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.


Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Abhay Kumar as Cluster Associate Director of Sales

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Abhay Kumar as Cluster Associate Director of Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has appointed Abhay Kumar as Cluster Associate Director of Sales as the company continues to strengthen its commercial team and expand across Rajasthan's leisure, MICE and destination wedding markets.

In his new role, Abhay will lead the sales and business development strategy for Pushkara Resort & Spa, Ajmer. He will also support the commercial growth of Black Rock Hotels & Resorts' expanding portfolio across the region.

Abhay brings over nine years of experience in hospitality sales, with a background in business development, client relationship management, revenue generation and strategic partnerships. During his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Fairmont & Raffles Jaipur (Accor), Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels and ITC Hotels.

His experience includes managing luxury weddings, MICE, corporate business, travel trade and key account relationships. He has also been involved in luxury hotel pre-openings, large-format conferences, destination weddings and revenue-driven sales strategies. With this experience, Abhay is expected to play an important role as Black Rock continues to focus on experiential hospitality and event-led destinations across Rajasthan.

Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Bhargava, Founder, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "As Black Rock enters its next phase of growth, strengthening our commercial leadership is a key priority. Abhay brings a strong understanding of luxury hospitality sales, MICE, weddings and relationship management, having worked with some of the industry's most respected brands. His experience will be instrumental in expanding the market presence of Pushkara Resort & Spa while supporting our broader vision of building one of Rajasthan's leading hospitality management companies. We are delighted to welcome him to the Black Rock family and look forward to the energy, ideas and leadership he brings to the team."

Speaking on his appointment, Abhay Kumar said, "I'm excited to join Black Rock Hotels & Resorts at such an important stage of its journey. The company has built a strong reputation for managing distinctive hospitality destinations, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of Pushkara Resort & Spa while strengthening relationships with corporate, MICE, wedding and travel partners. It is an exciting opportunity to be part of a company that is expanding with a clear long-term vision."

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has been steadily growing its hospitality footprint across Rajasthan, with a portfolio that includes destination resorts, luxury leisure hotels and wildlife hospitality.

Abhay's appointment comes as the company continues to invest in its commercial capabilities and build its presence across key leisure markets in the state.


Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall Elevates Sagnik Chattopadhyay as Front Office Manager

Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall Elevates Sagnik Chattopadhyay as Front Office Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall has elevated Sagnik Chattopadhyay as its Front Office Manager, recognising his consistent contribution to guest satisfaction, operational excellence and team leadership.

Sagnik has steadily progressed through key operational roles at the hotel, reflecting the property's focus on developing internal talent and creating future hospitality leaders. In his new role, he will oversee the Front Office operations and focus on delivering smooth and memorable guest experiences.

His responsibilities will include managing room inventory, guest engagement, loyalty recognition, service excellence initiatives and team development. He will also work closely with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and support the hotel's business objectives. Sagnik brings close to a decade’s experience in hospitality, having worked with leading hotel brands including Grand Mercure, Novotel and the Taj Group. He joined Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall as Duty Manager in 2023 and later progressed to Assistant Front Office Manager before taking up his new role as Front Office Manager.

During his time with the hotel, Sagnik has contributed to improving guest satisfaction, strengthening loyalty programmes, mentoring high-performing teams and ensuring compliance with Accor brand standards.

Commenting on the promotion, Ram Shetty, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall said, "We are delighted to announce Sagnik's elevation as Front Office Manager. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated strong operational expertise, a guest-first mindset and the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. We are confident that he will continue to strengthen our service standards and contribute to delivering exceptional guest experiences."

Speaking about his promotion, Sagnik Chattopadhyay, Front Office Manager, Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall said, "I am honoured to take on the role of Front Office Manager at Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall. Having grown within the organisation over the past few years, this promotion is both rewarding and motivating. What I value most about this opportunity is the chance to work alongside an exceptional team to continuously enhance the guest experience while driving operational excellence. I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have created and contributing to the hotel's continued success."

Sagnik's elevation highlights Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall's continued focus on recognising talent from within and building strong operational teams. His experience and familiarity with the hotel are expected to support the property as it continues to focus on service excellence and guest experience.


Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort Appoints Nittasha A Chakraborty as Assistant Manager Marketing and Communication

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort Appoints Nittasha A Chakraborty as Assistant Manager Marketing and Communication

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort has welcomed Nittasha A Chakraborty as its new Assistant Manager Marketing and Communication, adding to the resort's sales and marketing team as it continues to build its brand presence and guest engagement.

Nittasha comes with experience in hospitality, public relations, and brand management. Her professional journey includes working on integrated marketing campaigns, brand-building initiatives, media relations, content development, and digital communication strategies.

Before joining Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort, she was associated with The Astor Goa, where she contributed to marketing initiatives, strengthened the property's digital presence, and supported brand-led campaigns. Her experience has helped her develop a strong understanding of strategic communications, public relations, and marketing execution. In her new role, Nittasha will lead marketing and communications initiatives, support guest engagement, enhance the resort's brand visibility, and contribute to its business objectives through integrated marketing strategies.

Nittasha holds a bachelor’s degree in arts (Mass Media and Journalism) along with a Diploma in Advertising, Public Relations and Event Management. Her academic background, combined with hands-on industry experience, adds to her approach towards marketing and communication.

Commenting on her role, Nittasha said:

"I am delighted to be a part of Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort, a brand renowned for its commitment to exceptional hospitality and meaningful experiences. I look forward to contributing to the resort's continued success by creating impactful marketing initiatives that strengthen guest engagement and further enhance its position as a preferred luxury destination."

Beyond work, Nittasha enjoys learning about diverse cultures, exploring new destinations, and expressing her creativity through music and dance. She is also an avid enthusiast of astronomy and the mysteries of the cosmos, reflecting her curiosity and interest in discovering new ideas and perspectives.

Her addition to the team reflects Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort's focus on nurturing talent and building a forward-thinking team. With her experience and creative approach, Nittasha will contribute to the resort's marketing efforts, guest experiences, and continued brand growth.

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