Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has appointed Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director, marking a key leadership milestone as the company enters its next phase of expansion across Rajasthan and other emerging leisure destinations.

The appointment comes as Black Rock Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of Rajasthan's growing hotel management companies, with a strategic focus on luxury resorts, destination hotels, experiential hospitality assets, and owner-focused management solutions.

In his new role, Gaurav Mudgal will oversee the company's strategic growth initiatives, business development, owner relations, operational performance, and expansion into larger hospitality projects. He will also focus on enhancing Black Rock's management solutions for hotel owners while driving sustainable long-term growth.

With over 22 years of hospitality experience, Mudgal brings extensive expertise in pre-opening strategy, commercial planning, revenue management, sales, distribution, marketing, and full hotel operations. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with hotel owners to develop commercially successful hospitality assets by integrating revenue strategies and operational planning from the early stages of development.

Prior to joining Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, Mudgal held leadership positions with leading hospitality organisations including Fairmont Jaipur and InterContinental Hotels Group, gaining experience across luxury hospitality operations and commercial strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "Black Rock has witnessed remarkable growth over the last few years, and we are now entering a phase where scale, strategic planning and execution will define our success. Our focus will be on expanding our portfolio of luxury resorts, destination hotels and experiential hospitality assets while strengthening our management solutions for hotel owners."

He added, "We also want to partner with owners from the earliest stages of development, helping them create commercially successful hospitality assets through strong planning, revenue strategy and operational excellence. I look forward to working closely with our team to create long-term value for our owners, guests and stakeholders."

Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said that Mudgal's understanding of commercial strategy, hotel operations, and owner expectations makes him the ideal leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

He added that as Black Rock continues to expand its portfolio with larger hospitality assets and destination-led developments, Mudgal's leadership will play an important role in delivering value for partners and strengthening the company's market position.

The company is expected to continue its growth across Rajasthan and other high-potential leisure destinations, with a focus on luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, wildlife hospitality, and large experiential properties.

With an expanding portfolio, strong development pipeline, and experienced leadership team, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself for the next chapter of growth in India's evolving hospitality sector.

Leads Brand Connect has appointed Raksha Narayan Kotian as Business Head for Coração Do Vale India, strengthening the leadership team behind Portugal’s luxury extra virgin olive oil brand as it focuses on premium market expansion and brand building in India.

In her new role, Kotian will lead the brand’s business growth, strategic partnerships, premium distribution, luxury positioning, corporate gifting initiatives, and expansion across key consumer and hospitality segments.

With over 15 years of experience across hospitality, wellness, beauty, lifestyle, and luxury consumer sectors, Raksha brings expertise in business development, commercial strategy, premium brand building, customer engagement, and operational leadership. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the growth of organisations including Panache, Jean Claude Biguine, Kaya, Chrysalis Home Needs, and Fairmacs Diplomatic Supplies, among others.

At Leads Brand Connect, Kotian will spearhead Coração Do Vale’s growth strategy across luxury hospitality, premium retail, corporate and bespoke gifting, influencer collaborations, experiential marketing, embassy relations, diplomatic engagement, and high-value partnerships.

As Leads Brand Connect holds the exclusive sales, marketing, and distribution rights for Coração Do Vale in India, Kotian will also focus on strengthening the brand’s distribution ecosystem and building strategic relationships across hospitality, wellness, lifestyle, and luxury business networks.

Commenting on the appointment, Richa Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director, Leads Brand Connect, said that Raksha’s combination of commercial leadership, luxury brand expertise, and relationship-building capabilities aligns strongly with the company’s vision for Coração Do Vale.

She added that as India’s luxury and wellness-focused consumer segment continues to grow, Kotian’s experience in creating strategic partnerships and premium business opportunities will play an important role in accelerating the brand’s growth journey.

Speaking about her appointment, Raksha Narayan Kotian said, "Coração Do Vale represents far more than a premium olive oil brand; it embodies heritage, craftsmanship, authenticity, and a lifestyle centred around wellness and refined living. Indian consumers today are increasingly seeking products that offer quality, provenance, and meaningful experiences."

She added that she looks forward to expanding the brand’s market presence, building strong partnerships, and connecting Indian consumers with the rich Portuguese legacy behind Coração Do Vale.

Founded in Portugal, Coração Do Vale is an ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil brand known for its focus on quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Rooted in Portuguese heritage, the brand offers a curated collection of premium olive oils designed for consumers seeking gourmet excellence, wellness, and elevated lifestyle experiences.

Leads Brand Connect, established in 2022 by Richa Khandelwal, has evolved from an integrated advertising and communications agency into a growing consumer brands company focused on helping brands scale and establish their presence across India.

The Noida-based company has expanded its consumer brand portfolio with premium international brands including Coração Do Vale and Amazonika Mundi, a 100% plant-based Brazilian food brand, while continuing to introduce global lifestyle and gourmet brands to the Indian market through structured go-to-market and brand-building strategies.

Absolute Hotel Services India has announced the appointment of Rajesh Ballabh as General Manager of Elrose Hotels, Pushkar-Ajmer, strengthening the leadership team ahead of the luxury property's commercial launch in Rajasthan.

Rajesh Ballabh brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience, having built an accomplished career across luxury resorts and heritage destinations. Beginning his journey in Food & Beverage and Front Office operations, he has steadily progressed through leadership roles, gaining extensive expertise in hotel operations, guest engagement, team development, and destination hospitality.

Over the years, Ballabh has been associated with renowned hospitality destinations including Ananta Spa & Resort, Pushkar, Bhanwar Singh Palace, and Sahdev Bagh, where he played a key role in positioning these properties as preferred venues for luxury destination weddings. He is recognised for his hands-on leadership approach, guest-focused service philosophy, and ability to build lasting relationships with wedding families, contributing to strong guest loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

At Elrose Hotels, Ballabh will lead the property through its critical transition from pre-opening to commercial operations. His responsibilities will include establishing operational excellence, strengthening guest experiences, building high-performing teams, and positioning the hotel as a premier luxury hospitality destination in Rajasthan.

Commenting on the appointment, Shalil Suvarna, Senior Vice President – Operations, Absolute Hotel Services India & South Asia, said, "Rajesh's career is defined by performance, not position. His ability to build successful destination resorts, inspire teams and create exceptional guest experiences makes him the right leader to steer Elrose Hotels through its launch and establish it as one of Rajasthan's premier hospitality destinations."

Speaking about his appointment, Rajesh Ballabh said, "I am honored to join Elrose Hotels and become part of the Absolute Hotel Services family. Elrose Hotels presents a unique opportunity to create exceptional hospitality experiences in one of Rajasthan's most sought-after destinations. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver memorable guest experiences, build a strong culture of excellence, and contribute to the continued growth and success."

With Ballabh's extensive leadership experience, Elrose Hotels aims to establish itself as a landmark hospitality destination in Pushkar-Ajmer, offering refined luxury, personalised service, and memorable experiences for leisure travellers, destination weddings, and celebrations.

About Absolute Collection

Absolute Collection is the luxury lifestyle portfolio of Absolute Hotel Services, focused on delivering curated local experiences while celebrating the culture and character of every destination. The collection offers distinctive hospitality experiences designed to exceed guest expectations through personalised service and thoughtfully curated facilities.

About Absolute Hotel Services

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) is one of Asia's fastest-growing hospitality management and branding companies, managing hotels, resorts, serviced residences, and lifestyle hospitality brands across multiple markets.

Its portfolio spans luxury to economy segments through brands including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Easy, Eastin Estates, Travelodge, Vienna House, and Absolute Collection.