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.


The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

The Job Plus has announced the elevation of Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer (CGO), marking a strategic move in the company’s mission to create a skilled and sustainable workforce for India’s service and hospitality sectors.

In her expanded role, Krishan will lead the platform’s strategic growth efforts across its nationwide skilling engine, deepen collaborations with industry leaders, and accelerate efforts to skill and place thousands of young Indians into meaningful employment.

Natwar Nagar, Founder of The Job Plus, remarked, “Divya has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of strategic vision, passion for inclusive growth, and the ability to turn ideas into impact. Her elevation to Chief Growth Officer reflects our belief in her leadership and our shared commitment to transforming the lives of young Indians across the country.”

Over the past three years, Krishan has played a pivotal role in shaping key initiatives such as women-focused skilling programmes, CSR-driven partnerships, and digital literacy outreach for underserved communities. Her leadership underlines the brand’s focus on bridging the gap between potential and opportunity—while fostering sustainable employment and service excellence both in India and internationally.

This move signals a stronger push by The Job Plus to enhance workforce readiness and deepen its engagement with the evolving needs of the hospitality and service industry.


Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 19, 2025

Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, has appointed Mr. Kashif Masood as its new General Manager, bringing onboard a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations and leadership.

Mr. Masood’s career spans across top hotel brands including Jaypee Hotels, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group, along with international exposure from his stint in East Africa. A valued member of the Sarovar Group for over six years, he previously led operations at Radisson Blu Outer Ring Road, managed by Sarovar, before stepping into this larger leadership role in Bengaluru.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Mr. Masood is celebrated for his hands-on leadership style, team-building skills, and a strong guest-first philosophy. His core strengths lie in hotel operations and food & beverage management, with a proven track record in aligning teams towards shared goals and elevating guest satisfaction.

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Speaking on his new role, Mr. Masood said,
"Taking on the role of General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites is a privilege and a responsibility I value deeply. My focus will be on building a culture of accountability and genuine hospitality, strengthening the hotel’s market presence, and creating long-term value through thoughtful leadership."

As General Manager, he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s strategic direction, driving business growth, and ensuring operational excellence across departments. His leadership will also be key in mentoring the internal teams and nurturing relationships with guests and stakeholders alike.

Outside the boardroom, Mr. Masood enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming—interests that reflect his curiosity, focus, and discipline, which also shine through in his professional journey.

HospitalityNews extends its best wishes to Mr. Kashif Masood as he begins this exciting new chapter with Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites.


Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The hospitality industry just got its own dedicated voice. Kajal Chandan, a seasoned hospitality professional, has co-founded Newzy Room LLP—a specialized communications studio based in Andheri, Mumbai. With this launch, Kajal aims to bridge the gap between operational know-how and brand storytelling, bringing insider-driven communication strategies to the forefront.

Kajal brings with her over 15 years of experience, having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL’s Ginger Hotels, Mira Hospitality, Pride Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and Kamats Legacy. Her deep-rooted industry understanding positions Newzy Room to offer finely-tuned strategies that resonate with both media and guests.

Newzy Room will offer a bouquet of services including traditional PR (print & digital), influencer engagement, FAM trips, advertorials, industry awards, celebrity interactions, and creative brand storytelling—crafted specifically for the hospitality ecosystem.

"We are dedicated to hospitality—because that's where we come from, and that's what we understand best," shares Kajal. "Our aim is to give the hospitality industry the kind of focused visibility and voice it truly deserves."

At a time when meaningful narratives and brand identity are key to differentiation, Newzy Room arrives with the right mix of media insight and sector expertise—ready to redefine how hotels and hospitality brands communicate their stories.

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