Peter Andrews Joins the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as Director of Programmes & Chief of Staff

Peter Andrews Joins the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as Director of Programmes & Chief of Staff

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 27, 2025

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) has announced the appointment of Peter Andrews as its new Director of Programmes & Chief of Staff. Known for his expertise in sustainability, consumer insights, and ethical trade, Andrews’ leadership is set to strengthen the Alliance’s mission to drive sustainable transformation across the global hospitality sector.

A Proven Leader in Sustainability

Peter Andrews brings a rich legacy of achievements in advancing sustainability and ethical practices. His tenure as Director of Consumer Rights, Innovation & Impact at Consumers International saw him spearheading initiatives on sustainable consumption, energy transition, and the future of food, amplifying the consumer voice on global challenges.

During his time as Head of Sustainability Policy at the British Retail Consortium, Andrews led the creation of the industry's first Climate Action Roadmap, setting an ambitious Net Zero emissions target by 2040. His work also played a pivotal role in shaping the UN’s Race to Zero: Breakthroughs Retail Campaign, further demonstrating his ability to drive systems change.

Ethical Leadership and Advocacy

Andrews’ dedication to social justice is evident in his role as a Trustee of the charity Focus on Labour Exploitation and his co-chairing of the UK Government Home Office’s Modern Slavery Strategy and Implementation Group on Transparency in Supply Chains. Through these roles, he has championed corporate accountability and ethical practices, underscoring his commitment to addressing pressing global issues.

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Driving Sustainable Hospitality

In his new role at the Alliance, Andrews will lead the development and execution of programmes such as:

  • The Net Positive Pathway
  • High Ambition Movers
  • Accelerators

These initiatives aim to achieve Net Positive Hospitality—a vision where the hospitality industry gives back more than it takes. Andrews will also focus on strategic planning alongside the CEO, furthering the Alliance’s efforts to inspire collaboration and resilience within the sector.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, expressed his enthusiasm for Andrews’ appointment:
"We are thrilled to welcome Peter to the team here at the Alliance and are confident that Andrews’ leadership will enhance our efforts to promote sustainable practices, inspire collaboration, and advance our mission of creating a resilient and responsible hospitality industry that gives back more than it takes."

Peter Andrews shared his excitement about joining the Alliance:
"I am pleased to join the Alliance at such a pivotal time for the organisation and the industry. Sustainability and ethical transformation are not just challenges—they are opportunities to create enduring value for businesses, communities, and our planet. I look forward to collaborating with the Alliance's members and stakeholders to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future for hospitality worldwide—a Net Positive Future."

About the Alliance

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is a global organisation committed to advancing sustainable practices within the hospitality sector. Through its transformative initiatives, the Alliance aims to inspire collaboration, resilience, and responsibility, ensuring the industry contributes positively to people and the planet.

For more information about the Alliance and its programmes, visit the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.


Reliance Consumer Products Appoints Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand

Reliance Consumer Products Appoints Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has announced the appointment of Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand, further strengthening its presence in the hospitality and food service segment.

An alumnus of Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Deepak brings more than a decade of experience across hospitality operations and HORECA business development.

He began his career in 2014 as a bartender at The Westin Pune before joining JW Marriott Bengaluru as a Bar Executive. In 2017, he moved to Jaipur Marriott, followed by a role as Assistant Bar Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru in 2018.

In 2021, Deepak took up an international assignment with Le Méridien Dubai as Bar Incharge. Returning to India in 2023, he joined Royal Orchid Hotels as Multi Outlet Manager, where he oversaw multiple food and beverage operations.

Before joining RCPL, he served as Business Development Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand at Himmaleh Spirits, focusing on strengthening business relationships within the hospitality sector.

With his extensive experience across premium hotels and the beverage industry, Deepak is expected to play a key role in expanding RCPL's HORECA business in Uttarakhand.


Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

Mercedes-Benz India Announces Key Leadership Changes Across Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a series of strategic leadership changes within its Sales & Marketing function, reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing customer experiences through real-time data, artificial intelligence, and integrated retail finance solutions. The organizational changes will come into effect from September 1, 2026.

As part of the new appointments, Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager – Digital Customer Unit, has been appointed Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid. Amrit Baid will take over as General Manager – Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars, while Jamsheed Bhadha, currently General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning, will transition to a new role within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. Sanjay Kochar, presently General Manager – TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Bhadha as General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning.

Commenting on the organizational changes, Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's customer centricity and sustained success. These organizational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering broader cross-functional exposure to our talents."

Nandita Godbole has held several leadership positions across Marketing, Retail Sales, and the Digital Customer Unit at Mercedes-Benz India. In her new role, she will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to create more personalized and seamless customer experiences across every stage of the ownership journey.

Amrit Baid, who has successfully led Marketing and Customer Experience initiatives, including campaigns such as Dreams Day, Wish Box, and G-Tribe, will now lead the Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars business. Mercedes-Benz India said the appointment aligns with its strategy of integrating retail finance more closely into the customer journey. The company's retail finance portfolio has grown to over ₹15,000 crore and currently supports more than 50 percent of the vehicles retailed through financing programmes such as Star Agility.

The leadership changes reflect Mercedes-Benz India's continued emphasis on nurturing internal talent, strengthening cross-functional leadership, and accelerating innovation-led growth while delivering a more connected and customer-centric luxury automotive experience


Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Appoints Ajit Singh Gandhi as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 15, 2026

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh has announced the appointment of Ajit Singh Gandhi as its General Manager, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy, colleague culture, and guest experience while driving its continued growth as a leading lifestyle destination in Chandigarh.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ajit brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, commercial leadership, and talent development. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions with prominent hospitality brands including The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, Marriott, and The Lalit, gaining experience across luxury, leisure, corporate, and MICE segments.

Before joining Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit served as General Manager at Hyatt Centric Dehradun, where he led the hotel with a strong focus on operational excellence, colleague engagement, and guest satisfaction. His contributions have been recognised with the Iconic General Manager of the Year 2025 award by Times Hospitality Icons, along with the Top 20 General Managers – People's Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

At Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, Ajit will focus on enhancing the hotel's lifestyle positioning by delivering elevated guest experiences, introducing innovative food and beverage offerings, and strengthening the property's connection with Chandigarh's culture and social scene. He will also oversee the continued growth of the hotel's dining and nightlife venues, including KOYO KOYO, the contemporary Asian restaurant, and PVT LTD, the hotel's intimate speakeasy known for its innovative cocktails and immersive experiences.

Commenting on his appointment, Ajit Singh Gandhi said, "I am delighted to join Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, a hotel that reflects the energy, creativity and character of the city itself. I look forward to working alongside an incredibly passionate team to build on the hotel's strong foundation, create memorable experiences for our guests, and further strengthen its position as a destination of choice for both travelers and local patrons."

Ajit's appointment marks an important step in the hotel's continued evolution as it expands its lifestyle offerings for both travellers and residents of Chandigarh. Backed by his people-first leadership approach and operational expertise, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh aims to continue delivering fresh, memorable, and locally inspired experiences.

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