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

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.


Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Appoints Chef Hemant Bisht as Head Chef

Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Appoints Chef Hemant Bisht as Head Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate has announced the appointment of Chef Hemant Bisht as its new Head Chef, marking a significant step in the brand’s evolution from a specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate destination into a comprehensive café, restaurant, and bar concept.

With more than 13 years of experience across luxury hospitality and premium dining establishments, Chef Hemant will lead culinary operations across Savorworks’ GK2 and Gurgaon outlets. He will also play a key role in shaping the brand’s long-term expansion strategy as it prepares to strengthen its presence across India.

Chef Hemant brings extensive experience from leading hospitality brands, including InterContinental Chennai, Indigo Hospitality, Passcode Hospitality’s SAZ, and Mesa Kitchen & Bar. His expertise spans menu development, kitchen operations, team leadership, and culinary innovation.

At Savorworks, his focus will be on enhancing the food programme while working closely with the coffee, chocolate, bakery, and beverage teams to create a cohesive dining experience. Beyond day-to-day operations, he will contribute to building scalable culinary systems, mentoring teams, and ensuring consistency across future outlets.

Commenting on the appointment, Baninder Singh, Founder of Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate, said the company has been working towards elevating its food offerings alongside its established coffee and chocolate programmes. He added that Chef Hemant’s experience in modern dining and culinary concept development makes him the ideal leader for the next phase of growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Chef Hemant said he looks forward to contributing to the brand’s vision of quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, consistency, and continuous learning in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Founded in 2019 by coffee roaster Baninder Singh and chocolatier Paweena Withyasathien Kochar, Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate has built a strong reputation for its specialty coffee, artisanal chocolates, and immersive café experiences. The appointment of Chef Hemant reflects the brand’s commitment to further strengthening its culinary identity as it expands its footprint across India.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Expands Vikas Khazanchi’s Role as Vice President – Operations

The Forum Hotel & Convention Expands Vikas Khazanchi’s Role as Vice President – Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela have announced an expanded leadership role for Vikas Khazanchi, who has been associated with the group for the past eight years. As Vice President – Operations, he will now oversee operations across both properties, supporting the group's continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable growth.

With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Khazanchi has held leadership positions at several well-known hospitality destinations across Gujarat. Over the years, he has built expertise in commercial strategy, revenue optimization, market development, organizational leadership, and hotel operations, helping drive strong business performance and service standards.

In his expanded role, Khazanchi will lead key strategic initiatives across The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela. His responsibilities will include improving operational efficiency, driving revenue growth, developing talent, and further enhancing guest experiences across both properties.

Speaking on the appointment, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director, The Forum Hotel & Convention, said, "Vikas has been an integral part of our journey over the years, and this expanded leadership role reflects the confidence we have in his leadership, industry understanding, and ability to drive strong performance across teams and operations. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, agility, service consistency, and talent development have become increasingly important. We are confident Vikas will play a key role in strengthening both properties and supporting their next phase of growth."

Commenting on his appointment, Vikas Khazanchi, Vice President – Operations, said, "Both properties have earned strong reputations for quality, service, and consistency. My focus will be on building on these strengths, refining operational processes, and ensuring teams are empowered to deliver their best every day. Guest experience is ultimately shaped by the culture behind it, and that will remain a key area of focus for me."

A Hotel Management graduate, Khazanchi also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hospitality from IGNOU. His leadership philosophy focuses on continuous improvement, employee development, responsible business practices, and creating long-term value for guests, team members, and stakeholders.

Together, The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela offer a combined inventory of 387 rooms, serving business and leisure travellers as well as corporate events, conventions, weddings, and social gatherings in Ahmedabad.


Didier Jardin Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali

Didier Jardin Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

Didier Jardin has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali, where he will oversee the operations and strategic direction of the brand’s two celebrated properties: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

Bringing more than 30 years of experience with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Didier is recognised for his people-first leadership style, operational excellence, and commitment to creating meaningful guest experiences. His appointment follows a successful tenure at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, where he played a key role in enhancing the resort’s wellness offerings, family experiences, and community-driven initiatives.

In his new role, Didier will lead both Bali properties, each known for its distinctive connection to Balinese culture, spirituality, and wellbeing. While Jimbaran Bay offers a vibrant beachfront retreat, Sayan is celebrated for its serene riverside setting and immersive wellness experiences.

Commenting on his vision, Didier highlighted the importance of emotional connection in modern luxury hospitality. He noted that Bali’s unique blend of community, culture, and natural beauty provides an opportunity to create experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests while fostering an inspiring environment for employees.

Didier’s journey with Four Seasons began in 1994 at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Since then, his career has taken him across some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including Bora Bora, Mauritius, New York, Cairo, and Kuwait. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for cultivating strong team cultures rooted in trust, empathy, and professional growth.

Originally from France’s Loire Valley, Didier has long been passionate about travel and cultural discovery. Together with his family, he now begins a new chapter in Bali, a destination he has admired for its artistry, warmth, and deep sense of community.

Under his leadership, Four Seasons Resorts Bali aims to further strengthen its position as one of Asia’s premier luxury hospitality destinations, offering immersive experiences that blend authentic Balinese traditions with contemporary luxury.

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