Puneet Dhawan Appointed Head of Asia at Minor Hotels

Puneet Dhawan Appointed Head of Asia at Minor Hotels

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 18, 2024

Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as the new Head of Asia, effective from July 2024. Dhawan, who brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, will oversee the performance of all Minor Hotels properties across Asia. He will work closely with the senior leadership team and report directly to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan’s career spans across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He joins Minor Hotels from Accor, where he most recently held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations for India & South Asia. During his tenure at Accor, Dhawan played a significant role in driving the company’s growth, including the successful opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His responsibilities included business development, owner management, hotel operations, and leading commercial teams.

Before his time at Accor, Dhawan began his hospitality career with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, holding key positions at properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong. He has also served as Accor's Vice President of Operations for the Middle East and held several General Manager roles. Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and will be based at Minor Hotels' corporate office in Bangkok.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed enthusiasm for Dhawan’s appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

Minor Hotels has ambitious plans to expand its portfolio, aiming to add over 200 new properties globally by the end of 2026, with about half of these new openings in Asia. The company also recently announced its intent to open 50 new properties in India within the next decade, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand in Jaipur later this year.

Dhawan’s extensive background and leadership in the hospitality industry are expected to play a crucial role in supporting Minor Hotels' strategic growth plans in the region. His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing its presence and operational excellence in the rapidly expanding Asian market.

Minor Hotels looks forward to leveraging Dhawan's expertise to drive its growth and success in Asia and India. Join us in welcoming Puneet Dhawan as he embarks on this exciting journey with Minor Hotels.


DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Karan Singhal as Marketing & Communications Manager

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Appoints Karan Singhal as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 4, 2026

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has announced the appointment of Karan Singhal as its new Marketing & Communications Manager. With more than six years of experience in hospitality marketing and communications, he joins the hotel with expertise in brand communications, digital marketing, public relations, social media and integrated marketing campaigns.

In his new role, Karan will lead the hotel's marketing and communications strategy, focusing on experience-led campaigns, strengthening brand positioning and enhancing guest engagement across accommodation, dining and hospitality experiences. He will also work towards elevating the hotel's food and beverage offerings through distinctive campaigns, collaborations and experiential concepts, while driving digital visibility, media outreach and audience engagement.

His responsibilities will further include building strategic partnerships and developing integrated marketing initiatives that reinforce the hotel's presence within Bengaluru's competitive hospitality and dining landscape.

Karan began his career with Eleven Inc, a Gurugram-based integrated hospitality marketing agency, before moving to Novotel & Ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, where he served as Complex Marketing & Communications Executive. He later joined Hyatt Regency Ludhiana as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications. Before taking up his new role, he was associated with The LaLiT Chandigarh as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications, leading the hotel's marketing and communications function.

Commenting on the appointment, Akash Kalia, General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Karan to DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. His experience across hospitality marketing, coupled with his understanding of brand communications and the evolving digital landscape, will be instrumental in strengthening the hotel’s presence in the market. His creative approach and focus on experience-led storytelling align with our vision of creating meaningful and memorable guest experiences. We look forward to his contribution as we further strengthen the hotel’s positioning and bring fresh energy to our dining and hospitality experiences.”

Karan holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Aurangabad and an MBA in Marketing from Manipal University Jaipur.

With a digital-first mindset and a passion for hospitality storytelling, Karan will focus on building stronger connections between the brand and its audiences through engaging campaigns and innovative experiences that support the hotel's continued growth in the Bengaluru market.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Chef Kalpesh Kature as Executive Chef

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Chef Kalpesh Kature as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Chef Kalpesh Kature as its Executive Chef, further strengthening the hotel's culinary leadership team. With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Kalpesh brings extensive expertise in culinary operations, menu innovation, banquet planning, food cost optimisation, and team leadership.

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Chef Kalpesh served as Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, where he oversaw kitchen operations, developed innovative menus, ensured stringent food safety standards, optimised food and labour costs, and curated bespoke culinary experiences for banquets and events.

Over the course of his career, he has held key culinary positions with several leading hospitality brands, including Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi, ibis Pune by Accor, Royal Orchid Golden Suites Pune, and Radisson Hotel Pune. His experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands, corporate dining, and destination resorts has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary culinary excellence and hospitality operations.

Chef Kalpesh has built expertise in menu development, kitchen administration, inventory management, food cost optimisation, team mentoring, and executing large-scale banquet operations. He is also recognised for conceptualising regional and international cuisines while implementing operational best practices that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, "We are delighted to welcome Chef Kalpesh Kature to Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal as our Executive Chef. His impressive culinary background, commitment to excellence and people-first leadership approach align perfectly with the values we uphold at the hotel. We are confident that his experience and fresh perspective will further strengthen our culinary offerings while creating meaningful dining experiences for our guests. We look forward to the passion and creativity he will bring to our kitchens and wish him every success in his new role."

As Executive Chef, Chef Kalpesh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations across its restaurants, banqueting facilities, and in-room dining services. His responsibilities include driving menu innovation, maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety, mentoring the culinary team, and delivering memorable dining experiences for guests.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Deepak Chaudhary as Director of Food & Beverage

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Deepak Chaudhary as Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Deepak Chaudhary as Director of Food & Beverage, further strengthening its leadership team and reaffirming its commitment to enhancing dining experiences for guests.

With nearly 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepak brings extensive expertise in food and beverage operations, restaurant management, service excellence, and team leadership. Having spent a significant part of his career with Hyatt, he joins the role with a strong understanding of the brand's hospitality philosophy and operational standards.

Prior to joining Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, Deepak served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, where he led large-scale food and beverage operations, managed marquee events, and contributed to driving operational excellence across the property.

His professional journey also includes leadership roles at Hyatt Regency New Delhi and Roseate House New Delhi, along with experience in the beverage industry through key account management positions. A WSET Level 2 certified wine professional and certified departmental trainer, Deepak is recognised for his focus on service excellence, developing high-performing teams, and delivering memorable guest experiences.

In his new role, Deepak will oversee the hotel's food and beverage operations, with a focus on operational excellence, innovative dining concepts, and elevating guest experiences across its restaurants and bars.

Commenting on his appointment, Deepak Chaudhary said, "The most memorable moments in hospitality often happen around a dining table. Whether it is a quick coffee before a meeting, a celebratory dinner, or an evening spent with friends, food has a unique way of bringing people together. I am excited to lead the food and beverage team at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri as we continue to create experiences that are thoughtful, distinctive, and rooted in genuine hospitality."

The appointment reflects Hyatt Centric Janakpuri's continued investment in experienced leadership as it strengthens its food and beverage offerings and delivers contemporary hospitality experiences for both business and leisure travellers in New Delhi.

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