Park Hyatt Chennai Welcomes Michael Lestourgeon as Director of Sales and Marketing

By Author

Published on September 20, 2023

Park Hyatt Chennai has proudly announced the appointment of Michael Lestourgeon as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. With an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, Michael brings a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to the role.

Before joining Park Hyatt Chennai, Michael held leadership positions with renowned brands such as Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, making significant contributions to their growth and market positioning. His extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, gained from working in various markets across the country and internationally, gives him a unique insight into the intricacies of sales, revenue, and marketing functions.

In his new role, Michael will take charge of overseeing the hotel's sales and marketing efforts. His responsibilities will include driving sales performance, cultivating strategic partnerships, and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders. Michael's innovative approach and dedication to excellence perfectly align with Park Hyatt Chennai's mission to deliver unmatched luxury and personalized service.

“I am excited to embark on this new journey with Hyatt Hotels and look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Park Hyatt Chennai. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the hotel's continued success, enhance our market presence, and provide exceptional experiences to our discerning guests,” shared Michael.

Beyond his professional life, Michael is an avid biker who enjoys exploring the open road during his leisure time.

About Park Hyatt Chennai

Park Hyatt Chennai, now newly renovated, is the 44th addition to the global Park Hyatt collection. It features 200 luxurious guestrooms, including 20 indulgent suites, all thoughtfully designed to create an inviting environment that contributes to the hotel's understated sophistication. These luxurious rooms surround a serene lily pond located in the inner courtyard of the hotel.

The hotel seamlessly integrates with the serene surroundings of Guindy National Park, boasting elegant and chic interiors that create a unique, luxurious, and calming ambiance. The signature dining destination, The Flying Elephant, offers a bold culinary adventure designed to elevate and excite your senses. The Dining Room, an all-day dining restaurant, provides a perfect blend of buffet and à-la-carte services, while Mr. Ong offers authentic Singaporean cuisine. The Apartment hosts experiential meetings and events in unique residential-style event spaces. Antahpura Spa offers indulgent treatment rooms and spacious wet areas with custom-made services to help you find inner serenity.

Overlooking Guindy National Park, the rooftop infinity-edge pool offers spectacular views of the reserve in a tranquil environment. With its newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing, Park Hyatt Chennai is set to provide even more exceptional experiences for its guests.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Vikash Kumar as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Vikash Kumar as its new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and elevated guest experiences across dining and events.

In his new role, Vikash will oversee food and beverage operations, banquet performance and service delivery, supporting the hotel’s continued emphasis on consistency, quality and guest-focused innovation. With over a decade of experience across F&B service, banquet operations and large-scale event planning, he brings a strong blend of operational depth and people-led leadership.

Vikash began his hospitality journey in 2014 with Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriott, where he developed a solid foundation in food and beverage service and guest engagement. Over the years, he progressed through several leadership roles, gaining hands-on experience in managing high-volume operations and complex event environments.

He joined the Hyatt family in September 2022 as Events Planning Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, where he played a key role in executing high-profile events and strengthening banquet operations. He later moved to Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center as Banquet Manager and was promoted to Assistant Food & Beverage Manager in March 2025.

A graduate in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Vikash is known for his disciplined, collaborative approach and his commitment to building high-performing teams. His return to Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty reflects the hotel’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and developing leaders aligned with Hyatt’s values of care, consistency and service excellence.

About Grand Hyatt

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities

Hospitality in 2026: Nksha’s Growth Plans and Key Dining Trends to Watch

By Hariharan U

Published on December 20, 2025

As the hospitality industry in India prepares to step into 2026, operators are reflecting on a year marked by recovery, refinement, and renewed ambition. According to Pranav Rungta, Co-Founder & Director of Nksha Restaurant and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai, 2025 proved to be a strong year both for his brand and for the wider dining ecosystem.

“Nksha had a strong 2025, earning high praise for its modern North Indian cuisine, elegant ambience, and innovative cocktail programme,” Rungta shared. “Our patrons truly valued the overall experience, from exceptional service to thoughtful presentation, even within the premium dining segment.”

Operating in Mumbai’s highly competitive fine-dining space, Nksha’s ability to deliver consistent quality and value helped it stand out as a destination restaurant. The positive response has also encouraged the brand to look beyond its current footprint.

Looking ahead, Rungta revealed that Nksha is actively exploring expansion plans for 2026. “We are evaluating a new location in Mumbai and also studying opportunities in the GCC region, where we have received very encouraging feedback for the concept,” he said.

From an industry standpoint, Rungta believes 2026 will be shaped by a clear shift in demand patterns. Tier II and Tier III cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Raipur, and Indore are emerging as strong growth markets. “The demand in these cities is growing faster, and there is a massive appetite for established metro brands, provided menus are localised,” he noted.

Premiumisation is expected to continue, particularly in fine dining and craft cocktails, as Indian diners increasingly seek elevated, experience-led outings. At the same time, Gen Z-driven personalisation is set to play a larger role. “AI-powered chatbots, customised health-focused menus such as low-carb or vegan options, and immersive experiences like virtual tastings will become more common,” Rungta added.

As restaurants balance expansion with innovation, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where thoughtful growth, technology-led personalisation, and premium experiences define the next phase of India’s hospitality journey.

The St. Regis Goa Resort Welcomes Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

The St. Regis Goa Resort, the premier luxury destination on South Goa’s pristine coast, is delighted to announce the appointment of celebrated Culinary Maestro Roberto Zizi as Italian Chef de Cuisine at Oliveto, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant.

Chef Roberto, a native of Sardinia, brings an impressive international background with leadership roles across renowned hotel brands worldwide. In his new role, he will oversee the complete culinary experience at Oliveto, infusing authentic Italian flavors with his refined techniques to create an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

“With Chef Roberto joining Oliveto, we are excited to offer an enhanced Italian dining experience that reflects the finest in craftsmanship and authenticity,” said a spokesperson from The St. Regis Goa Resort.

Guests at Oliveto can now look forward to innovative menus, classic Italian preparations, and a luxurious dining ambiance designed to transport diners to the heart of Italy while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views of South Goa.

This appointment underscores The St. Regis Goa Resort’s commitment to exceptional culinary experiences as part of its world-class hospitality offerings.

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