Rutu Panjwani Joins as Corporate Marcom Head at Renest Hotels & Resorts

Rutu Panjwani Joins as Corporate Marcom Head at Renest Hotels & Resorts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2025

Renest Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Rutu Panjwani as its new Corporate Marketing & Communications Head. With a distinguished career spanning over 12 years, she has been instrumental in leading brand marketing and communications for some of the most recognized names in the hospitality industry, including Hilton and IHG. Her extensive experience in strategic brand positioning, corporate messaging, and digital marketing makes her a valuable addition to Renest’s leadership team.

Before joining Renest, Rutu Panjwani was associated with Phoenix Mills Ltd., where she played a crucial role in the pre-launch marketing and PR efforts for Palladium Mall in Ahmedabad. She has been at the forefront of designing comprehensive marketing strategies, media planning, and budget management, ensuring impactful brand communication and positioning.

At Renest Hotels & Resorts, her focus will be on strengthening the brand’s identity and elevating its marketing and communication strategies. She will oversee corporate communications, digital marketing initiatives, media planning, and overall brand-building efforts to enhance engagement and visibility. Her expertise in leveraging multi-channel marketing strategies and consumer insights will play a key role in expanding Renest’s footprint across India.

Renest Hotels & Resorts has established itself as a unique boutique hospitality brand, offering immersive stays in some of India’s most scenic locations. With properties in Shirdi, Tirupati, Haridwar, Manali, Jaipur, and Gandhidham, the brand has recently expanded to Mussoorie and has ambitious plans to establish a presence in Goa, Leh, and Jim Corbett. The addition of Rutu Panjwani to the leadership team is expected to enhance Renest’s brand narrative, guest experience, and market outreach.

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With her proven expertise and leadership, she is set to bring fresh perspectives to Renest’s marketing approach, ensuring that the brand continues to resonate with travelers seeking unique and nature-inspired experiences. This appointment marks another strategic step in Renest’s journey toward becoming a key player in the boutique hospitality segment.


Shilton Hospitality Appoints Antony Rohan Parish as Corporate Chef for Watson’s Cantina

Shilton Hospitality Appoints Antony Rohan Parish as Corporate Chef for Watson’s Cantina

By Hariharan U

Published on January 27, 2026

Shilton Hospitality has announced the appointment of Antony Rohan Parish as corporate chef for its Watson’s Cantina brand, marking a strategic move to strengthen the brand’s culinary direction and operational consistency across outlets.

In his new role, Parish will lead Watson’s Cantina’s overall culinary strategy, with a focus on menu development, brand consistency, kitchen efficiency and guest-centric dining experiences. A key part of his mandate includes the creation of an authentic yet contemporary Latin American–inspired menu, aimed at further reinforcing the brand’s culinary identity.

Parish brings with him over 28 years of experience across hospitality, corporate food operations and international cruise lines. His career spans senior leadership roles in diverse environments, where he has overseen high-volume kitchens, multi-unit operations and large culinary teams.

His professional journey includes roles such as vice president – operations at Trip Villas International Pvt. Ltd., corporate chef at MRG Group, and senior sous chef with Carnival Cruise Inc., Miami. Across these positions, Parish has built a reputation for operational discipline, culinary innovation and team leadership.

Commenting on his appointment, Antony Rohan Parish said, “I am excited to join Shilton Hospitality and take on the responsibility of shaping Watson’s Cantina’s culinary journey. I look forward to working closely with the teams to build a strong, consistent and guest-focused food experience that supports the brand’s growth and vision.”

The appointment is expected to support Watson’s Cantina’s expansion plans while ensuring a cohesive dining experience rooted in bold flavours and contemporary Latin American influences


J. Innocent Divya Appointed Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Tourism and MD of TTDC

J. Innocent Divya Appointed Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Tourism and MD of TTDC

By Hariharan U

Published on January 26, 2026

Tmt. J. Innocent Divya, IAS, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Tourism and Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), marking an important leadership transition for the state’s tourism sector.

Prior to taking charge of tourism, J. Innocent Divya served as Commissioner of Technical Education, where she played a key role in policy execution, institutional strengthening and administrative reforms. Her tenure in the education department was marked by a focus on governance efficiency and system-level improvements.

With her experience across public administration and policy implementation, the appointment is expected to bring a renewed strategic approach to tourism development in Tamil Nadu. The state’s tourism ecosystem, which spans heritage, culture, coastal destinations and emerging experiential travel, stands to benefit from a leadership focus on innovation, infrastructure coordination and visitor-centric initiatives.

As Commissioner and MD of TTDC, J. Innocent Divya will oversee tourism promotion, destination development and operational initiatives aimed at enhancing Tamil Nadu’s position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations. Her administrative background is also expected to support stronger inter-departmental coordination and sustainable growth of the sector.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Sonale Zagade as New General Manager

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Sonale Zagade as New General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on January 25, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has announced the appointment of Sonale Zagade as its new General Manager, marking a significant leadership transition for the premium business hotel on Ashram Road.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of industry experience, Sonale brings with her more than 13 years within the Hyatt ecosystem. She joins Ahmedabad from Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, where she served as General Manager, and has previously held senior leadership roles at Hyatt Regency Chennai, Hyatt Regency Mumbai, and Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

Known for her strong operational expertise and people-centric leadership style, Sonale’s approach focuses on warm, personalised service and anticipating evolving guest expectations across rooms, dining, and events. Her vision includes positioning Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers through curated culinary experiences and cultural collaborations with local partners.

Equally committed to internal culture, Sonale aims to foster an environment where teams feel supported, motivated, and empowered to deliver consistent service excellence. Her leadership philosophy places strong emphasis on trust, attention to detail, and long-term guest relationships.

Sustainability and responsible growth form a key part of her agenda. Under her leadership, the hotel will continue to strengthen sustainable practices across operations while balancing commercial performance with environmental and community well-being. Leveraging the property’s contemporary design and expansive event spaces, she plans to further enhance the hotel’s positioning for stays, dining, meetings, and celebrations.

Ahmedabad is an exciting and evolving market, and Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad is well placed to grow with it. My priority is to support and develop our people, refine our product to meet modern guest expectations, and build deeper connections with the community and travellers who choose our hotel,” said Sonale Zagade.

Strategically located overlooking the Sabarmati Riverfront, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad is regarded as one of the city’s leading business hotels, known for its modern design, refined dining offerings, and warm hospitality.

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