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.


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Abhijith R as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Abhijith R as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on November 18, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Abhijith R as the new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. With more than ten years in the hospitality industry, Abhijith brings hands-on experience in operations, guest satisfaction, and team leadership.

His journey with Hyatt has included key milestones, especially during the pre-opening phases of Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru and Hyatt Regency Trivandrum. In both roles, he played an important part in setting brand standards and shaping memorable dining experiences. His professional path also includes time at St. Regis Doha, where he continued to build on his ability to innovate and elevate food & beverage offerings.

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Abhijith said, "I’m thrilled to join the Grand Hyatt Kochi family! The hotel’s stunning location and rich heritage make this a unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. My motto is simple, create moments that matter."

Originally from Trivandrum, Abhijith stays closely connected to Kerala’s heritage and values. His local understanding, combined with global exposure, adds a refreshing perspective to the hotel’s food & beverage direction.

With Abhijith leading the F&B division, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is set to strengthen its commitment to standout culinary experiences and exceptional guest service.


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Welcomes Sachin Katoch as Director of Sales

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Welcomes Sachin Katoch as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on November 17, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Sachin Katoch as the new Director of Sales, bringing onboard a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong background in sales and leadership. Sachin holds an MBA in Marketing & Finance from Delhi Business School and has spent over a decade building his expertise across some of India’s most respected hotel brands.

Sachin began his career in February 2012 as a Sales Executive with Fariyas Hotel and Resorts, managing corporate sales for both Fariyas Resort Lonavala and Fariyas Mumbai. His performance led to a promotion to Assistant Sales Manager in July 2013.

In February 2014, he joined Concept Hospitality as an Assistant Sales Manager, and later moved to Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport in the same role. His journey continued in July 2016 when he took on the position of Regional Sales Manager – Mumbai at Fairmont Jaipur, eventually transitioning to the hotel as a Sales Manager in June 2017.

Sachin’s next move was to Hilton Jaipur, where he joined as Senior Sales Manager in April 2019 and grew into the position of Associate Director of Sales in January 2022. His career then took him to Mumbai as Associate Director of Sales at JW Marriott Juhu Mumbai in July 2022.

In March 2023, Sachin returned to Fairmont Jaipur as Associate Director of Sales, taking on additional responsibilities as Cluster Associate Director of Sales in December 2023. In January 2025, he stepped into the role of Director of Events, which he held until joining Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty.

Sachin comes from the peaceful Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is a member of the Chandravanshi Rajput Katoch clan, a lineage known for courage, honour, and a tradition of service to the nation.

The team at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is delighted to welcome Sachin and looks forward to the experience, vision, and leadership he brings to the role.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Sahil Ranaut as general manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Sahil Ranaut as general manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 14, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Sahil Ranaut as its new general manager. In this role, Ranaut will lead the hotel’s dynamic team and oversee all operations, with a strong focus on elevating guest experiences and driving impactful business results.

Ranaut brings over 16 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry, having started his career with Marriott in 2009 as a Voyager Management Trainee in revenue management. His journey includes notable tenures with both Marriott and IHG Group before joining Hyatt in 2019.

Most recently, he served as Area Director of Revenue Management at Park Hyatt Hyderabad, where he successfully led revenue strategies for 14 hotels across southern India, demonstrating a results-driven approach complemented by creativity and precision.

Ranaut’s leadership style is rooted in empathy and collaboration, emphasizing that genuine human connection is the foundation of impactful hospitality. His approach balances ambitious business goals with creativity, fueled by his passion for culinary arts and attention to detail.

Reflecting on his new role, Sahil Ranaut said, “As I begin this exciting new phase, I’m truly looking forward to collaborating closely with our incredible Hyatt colleagues to elevate the guest experience while driving impactful business results. I remain deeply grateful to the mentors and teammates who have shaped my journey so far, your guidance, support, and belief have made all the difference. Here’s to continued growth, meaningful partnerships, and creating memorable moments for our guests and teams alike.”

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road continues to strengthen its leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences infused with energy, style, and purpose.

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