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


Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2025

Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.


Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.

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