Pradeep Shetty Elected as FHRAI President: New Leadership for India's Hospitality Industry

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is proud to announce its new President, Mr. Pradeep Shetty, Director of Maharaja Hotels, Mumbai. Elected unanimously, Mr. Shetty will officially assume office on January 1, 2024. His extensive experience and dedication to the industry make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role.

Having previously served as Vice President and actively contributed to FHRAI for over a decade, Mr. Shetty is also the current President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI). In his statement, Mr. Shetty outlined several key priorities for his tenure as FHRAI President.

A Vision for the Future

Mr. Shetty expressed a commitment to engage with the government to create a more favorable regulatory framework for the hospitality sector. He highlighted the pressing need for the sector to receive infrastructure status, which would facilitate long-term loans at competitive interest rates, ultimately accelerating sector growth.

Furthermore, Mr. Shetty emphasized the importance of additional stimulus packages and incentives from the government. These are essential to enable the sector to achieve its ambitious goal of welcoming 100 million international tourists by 2047. This includes favorable GST (Goods and Services Tax) policies and measures to ease doing business in the hospitality sector.

Beyond these priorities, Mr. Shetty also addressed challenges such as music copyright issues, service charges, and concerns related to anti-competitive activities by major tech companies.

New Office Bearers

During the FHRAI's 67th Annual General Meeting held on September 28, 2023, new office bearers were elected. Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, Mr. K Nagaraju, and Mr. T S Walia were elected as Vice Presidents from different regional associations. Additionally, Mr. DVS Somaraju was elected as Honorary Treasurer, and Mr. Nirav Gandhi as Honorary Secretary. Mr. Sudesh Kumar Poddar and Mr. Amarvir Singh will serve as Joint Honorary Secretaries of the Federation.

Mr. Shetty's election represents a new chapter for FHRAI, and his commitment to the industry's growth and success is evident. Together with the new office bearers, he aims to lead the organization toward a future of excellence, innovation, and growth in India's hospitality sector.

iD Fresh Welcomes Gaurav Kwatra as Chief Marketing Officer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 25, 2024

iD Fresh Food has announced the appointment of Gaurav Kwatra as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). A seasoned marketing and business leader, Kwatra brings over two decades of expertise in building and leading some of the most iconic global and Indian brands.

In his new role, Kwatra will be at the forefront of iD Fresh’s marketing and brand-building strategies, focusing on accelerating market expansion and enhancing customer engagement.

A Proven Leader in Food and Beverages

Kwatra’s career spans 20 years with industry giants like Nestle and Britannia, where he led impactful marketing campaigns and introduced innovative strategies that drove disruptive growth and profitability. Known for his ability to rejuvenate brands and spearhead successful ventures, he has earned a reputation as a results-oriented leader.

Leadership Vision

Commenting on the appointment, Rajat Diwaker, CEO (India), iD Fresh Food, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Gaurav Kwatra to the iD Fresh family. With his deep expertise in brand-building and innovation across global and Indian markets, we are confident that Gaurav will bring a fresh perspective and energy to our journey. His track record of success and passion for driving consumer-centric strategies align perfectly with our mission to bring clean, high-quality fresh food to every household. This leadership appointment marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to strengthen our presence in India and beyond.”

Kwatra’s Vision for iD Fresh

Expressing his excitement, Gaurav Kwatra said, “I am excited to join iD Fresh at such an important time in the company’s growth journey. iD Fresh has built a solid brand with a strong sense of commitment to delivering high-quality, clean, fresh food products. What resonates most with me is the bedrock of strong values on which the company is built. I look forward to enhancing iD Fresh’s market presence and creating deeper connections with our consumers.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With Kwatra’s appointment, iD Fresh aims to further its mission of bringing fresh, high-quality food to households, strengthening its foothold in India and expanding its global presence.

Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, Announces New Leadership

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 24, 2024

Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, has announced key leadership appointments, welcoming Anthony Crasto as Revenue and Reservations Manager and Manjula Gowda as Director of Sales. These strategic hires underline the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality.

With over two decades of experience, Anthony Crasto is a seasoned expert in revenue optimization, reservations management, and guest service. Having held pivotal roles at renowned brands like The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Radisson Blu, Novotel, and ITC Hotels, Crasto has honed his expertise in forecasting, data analysis, and strategic revenue management. His ability to implement innovative pricing strategies and manage complex distribution channels has consistently delivered outstanding results.

At Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Crasto will spearhead revenue strategies, refine reservation processes, and ensure seamless operational efficiency. Speaking about the appointment, Ashley James, General Manager of the resort, said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Anthony Crasto to the Angsana family. His remarkable expertise and thoughtful leadership bring immense value to our team. I am confident his innovative vision will enhance guest experiences and contribute to the resort’s growth and success.”

Adding to the momentum, the resort has also appointed Manjula Gowda as Director of Sales. With over 19 years of industry experience, Gowda is a powerhouse of strategic vision and revenue-driven results. Her career spans leadership roles with renowned brands such as Ramanashree, Hilton, The Chancery, Pullman, Mövenpick, and Raintree Hotels.

Gowda’s expertise extends beyond traditional hospitality, having driven regional growth for Raintree Hotels and excelled in MICE operations at The Lalit Ashok. Her skills in business development, market analysis, and process optimization have made her a sought-after leader in the industry. At Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Gowda will lead innovative sales initiatives, strengthen market positioning, and elevate guest experiences.

Commenting on Gowda’s appointment, Ashley James shared, “We are thrilled to have Manjula Gowda join the Angsana family as our Director of Sales. Her seasoned leadership and strategic outlook align seamlessly with our dedication to excellence. I am confident her innovative approach and passion for growth will strengthen our market presence and enhance the guest experiences that define our resort.”

With these key appointments, Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, Bengaluru, continues to build on its legacy of offering world-class hospitality and exceptional service.

Rajesh Kumar Joins Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli as Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 20, 2024

Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli has announced the appointment of Rajesh Kumar as its new Executive Chef. Bringing over 18 years of culinary expertise, Kumar will now lead the hotel’s vibrant culinary operations, promising to enhance the dining experience for all guests.

Chef Rajesh Kumar’s illustrious career spans roles at some of India’s most celebrated hospitality brands, including Taj Lands End Mumbai, Taj Bengal Kolkata, Rodas – An Ecotel Hotel Powai, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Novotel Outer Ring Road Bengaluru, and most recently, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. His extensive experience has enriched his approach to gastronomy, making him a pioneer in curating memorable dining experiences.

Known for his passion and precision, Kumar has been at the forefront of hosting innovative food festivals and setting benchmarks in kitchen best practices. His focus lies in delivering unique dining moments that go beyond just food, creating lasting impressions for guests. A champion of underrepresented cuisines and custom menu creation, Chef Kumar ensures that every dish is a masterpiece that tells a story.

Anil Chavan, General Manager of Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, expressed excitement about Kumar’s appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Rajesh Kumar to our family. His unparalleled expertise and innovative vision will undoubtedly redefine the dining experience at Novotel Imagicaa. Chef Rajesh’s passion for creating unforgettable culinary moments resonates with our brand’s ethos of offering unique and immersive guest experiences. We are confident that his leadership will inspire our culinary team to reach new heights.”

Chef Kumar’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of gastronomy aligns seamlessly with Novotel Imagicaa’s commitment to offering immersive and delightful guest experiences. Under his leadership, the property is set to create innovative culinary offerings that elevate its position as a premier destination in Khopoli.

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