Tata Sons has appointed former civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola as an advisor for its aviation business, as the group sharpens its focus on reviving Air India amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and leadership changes.

Kharola, a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, is expected to steer the airline’s communication with the government at a time when the carrier is navigating safety reviews, compliance challenges and internal transition. He earlier served as civil aviation secretary from February 2019 to September 2021 and played a pivotal role in the privatisation process that led to the Tata Group’s takeover of Air India in January 2022. He also previously held the position of Air India chairman.

Sources familiar with the development said Kharola was handpicked by Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran and has already been closely involved in critical matters, including sensitive government interactions and safety assessments.

The appointment comes at a challenging time for the airline. Following last year’s crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft that resulted in 260 fatalities, Air India’s operations have remained under heightened regulatory watch. A preliminary investigation did not indicate any fault with the aircraft or the airline’s engineering practices as the cause of the crash.

According to data presented in Parliament, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued 84 show cause notices to Air India in the past two years, while its low-cost arm Air India Express received 65 notices. In comparison, rival IndiGo, with nearly double the fleet size received 98 notices during the same period.

Last week, the DGCA penalised Air India for operating an aircraft eight times without a valid airworthiness permit, stating that the lapse had eroded public trust in aviation safety.

Meanwhile, Tata Group has reportedly initiated the search for a successor to CEO Campbell Wilson as part of broader leadership restructuring efforts.

Aviation remains a highly regulated sector, where airlines depend heavily on government clearances. Air India is currently lobbying for permission to use Chinese airspace to mitigate financial pressures arising from restrictions on Indian carriers using Pakistani airspace.

Industry observers note that strengthening government relations is critical for airlines in India. IndiGo too has brought experienced bureaucrats into key corporate roles to manage regulatory and policy engagement.

With Kharola’s administrative experience and familiarity with the aviation ministry’s functioning, Tata Sons appears to be reinforcing its strategy to stabilise operations, rebuild trust and navigate complex regulatory terrain as Air India charts its next growth phase.

Atmosphere Core has appointed Francesco Giovannelli as Monastero Manager of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, marking the group’s foray into the European heritage hospitality landscape. Nestled in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills of Piedmont, the property represents the brand’s first heritage address in Italy under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.

With over 15 years of hospitality leadership experience across Italy, including Piedmont and Tuscany, Giovannelli brings strong operational expertise spanning revenue coordination, service delivery, and department leadership. His hands-on understanding of regional cultures and guest expectations has earned him recognition from Leading Hotels of the World for service excellence, followed by the Hospitality Award 2025.

Commenting on his appointment, Francesco Giovannelli said, “Borgo Monchiero is a special heritage experience, and I am honoured to lead this exceptional project for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. By working closely with teams on the ground, my priority is to translate heritage into operational excellence and results that guests can feel at every touchpoint.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, added, “Francesco’s appointment reflects our focus on appointing leaders who combine strong commercial and operational acumen with a deep respect for place and people. His experience and sensibility are ideally suited to Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, where history and modern hospitality come together.”

Originally built in 1773, the restored 18th-century monastery blends Romanesque architecture, sacred frescoes, and the art, culture, and cuisine of northern Italy. The three-storey hillside retreat features 19 rooms reimagined from former monastic cells, a private chapel for weddings and intimate ceremonies, a restaurant highlighting local gastronomy, an elegant lounge bar, a panoramic swimming pool, and a wellness area with sauna, infrared therapies, and a private jacuzzi set within a centuries-old water reservoir. Located in a region renowned for Barolo and Barbera wines, the property offers an immersive luxury escape rooted in history and terroir.

With this appointment, Atmosphere Core strengthens its expansion strategy across Europe, reinforcing its vision of delivering culturally immersive, experience-led hospitality in distinctive heritage settings.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Rahul Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager. Bringing over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Rahul offers strong expertise in multi-outlet management, revenue optimization, cost control, and service excellence.

Throughout his career, Rahul has led complex restaurant and banquet operations, mentored high-performance teams, and consistently delivered elevated guest satisfaction scores. He has managed high-volume dining environments, executed large-scale events, and implemented structured service rituals aimed at improving operational efficiency while reinforcing brand positioning.

In his new role, Rahul will oversee the strategic and operational leadership of the hotel’s F&B division. His responsibilities will include driving financial performance, enhancing guest experiences, developing talent, and curating innovative programming across the hotel’s outlets.

Speaking on his appointment, Rahul Sharma said, “Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore represents an exciting intersection of business, travel, and the city’s evolving dining culture. I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive operational excellence, build strong customer loyalty, and create distinctive food and beverage offerings aligned with the brand’s dynamic ethos.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to strengthen its leadership framework and sharpen its focus on delivering consistent, high-quality dining and beverage experiences. Rahul’s ability to balance fiscal discipline with guest-centric innovation is expected to further enhance service benchmarks and reinforce the hotel’s competitive positioning within Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape.