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.


Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo Board as Non-Executive Director

Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo Board as Non-Executive Director

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

In a move set to deepen its strategic leadership, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd—parent company of IndiGo—has appointed Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. The decision comes close on the heels of Kant being named a senior advisor by Fairfax Financial Holdings to guide its India-focused investments.

Kant, a 1980-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, is widely recognised for his pivotal role in steering landmark national initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India. Over his four-decade career in governance and economic reform, he’s championed transformative policies that have reshaped India’s development landscape.

Recently concluding his tenure as India’s G20 Sherpa, Kant was instrumental in delivering the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, focusing on global challenges, climate finance, and digital public infrastructure. His previous leadership as CEO of NITI Aayog saw him drive flagship programmes such as the Aspirational Districts Program, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility.

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Reacting to his new role, Kant said, “IndiGo has set a global benchmark in operational excellence and customer service. Its growing international footprint will play a critical role in connecting Indian markets with the world. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase of growth and to India’s larger vision for trade, tourism, and connectivity.”

Welcoming him to the board, Vikram Singh Mehta, Chairman of IndiGo, remarked, “Kant’s experience in policy and infrastructure at a global scale is unparalleled. His strategic insights will be invaluable as IndiGo accelerates its international ambitions and aims to become a global airline by 2030.”

This appointment signals IndiGo’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership bench as it eyes global expansion and deeper integration into international aviation networks.


Vikram Kapil Joins Hyatt Regency Dehradun as Chef de Cuisine

Vikram Kapil Joins Hyatt Regency Dehradun as Chef de Cuisine

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has appointed Vikram Kapil as its new chef de cuisine, ushering in a refined culinary era that bridges global expertise with the soul of Uttarakhand. Trained under celebrated chefs like Wolfgang, Aurélien Dumeylet, and John Pugh, Kapil’s career has spanned some of the world’s finest kitchens and luxury liners.

His culinary philosophy blends simplicity with sophistication, where every dish is a deliberate composition of ingredients, technique, and story. At Hyatt Regency Dehradun, Kapil aims to create a distinct culinary identity that marries European elegance with local character, introducing menus that showcase dishes like Himalayan trout with beurre blanc and nettle pesto pasta crafted from foraged greens.

With a leadership approach grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and precision, he is set to elevate the dining experience at the resort through seasonal creations, artisanal breads, inventive desserts, and French and Italian classics that reflect both artistry and authenticity.


Fern Hotels & Resorts Bolsters Operations Leadership with Key GM Promotions

Fern Hotels & Resorts Bolsters Operations Leadership with Key GM Promotions

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced significant internal promotions across its operations team, underscoring its focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Arindam Bahel, Gautam Banerjee, and Rajib Das have all been elevated to general manager – operations roles, overseeing clusters of hotels within the chain’s expansive portfolio.

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Arindam Bahel has been appointed general manager – operations and will be based at The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, Mussoorie. Bahel’s impressive journey spans luxury resorts and international assignments, including The Ananta Udaipur and Nepal’s Hotel Yak & Yeti, where he managed state banquets and large convention centres. Rising from his beginnings as a management trainee at The Orchid Mumbai to executive chef roles and then senior leadership, Bahel will now focus on enhancing synergy across Fern’s hill, pilgrimage, and eco-tourism properties, while nurturing talent and driving profitability.

Gautam Banerjee, whose hospitality career spans nearly 30 years, has also been promoted to general manager – operations. Starting his journey with Ras Resorts Silvassa in 1995, he has held leadership roles at Kamat Hotels, Absolute Hotels, O Hotel, and Quality Inn. Known for reviving underperforming units and driving F&B-led growth, Banerjee will oversee a cluster of hotels in Maharashtra under The Fern and Beacon brands, bringing his extensive operational acumen to the portfolio.

Rajib Das takes on the role of general manager – operations for five Fern hotels in Maharashtra. With 24 years of experience, including stints at The Park, Premier Inn, Taj Exotica, and InterContinental Goa, Das combines strong operational expertise with a focus on guest experience and cost efficiencies. A Hotel Management diploma holder who also trained at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Das is recognised for driving quality and service excellence.

These strategic promotions reinforce The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to building a resilient leadership pipeline and delivering elevated guest experiences across diverse destinations.

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