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.

Rosetta Hospitality Names Amit Vivian Richard Gowli as General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 18, 2025

Rosetta Hospitality has announced the promotion of Amit Vivian Richard Gowli as the General Manager of Rosetta Sakleshpur. Having served as the Resident Manager for the past two years, Amit has played a key role in refining the resort’s guest experiences and operational efficiency.

With a postgraduate degree from The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development and over 22 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Amit brings a wealth of expertise in operations, guest satisfaction, and team leadership. His career includes leadership roles at renowned hotels, where he has driven service excellence and innovation.

A Vision for Elevated Luxury at Rosetta Sakleshpur

In his new role, Amit will be responsible for:

Overseeing resort operations to ensure seamless guest experiences
Enhancing service standards while maintaining Rosetta Hospitality’s eco-friendly ethos
Driving growth by strengthening operational efficiency and guest engagement
Positioning Rosetta Sakleshpur as a leading luxury retreat

Excited about his new journey, Amit shared:

“Rosetta Sakleshpur is a special destination, and I look forward to working with the team to enhance its offerings and deliver memorable experiences for our guests.”

A Commitment to Excellence in Hospitality

Since its inception in 2017, Rosetta Hospitality has built a reputation for luxury, eco-conscious hospitality, and innovative culinary experiences. With Amit’s leadership, Rosetta Sakleshpur is poised to continue its growth as a premier getaway in the heart of nature.

The brand’s exclusive Club Rosetta program further enhances its appeal, offering a luxury vacation ownership experience with access to the finest destinations worldwide.

For more details, visit Rosetta Hospitality.

Pratik Bhatia Joins Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown as Director of Sales

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 17, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown has announced the appointment of Pratik Bhatia as its Director of Sales. With extensive experience in revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion, Bhatia is set to play a key role in strengthening the hotel’s market position and driving commercial success.

Bhatia began his career as a management trainee at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, where he developed a strong foundation in sales leadership and business development. His experience spans across renowned hospitality brands, including Hyatt Ahmedabad, Novotel, Courtyard Ahmedabad, and Four Points by Sheraton Ahmedabad. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the pre-opening success of Fairfield by Marriott Vadodara, excelling in market penetration, revenue optimization, and brand positioning.

A Global Perspective on Hospitality Sales

Bringing an international edge to his expertise, Bhatia spent five years in New Zealand, gaining deep insights into evolving hospitality trends and guest expectations. His exposure to diverse markets enables him to identify opportunities, foster strong client relationships, and adapt to dynamic market conditions—skills that will be instrumental in enhancing Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown’s competitive edge.

A Vision for Growth and Excellence

Bhatia’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His strategic mindset and ability to build high-performance sales teams make him well-equipped to drive revenue and strengthen the hotel’s position in the Gurugram market.

With his expertise and visionary approach, Bhatia is set to elevate the commercial potential of Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram Downtown, reinforcing its reputation as a preferred business and leisure destination.

Sun Siyam Resorts Appoints Ahmed Ibrahim as Director of Training & Development

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 16, 2025

Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the appointment of Ahmed Ibrahim as its Director of Training & Development, based at the company's Head Office in Malé. With over two decades of leadership experience in human resources, talent development, and workforce transformation, Ahmed will play a crucial role in strengthening learning and development initiatives across all Sun Siyam properties.

A Commitment to Employee Growth & Service Excellence

Ahmed will oversee the training framework for the resort group, ensuring employees are equipped with the skills and leadership capabilities required to deliver exceptional guest experiences. His role will focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation within the organization.

Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts, emphasized the importance of this appointment:

"Ahmed's leadership reinforces our commitment to employee development and service excellence across our resorts. His expertise in driving workforce growth and cultivating strong training cultures will help shape the future of our teams. We are thrilled to welcome him on board and look forward to his contributions in advancing our training and development initiatives."

A Proven Leader in HR & Talent Development

Ahmed holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster (UK) and a Bachelor’s in HR and Administrative Management from La Trobe University (Australia). He is a Chartered Member of CIPD (UK) and has been recognized among the 100 Top Global HR Minds at the World HRD Congress.

Beyond his professional expertise, Ahmed is the President and Co-Founder of the Maldives Association of HR Professionals (MAHRP), demonstrating his deep commitment to advancing the HR profession and fostering continuous learning in the hospitality industry.

Sun Siyam Resorts’ focus on training excellence and leadership development aligns perfectly with Ahmed’s vision, making his appointment a strategic move for the group’s future growth.

For more details, visit www.sunsiyam.com or follow Sun Siyam Resorts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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