Rayan Aranha Joins Brigade Group as Vice President of Hospitality & Commercial

Rayan Aranha Joins Brigade Group as Vice President of Hospitality & Commercial

By Author

Published on September 8, 2023

Brigade Group proudly welcomes Rayan Aranha as their Vice President of Hospitality & Commercial. In this crucial role, Rayan will lead sales, marketing, and strategic planning for Brigade Group's commercial division, with a focus on driving growth, profitability, and excellence in asset management, revenues, and operations. Furthermore, he will oversee the expanding portfolio of projects and services at Brigade Hospitality, which presently includes eight hotels in partnership with Marriott, Accor, and IHG.

Rayan brings a wealth of experience and exceptional leadership to this position, thanks to his prior roles at Accor. His tenure at Accor involved overseeing hotel operations in prominent cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Mysore, and Chennai. In his most recent role as Cluster General Manager, Rayan successfully managed a cluster of Novotel and ibis hotels in Chennai. He also held the position of Cluster General Manager for Grand Mercure Bangalore and Grand Mercure Mysore, in addition to serving as the brand head for Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels in South Asia. Rayan's rich journey in the hospitality sector includes valuable experience gained during his tenure at IHCL (Taj Hotels) at their regional office in Bangalore.

Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director of Brigade Enterprises Limited, expressed her enthusiasm about this appointment, stating, “With an exceptional track record in the hospitality industry and a background in business development and operations, Rayan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. We are confident that under his able guidance the office business and hospitality vertical at Brigade will continue to grow and scale greater heights. We look forward to the dynamic leadership and contributions Rayan will bring to the Hospitality and Commercial verticals of our business.”

Rayan's qualifications include postgraduate degrees in management from prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) and the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research Mumbai. His expertise and vision are set to make a significant impact on Brigade Group's endeavors in the realm of hospitality and commercial ventures.


Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Appoints Chef Hemant Bisht as Head Chef

Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Appoints Chef Hemant Bisht as Head Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate has announced the appointment of Chef Hemant Bisht as its new Head Chef, marking a significant step in the brand’s evolution from a specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate destination into a comprehensive café, restaurant, and bar concept.

With more than 13 years of experience across luxury hospitality and premium dining establishments, Chef Hemant will lead culinary operations across Savorworks’ GK2 and Gurgaon outlets. He will also play a key role in shaping the brand’s long-term expansion strategy as it prepares to strengthen its presence across India.

Chef Hemant brings extensive experience from leading hospitality brands, including InterContinental Chennai, Indigo Hospitality, Passcode Hospitality’s SAZ, and Mesa Kitchen & Bar. His expertise spans menu development, kitchen operations, team leadership, and culinary innovation.

At Savorworks, his focus will be on enhancing the food programme while working closely with the coffee, chocolate, bakery, and beverage teams to create a cohesive dining experience. Beyond day-to-day operations, he will contribute to building scalable culinary systems, mentoring teams, and ensuring consistency across future outlets.

Commenting on the appointment, Baninder Singh, Founder of Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate, said the company has been working towards elevating its food offerings alongside its established coffee and chocolate programmes. He added that Chef Hemant’s experience in modern dining and culinary concept development makes him the ideal leader for the next phase of growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Chef Hemant said he looks forward to contributing to the brand’s vision of quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, consistency, and continuous learning in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Founded in 2019 by coffee roaster Baninder Singh and chocolatier Paweena Withyasathien Kochar, Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate has built a strong reputation for its specialty coffee, artisanal chocolates, and immersive café experiences. The appointment of Chef Hemant reflects the brand’s commitment to further strengthening its culinary identity as it expands its footprint across India.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Expands Vikas Khazanchi’s Role as Vice President – Operations

The Forum Hotel & Convention Expands Vikas Khazanchi’s Role as Vice President – Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela have announced an expanded leadership role for Vikas Khazanchi, who has been associated with the group for the past eight years. As Vice President – Operations, he will now oversee operations across both properties, supporting the group's continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable growth.

With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Khazanchi has held leadership positions at several well-known hospitality destinations across Gujarat. Over the years, he has built expertise in commercial strategy, revenue optimization, market development, organizational leadership, and hotel operations, helping drive strong business performance and service standards.

In his expanded role, Khazanchi will lead key strategic initiatives across The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela. His responsibilities will include improving operational efficiency, driving revenue growth, developing talent, and further enhancing guest experiences across both properties.

Speaking on the appointment, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director, The Forum Hotel & Convention, said, "Vikas has been an integral part of our journey over the years, and this expanded leadership role reflects the confidence we have in his leadership, industry understanding, and ability to drive strong performance across teams and operations. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, agility, service consistency, and talent development have become increasingly important. We are confident Vikas will play a key role in strengthening both properties and supporting their next phase of growth."

Commenting on his appointment, Vikas Khazanchi, Vice President – Operations, said, "Both properties have earned strong reputations for quality, service, and consistency. My focus will be on building on these strengths, refining operational processes, and ensuring teams are empowered to deliver their best every day. Guest experience is ultimately shaped by the culture behind it, and that will remain a key area of focus for me."

A Hotel Management graduate, Khazanchi also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hospitality from IGNOU. His leadership philosophy focuses on continuous improvement, employee development, responsible business practices, and creating long-term value for guests, team members, and stakeholders.

Together, The Forum Hotel & Convention and Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela offer a combined inventory of 387 rooms, serving business and leisure travellers as well as corporate events, conventions, weddings, and social gatherings in Ahmedabad.


Didier Jardin Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali

Didier Jardin Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

Didier Jardin has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali, where he will oversee the operations and strategic direction of the brand’s two celebrated properties: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

Bringing more than 30 years of experience with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Didier is recognised for his people-first leadership style, operational excellence, and commitment to creating meaningful guest experiences. His appointment follows a successful tenure at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, where he played a key role in enhancing the resort’s wellness offerings, family experiences, and community-driven initiatives.

In his new role, Didier will lead both Bali properties, each known for its distinctive connection to Balinese culture, spirituality, and wellbeing. While Jimbaran Bay offers a vibrant beachfront retreat, Sayan is celebrated for its serene riverside setting and immersive wellness experiences.

Commenting on his vision, Didier highlighted the importance of emotional connection in modern luxury hospitality. He noted that Bali’s unique blend of community, culture, and natural beauty provides an opportunity to create experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests while fostering an inspiring environment for employees.

Didier’s journey with Four Seasons began in 1994 at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Since then, his career has taken him across some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including Bora Bora, Mauritius, New York, Cairo, and Kuwait. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for cultivating strong team cultures rooted in trust, empathy, and professional growth.

Originally from France’s Loire Valley, Didier has long been passionate about travel and cultural discovery. Together with his family, he now begins a new chapter in Bali, a destination he has admired for its artistry, warmth, and deep sense of community.

Under his leadership, Four Seasons Resorts Bali aims to further strengthen its position as one of Asia’s premier luxury hospitality destinations, offering immersive experiences that blend authentic Balinese traditions with contemporary luxury.

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