The company is expanding into wellness-led residential, commercial, and hospitality developments, crafting future-ready communities that integrate nature, vitality, and lifestyle innovation.


voco Amritsar Appoints Ahmed Faisal as Associate Director of Food & Beverage

voco Amritsar Appoints Ahmed Faisal as Associate Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

voco Amritsar by IHG has announced the appointment of Ahmed Faisal as the Associate Director of Food & Beverage, strengthening the leadership team ahead of the hotel’s upcoming opening.

Ahmed brings strong pre-opening experience and a solid foundation in IHG’s service culture, known for shaping distinctive food and beverage concepts that enhance guest satisfaction and operational standards.

He previously served at voco Jim Corbett by IHG as a core part of the pre-opening team. During his tenure, he played a key role in building the hotel’s F&B identity, from menu and concept development to service refinement and guest engagement.

Continuing his growth within the IHG family, Ahmed now moves to voco Amritsar where he will lead menu planning, restaurant operations, team development and overall F&B strategy for the city’s newest upscale hotel.

His experience, creativity and focus on guest-centric dining are expected to contribute meaningfully to the hotel’s culinary positioning as it prepares to welcome travellers and locals alike.


Espire Hospitality appoints Sandeep Kumar Rajput as Commercial Director

Espire Hospitality appoints Sandeep Kumar Rajput as Commercial Director

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

Espire Hospitality Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Sandeep Kumar Rajput as its new Commercial Director. He will lead the commercial strategy for the company’s two key brands, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts. The appointment comes as Espire continues to expand its presence and strengthen its revenue framework across India.

With more than 22 years of experience in Sales and Marketing, Sandeep has built a strong reputation for delivering growth across multiple hospitality brands. His career includes leadership roles at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, Pride Group of Hotels, HHI Group, St Laurn Hotels, and Infinity Resort, where he contributed to building high-performing teams and driving market development.

In his previous role as Vice President – Sales at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, he handled the P&L and commercial direction for over 55 hotels across North and East India and Nepal, while also supporting revenue for a larger portfolio of more than 110 hotels across the country. His strengths include corporate partnerships, key account management, and building scalable sales structures.

At Espire Hospitality Limited, Sandeep will focus on enhancing the commercial ecosystem, strengthening brand visibility, and supporting the group’s expansion plans. His role will also involve deepening stakeholder relationships and building a results-driven culture across teams.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “We are excited to have Sandeep join Espire Hospitality Limited during this defining chapter of our expansion. Sandeep brings with him a wealth of industry experience and has successfully led several high-impact strategic initiatives across the region. We are confident that his impressive track record, proven leadership and broad expertise will play a key role in our journey to scale new heights.”

Sandeep’s industry knowledge and leadership style are expected to contribute significantly to Espire Hospitality’s growth vision and new development pipeline.

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