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.


Danish Chaudhary Appointed as Chief Engineer at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri

Danish Chaudhary Appointed as Chief Engineer at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 27, 2025

 Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Danish Chaudhary as the hotel’s new Chief Engineer, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and seamless infrastructure management.

Danish brings with him over 12 years of experience in hospitality engineering, project execution, and technical leadership. A familiar face within the Hyatt family, Danish was instrumental in the successful renovation and transformation of Hyatt Centric Janakpuri during its earlier transition phase, making this return a meaningful continuation of his impactful journey.

His career spans leadership roles with several top hotel brands, where he earned a reputation for his hands-on problem-solving approach, calm under pressure, and ability to lead high-performing engineering teams. Danish excels in overseeing complex hotel systems, ensuring smooth daily operations, and maintaining high service standards across all technical touchpoints.

A qualified M.Tech graduate in Power Systems, Danish blends technical expertise with strategic insight. His personal mantra, “What can I learn today that takes me to the upper right corner in the graph of life?”, reflects his relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Outside the engineering console, Danish enjoys immersing himself in science fiction and cherishes life’s little moments—be it relaxing with his favorite series or simply enjoying quiet downtime. His warmth and balanced perspective make him not only a capable leader but also a relatable and grounded team member.

With his guest-first mindset, operational excellence, and passion for continuous improvement, Danish Chaudhary is set to lead the engineering function at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri into a new chapter of innovation, reliability, and service distinction.


Anurag Sharma Appointed as Information Systems Manager at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, New Delhi

Anurag Sharma Appointed as Information Systems Manager at Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 27, 2025

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, New Delhi has announced the appointment of Anurag Sharma as the hotel’s new Information Systems Manager, marking a strategic move to strengthen its digital infrastructure and IT operations.

Anurag brings with him over 10 years of experience in hospitality IT, with expertise spanning cybersecurity, system integration, and technology-driven service enhancements. He has held pivotal IT roles at renowned brands such as Four Points by Sheraton Pune, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat, and Marriott Hotels Jaipur, where he led numerous digital transformation initiatives.

His technical skill set includes advanced knowledge of Opera PMS, Micros, cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and network architecture, making him an essential asset in advancing hotel technology and guest-facing systems.

At Hyatt Centric Janakpuri, Anurag will oversee the optimization of IT security protocols, integration of smart tech solutions, and the streamlining of digital operations to ensure a seamless experience for both guests and staff. His appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to operational efficiency, innovation, and data security in an increasingly digital hospitality environment.

Anurag holds a degree in Geography from Rajasthan University and has pursued specialized certifications in IT and cybersecurity. Outside work, he remains passionate about mentoring young tech professionals, exploring emerging technologies, and enjoying quality time with his family.

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri is poised to enter a new era of tech-forward hospitality, driven by Anurag Sharma’s expertise and leadership.


Rubina Sharma Appointed as Hotel Manager at Eros Hotel New Delhi

Rubina Sharma Appointed as Hotel Manager at Eros Hotel New Delhi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 27, 2025

Eros Hotel New Delhi, Nehru Place has announced the elevation of Ms. Rubina Sharma to Hotel Manager, a move that marks the property’s ongoing commitment to nurturing internal talent and enhancing operational excellence.

Rubina, who previously held the position of EAM – Rooms and Business Development, takes on a broader leadership role, overseeing all day-to-day hotel operations, staff management, and strategic planning. Her focus will be on driving business growth, elevating guest experiences, and steering the property towards higher performance benchmarks.

With over two decades of hospitality experience, Rubina brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by key roles in Housekeeping, Front Office, and Sales. Her impressive career spans prestigious brands such as The Imperial, Taj Palace, Jaypee Hotels, and IHG, reflecting a legacy of service and operational excellence.

Since joining Eros Hotel, Rubina has played a pivotal role in revenue growth and enhancing brand visibility, especially during her recent tenure where she led the rooms and business development division with strategic acumen and deep guest insight.

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“We are delighted to have Rubina in this key leadership position,” said Davinder Juj, General Manager of Eros Hotel. “Her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly enhance our hotel’s reputation for exceptional service.”

In her response, Rubina shared, “I'm truly honoured and excited to take on this new role. Having been part of the Eros Hotel family for over a decade, I look forward to contributing even more meaningfully to our shared vision of excellence.”

Her promotion not only celebrates her professional journey but also reinforces Eros Hotel’s long-standing tradition of grooming in-house talent and building a strong leadership pipeline.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Located in the heart of Nehru Place, Eros Hotel New Delhi is known for its fusion of classic Indian hospitality and modern luxury. Overlooking the iconic Lotus Temple, the hotel enjoys proximity to key business districts, shopping hubs, and tourist attractions. With a legacy spanning more than 25 years, it remains a preferred choice for both corporate and leisure travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and elegance in the capital.

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