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 Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Sujeet Chaturvedi and Vinoth R to Leadership Team

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Sujeet Chaturvedi and Vinoth R to Leadership Team

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has announced the appointment of Sujeet Chaturvedi as Director of Sales and Vinoth R as Chief Engineer, further strengthening its leadership team across commercial and operational functions.

In their respective roles, Sujeet will lead the hotel's sales strategy, revenue generation, business development, and market positioning initiatives, while Vinoth will oversee engineering operations, preventive maintenance, safety standards, and infrastructure management across the property.

Sujeet brings more than 13 years of hospitality experience, having worked with leading hotel brands including The Park Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Accor Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales at Radisson Hotels, where he focused on driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and strengthening client relationships. Throughout his career, he has built expertise in strategic partnerships, sales leadership, and commercial growth across diverse hospitality markets.

Vinoth joins Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar with a decade of experience in hotel engineering. He most recently served as Assistant Chief Engineer with Marriott International after progressing through several engineering roles, beginning his career as an HVAC Technician. His expertise includes engineering operations, preventive maintenance, energy management, safety compliance, and technical team leadership.

Commenting on the appointments, Srivatsa Allampalli, General Manager, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, said that as Jaipur continues to grow as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, strengthening the hotel's leadership team is essential to meeting evolving guest expectations. He added that both Sujeet and Vinoth bring valuable industry experience and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.

Sujeet is recognised for his people-centric approach to sales leadership, relationship building, and disciplined commercial strategy, while Vinoth is known for his focus on teamwork, adoption of new technologies, engineering excellence, and maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction.

With these appointments, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar continues to reinforce its leadership team as it focuses on delivering seamless hospitality experiences and supporting its long-term growth in one of Rajasthan's leading business and leisure destinations.


The Singapore EDITION Appoints Mandy Goh as Executive Chef

The Singapore EDITION Appoints Mandy Goh as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

The Singapore EDITION has announced the appointment of Mandy Goh as Executive Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership with an award-winning chef who brings more than 17 years of experience across luxury hotels and Michelin-recognised restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Macau.

In her new role, Goh will oversee the hotel's entire culinary portfolio, including FYSH at EDITION, the Lobby Bar, The ROOF, Punch Room, Wonder Room, as well as banquet and catering operations. She joins the luxury lifestyle hotel with a culinary philosophy centred on Euro-Asian cuisine, combining progressive European techniques with the bold flavours and traditions of Asia.

Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Goh developed her passion for cooking through family traditions before beginning a professional career that has seen her work across some of Asia's most acclaimed hospitality brands. At the age of 21, she became part of the all-female Malaysian national team that won gold at the Bocuse d'Or Asia, marking the first time an all-female team secured the title. She later represented Malaysia at the Bocuse d'Or Asia between 2009 and 2011, competing in the global finals in Lyon, and was named a finalist in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition for Southeast Asia in 2016.

Singapore has played an important role in her professional journey. She began her career in the city as a Commis de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Guy Savoy at Marina Bay Sands before moving to Mandarin Oriental Singapore as a Specialty Chef. Her appointment at The Singapore EDITION marks her return to Singapore in her first executive culinary leadership role in the country.

Throughout her career, Goh has held senior positions across the region, including Chef de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Fifty 8° Grill Restaurant in Shanghai, Executive Chef at The St. Regis Langkawi, Executive Chef at The RuMa Hotel and Residences in Kuala Lumpur, and leadership roles at Conrad Koh Samui and Alila Seminyak in Bali.

During her tenure at The St. Regis Langkawi, she became the property's first female Executive Chef and led its signature restaurant, Kayuputi, to recognition among Marriott Bonvoy's Top 52 Restaurants and Bars across Asia-Pacific. At The RuMa Hotel, she guided ATAS restaurant onto Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Discovery list in 2023.

Goh has received several industry accolades, including Executive Chef of the Year 2023–2024 at the HAPA Awards Malaysia and recognition in Prestige Malaysia's 40 Under 40 list. She has also appeared in the fifth season of the Martell Chef on Chef series.

At The Singapore EDITION, she will focus on creating ingredient-led menus inspired by seasonality, sustainability, and responsible sourcing while showcasing stories rooted in regional produce and culinary craftsmanship. Her approach combines refined European techniques with authentic Asian flavours, delivering contemporary dining experiences across the hotel's diverse food and beverage venues


Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Announces Key Leadership Promotions and Appointments

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh Announces Key Leadership Promotions and Appointments

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh has announced a series of key leadership promotions and new appointments across multiple departments, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to talent development, operational excellence, and guest-centric hospitality.

The leadership changes include the promotion of Dipak Jhunjhunwala as Director – Food & Beverage, Manpreet Kaur as Assistant Director – Human Resources, Tushar Agarwal as Director of Finance, Surya Dev as Front Office Manager, and Akshay Vithoba Damaji as Cluster Revenue Manager for Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh and Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu. The hotel has also welcomed Honey Singla as Chief Engineer and Pritam Raj as Housekeeping Manager.

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In his new role, Dipak Jhunjhunwala will continue to oversee the hotel's food and beverage operations, leading culinary strategy, restaurant performance, guest engagement, and team development across its dining venues.

Manpreet Kaur will focus on strengthening colleague engagement, talent development, organisational culture, and human resources operations, while Tushar Agarwal will lead the hotel's finance function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, compliance, financial reporting, and business support.

Surya Dev has been elevated to Front Office Manager, where he will oversee guest arrivals, departures, and overall front office operations, while Akshay Vithoba Damaji assumes an expanded responsibility for revenue management across Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh and Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, driving commercial strategy and revenue optimisation.

Joining the leadership team, Honey Singla brings over 13 years of engineering experience across hospitality and building management systems. Having previously worked with Honeywell Automation Systems, ITC Hotels, The Oberoi Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor, he will oversee engineering operations, preventive maintenance, sustainability initiatives, safety, and energy management at the hotel.

Pritam Raj joins as Housekeeping Manager with more than eight years of hospitality experience across The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotels, and Hyatt. He will lead housekeeping operations with a focus on room readiness, hygiene standards, operational efficiency, team performance, and guest comfort.

Commenting on the appointments, Ajit Singh Gandhi, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, said the promotions and new appointments reflect the strength of the hotel's talent and its commitment to building a leadership team that combines operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experiences. He added that each leader brings valuable capabilities across food and beverage, rooms, engineering, finance, revenue management, and people operations, supporting the hotel's continued growth.

With these leadership changes, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh continues to strengthen its management team as it enhances operational performance, service excellence, and contemporary hospitality experiences in the heart of Chandigarh

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