Shangri-La Muscat Welcomes Joakim Velinder as New Sales and Marketing Director

Shangri-La Muscat Welcomes Joakim Velinder as New Sales and Marketing Director

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 19, 2024

Come May 19, 2024, Shangri-La Muscat in Oman will see the appointment of Joakim Velinder as the Director of Sales and Marketing. Hailing from Sweden, Velinder's expertise will enhance the leadership team at the renowned Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn, two luxurious properties nestled along the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Oman.

With an illustrious background, Velinder joins Shangri-La Group from the Hyatt Group, bringing with him a wealth of experience and accolades as an award-winning leader. His career spans commercial roles across Europe and the Middle East, with notable assignments in Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and most recently, as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Alila Hotels in Oman.

Velinder's deep understanding of the regional market dynamics, coupled with his broad operational and strategic knowledge, makes him a valuable addition to the Shangri-La team. His vision aligns with the ethos of the Shangri-La Group, which emphasizes blending local flair with international standards of luxury and elegance.

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Nick Flynn, Hotel Manager, expressed his excitement about Velinder joining the leadership team, highlighting his extensive experience and broad knowledge of the industry and the region. With Velinder's proven track record of innovation and meticulous strategic planning, Shangri-La Muscat anticipates a bright future under his guidance.

As Velinder takes on this new role, he aims to drive business growth in key source markets while ensuring that Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn continue to offer warm and hospitable experiences to guests from around the world.


Sandhya Johari Balances Hospitality Marketing Excellence with Motherhood at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai

Sandhya Johari Balances Hospitality Marketing Excellence with Motherhood at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

In the fast-evolving world of hospitality marketing, where guest experiences are shaped as carefully as the destinations themselves, Sandhya Johari has carved a distinctive space through her thoughtful blend of strategy, storytelling, and consumer insight.

As the Marketing Manager at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Sandhya plays an important role in strengthening the hotel’s brand presence across multiple touchpoints. From integrated marketing campaigns and digital storytelling to media relations, strategic collaborations, and experiential initiatives, her work contributes significantly to the hotel’s positioning within Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Recognised for her collaborative leadership style and sharp understanding of evolving consumer behaviour, Sandhya works closely with teams across departments to ensure that every campaign reflects the hotel’s core values of sustainability, warmth, and refined hospitality. Her ability to balance creative storytelling with strategic execution has helped reinforce The Orchid Hotel’s identity as one of the city’s recognised hospitality destinations.

With more than a decade of experience across hospitality, dining, and lifestyle brands, Sandhya’s professional journey reflects versatility and a strong understanding of audience engagement. Before joining The Orchid Hotel, she contributed to communication strategies for brands such as Ribbons & Balloons and Yellow Banana Food Company’s popular dining concepts PopTates and Urban Tadka. Her experience with globally recognised luxury dining brands Hakkasan and Yauatcha under KA Hospitality further deepened her expertise in premium brand positioning and guest experiences.

Earlier in her career, her association with Mirah Hospitality across Citrus Hotels and Manchester United Café Bar shaped her perspective on experiential branding and lifestyle-driven consumer engagement. Over the years, she has consistently led impactful PR campaigns, strategic collaborations, and culturally relevant brand narratives that resonate strongly with modern audiences.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandhya is also a devoted mother, balancing the demands of a fast-paced hospitality career alongside family life with remarkable grace. Her journey reflects the modern working woman who leads with both ambition and empathy, creating meaningful experiences professionally while nurturing relationships personally.

This Mother’s Day, Sandhya Johari stands as an inspiring example of leadership, resilience, and creativity, continuing to shape brands, experiences, and relationships with the same warmth and thoughtfulness that define her approach to life and work.


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on May 8, 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team as it continues to expand its market presence.

Bringing over 23 years of experience across luxury and upper-upscale hospitality brands, Saurav combines operational expertise with strong commercial acumen. His professional journey includes more than a decade in hotel operations, followed by 13 years in sales and marketing leadership roles.

Saurav began his Hyatt journey at Grand Hyatt Mumbai in 2004 within Food & Beverage operations before transitioning into sales and marketing. Over the years, he has held leadership roles across prominent hospitality brands including Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Le Méridien Hyderabad, and Le Méridien Nagpur, contributing to revenue growth and market expansion initiatives.

He rejoined Hyatt in 2023 at Hyatt Regency Chennai, where he played a significant role in shaping commercial strategy while also supporting Hyatt Pune as Acting General Manager.

In his new role at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Saurav will lead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy with a focus on driving revenue growth across key segments and strengthening the property’s positioning within the competitive luxury hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Saurav Datta said, “I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the hotel’s market presence while delivering meaningful guest experiences that define the Grand Hyatt brand.”

Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic approach, Saurav has consistently delivered strong business performance while building high-performing teams across multiple hospitality markets.

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities and driving long-term growth across key destinations in India.


Hyatt Regency Pune Appoints Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as Director of Finance

Hyatt Regency Pune Appoints Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as Director of Finance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

Hyatt Regency Pune has welcomed Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as its new Director of Finance. With more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ray brings strong expertise in financial strategy, compliance, operational excellence, and business performance.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with globally recognised hospitality brands including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and Accor. Known for his focused and results-driven approach, Ray has built a reputation for maintaining high standards in financial management while supporting long-term business growth.

He also brings valuable experience in improving operational processes, strengthening financial controls, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership style is aligned with Hyatt’s values and vision, further supporting the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for both guests and colleagues.

At Hyatt Regency Pune, Ray will lead the finance function with a focus on enhancing financial performance, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the property’s continued growth journey.

The hotel management believes his industry expertise and strategic approach will play an important role in strengthening operational efficiency and supporting the brand’s future goals.

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