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.


Hyatt Centric Juhu Appoints Bhaulal Salunke as Human Resources Manager

Hyatt Centric Juhu Appoints Bhaulal Salunke as Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 15, 2026

Hyatt Centric Juhu has announced the appointment of Bhaulal Salunke as its new Human Resources Manager. Bringing more than 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Salunke joins the hotel with strong expertise in people management, talent development, and HR operations within dynamic hotel environments.

In his new role, Salunke will lead the hotel’s human resources strategy, focusing on areas such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, training and development, and building a workplace culture that reflects Hyatt’s global ethos of care.

Salunke began his career in hospitality through operational roles that involved extensive interaction with teams and people management responsibilities. Over time, he moved into leadership roles where he developed strong capabilities in workforce planning, team leadership, and organisational development.

His interest in supporting people growth eventually led him to specialise in human resources, where he has gained experience across recruitment, performance management, training initiatives, and employee engagement programmes.

Salunke holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources Administration. His academic background, combined with practical industry experience, has helped him develop a strategic understanding of HR practices within the hospitality sector.

One of the notable aspects of his career has been his involvement in several hotel pre-opening projects across Maharashtra. During these assignments, he played a key role in building teams, setting up HR processes, and shaping organisational culture. His experience includes contributing to the successful pre-openings of Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport, Enrise by Sayaji Aurangabad, The Fern Igatpuri, The Fern Panchgani, and The Fern Residency Satara.

Speaking about his appointment, Salunke said,

“Hospitality is ultimately about people. Having worked closely with operational teams for many years, I understand the passion and dedication that hospitality demands. At Hyatt Centric Juhu, my focus will be on creating a workplace where colleagues feel supported, recognised and empowered to grow, because when people feel valued, they naturally deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

With his experience in hospitality HR and a people-focused leadership approach, Salunke is expected to further strengthen the employee experience and workplace culture at Hyatt Centric Juhu.


ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

ibis Styles Mysuru has announced the appointment of Zenith U as its new Operations Manager. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive knowledge in operations management, guest experience enhancement, and team leadership across Premium, Midscale, and Economy hotel segments.

Zenith began his hospitality career over ten years ago and has since held several key roles with leading international hotel brands. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of guest service.

Before joining ibis Styles Mysuru, he served as Rooms Division Manager at Grand Mercure Bangalore. In that role, he worked closely on strengthening operational processes, supporting sustainability initiatives, ensuring health and safety compliance, and continuously improving guest satisfaction. His dedication to service excellence and leadership has earned him several recognitions, including the titles of Manager of the Year and Best Personality in the Rooms category.

Zenith holds a degree in Maritime Hospitality Studies and has also completed certifications in bartending and maritime safety, adding to his diverse professional background.

Speaking about his new role, Zenith said,

“I am truly excited to begin this new chapter at ibis Styles Mysuru. I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver seamless operations and memorable guest experiences that reflect the brand’s vibrant spirit.”

Outside of work, Zenith enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures. A fitness enthusiast, he also values staying active and spending quality time with his family. With his experience and people-focused leadership approach, ibis Styles Mysuru aims to further strengthen its operations and enhance the overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

By Hariharan U

Published on March 12, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has added a strong culinary voice to UNO Izakaya with the appointment of Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at the hotel's acclaimed Japanese Bar and Lounge.

Chef Dhar brings over seven years of fine-dining and luxury kitchen experience to the role, a career that has taken him across India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and through some genuinely impressive establishments along the way. His expertise sits firmly in Japanese cuisine, with particular depth in sushi, sashimi, and omakase-style cooking the kind of technical mastery that takes years to develop and is immediately felt in the quality of what lands on the plate.

His international experience is equally compelling. Most recently serving as Head Sushi Chef, Chef Dhar has been part of notable pre-opening projects including NOZOMI in Riyadh and La Mer at Sindalah Island, NEOM, Saudi Arabia two high-profile openings that demand both precision and the ability to build something from scratch. In India, his resume includes time at The Oberoi Bengaluru, ITC Gardenia, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, a strong set of names that reflect his standing within the industry.

Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, welcomed the appointment, "Chef Shubham Dhar brings exceptional technical skill and international experience to UNO Izakaya. His expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the restaurant continues to offer high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bengaluru's premier dining destinations."

In his new role, Chef Dhar will focus on menu execution, culinary consistency, and supporting the kitchen team in delivering the high standards UNO Izakaya is known for. For a restaurant that has built a loyal following among Bengaluru's Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, this is a well-timed and well-considered appointment

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