Sanjay Kumar Jain Assumes Leadership Role at IRCTC

Sanjay Kumar Jain Assumes Leadership Role at IRCTC

By Author

Published on February 19, 2024

In a significant move for the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain, a seasoned Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) Officer of the 1990 batch, has taken on the key position of Chairman & Managing Director. With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Jain brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of exemplary leadership within the Ministry of Railways and public sector undertakings (PSUs).

Mr. Jain's journey reflects his dynamic leadership and expertise in policy formulation, commercial ventures, and developmental initiatives across diverse government sectors. As a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), he has made significant contributions in pivotal roles such as Principal Chief Commercial Manager at Northern Railway, Group General Manager (North Zone) at IRCTC, and Divisional Railway Manager at Mumbai Central Railway.

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During his tenure at IRCTC, Mr. Jain spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that redefined luxury travel experiences, including enhancing the Maharajas’ Express and introducing India’s first ‘Executive Lounge’ at New Delhi Railway Station. Under his leadership, the tourism business of IRCTC in the North Zone witnessed exponential growth, reflecting his strategic vision and innovative marketing approaches.

As Divisional Railway Manager in Mumbai, Mr. Jain demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing one of the largest suburban railway networks, catering to millions of commuters daily. His commitment to cleanliness and heritage conservation was exemplified by initiatives like the Swachhata Mission and the restoration of Mumbai’s Byculla Railway Station, recognized with prestigious awards including UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage Award.

Mr. Jain's tenure was also marked by initiatives promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability, such as establishing the first all-women-run railway station at Matunga, Mumbai, and launching the “Muck Special” train for garbage collection along railway lines. His focus on passenger amenities and sustainable development reflects his commitment to enhancing the overall railway experience while ensuring environmental stewardship.

Mr. Jain’s contributions have been duly acknowledged by the Ministry of Railways, with prestigious awards including the Minister of Railways Award for Meritorious Services, underscoring his dedication and impact on the railway ecosystem.

As Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain assumes this pivotal role at IRCTC, his extensive experience and visionary leadership are poised to drive the corporation towards greater heights of success, further enriching the travel experiences of millions of passengers across the country.


Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur has announced the appointment of Rajinder Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening its leadership team in the culinary and dining segment.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajinder brings solid expertise in handling end-to-end food and beverage operations across well-known hotel brands. He has worked closely on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams to maintain consistent service standards. His experience also includes involvement in pre-opening projects, revenue strategies, and developing new dining concepts.

In his new role, Rajinder will oversee all food and beverage operations at Novotel Jodhpur, including restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on building a stronger culinary identity for the hotel, introducing fresh and innovative offerings, and ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction, in line with the brand’s standards.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajinder to our leadership team. His rich experience and passion for hospitality will play a key role in enhancing our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and leadership will further elevate the dining experience for our guests.”

Speaking on his new role, Rajinder Singh said, “I am excited to join Novotel Jodhpur and be part of a brand that stands for quality and innovation. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and contributing to the continued success of the hotel.”


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Park Hyatt Chennai has announced the appointment of Srinath Ravindranath as its Director of Sales, adding to its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its position among the city’s leading luxury destinations.

In his new role, Srinath will head the Sales function, working closely with internal teams to drive strategic growth, build stronger client relationships, and expand the hotel’s presence across key market segments.

He brings over 13 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, including a long association of 12 years with IHCL. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales at Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield, where he led key commercial initiatives and played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s positioning in a competitive market.

Srinath’s career also includes leadership roles across IHCL’s multi-property portfolio, along with an earlier stint at Hyatt Hyderabad. These experiences have helped shape his approach, combining strategy, relationship-building, and execution to deliver consistent results.

An alumnus of the Oriental School of Hotel Management, Wayanad, he is known for his focus on long-term client engagement, steady growth, and mentoring teams to perform at their best. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycles and hiking, reflecting his energetic and driven personality.

His collaborative and results-focused approach aligns well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s commitment to offering refined, intuitive, and personalised guest experiences.

Located in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Chennai blends contemporary luxury with understated elegance. Overlooking Guindy National Park and situated close to the airport and major business districts, the hotel offers a peaceful escape for travellers. It features 200 well-designed guestrooms and suites, along with dining experiences such as Park Brasserie, The Flying Elephant Bar and Mr. Ong, The Flavours of Singapore. The property also includes a luxury spa, rooftop infinity pool, and modern event spaces, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure guests.


ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

ITC Maurya has announced the appointment of Gaurav Lavania as its new Executive Chef. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he will lead the hotel’s culinary operations, overseeing its portfolio of award-winning restaurants along with large-scale banquet services.

Chef Lavania is known for his ability to create refined flavours using simple ingredients, presenting dishes with a minimalist aesthetic while preserving authenticity. His culinary philosophy reflects a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and a deep respect for India’s rich culinary traditions, while also embracing modern techniques.

Before this role, he was part of the leadership team at ITC Narmada. Over the years, he has contributed to several acclaimed restaurants within the ITC Hotels portfolio, including Yi Jing, Dakshin, The Pavilion, Fabelle, and Peshawri, earning recognition for his culinary excellence and innovation.

Commenting on the appointment, Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) and General Manager, ITC Maurya, said, “We are delighted to welcome Executive Chef Gaurav Lavania to lead the culinary team at ITC Maurya. His deep expertise, commitment to Responsible Luxury and passion for authentic flavours align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional culinary experiences. We look forward to the distinctive culinary vision he brings, further elevating ITC Maurya’s celebrated dining legacy.”

With this appointment, ITC Maurya aims to further strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading luxury dining destinations, continuing its legacy of delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

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