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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.
“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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 7, 2026
The Serai Resorts, Bandipur has announced the appointment of Siddharth Manjeshwar as its new Resort Manager, further strengthening the leadership team at the award-winning luxury wildlife retreat located on the edge of Bandipur National Park.
Siddharth brings extensive international hospitality experience, having worked across luxury hotels, resorts, and restaurants in India, Thailand, Japan, the UAE, and the Maldives. Over the years, he has held leadership roles with leading hospitality brands including IHCL, Alila Hotels & Resorts, Sterling Holidays, Club Med, and Lily Beach Resort & Spa.
His expertise spans resort operations, food and beverage management, guest experience, and team leadership. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for driving operational excellence, improving guest satisfaction, and leading high-performing teams.
Siddharth holds a Master's degree in Business with a specialisation in Hospitality Management, combining strong business knowledge with hands-on operational experience in the hospitality sector.
Welcoming him to the team, Saibal Sen, Chief Operating Officer, The Serai Resorts, said:
"With Siddharth joining the leadership team, he will play an important role in the next chapter for The Serai Bandipur. His proven track record in luxury hospitality, passion for service excellence, and deep understanding of resort operations align perfectly with our vision of crafting meaningful, destination-led experiences for the unhurried explorer. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to his leadership in further elevating the thoughtful experiences, and authentic connections that define The Serai Resorts."
As Resort Manager, Siddharth will oversee the overall operations of The Serai Resorts, Bandipur, with a focus on delivering seamless guest experiences, strengthening service standards, improving operational efficiency, and developing the resort's team. He will also work closely with the leadership team to further position the property as one of India's leading luxury wildlife destinations.
Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Siddharth Manjeshwar said:
"I am delighted to join The Serai Resorts, Bandipur, a destination that beautifully blends nature, thoughtful experiences, and gracious hospitality. Having worked across diverse hospitality markets and brands, I look forward to collaborating with the team to create meaningful guest journeys, strengthen our culture of service excellence, and deliver the immersive, destination-led experiences that make every stay at The Serai Resorts truly memorable.”
With Siddharth's appointment, The Serai Resorts, Bandipur continues its focus on delivering authentic, immersive, and guest-centric experiences while strengthening its position in India's luxury wildlife hospitality segment.
Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad has announced the appointment of Praveen Sharma as its new Hotel Manager, further strengthening the hotel's leadership team.
With over 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Praveen brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, sales, business development, strategic planning, and commercial growth. Throughout his career, he has built a strong track record of driving operational excellence, improving business performance, and developing high-performing teams.
Praveen holds a Ph.D. in Tourism from Himachal Pradesh University and a Certification in General Management from IIM Lucknow. Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, he spent several years with Marriott International, where he held various leadership and pre-opening roles across multiple properties.
In his new role, Praveen will oversee the hotel's strategic and operational functions, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, strengthening the hotel's market presence, building a people-first culture, and driving sustainable business growth.
Welcoming him to the hotel, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Development & Operations - South Asia, Marriott International, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Praveen to Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. His extensive industry experience, proven leadership capabilities, and strong track record of building successful teams make him exceptionally well positioned to lead the hotel. We are confident that his vision, passion for hospitality, and commitment to excellence will play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s presence in the market and creating memorable experiences for guests and associates alike.”
Recognised for his collaborative leadership style, Praveen has consistently focused on building strong relationships with guests, owners, associates, and business partners while delivering long-term business success.
Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Praveen Sharma said:
“I am honored to be part of the team at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad. This hotel represents an exciting opportunity to create exceptional guest experiences while building a strong culture rooted in Marriott’s values. I look forward to working alongside our talented associates, ownership team, and stakeholders to establish the hotel as a preferred destination for business travelers, social celebrations, and memorable hospitality experiences in the region.”
Outside his professional responsibilities, Praveen enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with his family.
By Hariharan U
Rajnish Sharma Joins ITC Hotels as Food and beverage Manger for WelcomHotel Mohali Chandigarh Pre Opening
Mohali Chandigarh: Hospitality professional Rajnish Sharma has announced his new role as Food & Beverage Manager for the pre-opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Mohali Chandigarh.
This appointment marks Rajnish Sharma’s second role as a Food & Beverage Manager, reflecting his continued growth, dedication, and passion for the hospitality industry.
Sharing his excitement about the new journey, Rajnish expressed that being associated with ITC Hotels is a privilege, given the brand’s legacy of excellence, commitment to quality, and focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
As part of the pre-opening team, Rajnish will contribute towards establishing food and beverage operations, creating memorable dining experiences, and supporting the hotel’s vision of delivering service excellence.
Looking ahead, he aims to collaborate with the team, embrace new opportunities, and contribute towards setting new benchmarks in hospitality.
Rajnish also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported and believed in him throughout his professional journey, acknowledging their role in helping him achieve this milestone.
The hospitality industry congratulates Rajnish Sharma on this new chapter and wishes him success in his upcoming role with Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Mohali Chandigarh.
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