Pride Hotels Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Shibu Jacob as its new Corporate Head of Food & Beverage. With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Shibu brings a wealth of expertise and a reputation for transforming culinary and beverage programs into world-class offerings.

Having worked with some of the most prestigious brands in India, including Marriott International and The Lalit Hotels, Shibu has honed his skills in food and beverage operations, concept development, and team leadership. His most recent position was at Sea Princess Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the hotel’s culinary offerings and creating memorable dining experiences for guests.

In his new role at Pride Hotels Group, Shibu will oversee the food and beverage strategies for the group’s 60+ hotels across India. His focus will be on elevating guest experiences, curating innovative dining concepts, and setting new standards for service excellence.

“We are thrilled to have Shibu join us as the Corporate Head of Food & Beverage at Pride Hotels Group,” said Mr. Atul Upadhyay, EVP of Pride Hotels Group. “His vast expertise, gained from his work with renowned brands, along with his exceptional leadership, makes him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that his creative approach to culinary innovation will enhance the dining experience across our properties, setting new benchmarks for excellence in food and beverage operations.”

Shibu Jacob expressed his excitement about joining Pride Hotels Group, saying, “I am honored to be part of such a dynamic and rapidly growing hospitality brand. Pride Hotels has a strong legacy in Indian hospitality, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to create memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

Pride Hotels Group, with its deep understanding of Indian hospitality, remains focused on delivering authentic and innovative guest experiences. Shibu Jacob’s addition to the leadership team reinforces the group’s commitment to enhancing its food and beverage offerings while maintaining the hallmark of Indian charm.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong has bolstered its leadership team by announcing five significant appointments, bringing in seasoned professionals to enhance its commitment to world-class hospitality. Each of these leaders comes with extensive expertise and experience in their respective domains, ensuring a seamless guest experience at the property.

1. Kalpesh Kature, Executive Chef
   With over 15 years of experience, Kalpesh Kature is a culinary expert renowned for his innovative menus and dynamic team leadership. He has honed his skills with prominent brands like Renaissance Ahmedabad, Sodexo by Google, and Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi. His expertise spans menu planning, inventory management, and team motivation, promising an elevated dining experience for guests.

2. Lalmuankimi Khawlhring, Assistant Manager, Spa & Recreation
   Bringing a wealth of experience in spa and wellness, Lalmuankimi Khawlhring has worked with notable hospitality brands such as Le Meridien Coimbatore, The O Hotel Goa, and The Westin Pune. Her deep understanding of holistic wellness and luxury spa services will enrich the hotel's recreational offerings, catering to guests' relaxation and rejuvenation needs.

3. Shiva Kumar Kaave, Chief Engineer
   With a distinguished career spanning 20 years, Shiva Kumar Kaave has worked with leading international hotel chains, including Marriott, Accor, and Taj. His previous roles at Four Points by Sheraton Pune and Vivanta by Taj Panaji Goa underscore his technical expertise and operational excellence, ensuring the hotel’s infrastructure remains top-notch.
   

   

4. Abhishek Pachaury, Assistant Manager, IT
   A seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience, Abhishek Pachaury specializes in advanced property management systems, networking, and server platforms. His technical acumen, combined with a decade of hospitality industry experience, will ensure seamless IT operations, contributing to the hotel’s efficiency and guest satisfaction.

5. Deepak Kumar, Assistant Director of Finance
   With a remarkable 21-year career in financial leadership, Deepak Kumar has held key positions across Marriott, Hilton, and Le Meridien properties in India. His expertise in strategic financial management will be instrumental in driving the hotel's fiscal growth and long-term profitability.

These strategic appointments reflect Courtyard by Marriott Shillong’s unwavering dedication to enhancing its operational excellence and guest services. The collective experience and expertise of the new leadership team are set to elevate the hotel’s standing in the region.

The Leela Palace Jaipur has fortified its leadership team with four new appointments, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to elevate the luxury hotel's offerings and operations.

Sohil Bhargava, Director of Food and Beverage

With over nine years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sohil Bhargava has an impressive track record working with esteemed establishments like Raffles, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, and Andaz. Most recently, he excelled as the Senior Food and Beverage Manager at The DLF Camellias, where he implemented innovative strategies and created exceptional dining experiences. A graduate of the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Bhargava specializes in F&B operations, business strategy, and leadership.

In his new role, Bhargava will drive the culinary vision at The Leela Palace Jaipur, focusing on elevating the food and beverage experience to create unforgettable moments for guests while contributing to the hotel's overall growth and reputation.

Varun Parashar, Executive Chef

A seasoned culinary expert, Varun Parashar brings a rich background that includes roles at Raa Atoll, Maldives; South Male Atoll, Maldives; Trident Bandra Kurla; and The Oberoi Rajvilas. With a proven ability to enhance team performance and deliver exceptional culinary standards, Parashar is a graduate of the Oberoi Center for Learning & Development and holds a bachelor's degree from IHM Lucknow.

As the Executive Chef, Parashar will lead the culinary operations at The Leela Palace Jaipur, curating exceptional menus that celebrate regional flavors while maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Director of Finance

Sandeep Kumar Sharma joins with extensive experience in financial management, having held key positions at Hilton Jaipur, The Leela Palace New Delhi, and Trident properties in Chennai and Hyderabad. Sharma’s ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and his expertise in strategic planning have been hallmarks of his career.

A commerce graduate from Rajasthan University, Sharma will oversee financial strategies at The Leela Palace Jaipur, ensuring the hotel's fiscal health and operational efficiency.

Tanuj Shokeen, Director of Sales and Marketing

With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Tanuj Shokeen has a proven track record in driving sales performance and engaging stakeholders across various markets. Before joining The Leela Palace Jaipur, he served as the Director of Sales at Taj - Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur. Shokeen holds a PGDM in Marketing and International Business from AIMA and a bachelor's degree in commerce from Delhi University.

In his new role, Shokeen will focus on enhancing sales strategies, revenue management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring The Leela Palace Jaipur strengthens its position as a leader in the luxury hospitality market.

These appointments mark a significant step forward for The Leela Palace Jaipur, as the new leaders bring their expertise and passion to take the property’s guest experiences and operational excellence to new heights.