Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Shambhavi Mishra as Head of Marketing. Over the past two years, Shambhavi has led marketing for PizzaExpress and Chili’s American Grill & Bar, driving digital-first campaigns, consumer engagement, and high-impact initiatives.

In her expanded role, she will now oversee marketing across the company’s entire portfolio of global dining icons, including P.F. Chang’s, with a focus on strengthening brand presence and cultural relevance in India’s evolving dining landscape.

Previously, as AVP – Marketing at Impresario Handmade Restaurants, she led strategy for brands such as SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Boss Burger, Lucknowee, and HungLi across 47+ locations. At SOCIAL, she redefined F&B marketing by blending community-building, culture-first partnerships, and workspace strategies, establishing the brand at the heart of India’s creative and entrepreneurial scene.

Shambhavi has also collaborated with marquee global brands like Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Tinder, Bumble, Budweiser, Absolut, Flipkart, and cultural phenomena like Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, and Gully Gang, while creating original IPs such as Fresh Cuts, Satrangi Mela, Culture Chutney, and Deluxe Thali, celebrating art, music, sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity.

An alumna of ISB and MICA, with a degree from the Institute of Technology & Management, Shambhavi is known for her strategic clarity, entrepreneurial mindset, and digital-first approach. She is widely regarded as a dynamic voice in India’s F&B industry, shaping brand stories that resonate deeply with modern audiences.

Beyond marketing, she champions women’s safety, gender inclusivity, and diversity, embedding these values into workplace culture and consumer experiences.

Rubystone Hospitality has announced the appointment of Mr. Manoj Sharma as its new Corporate General Manager, marking another strong step in its leadership expansion. With over 25 years of experience in the hotel and travel industry, Manoj brings deep knowledge and operational expertise to the brand.

A results-driven professional, Mr. Sharma has a proven record in managing daily hotel operations with a clear focus on coordination across departments like reception, food and beverage, room service, bookings, budgets, and marketing. His strength lies in developing operational policies that balance efficiency and budget compliance, while also improving staff performance through skill-building and multi-task training.

Over the years, he has established strong business connections with AFMAC and FMGC across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi NCR, and Rajasthan. His extensive social network in Agra, Firozabad, Vrindavan, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, and Ghaziabad highlights his ability to build relationships that drive collaboration and growth within the hospitality space.

Mr. Sharma is known for his approachable leadership style and his ability to foster a positive, professional, and inclusive workplace culture. His leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork and creating an environment where both employees and guests feel valued.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sandeep, Managing Director of Rubystone Hospitality, said, “Manoj has been a key to our growth and an ideal fit for the role, given his knowledge of our operations. We are confident that he will further strengthen Rubystone with his leadership and knowledge and enhance our service and guest satisfaction levels.”

Under Manoj Sharma’s guidance, Rubystone Hospitality aims to continue its path of steady growth while enhancing guest satisfaction and operational excellence across its properties in India.

Holiday Inn Express has announced the promotion of Tarun Ratra to the position of Portfolio Operations Manager, effective September 2025. A part of the Holiday Inn Express family since 2018, Tarun has played a key role in the brand’s growth and operations across India.

Over the years, he has taken on several leadership roles including Associate Director of Sales, Director of Sales, Cluster Director of Sales, and most recently, Hotel Manager at Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector 50. His experience and leadership have been instrumental in enhancing the brand’s service quality and guest satisfaction.

In his new capacity, Tarun will oversee the operations of 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels managed by SAMHI Hotels Ltd, ensuring uniform standards in safety, operations, and guest experience. His focus will be on refining service delivery, building strong teams, and driving steady revenue growth across the portfolio.

Recognised for his dedication and strategic insight, Tarun has also been honoured with the True Hospitality Champion Award for South East Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, a reflection of his consistent pursuit of excellence.

Expressing his gratitude on the promotion, Tarun Ratra shared, “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and proud to continue my journey with Holiday Inn Express in this new role. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented teams at Holiday Inn Express Portfolio, and I look forward to further enhancing our operations and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value and experiences to our guests.”

This promotion highlights Holiday Inn Express’s commitment to nurturing talent within the organisation and strengthening its image as a brand that values dedication and growth. It also reflects the spirit of IHG’s “Room to Grow” campaign, which focuses on developing people through learning, leadership, and internal opportunities. Tarun’s rise stands as an example of this culture, where performance and passion are recognised and rewarded.