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.


Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Chef Sufeeyan Khan to Lead Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ in Goa

Rosetta Hospitality Appoints Chef Sufeeyan Khan to Lead Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ in Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2025

Rosetta Hospitality has announced the appointment of Chef Sufeeyan Khan as Chef de Cuisine at Ouzo Delmar Bar Beach BBQ, the group’s signature world-cuisine beachfront dining destination at Varca Beach, Goa. Known for his creative flair and luxury hospitality experience, Chef Sufeeyan will spearhead the restaurant’s culinary journey as it reopens on September 1st after the annual monsoon closure.

Chef Sufeeyan’s career spans renowned properties like W Hotels and The Leela Goa, with his most recent role as Executive Chef at São by the Shore. His unique approach combines global culinary techniques with coastal flavours, delivering experiences that are refined, memorable, and deeply guest-centric.

At Ouzo Delmar, Chef Sufeeyan will work alongside Chef Somnath Porel, Executive Chef at Elements by Rosetta, to curate a contemporary menu highlighting coastal and barbecue-inspired creations with authentic Goan influences. From fresh local produce to flavourful grills, every dish will tell a story of tradition meeting innovation.

I am truly delighted to join the Rosetta Hospitality family”, said Chef Sufeeyan Khan. “This role allows me to blend my passion for world cuisine with Goa’s rich culinary heritage. Our menu is designed to honour timeless traditions while embracing local authenticity—every dish will be crafted with care to create an unforgettable beachfront dining experience”.

Welcoming the new appointment, Abhishek Dhar, General Manager, Elements by Rosetta, Varca, said, “With his expertise and vision, Chef Sufeeyan will play a pivotal role in establishing Ouzo Delmar as one of Goa’s most distinguished dining destinations.”

Adding to this, Chef Milan Gupta, Corporate Chef & EVP, Rosetta Hospitality, noted, “Chef Sufeeyan’s ability to balance global flavours with Goan authenticity resonates perfectly with Rosetta’s culinary vision. His leadership will set new benchmarks of excellence in Goa’s dining scene”.

With this appointment, Rosetta Hospitality reinforces its commitment to creating immersive dining experiences that celebrate sustainability, innovation, and regional authenticity. Guests at Ouzo Delmar can look forward to an elevated culinary era where beachfront dining meets world-class hospitality.


Sharath Rajan Appointed General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi

Sharath Rajan Appointed General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, has announced the appointment of Sharath Rajan as the General Manager of Fortune Airport Road, Kochi. In this new role, Rajan will oversee the hotel’s operations, including guest services, team leadership, quality assurance, and overall property performance.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sharath Rajan has built a strong track record in driving operational excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences. His career includes leadership positions across globally renowned hospitality brands such as Accor, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza (IHG), Hilton, and Marriott, with experience spanning both India and overseas markets.

Rajan’s expertise lies in room division operations, guest experience enhancement, revenue optimisation, and hotel promotions. His dynamic and guest-focused approach is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to Fortune Airport Road, Kochi, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to service excellence and quality hospitality.


Gurnoor Bindra Appointed General Manager of The St. Regis Goa Resort

Gurnoor Bindra Appointed General Manager of The St. Regis Goa Resort

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort has announced the appointment of Gurnoor Bindra as its new General Manager, effective June 30, 2025. With over 14 years of leadership experience across Asia and the Middle East, she brings a wealth of expertise to one of India’s most prestigious resorts.

Before moving to Goa, Gurnoor served as General Manager of Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai, the largest Sheraton in the Middle East. Under her leadership, the property underwent a major transformation, launching innovative dining concepts that won industry recognition. Her work has earned her several honours, including ‘Middle East General Manager of the Year’ and a spot among the ‘30 Best GMs in the UAE.’

Her career in hospitality follows an impressive start in finance across the manufacturing and service sectors. Gurnoor holds a degree from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, an Executive Master’s from IIM Lucknow, and has completed executive programs at Cornell University in Strategic Hospitality Management and Hotel Real Estate Investments & Asset Management. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, she has led several high-impact projects across regions to improve guest experiences, boost productivity, and enhance operational efficiency.

Sharing her excitement, Gurnoor Bindra said, “I am truly honoured to join The St. Regis Goa Resort at such a pivotal moment. With the resort’s stunning transformation and the elevated hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, we are poised to craft an experience that is both timeless and world-class. My vision is to place this resort firmly on the global map – making it one of the most sought-after destinations Asia. I look forward to working with our exceptional team to create unforgettable moments for our guests, and to carry forward the legacy of the St. Regis with grace, excellence, and a spirit of celebration”.

Outside of work, Gurnoor is an avid traveller, a trained classical dancer, and a passionate food enthusiast, a balance that reflects her creative and dynamic leadership style.

The appointment highlights Marriott International’s continued focus on strengthening its luxury portfolio in India. With Gurnoor at the helm, The St. Regis Goa Resort is poised to build on its legacy of world-class hospitality while setting new benchmarks in the region.

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