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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 16, 2024
Phil Cordell, a seasoned executive with Hilton, is retiring after an impressive 40-year tenure with the company. Hilton has announced that Cordell will transition to an advisory role, starting in July, where he will mentor and coach the Hilton team.
Cordell’s journey with Hilton began in high school as a bellman. His dedication and hard work led him to become the general manager of the second Hampton Hotel in 1983. Over the next two decades, he played a pivotal role in expanding Hilton’s All Suites and Focused Service brands, particularly growing the Hampton by Hilton brand into a global leader with over 2,300 hotels in 29 countries by the end of his tenure.
Cordell was instrumental in launching the first Hampton hotel in China in 2015, showcasing his ability to adapt Hilton’s brand to international markets. His leadership extended beyond Hampton, contributing significantly to the success of other Hilton brands such as Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, and Homewood Suites.
In his latest role as Global Head of Lifestyle and New Brand Development, Cordell spearheaded the creation and launch of several innovative brands, including Home2 Suites, Tru, Motto, Tempo, and Spark. Notably, Spark achieved the fastest announcement-to-market timeline in Hilton’s history, debuting its first hotel just ten months after the brand was announced.
Cordell’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to influence Hilton’s growth. Kevin Osterhaus, who recently joined Hilton as President of Global Lifestyle Brands, will succeed Cordell. Osterhaus will oversee the development of several Hilton brands, including Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Tempo by Hilton. Osterhaus brings experience from his previous role as President of Graduate Hotels, which Hilton acquired earlier this year.
Beyond brand development, Cordell played a crucial role in establishing the Hilton CleanStay program, which set new standards for cleanliness and safety during the pandemic. This initiative has been widely recognized for enhancing guest confidence and ensuring safe hotel stays.
Chris Silcock, Hilton’s President of Global Brands and Commercial Services, expressed gratitude for Cordell’s contributions in an internal letter: “As Phil transitions into an advisory role, let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and friendship. His legacy of innovation, growth, and genuine ‘Hamptonality’ service will continue to inspire us for years.”
Cordell’s career at Hilton is a testament to his dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence. His move to an advisory role will ensure that his experience and insights continue to benefit Hilton as the company evolves and expands.
Image Credit: Getty Images
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 27, 2026
Challani Jewellery Mart has appointed Jason Sanjay as its official brand ambassador, strengthening the jewellery retailer's efforts to connect with younger consumers while building on its established legacy of craftsmanship and trust.
The association will see Jason Sanjay represent the brand across social media initiatives and multi-platform advertising campaigns. The collaboration aims to bring a contemporary perspective to Challani's communication while highlighting its collections of antique, diamond, temple, Jadau Polki and platinum jewellery.
With a presence across Chennai, Madurai and Puducherry, Challani Jewellery Mart is looking to strengthen its market position and engage with a new generation of jewellery consumers as preferences and expectations continue to evolve.
Commenting on the appointment, Jayantilal Challani, Managing Director, Challani Jewellery Mart, said, “Jason Sanjay embodies the confidence and fresh energy of a new generation, which is exactly where Challani Jewellery Mart is headed. As we enter an exciting growth phase, his association is one of the most significant steps we have taken in a short span. Jason brings youthful credibility and creative vision that will help us connect with younger audiences while staying true to the trust our customers have placed in us for years.”
The partnership reflects the brand's approach of combining its established heritage with a contemporary outlook. Jason Sanjay's association is expected to support its efforts to communicate with younger audiences while showcasing its jewellery collections and evolving design sensibilities.
Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Jason Sanjay said, “For me, identity is something you build yourself, not something you inherit. Challani carries a proud legacy but has never stopped carving its own path. That shared spirit is why I'm here.”
Meena Chhabria, CMO, Challani Jewellery Mart, highlighted the importance of generational relevance in brand communication. “Today, it's not about who the ambassador is, but how relevant they are. Gen Z connects with their own generation, and Jason brings exactly that fresh energy to Challani,” she said.
Through the association, Challani Jewellery Mart aims to bring together traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design and a communication strategy suited to changing consumer preferences. The appointment marks another step in the retailer's efforts to expand its appeal across generations while retaining the quality and customer trust associated with its legacy.
Challani Jewellery Mart is a jewellery retailer offering collections across antique, diamond, temple, Jadau Polki and platinum jewellery. With branches in Chennai, Madurai and Puducherry, the brand focuses on quality, innovation and customer trust while bringing together traditional craftsmanship and evolving jewellery preferences
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has appointed Dinesh Rai as General Manager, effective 12 October 2026. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, revenue management, financial planning and commercial strategy to his new role. As General Manager, Dinesh will oversee the hotel's overall operations, focusing on guest satisfaction, business performance, colleague development and strengthening the property's position in Greater Noida's hospitality market.
Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Dinesh served as General Manager at Crowne Plaza Kochi, where he managed hotel operations and contributed to commercial performance, business development and asset enhancement initiatives.
He began his hospitality career in Accounts at Holiday Inn Pune before moving to Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre, now The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. During this period, he gained experience across Accounts, Reservations, Revenue and Front Office, building a strong foundation in hotel management.
His professional journey has also included roles with InterContinental The Grand Mumbai, the Taj Group of Hotels, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Mercure Hyderabad KCP and Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark, now Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark.
His experience across finance, revenue management, reservations and hotel operations has provided him with a broad understanding of managing business hotels and convention-led properties. This background is expected to support his focus on operational efficiency, commercial performance and guest experience at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida.
Commenting on his appointment, Dinesh Rai, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, "I am delighted to join Crowne Plaza Greater Noida and work with the team to build on the hotel's strengths. Sustainable business growth comes from strong relationships with our guests, clients, colleagues, ownership, and partners, combined with consistently delivering on our promises. My focus is to empower our team, strengthen guest satisfaction, and work closely with ownership and stakeholders to create lasting value. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the progress we can make together."
Greater Noida continues to cater to corporate travel, exhibitions, conferences and social gatherings, creating opportunities for hotels to serve both business and leisure travellers. In this setting, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida aims to strengthen its business hospitality and events offerings under Dinesh's leadership.
With his extensive experience across leading hospitality brands and multiple operational functions, Dinesh Rai takes on the role with a focus on team development, guest satisfaction and sustainable business growth.
Published on October 26, 2026
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has announced three key leadership appointments across its finance, front office and housekeeping departments. Sarath Kumar D joins the leadership team as Finance & Business Support Manager, Avik Roy Chowdhury takes on the role of Front Office Manager, and Debaraj Rout has been appointed Housekeeping Manager. Together, they bring extensive experience in hotel operations, financial management, guest services and team leadership.
Sarath Kumar D – Finance & Business Support Manager
Sarath Kumar D brings over a decade of experience in financial management, business planning and strategic operations across hospitality brands including IHG, Marriott and Accor. In his role as Finance & Business Support Manager, he oversees the resort's finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, compliance and financial strategy. He also works closely with senior leadership to support profitability and operational efficiency.
Throughout his career, Sarath has held progressive finance leadership positions at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Fairfield by Marriott Chennai, Mercure Chennai and Club Mahindra Holidays & Resorts. His professional achievements include leading the financial management of a ₹25 crore property renovation, implementing PeopleSoft ERP to strengthen financial reporting and maintaining strong audit compliance. He has also consistently delivered financial planning aligned with business objectives.
Sarath holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Anna University. His expertise covers financial controls, statutory compliance, cost optimisation and process improvement, supported by an analytical approach and collaborative leadership style.
Avik Roy Chowdhury – Front Office Manager
Avik Roy Chowdhury brings over a decade of experience in front office operations, guest services and hotel leadership across IHG and Accor properties. As Front Office Manager, he leads the resort's front office team, focusing on guest satisfaction, service quality, operational efficiency and brand standards.
His career includes progressive leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Electronic City, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR, Holiday Inn Agra, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, Novotel Kochi Infopark and voco Jim Corbett. Avik has received several professional recognitions, including the Star of the Year, Highest Upseller Award and Manager of the Quarter awards. As an IHG Certified Trainer and Brand Audit Champion, he has led quality audits, loyalty programmes, operational training and guest experience initiatives, contributing to hotel performance and brand compliance.
A graduate in Hotel Management from NSHM, Durgapur, Avik is known for his guest-first approach, collaborative leadership and focus on team development. His expertise in front office operations and quality assurance supports consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.
Debaraj Rout – Housekeeping Manager
Debaraj Rout brings over 13 years of experience in housekeeping operations, team leadership and hotel pre-openings across leading hospitality brands, including IHG and Marriott International. At InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, he leads the housekeeping department, focusing on cleanliness, service standards, operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
His previous leadership roles include positions at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik, Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bengaluru OMR, Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Yeshwanthpur and Holiday Inn & Suites Bengaluru. Debaraj has extensive experience in hotel pre-opening projects, establishing housekeeping operations, developing standard operating procedures, staff training, inventory management and quality assurance. His contributions have earned him several performance recognitions, including Best Manager and Best Department honours. He is also an IHG Departmental Trainer.
A diploma holder in Hotel Management, Debaraj is recognised for his disciplined management approach and commitment to continuous improvement. He emphasises attention to detail, effective people management and consistent service standards in maintaining a high-quality guest experience.
With these appointments across finance, front office and housekeeping, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort brings together professionals with experience in financial planning, guest services and operational management. Their expertise will support the resort's focus on service quality, operational performance and guest satisfaction.
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