Rajiv Ghumman Takes Charge as Global Business Head at Loca Loka

Rajiv Ghumman Takes Charge as Global Business Head at Loca Loka

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 29, 2025

Loca Loka, the Indian AlcoBev company making waves worldwide, has appointed Rajiv Ghumman as its Global Business Head, marking a significant step in its global growth journey. With over two decades of experience in the AlcoBev industry, Rajiv has worked with renowned brands such as Bacardi, Jose Cuervo, and United Distillers India Ltd, where he led marketing for iconic names like Black & White, Vat 69, and White Horse Whisky.

In his new role, Rajiv will focus on global expansion strategies, sales operations, and innovative marketing initiatives to establish Loca Loka as a leading name in premium tequila. The company, which recently launched in the United States and Southeast Asia, aims to tap into the rising global demand for high-quality agave-based spirits.

Commenting on his appointment, Rajiv Ghumman shared, “It is an honor to step into this global role at such a transformative time for Loca Loka and the tequila industry at large. Tequila is more than just a spirit; it embodies tradition, culture, and the artistry of Mexico. I’m excited to bring our authentic tequila experience to new audiences, delivering exceptional quality and fostering brand loyalty worldwide.”

Harsha Vadlamudi, Founder of Loca Loka, expressed confidence in Rajiv’s leadership: “Rajiv has consistently demonstrated unparalleled strategic insight and a deep understanding of the industry. As we expand into key markets like the US, Southeast Asia, Dubai, and London, his expertise will be instrumental in establishing Loca Loka as a global force in the tequila category.”

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Global Expansion and Industry Growth

In the past six months, Loca Loka has achieved major milestones. The brand launched its handcrafted tequila offerings—Tequila Blanco and Tequila Reposado—in the United States and Southeast Asia, targeting markets with high demand for premium spirits. With reports showing a CAGR of 8.1% in the global tequila market (2022-2028), Loca Loka is poised to capitalize on the growing trend toward premium and craft tequila.

The Tequila Blanco, retailing at $40, offers a vibrant profile with fruity flavors of cooked agave and floral notes from Highland agaves. The Reposado, priced at $49, boasts a richer aroma and is aged in French and American oak barrels, creating a smooth, premium experience.

About Loca Loka

Founded by Rana Daggubati, Anirudh Ravichander, and Harsha Vadlamudi, Loca Loka represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. With a commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that narrate stories of heritage and cross-cultural collaboration, the company embodies modern India's vibrant energy. Starting with tequila, Loca Loka aims to expand its portfolio, catering to a global audience with unique and high-quality offerings.

With Rajiv Ghumman at the helm, Loca Loka is set to redefine the tequila landscape and establish itself as a global powerhouse in the AlcoBev industry.


Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2026

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Ravi Patil as Director of Engineering, strengthening its leadership team with a focus on operational excellence, sustainability and infrastructure management. With over 16 years of experience across luxury hospitality, Patil will oversee the property's engineering operations, technical services, asset management and infrastructure development.

In his new role, Patil will focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening preventive maintenance practices, advancing sustainability initiatives and ensuring the long-term performance of the property's infrastructure. He will also be responsible for supporting the smooth functioning of the hotel's technical operations.

Before joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Patil served as Director of Engineering at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. He has also held engineering leadership positions with Marriott International across Mumbai and Pune. His international hospitality experience includes roles at Fairmont Dubai and Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda.

Known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Patil has led engineering teams and managed maintenance, refurbishment and infrastructure initiatives. His work has focused on improving reliability, maintaining safety standards, enhancing energy efficiency and optimising resource use.

Speaking about his appointment, Ravi Patil said, "Engineering in hospitality is about creating systems that are reliable, efficient and sustainable, while ensuring they work seamlessly in the background to support the guest experience. I look forward to bringing this approach to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and working with the team to further strengthen its operational and engineering standards."


Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has appointed Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer, strengthening its engineering leadership with a professional who brings over 18 years of experience across hospitality, engineering, operations and maintenance.

Ramkumar has worked with several hospitality brands during his career, including Taj Deccan Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR, Park Plaza Chennai OMR, ITC Fortune Select Palms Chennai OMR and Marriott Whitefield Bengaluru. His experience also includes pre-opening assignments and project work with Marriott hotels.

Focus on Engineering and Operational Efficiency

In his new role, Ramkumar will oversee the resort's engineering operations, focusing on the reliable functioning of hotel facilities, preventive maintenance, energy management and cost control.

His responsibilities will include supporting the upkeep of engineering infrastructure, managing equipment performance and ensuring that essential systems operate efficiently. His previous experience spans preventive maintenance planning, energy-cost reduction, budgeting and coordination with different hotel departments.

These functions play an important role in maintaining operational continuity across a hospitality property, supporting both guest comfort and the day-to-day requirements of hotel associates.

Building on 18 Years of Hospitality Experience

Ramkumar's career across multiple hotel brands and assignments brings experience in engineering operations within different property environments. His exposure to pre-opening projects also adds to his understanding of the technical planning and coordination required to establish and maintain hotel facilities.

At Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, he will focus on engineering efficiency, reliable services and operational excellence, supporting the resort's broader objective of delivering a seamless experience for guests and associates.

His appointment marks another milestone in a career built around hospitality engineering, maintenance and operational management.


Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 17, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, is strengthening its culinary offerings under the leadership of Executive Chef Thirumal Mohan, who brings extensive experience across luxury hospitality, regional Indian cuisine, banquet operations, convention centres and airline catering. Known for his expertise in South Indian specialities and regional culinary traditions, he oversees the hotel's culinary operations, menu development, food quality and kitchen management.

Chef Thirumal Mohan has previously served as Head Chef at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar and Chef de Cuisine at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, where he handled convention centre and banquet operations. His professional journey also includes culinary roles at Marriott Whitefield, Bengaluru, Aloft Bengaluru and LSG Sky Chefs, where he supported Lufthansa's airline catering operations in Bengaluru.

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Over the years, he has developed expertise in culinary team leadership, menu planning, maintaining food quality and consistency, and creating dining experiences for diverse guest segments. His experience across hotel restaurants, large-scale events, banquets and airline catering has given him a broad understanding of kitchen operations and the changing expectations of the hospitality industry.

A key part of Chef Thirumal Mohan's career has been his participation in food festivals celebrating South Indian and regional Indian cuisines. Through these initiatives, he has showcased traditional ingredients, authentic cooking techniques and distinctive regional flavours to guests across India and international destinations.

His culinary festival portfolio includes a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott, Kathmandu, Nepal, and a food festival at Courtyard by Marriott, Kathmandu, both in 2018. In 2017, he participated in the Karnataka Cuisine – Flavours of the Coast festival at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, and a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa.

In 2016, his engagements included a Kerala Cuisine Onam Festival at Marriott Bengaluru, a Karnataka Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar, and a Tamil Nadu cuisine showcase at Courtyard by Marriott, Gurugram. His earlier initiatives featured South Indian cuisine at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in 2015, a Karnataka-themed Indian Culinary Route at Marriott Bengaluru, and a Chettinad Cuisine festival at the same hotel.

His regional cuisine showcases also took him to Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur, and Aloft Bengaluru, where he presented South Indian food festivals in 2014 and 2012, respectively. In 2011, he showcased South Indian cuisine in Belgium through an initiative associated with Lufthansa German Airlines.

At Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, Chef Thirumal Mohan brings together his knowledge of regional cuisines, menu innovation and operational management to strengthen the hotel's food and beverage offerings. His experience in South Indian specialities, supported by his background in large-scale kitchen operations and international culinary showcases, contributes to a dining approach that balances regional authenticity, consistent food quality and contemporary guest expectations.

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