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.

image

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


Romeo Lane Dubai Appoints Chef Aakash Tyagi as Executive Chef

Romeo Lane Dubai Appoints Chef Aakash Tyagi as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

Romeo Lane Dubai has announced the appointment of Chef Aakash Tyagi as its new Executive Chef, reinforcing the restaurant's vision of delivering innovative contemporary dining experiences through creative culinary craftsmanship.

Chef Aakash brings more than 10 years of experience in Modern Indian cuisine, with expertise in menu development, restaurant pre-openings, concept creation, operational leadership and culinary innovation. Over the years, he has established a reputation for developing distinctive dining concepts that blend traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques.

Before joining Romeo Lane Dubai, Chef Aakash served as Executive Chef at Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapur across India and the UAE. During his tenure, he played a key role in launching the brand's outlets and managing culinary operations across five locations. He also developed the restaurant's signature menu, presenting regional Indian cuisine through a modern perspective while preserving its authenticity. Under his leadership, the restaurant received international recognition, including acknowledgment in the Michelin Guide 2025.

Earlier in his career, Chef Aakash led the pre-opening of Suzy Q in Bengaluru, where he curated a menu inspired by Karnataka's coastal cuisine and seasonal produce. His collaboration with seafood suppliers from Mangalore and emphasis on regional ingredients helped position the restaurant among the city's popular dining destinations.

He also served as Sous Chef at Raahi, Bengaluru, where he contributed to creating one of the city's pioneering restaurants dedicated to modern interpretations of regional Indian cuisine. His work incorporated techniques such as fermentation and kombucha while celebrating indigenous culinary traditions.

Chef Aakash has also worked with leading hospitality brands including Namak at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, and Taj Lands End, Mumbai, experiences that shaped his contemporary cooking style rooted in classical culinary techniques.

In his new role, Chef Aakash will oversee all culinary operations at Romeo Lane Dubai, including kitchen management, menu innovation, quality assurance, food costing, vendor partnerships and team development. He has also conceptualised a new Modern Indian and Japanese menu, featuring a unique fusion of Robata grilling and traditional Tandoor cooking techniques, complemented by seasonal ingredients and progressive presentation.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Aakash Tyagi said he is excited to join Romeo Lane Dubai during an important phase of its growth and aims to create a dining experience that celebrates India's culinary heritage while embracing global techniques, innovation and bold flavours.

The appointment reflects Romeo Lane Dubai's continued focus on strengthening its culinary leadership as it seeks to establish itself as one of Dubai's leading destinations for contemporary dining


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Vikas Sharma as Security Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Vikas Sharma as Security Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Vikas Sharma as its new Security Manager, further strengthening the hotel's leadership team in safety, security and risk management.

Vikas brings more than 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise spanning hotel security operations, fire and life safety management, crisis response planning, CCTV surveillance, VIP movement management, risk assessment, incident investigation and team development.

Before joining Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, Vikas served as the Pre-Opening Security Manager at India's first voco by IHG in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. In this role, he successfully implemented safety, security and compliance systems aligned with international hospitality standards during the hotel's pre-opening phase.

His career also includes associations with leading hospitality brands such as Cabbana Resort & Spa, Phagwara, and Galaxy Hotel Shopping & Spa, Gurugram, where he gained extensive operational experience in hotel security and guest safety.

At Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, Vikas will oversee all aspects of hotel safety, security operations, compliance and risk management. His responsibilities will include ensuring a secure environment for guests, employees and other stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.

Commenting on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager, Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said that Vikas' strong operational expertise, proactive approach to safety and extensive hospitality experience make him a valuable addition to the leadership team. He added that the hotel is confident his leadership will further strengthen its commitment to guest and employee safety.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the hotel, Vikas Sharma said he is honoured to become part of the Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 team and looks forward to contributing towards enhancing safety standards, strengthening operational security and creating a secure environment for both guests and colleagues.

Outside work, Vikas enjoys playing and watching cricket, maintaining fitness through gym workouts and pursuing his passion for cooking.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Appoints Rohin Thankappan as Executive Chef

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Appoints Rohin Thankappan as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has announced the appointment of Rohin Thankappan as its new Executive Chef. With more than 18 years of culinary experience across leading hospitality destinations in India and overseas, Chef Rohin joins the hotel to lead its culinary vision, combining innovation, operational excellence, and a guest-centric approach.

In his new role, Chef Rohin will oversee the hotel's restaurants, banqueting operations, and in-room dining services. His responsibilities include enhancing culinary experiences, strengthening kitchen operations, and fostering a culture of creativity, consistency, and collaboration across the culinary team.

image

Throughout his career, Chef Rohin has led diverse culinary teams in business hotels and resort destinations, earning recognition for blending classical culinary techniques with a contemporary approach. His experience also includes participating in Michelin chef pop-ups and internationally inspired culinary showcases, allowing him to develop a style that balances technical precision with evolving dining trends.

Beyond his culinary expertise, Chef Rohin is passionate about mentoring young professionals. He believes successful kitchens are built on trust, continuous learning, and collaboration, and is committed to nurturing talent by strengthening culinary fundamentals while encouraging innovation.

Speaking on his appointment, Rohin Thankappan, Executive Chef, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, said, "I am truly honoured to join Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport and lead its talented culinary team. My immediate priority is to further strengthen our culinary operations, refine menu offerings across the hotel's dining experiences and continue building a culture that inspires creativity and excellence. I look forward to building on the hotel's strong foundation while introducing fresh perspectives that resonate with today's guests and create meaningful dining experiences."

Guided by his philosophy of "Keep it Pure & Simple," Chef Rohin believes exceptional dishes begin with respecting the integrity of ingredients. His culinary style combines classical techniques with contemporary thinking, while placing strong emphasis on flavour, seasonality, and craftsmanship. He is particularly inspired by experiential dining, hyper-regional ingredients, and sustainable culinary practices.

Sustainability remains a key focus in Chef Rohin's approach, with an emphasis on responsible sourcing, seasonal produce, and efficient kitchen practices that minimise waste while maintaining Marriott International's global standards for food quality and safety.

With Chef Rohin leading its culinary team, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport aims to further elevate its food and beverage offerings through innovative dining experiences that celebrate craftsmanship while placing guests at the heart of every meal.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.