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.


Challani Jewellery Mart Appoints Jason Sanjay as Brand Ambassador

Challani Jewellery Mart Appoints Jason Sanjay as Brand Ambassador

By Hariharan U

Published on October 27, 2026

Challani Jewellery Mart has appointed Jason Sanjay as its official brand ambassador, strengthening the jewellery retailer's efforts to connect with younger consumers while building on its established legacy of craftsmanship and trust.

The association will see Jason Sanjay represent the brand across social media initiatives and multi-platform advertising campaigns. The collaboration aims to bring a contemporary perspective to Challani's communication while highlighting its collections of antique, diamond, temple, Jadau Polki and platinum jewellery.

With a presence across Chennai, Madurai and Puducherry, Challani Jewellery Mart is looking to strengthen its market position and engage with a new generation of jewellery consumers as preferences and expectations continue to evolve.

Commenting on the appointment, Jayantilal Challani, Managing Director, Challani Jewellery Mart, said, “Jason Sanjay embodies the confidence and fresh energy of a new generation, which is exactly where Challani Jewellery Mart is headed. As we enter an exciting growth phase, his association is one of the most significant steps we have taken in a short span. Jason brings youthful credibility and creative vision that will help us connect with younger audiences while staying true to the trust our customers have placed in us for years.”

The partnership reflects the brand's approach of combining its established heritage with a contemporary outlook. Jason Sanjay's association is expected to support its efforts to communicate with younger audiences while showcasing its jewellery collections and evolving design sensibilities.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Jason Sanjay said, “For me, identity is something you build yourself, not something you inherit. Challani carries a proud legacy but has never stopped carving its own path. That shared spirit is why I'm here.”

Meena Chhabria, CMO, Challani Jewellery Mart, highlighted the importance of generational relevance in brand communication. “Today, it's not about who the ambassador is, but how relevant they are. Gen Z connects with their own generation, and Jason brings exactly that fresh energy to Challani,” she said.

Through the association, Challani Jewellery Mart aims to bring together traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design and a communication strategy suited to changing consumer preferences. The appointment marks another step in the retailer's efforts to expand its appeal across generations while retaining the quality and customer trust associated with its legacy.

About Challani Jewellery Mart

Challani Jewellery Mart is a jewellery retailer offering collections across antique, diamond, temple, Jadau Polki and platinum jewellery. With branches in Chennai, Madurai and Puducherry, the brand focuses on quality, innovation and customer trust while bringing together traditional craftsmanship and evolving jewellery preferences


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints Dinesh Rai as General Manager

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints Dinesh Rai as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 27, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has appointed Dinesh Rai as General Manager, effective 12 October 2026. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, revenue management, financial planning and commercial strategy to his new role. As General Manager, Dinesh will oversee the hotel's overall operations, focusing on guest satisfaction, business performance, colleague development and strengthening the property's position in Greater Noida's hospitality market.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Dinesh served as General Manager at Crowne Plaza Kochi, where he managed hotel operations and contributed to commercial performance, business development and asset enhancement initiatives.

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He began his hospitality career in Accounts at Holiday Inn Pune before moving to Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre, now The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. During this period, he gained experience across Accounts, Reservations, Revenue and Front Office, building a strong foundation in hotel management.

His professional journey has also included roles with InterContinental The Grand Mumbai, the Taj Group of Hotels, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Mercure Hyderabad KCP and Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark, now Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark.

His experience across finance, revenue management, reservations and hotel operations has provided him with a broad understanding of managing business hotels and convention-led properties. This background is expected to support his focus on operational efficiency, commercial performance and guest experience at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida.

Commenting on his appointment, Dinesh Rai, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, "I am delighted to join Crowne Plaza Greater Noida and work with the team to build on the hotel's strengths. Sustainable business growth comes from strong relationships with our guests, clients, colleagues, ownership, and partners, combined with consistently delivering on our promises. My focus is to empower our team, strengthen guest satisfaction, and work closely with ownership and stakeholders to create lasting value. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the progress we can make together."

Greater Noida continues to cater to corporate travel, exhibitions, conferences and social gatherings, creating opportunities for hotels to serve both business and leisure travellers. In this setting, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida aims to strengthen its business hospitality and events offerings under Dinesh's leadership.

With his extensive experience across leading hospitality brands and multiple operational functions, Dinesh Rai takes on the role with a focus on team development, guest satisfaction and sustainable business growth.


InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Announces Three Leadership Appointments

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Announces Three Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 26, 2026

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has announced three key leadership appointments across its finance, front office and housekeeping departments. Sarath Kumar D joins the leadership team as Finance & Business Support Manager, Avik Roy Chowdhury takes on the role of Front Office Manager, and Debaraj Rout has been appointed Housekeeping Manager. Together, they bring extensive experience in hotel operations, financial management, guest services and team leadership.

Sarath Kumar D – Finance & Business Support Manager

Sarath Kumar D brings over a decade of experience in financial management, business planning and strategic operations across hospitality brands including IHG, Marriott and Accor. In his role as Finance & Business Support Manager, he oversees the resort's finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, compliance and financial strategy. He also works closely with senior leadership to support profitability and operational efficiency.

Throughout his career, Sarath has held progressive finance leadership positions at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Fairfield by Marriott Chennai, Mercure Chennai and Club Mahindra Holidays & Resorts. His professional achievements include leading the financial management of a ₹25 crore property renovation, implementing PeopleSoft ERP to strengthen financial reporting and maintaining strong audit compliance. He has also consistently delivered financial planning aligned with business objectives.

Sarath holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Anna University. His expertise covers financial controls, statutory compliance, cost optimisation and process improvement, supported by an analytical approach and collaborative leadership style.

Avik Roy Chowdhury – Front Office Manager

Avik Roy Chowdhury brings over a decade of experience in front office operations, guest services and hotel leadership across IHG and Accor properties. As Front Office Manager, he leads the resort's front office team, focusing on guest satisfaction, service quality, operational efficiency and brand standards.

His career includes progressive leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Electronic City, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR, Holiday Inn Agra, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, Novotel Kochi Infopark and voco Jim Corbett. Avik has received several professional recognitions, including the Star of the Year, Highest Upseller Award and Manager of the Quarter awards. As an IHG Certified Trainer and Brand Audit Champion, he has led quality audits, loyalty programmes, operational training and guest experience initiatives, contributing to hotel performance and brand compliance.

A graduate in Hotel Management from NSHM, Durgapur, Avik is known for his guest-first approach, collaborative leadership and focus on team development. His expertise in front office operations and quality assurance supports consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.

Debaraj Rout – Housekeeping Manager

Debaraj Rout brings over 13 years of experience in housekeeping operations, team leadership and hotel pre-openings across leading hospitality brands, including IHG and Marriott International. At InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, he leads the housekeeping department, focusing on cleanliness, service standards, operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

His previous leadership roles include positions at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik, Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bengaluru OMR, Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Yeshwanthpur and Holiday Inn & Suites Bengaluru. Debaraj has extensive experience in hotel pre-opening projects, establishing housekeeping operations, developing standard operating procedures, staff training, inventory management and quality assurance. His contributions have earned him several performance recognitions, including Best Manager and Best Department honours. He is also an IHG Departmental Trainer.

A diploma holder in Hotel Management, Debaraj is recognised for his disciplined management approach and commitment to continuous improvement. He emphasises attention to detail, effective people management and consistent service standards in maintaining a high-quality guest experience.

With these appointments across finance, front office and housekeeping, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort brings together professionals with experience in financial planning, guest services and operational management. Their expertise will support the resort's focus on service quality, operational performance and guest satisfaction.

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