Pankaj Saxena Promoted to Lead Radisson Blu’s Operations in West India

Pankaj Saxena Promoted to Lead Radisson Blu’s Operations in West India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 18, 2024

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced the promotion of Pankaj Saxena to Area General Manager, West India, and General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi. In his new role, Saxena will be responsible for overseeing the growth and operations of RHG across the West India region while continuing his leadership at Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, a premier hotel located near Pune Airport and the World Trade Center, Pune Kharadi.

With a stellar career spanning over 27 years in the hospitality industry, Saxena has showcased strong leadership skills in both operational and strategic capacities. His extensive experience and commitment to hospitality make him well-suited to spearhead RHG’s efforts to expand and strengthen its presence in West India.

Under his guidance, Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi has flourished as a top-tier property, offering 141 uniquely designed rooms and suites, a luxury spa, diverse dining options, and expansive meeting and event facilities. Notable features include Carmine – All Day Dining Coffee Shop, Citrine – The Cake & Bake Shop, Skye – The Lounge Bar, The Bridge – Connecting Three Cuisines, and The Great Kabab Factory.

Pankaj Saxena holds a Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University. He is also a certified leader under RHG's Leaders Excellence Program, recognized at the RHG Corporate Office in Brussels, Belgium. Over the course of his career, Saxena has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious ‘Hotel of the Year’ award at the Asia Pacific Business Conference in Bangkok. More recently, he has received the Radisson Hotel Group Special Recognition Award and the Centre of Excellence Recognition Award 2024, alongside other honors like the H&RA Western India Honours Recognition Award 2024 and the IHC London & IIHM Hospitality Special Jury Award 2024.

Saxena has represented Radisson Hotel Group at renowned international platforms such as ITB-Berlin and WTM London and has been an active participant in commercial workshops across Southeast Asia and China. He currently serves as an Executive Board Committee Member of the Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA).

Radisson Hotel Group extends its congratulations to Pankaj Saxena on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to his continued leadership and contributions to the company’s growth in West India.


Chef Rizwaan Qureshi Takes Charge as MasterChef at Hyatt Regency Chennai — Continuing a Legacy, Ushering a New Era in Indian Fine Dining

Chef Rizwaan Qureshi Takes Charge as MasterChef at Hyatt Regency Chennai — Continuing a Legacy, Ushering a New Era in Indian Fine Dining

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai proudly announces the appointment of Chef Rizwaan Qureshi as MasterChef – Indian Cuisine, marking a new chapter in the hotel’s culinary journey with the elegance of tradition and the brilliance of innovation.

Hailing from the legendary Qureshi family, Chef Qureshi carries the soul of royal Awadhi cuisine in his craft—where every dish is a heartfelt expression of memory, culture, and timeless technique. Known for their deep-rooted culinary heritage, the Qureshi lineage has shaped India’s gastronomic narrative for generations. Now, that legacy finds a new home at Hyatt Regency Chennai.

With over 22 years of global experience, Chef Qureshi has worked across India, the UK, UAE, Oman, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. He has led diverse kitchen teams, launched successful restaurants, and consistently delivered award-winning menus. His tenure at Moghul Express, Leicester, was a standout success—with the restaurant earning a 5-star TripAdvisor rating and being ranked among the Top 10 overall in the region.

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At the heart of his culinary philosophy are signature dishes like the Barra Kebab and Mutton Dum Biryani, heirlooms passed down from his great-grandfather. These iconic plates will now be part of the curated experience at Hyatt Regency Chennai, offering guests an authentic and immersive taste of India’s regal past.

In his new role, Chef Qureshi will lead the Indian kitchen operations, curate regionally-inspired menus, and mentor the culinary team in both classic techniques and modern presentation. His approach, rooted in quality, hygiene, and culinary storytelling, aims to elevate the hotel's dining offerings to unmatched heights.

With his arrival, Hyatt Regency Chennai is poised to redefine Indian fine dining—serving up bold, soulful flavours with unmatched finesse and heartfelt tradition.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands to Noida with the Addition of Hotel Hoften Lotus Court

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands to Noida with the Addition of Hotel Hoften Lotus Court

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2025

ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS has proudly announced the inclusion of Hotel Hoften Lotus Court in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone as the 14th property in its rapidly expanding portfolio. With this move, ALIVAA strengthens its presence in North India while continuing to focus on offering dynamic and youth-driven hospitality experiences through The Hoften brand.

The Hoften brand, under the ALIVAA umbrella, is known for its efficient and smart service, making it a preferred choice among the modern, young traveller. The addition of Hotel Lotus Court underscores the group’s strategy to penetrate high-potential urban markets with thoughtfully curated, experience-first properties.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hotel Lotus Court into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection,” shared Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “Noida is a truly dynamic destination, and this partnership enables us to offer our guests an even broader range of exceptional experiences.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the significance of this development in the company’s long-term vision. “As we strive to become a leading national player, Noida holds a critical position in our strategic roadmap. This signing establishes our foothold in the country’s apparel hub and is the first of many planned for this city.”

The enthusiasm was equally echoed by Ashish Mittal, owner of Hotel Lotus Court. “Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Lotus Court under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for providing outstanding stays in Noida. We eagerly look forward to this new chapter.”

This strategic expansion reiterates ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ ambition to grow across the country while maintaining a strong emphasis on innovation, smart hospitality, and guest delight.

About ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS:

A vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality group, ALIVAA HOTELS & RESORTS operates a diverse collection of hotels and resorts under its flagship brands – ALIVAA and The Hoften. With a commitment to quality and guest-centric experiences, the brand continues to shape exceptional stays in both established cities and emerging travel destinations.


JW Marriott Goa Welcomes Himanshu Taneja as General Manager

JW Marriott Goa Welcomes Himanshu Taneja as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2025

JW Marriott Goa has announced the appointment of Himanshu Taneja as its new General Manager, marking an exciting chapter for the luxury beachfront resort. Backed by over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Taneja is set to lead a dynamic leadership team focused on employee engagement, guest satisfaction, stakeholder relations, and revenue growth.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trivandrum, Taneja began his career with The Leela Mumbai and went on to work with premier hotel groups such as Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group before joining Marriott International in 2010.

His journey with Marriott has been both versatile and impactful. From serving as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to becoming the Director of Culinary for South Asia, Taneja shaped Marriott’s food and beverage vision with trend-setting concepts. In 2023, he transitioned to a broader role as Senior Director of Operations for South and East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, overseeing 48 hotels across the region.

Known for his strategic foresight, operational acumen, and people-first leadership, Taneja brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and business intelligence to his new role. His focus at JW Marriott Goa will include strengthening the resort’s positioning in the market, enhancing service standards, and fostering a culture of excellence.

As he takes the helm at this picturesque property, Taneja’s leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and continued innovation to the guest experience at JW Marriott Goa.

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