Pankaj Kumar Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa as Associate Director F&B Service

Pankaj Kumar Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa as Associate Director F&B Service

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 7, 2024

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, proudly welcomes Pankaj Kumar as their new Associate Director F&B Service. With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pankaj brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his role in enhancing guest experiences at India’s FIRST luxury ski-resort in the Himalayas.

Having worked with esteemed brands like Marriott, Taj Group of Hotels, and Jehan Numa Retreat, Pankaj's expertise spans various facets of F&B operations, training, and revenue management. His diverse background positions him perfectly to collaborate with the F&B leadership at The Khyber, Gulmarg, focusing on maximizing revenue, providing top-notch training, and elevating the overall dining experience for guests.

Situated amidst the breathtaking Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas at an elevation of 8,825 ft., The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa offers a truly unique setting spread over seven acres in a pristine pine valley. Boasting 85 luxurious rooms with stunning views of the snow-capped Affarwat peaks, the resort also features The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE, providing guests with luxurious spa treatments inspired by the rituals of Provence, France.

Committed to delivering impeccable service and warm hospitality, The Khyber has earned numerous accolades since its launch in December 2012. Its strategic location, just a 10-minute walk from the world’s highest Golf Course and in close proximity to Gulmarg’s famed Gondola, makes it a premier destination for ski enthusiasts.

Pankaj Kumar's appointment marks yet another milestone for The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa as it continues to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality in the heart of the Himalayas.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has appointed Ranjita Das as Assistant Manager – Learning & Development, strengthening its focus on talent development and service excellence.

With over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranjita brings expertise in team development, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and training. In her new role, she will lead the hotel’s learning and development initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee capabilities, building leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with global brand standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranjita to our leadership team. Her passion for people development and strong operational understanding makes her a valuable addition. We are confident she will play a key role in nurturing talent and elevating the associate experience.”

Prior to this, Ranjita was associated with The Leela Palace New Delhi, where she served as Assistant Restaurant Manager. She played an active role in training, onboarding, and driving operational efficiencies, while also leading initiatives such as festive gifting projects aligned with market trends.

Her earlier experience includes roles at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and Lemon Tree Premiere Hyderabad, where she built strong capabilities in guest service, team coordination, and high-end hospitality operations.

Ranjita holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and has completed certifications in Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias, reflecting her focus on progressive workplace practices.

With a people-first approach, she is set to contribute to strengthening the hotel’s service culture and overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has appointed Ayush Saraf as Training Manager, reinforcing its focus on people development and service excellence.

With over a decade of experience in hospitality learning and development, Ayush brings a structured and people-centric approach to training. His expertise lies in associate engagement, capability building, and fostering service-driven cultures, aimed at enhancing guest experiences.

Prior to this role, Ayush was associated with Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa, where he led key initiatives to strengthen service culture and team performance. His professional journey also includes stints with leading hospitality brands such as The Tamara Coorg, Woods at Sasan, and Evolve Back Resorts, contributing to learning and leadership development across teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Sinha said, “At JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, our associates are at the heart of every guest experience. Ayush’s passion for developing people and fostering a culture of continuous learning will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.”

Sharing his perspective, Ayush Saraf added, “I am excited to be part of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, a brand that places people and purpose at the centre of everything it does. I look forward to building meaningful learning experiences and empowering associates to deliver intuitive service that resonates with our guests.”

In his new role, Ayush will lead the hotel’s learning and development function, focusing on leadership capability, service culture, and consistent delivery of refined guest experiences.

Part of Marriott International, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru continues to position itself as a leader in luxury hospitality, combining premium infrastructure with a strong emphasis on people and service excellence.


Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Hyatt Ahmedabad has announced the elevation of three team members into key leadership roles across Human Resources, Revenue, and Rooms Division. The move reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on nurturing talent from within and recognising consistent performance and dedication.

Anshita Detha has been elevated to Assistant Director of Human Resources from her previous role as Human Resources Manager. With 10 years of industry experience, her journey with Hyatt began in 2016 as a Learning Coordinator at Hyatt Ahmedabad. She later gained experience at Park Hyatt Hyderabad before returning to Hyatt Ahmedabad in 2023. In her new role, she will focus on shaping people strategies, strengthening workplace culture, and supporting long-term growth across departments. “This elevation is a milestone that reflects both my growth and the trust Hyatt places in me to drive people strategy with greater impact,” she shares.

Naved Chaudhry steps into the role of Cluster Revenue Manager for Hyatt Ahmedabad and Hyatt Regency Dharamshala. Previously serving as Revenue Manager, he brings 14 years of experience in the industry, including 3 years with Hyatt. His expanded role involves leading revenue strategy across both properties, balancing business goals while maintaining the brand’s people-first approach. “This elevation is a reflection of consistent growth and trust earned over time,” he shares.

Shezad Nagori has been elevated to Room Division Manager from his role as Front Office Manager. With 15 years of experience across three cities, his journey reflects steady growth within the industry. Starting as a Front Office Associate, he brings strong operational understanding and guest-focused insights into his leadership role. “Moving closer to where I'm meant to be,” he says, reflecting on this milestone.

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Commenting on the leadership changes, Mr. Gaurav Chandna, General Manager, Hyatt Ahmedabad, said, “At Hyatt Ahmedabad, we don't just fill positions. We build careers and we build people. Anshita, Naved, and Shezad have each demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity and care. Their elevations are a natural progression and a reflection of the culture we work hard to protect every single day. Hyatt's strength has always been its people, and these three are a proud example of that.”

With these elevations, Hyatt Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its leadership team while reinforcing its commitment to building careers and supporting growth from within.

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