In an industry where passion defines longevity, Mahesh Padala, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, celebrates an inspiring milestone, 25 years in hospitality. His Silver Jubilee journey reflects a rare blend of culinary expertise, operational leadership, and people-first philosophy.

Starting his career in the heat of the kitchen, Mahesh’s path is anything but conventional. From his early days as a chef to leading a full-scale hotel operation, he has carried forward a unique perspective, combining a chef’s attention to detail with a leader’s ability to build strong, motivated teams. For him, hospitality has always been about making guests feel genuinely seen and valued.

Over the years, Mahesh has become a respected figure within Marriott International, contributing significantly to the brand’s presence in India. His decade-long association with the group has seen him lead dynamic hotel environments, bringing a distinct culinary sensibility into operational excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Mahesh shared that the excitement of welcoming guests remains unchanged even after 25 years. He emphasised that hospitality is not about grand gestures but about consistency, discipline, and heartfelt service. For him, the milestone is not just about years completed, but about the people he has worked with and the countless guest experiences he has helped shape.

Now at the helm of Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, he continues to foster a culture where teams feel empowered and motivated. Under his leadership, the hotel is evolving into more than just a stay destination, it is becoming a space where service, storytelling, and personal connections come together seamlessly.

Mahesh Padala’s journey stands as a testament to how passion, perseverance, and purpose can shape a meaningful career in hospitality, one that continues to inspire both peers and the next generation of hoteliers.

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced the elevation of Shawali Gupta to the role of Marketing Manager, acknowledging her strong contributions to the hotel’s marketing and communications efforts.

Since joining the property in 2024 as Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications, Shawali has played a key role in enhancing brand visibility and executing high-impact campaigns across digital and on-ground platforms. Over the past 1.5 years, she has led integrated marketing initiatives for the hotel’s 398 rooms and its diverse dining portfolio, including Mosaic, Spice Art, Chao Bella, BBC, and Mosaic Pastry Lounge.

In her new role, she will lead the overall marketing strategy, focusing on digital ecosystems, brand storytelling, and performance-driven campaigns. Shawali has been closely involved in managing key IHG platforms such as Boost, Merlin, Medallia, Brand Warehouse, and Concerto. Her responsibilities have also included overseeing social media strategy, influencer collaborations, PR outreach, and content development aligned with global brand standards.

With over nine years of experience across hospitality and media, Shawali brings a well-rounded perspective to her role. Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, she worked with leading media organisations such as Times Network, Network18 Media & Investments Limited, and The Times of India, where she specialised in social media strategy, content optimisation, and audience engagement.

Her hospitality experience includes working with The Oberoi Group, where she supported marketing and communications for The Oberoi Gurgaon and Trident Gurgaon, contributing to campaign planning and brand storytelling across both properties. She began her career with iDiva, part of Times Internet, building a strong foundation in digital content and audience growth.

An alumna of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication and Patna Women's College, Shawali holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Media and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She is known for combining creativity with analytics to deliver measurable marketing outcomes.

Commenting on her elevation, Shawali Gupta said, “It has been an exciting journey with Crowne Plaza Greater Noida. I look forward to further strengthening the brand's presence through innovative campaigns, meaningful collaborations, and impactful storytelling that resonates with our audiences.”

Her elevation reflects the hotel’s focus on nurturing internal talent and strengthening its marketing leadership as it continues to expand its presence in the competitive hospitality landscape

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has appointed Ranjita Das as Assistant Manager – Learning & Development, strengthening its focus on talent development and service excellence.

With over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranjita brings expertise in team development, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and training. In her new role, she will lead the hotel’s learning and development initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee capabilities, building leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with global brand standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranjita to our leadership team. Her passion for people development and strong operational understanding makes her a valuable addition. We are confident she will play a key role in nurturing talent and elevating the associate experience.”

Prior to this, Ranjita was associated with The Leela Palace New Delhi, where she served as Assistant Restaurant Manager. She played an active role in training, onboarding, and driving operational efficiencies, while also leading initiatives such as festive gifting projects aligned with market trends.

Her earlier experience includes roles at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and Lemon Tree Premiere Hyderabad, where she built strong capabilities in guest service, team coordination, and high-end hospitality operations.

Ranjita holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and has completed certifications in Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias, reflecting her focus on progressive workplace practices.

With a people-first approach, she is set to contribute to strengthening the hotel’s service culture and overall guest experience.