Sheraton Grand Whitefield Bengaluru Welcomes New Executive Chef Hitesh Pant

Sheraton Grand Whitefield Bengaluru Welcomes New Executive Chef Hitesh Pant

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 21, 2024

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is thrilled to announce Hitesh Pant as its new Executive Chef. With an impressive career spanning over 14 years in the food and beverage industry, Chef Hitesh brings a wealth of experience and a solid reputation for culinary excellence to his new role.

In his capacity as Executive Chef, Hitesh Pant will oversee all culinary operations at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel. His focus will be on driving innovation and maintaining high standards across all food and beverage outlets, from in-room dining to large-scale events such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), weddings, and other special events. Beyond the culinary arts, Chef Hitesh is known for his dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative and high-achieving team environment.

Chef Hitesh’s career is marked by significant accomplishments and leadership roles in prestigious hospitality establishments. His expertise covers a broad spectrum, including menu planning, strategic culinary innovation, and effective team management. Notably, during his tenure as Executive Sous Chef at The Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts in Bengaluru, he managed culinary operations with great success, implemented efficient budget strategies, and upheld superior customer service standards. His role also involved launching new dining concepts and overseeing renovations to enhance guest dining experiences.

Sanjay Gupta, the General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, expressed his enthusiasm about Chef Hitesh’s appointment. "With Chef Hitesh on board, we are excited to elevate our culinary offerings and continue our tradition of gastronomic excellence in Bengaluru," Gupta remarked, highlighting the chef’s innovative approach and exceptional expertise.

Chef Hitesh Pant holds a Bachelor of Science from the Institute of Hotel Management and a Bachelor of Commerce. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, which he cherishes deeply. His passion for the culinary arts, combined with his commitment to excellence, makes him a valuable addition to the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield team.

The appointment of Chef Hitesh Pant marks a significant step for Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center as it aims to further enhance its culinary reputation and provide guests with exceptional dining experiences.


Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2025

Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.


Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.

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