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.”

image

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.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Arun Daga as General Manager of Kaziranga Property

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Arun Daga as General Manager of Kaziranga Property

By Hariharan U

Published on June 27, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Arun Daga as the General Manager of Summit Green Village Resort & Spa, Kaziranga, strengthening its leadership presence in one of Northeast India’s key wildlife tourism destinations.

In his new role, Arun Daga will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the resort, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the property’s positioning within the growing tourism ecosystem of Kaziranga.

Arun Daga brings nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. A graduate of the University of Calcutta with a qualification in Hotel Management from BILAMS, he has built extensive expertise across hotel operations, guest services, team leadership, and property management over the course of his career.

Prior to this appointment, he held several leadership roles across hospitality establishments, where he contributed to operational improvements and service delivery enhancements across diverse markets.

Speaking on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said Arun Daga brings valuable operational experience and a strong understanding of hospitality, and expressed confidence that his leadership will further strengthen both guest experience and operational performance at the Kaziranga property.

The appointment comes as Summit Hotels & Resorts continues to expand and strengthen its footprint across Northeast India, focusing on destination-driven hospitality experiences in emerging tourism markets.

About Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality group with a growing portfolio across India, with a strong presence in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast region. The brand focuses on destination-led hospitality experiences across leisure, nature, and wildlife-driven locations.


JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Deepak Pokhriyal as Director of Food & Beverage

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Deepak Pokhriyal as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 27, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Deepak Pokhriyal as its new Director of Food & Beverage, further strengthening its focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences and operational excellence.

Deepak brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, including more than 15 years in leadership roles across India and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has built expertise in luxury food and beverage operations, strategic planning, team leadership and enhancing guest experiences.

He has successfully managed large-scale restaurant and banquet operations for several leading international hospitality brands, including Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Etihad Airways, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels.

Welcoming him to the team, Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, said, “Situated in one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant locales, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has long been recognised as a flagship destination for elevated dining and exceptional hospitality. Food and beverage remain central to the guest experience we offer, and Deepak’s global exposure, strong operational acumen, and passion for service excellence make him a valuable addition to our team.”

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Deepak Pokhriyal said, “I am thrilled to join JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, a property that has set a benchmark for luxury hospitality and dining in the city. With its iconic location and reputation as one of Bengaluru’s most distinguished hotels, this is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further strengthen the hotel’s culinary identity and curate dining experiences that are distinctive, thoughtful, and memorable for every guest.”

As Director of Food & Beverage, Deepak will lead the hotel's food and beverage operations across its restaurants, bars and banquet venues. His responsibilities will include enhancing dining experiences, driving operational excellence and further strengthening the hotel's culinary positioning in Bengaluru's luxury hospitality market.


Antara Cruises Appoints Vikram Mishra as Business Development Manager

Antara Cruises Appoints Vikram Mishra as Business Development Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Antara Cruises has announced the appointment of Vikram Mishra as Business Development Manager, further strengthening its leadership team as the company continues to expand its presence in India's growing cruise tourism sector.

With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality sales, business development, MICE, weddings, corporate accounts, inbound tourism, and travel trade relations, Mishra brings extensive industry expertise to his new role. His appointment reflects Antara Cruises' focus on driving business growth and expanding its reach across key market segments.

Throughout his career, Mishra has been associated with hospitality sales and business development initiatives across more than 33 hotels in India. He has built strong relationships within the travel trade ecosystem, developed agency networks, and led regional sales teams to deliver sustained revenue growth.

His professional experience also includes launching sales offices in strategic markets, strengthening distribution channels, and representing leading hospitality brands at major domestic and international travel trade exhibitions. This broad exposure has provided him with a deep understanding of evolving traveller preferences and the dynamics of the Indian tourism industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Raj Singh, Chairman of Antara River Cruises, said Mishra's hands-on approach to business development and extensive knowledge of the travel trade landscape will support the company's future expansion plans. He added that Mishra's experience across MICE, weddings, and corporate business aligns well with Antara Cruises' vision of diversifying its growth avenues.

Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Mishra said he was excited to join India's leading river cruise company and looked forward to contributing to its growth, innovation, and guest experience initiatives.

The appointment comes at a time when cruise tourism in India is witnessing growing momentum, driven by increasing demand for experiential travel among both domestic and international travellers. As interest in river cruising continues to rise, Antara Cruises remains focused on strengthening its market position through innovative experiences, strategic partnerships, and targeted business development efforts.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.