Shantanu Chakravartty Appointed CEO of WHSmith India, Unveils Bold Expansion Plans

Shantanu Chakravartty Appointed CEO of WHSmith India, Unveils Bold Expansion Plans

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 5, 2025

WHSmith India has appointed Shantanu Chakravartty as its new Chief Executive Officer and Director, marking a major milestone in its journey to redefine travel retail in India. A dynamic leader with more than 15 years of experience in the travel retail space, Shantanu steps into this role with an ambitious vision: to triple the company’s revenue and expand its store presence fivefold in the next four years.

Over the past seven years, Shantanu has already shaped WHSmith India’s most defining chapters. From navigating the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped safeguard over 20,000 jobs, to spearheading strategic digital upgrades, his impact has been both stabilizing and transformative.

“I’ve always believed disruption is an invitation to rebuild stronger,” said Shantanu. “That’s why we created the Airport Services Association of India—to ensure the industry stayed resilient through 2020 and 2021.”

Today, WHSmith India operates 40 stores across India’s metro stations, airports, and university campuses. Under Shantanu’s leadership, the brand now aims to increase its footprint by 5x and grow revenue from ₹200 crores to ₹500 crores in the next three years.

“Retail is not just a business—it’s a platform to create livelihoods and opportunities,” he added. “Every new store we open is another chance for people to grow, thrive, and find a future in this industry.”

Beyond numbers, Shantanu’s strategy focuses on enhancing customer experience, merchandising logic, and supply chain excellence—transforming WHSmith stores into high-engagement retail hubs, even in short dwell-time locations like airports and stations.

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“From business flyers to leisure travellers, our goal is convenience, consistency, and delight,” he said. “WHSmith stores are no longer just transit points—they’re travel companions.”

Known for his hands-on leadership, Shantanu is deeply invested in mentoring frontline teams and empowering staff feedback loops. He also serves pro bono as General Secretary of the Airport Services Association of India, playing a key role in shaping industry policies and promoting collaborative growth.

As India’s aviation industry gears up for exponential growth, WHSmith India is positioning itself to lead the charge—with tech-led operations, a people-first culture, and scalable infrastructure that meets the needs of tomorrow’s travellers.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.


Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Foodlink Global has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as Head Chef, reinforcing its culinary leadership in the Middle East region.

With over 15 years of experience, Chef Jayved brings a strong foundation in modern Indian cuisine, kitchen operations, and team leadership. Known for his ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, he has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across large-scale operations.

Prior to this role, he served as Unit Chef at PINCODE Restaurant by Chef Kunal Kapur, where he played a key role in menu innovation and guest satisfaction. His professional journey also includes tenures with Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, where he gained extensive experience in menu development, vendor management, and operational efficiency.

In his new role at Foodlink Global, Chef Jayved will oversee kitchen operations across Dubai, focusing on menu innovation, maintaining global hygiene and safety standards, and enhancing overall dining experiences. His expertise spans curry and tandoor specialities, fusion cuisine, and large-scale kitchen administration, supported by strong knowledge of HACCP compliance and quality audits.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Jayved expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand, highlighting his intent to create innovative dining experiences that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation and techniques.

This strategic appointment underscores Foodlink Global’s commitment to strengthening its culinary excellence and expanding its presence in the competitive Middle East hospitality landscape.

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