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


Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

By Hariharan U

Published on June 16, 2026

Dough & Cream Private Limited has announced the appointment of Chef Rajat Nunwal as its new Executive Pastry Chef, reinforcing the company’s focus on innovation, quality, and excellence in the bakery and pastry segment.

With more than 14 years of international culinary experience spanning India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, Chef Rajat brings deep expertise in artisan breads, viennoiserie, plated desserts, chocolate artistry, celebration cakes, luxury buffet presentations, and large-scale bakery operations. His career reflects a strong blend of technical precision and creative expression, consistently delivering refined dessert experiences across diverse hospitality environments.

In his new role, Chef Rajat will oversee pastry and bakery production at Dough & Cream Private Limited, while also leading product development, maintaining quality standards, and driving training initiatives across teams. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio of breads, cakes, desserts, and seasonal specialties, with a focus on both innovation and consistency.

Before joining Dough & Cream, Chef Rajat served as Pastry Chef at SANJH Modern Indian Restaurant in Texas, USA, where he developed contemporary Indian desserts and managed premium bakery production. He also worked as Sous Chef – Bakery & Pastry at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, where he handled luxury pastry operations, buffet presentations, and team coordination.

His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Savorworks in Delhi and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, where he contributed to pre-opening culinary operations and managed key bakery and pastry functions. Chef Rajat began his career with leading hospitality brands such as Le Méridien New Delhi and Hilton Mayur Vihar, building a strong foundation in pastry production and luxury hospitality standards.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Rajat Nunwal said he is delighted to join Dough & Cream and looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth by creating innovative products, mentoring teams, and delivering memorable dessert experiences.

With this appointment, Dough & Cream aims to further strengthen its innovation pipeline and enhance its position in the premium bakery and pastry segment, while continuing to deliver high-quality offerings to its growing customer base.


Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar Marks 25 Years with Marriott International, Celebrating a Legacy of Hospitality Leadership

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has celebrated a significant milestone as its General Manager, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, completed 25 years with Marriott International. The achievement marks a distinguished career dedicated to operational excellence, guest-centric leadership, and the continued evolution of hospitality in India.

Over the past two and a half decades, Kadambari has played an important role in shaping hotel operations, commercial strategies, sales performance, and talent development across Marriott’s portfolio in South Asia. Her career journey has closely mirrored the growth of India’s hospitality sector, contributing to changing guest expectations and modern service standards.

Currently leading Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Kadambari is widely recognised for her strategic leadership approach, focus on people development, and commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. Her professional journey has also included key leadership positions at Four Points by Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield, where she contributed to both operational performance and business growth.

Reflecting on the milestone, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar expressed gratitude for the experiences, mentors, teams, and guests who have shaped her career over the years.

Hospitality has always been about people, the relationships we build, the experiences we create and the memories guests carry with them long after they leave. Looking back at 25 years, I feel grateful for the mentors, teams and guests who have shaped this incredible journey,” she said.

She also highlighted the transformation of the hospitality industry over the last two decades, noting that today’s travellers increasingly seek authenticity, personalisation, and emotional connections alongside luxury experiences.

A graduate of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management under the Taj Hotels system, Kadambari has built her reputation through collaborative leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to mentoring future hospitality professionals. Beyond hotel management, she has actively championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the industry.

She currently serves as Co-chair of Marriott International’s South Asia Women Ambassador Network and is also the President of Hospitality at the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), Karnataka. Through these roles, she continues to support leadership development and greater representation of women in hospitality.

Her 25-year milestone reflects not only personal achievement but also the broader evolution of the hospitality sector, where guest experiences, wellness, personalisation, and empathetic leadership have become increasingly important. As the industry continues to evolve, leaders like Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar remain instrumental in shaping the future of hospitality through a balance of business excellence and meaningful human connections.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Niraj Chotai as Director of Sales & Marketing

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Niraj Chotai as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has announced the appointment of Niraj Chotai as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he joins the leadership team with a strong background in sales management, business development, revenue generation, market expansion, and pre-opening operations.

In his new role, Niraj will be responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening the hotel’s market presence, increasing brand visibility, and supporting guest experiences that align with Hyatt’s values and purpose. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in several pre-opening projects and strategic partnerships that have contributed to sustainable business growth.

Before joining Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, Niraj was associated with Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru. His professional journey also includes working with leading hospitality brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, Radisson Blu, and Taj Hotels, where he gained extensive experience across various aspects of hotel sales and marketing.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Niraj said, “I am excited to re-join the Hyatt family and be part of a team that is passionate about excellence and meaningful guest experiences.”

Known for his customer-focused approach, analytical thinking, and entrepreneurial outlook, Niraj believes in building strong relationships and leading with integrity and purpose. He is recognised for creating meaningful connections while driving business results.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a keen interest in travelling to new countries, where he explores different cultures and perspectives.

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