Starshine Brands Names Celebrity Chef Akshat Parihar as Brand Ambassador

Starshine Brands Names Celebrity Chef Akshat Parihar as Brand Ambassador

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 11, 2024

Starshine Brands, a renowned name in the hospitality industry committed to delivering exceptional European, Indian, and Mediterranean dining experiences to Indians, proudly announces the addition of Celebrity Chef Akshat Parihar to its team as the brand ambassador.

Chef Akshat Parihar, globally recognized for his culinary prowess and innovative creations, brings his wealth of experience and passion for food to the Starshine family. Renowned for seamlessly blending international flavors with his unique touch, Chef Akshat's inventive dishes, such as the Exquisite Savoury Mousse Cocktails, have earned him acclaim as a "Molecular Gastronomic" expert.

"We are thrilled to welcome Chef Akshat Parihar to the Starshine family," said Dr. Shweta Gupta, Executive Director of Starshine Brands. "His unmatched talent and commitment to culinary excellence perfectly resonate with our mission of bringing exquisite European and Mediterranean flavors to every corner of India. With Chef Akshat on our team, we're eager to enhance our patrons' dining experiences and continue pioneering culinary innovation."

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Chef Akshat's collaborative spirit and dedication to pushing culinary boundaries have led to partnerships with prestigious brands worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a culinary trailblazer. His passion for creating memorable dining experiences aligns seamlessly with Starshine's vision of offering diverse cuisines and a remarkable ambiance under one roof.

"I am thrilled to join forces with Starshine Brands as their brand ambassador," said Chef Akshat Parihar. "Together, we aim to redefine the culinary landscape in India and provide food enthusiasts with unparalleled dining experiences. I look forward to contributing to Starshine's mission of spreading gastronomic delight across the country."

Under the Starshine Brands umbrella, renowned for its dedication to providing Indians with access to premium dining experiences, lies a collection of exceptional culinary establishments. Among these distinguished brands are Chhupa Rustam and Ivoryy, each offering a unique dining venture that celebrates gastronomic diversity and captivates the senses.

As Starshine Brands continues its expansion efforts, Chef Akshat Parihar's expertise, coupled with Sandeep Gupta's vision, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the company's presence in the hospitality sector. Stay tuned for exciting collaborations and culinary innovations from this dynamic partnership.


Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Ravi Patil Appointed Director of Engineering at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2026

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Ravi Patil as Director of Engineering, strengthening its leadership team with a focus on operational excellence, sustainability and infrastructure management. With over 16 years of experience across luxury hospitality, Patil will oversee the property's engineering operations, technical services, asset management and infrastructure development.

In his new role, Patil will focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening preventive maintenance practices, advancing sustainability initiatives and ensuring the long-term performance of the property's infrastructure. He will also be responsible for supporting the smooth functioning of the hotel's technical operations.

Before joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Patil served as Director of Engineering at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. He has also held engineering leadership positions with Marriott International across Mumbai and Pune. His international hospitality experience includes roles at Fairmont Dubai and Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda.

Known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Patil has led engineering teams and managed maintenance, refurbishment and infrastructure initiatives. His work has focused on improving reliability, maintaining safety standards, enhancing energy efficiency and optimising resource use.

Speaking about his appointment, Ravi Patil said, "Engineering in hospitality is about creating systems that are reliable, efficient and sustainable, while ensuring they work seamlessly in the background to support the guest experience. I look forward to bringing this approach to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and working with the team to further strengthen its operational and engineering standards."


Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa Appoints Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has appointed Ramkumar Arumugam as Chief Engineer, strengthening its engineering leadership with a professional who brings over 18 years of experience across hospitality, engineering, operations and maintenance.

Ramkumar has worked with several hospitality brands during his career, including Taj Deccan Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR, Park Plaza Chennai OMR, ITC Fortune Select Palms Chennai OMR and Marriott Whitefield Bengaluru. His experience also includes pre-opening assignments and project work with Marriott hotels.

Focus on Engineering and Operational Efficiency

In his new role, Ramkumar will oversee the resort's engineering operations, focusing on the reliable functioning of hotel facilities, preventive maintenance, energy management and cost control.

His responsibilities will include supporting the upkeep of engineering infrastructure, managing equipment performance and ensuring that essential systems operate efficiently. His previous experience spans preventive maintenance planning, energy-cost reduction, budgeting and coordination with different hotel departments.

These functions play an important role in maintaining operational continuity across a hospitality property, supporting both guest comfort and the day-to-day requirements of hotel associates.

Building on 18 Years of Hospitality Experience

Ramkumar's career across multiple hotel brands and assignments brings experience in engineering operations within different property environments. His exposure to pre-opening projects also adds to his understanding of the technical planning and coordination required to establish and maintain hotel facilities.

At Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, he will focus on engineering efficiency, reliable services and operational excellence, supporting the resort's broader objective of delivering a seamless experience for guests and associates.

His appointment marks another milestone in a career built around hospitality engineering, maintenance and operational management.


Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

Chef Thirumal Mohan Leads Culinary Operations at Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 17, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, is strengthening its culinary offerings under the leadership of Executive Chef Thirumal Mohan, who brings extensive experience across luxury hospitality, regional Indian cuisine, banquet operations, convention centres and airline catering. Known for his expertise in South Indian specialities and regional culinary traditions, he oversees the hotel's culinary operations, menu development, food quality and kitchen management.

Chef Thirumal Mohan has previously served as Head Chef at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar and Chef de Cuisine at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, where he handled convention centre and banquet operations. His professional journey also includes culinary roles at Marriott Whitefield, Bengaluru, Aloft Bengaluru and LSG Sky Chefs, where he supported Lufthansa's airline catering operations in Bengaluru.

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Over the years, he has developed expertise in culinary team leadership, menu planning, maintaining food quality and consistency, and creating dining experiences for diverse guest segments. His experience across hotel restaurants, large-scale events, banquets and airline catering has given him a broad understanding of kitchen operations and the changing expectations of the hospitality industry.

A key part of Chef Thirumal Mohan's career has been his participation in food festivals celebrating South Indian and regional Indian cuisines. Through these initiatives, he has showcased traditional ingredients, authentic cooking techniques and distinctive regional flavours to guests across India and international destinations.

His culinary festival portfolio includes a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott, Kathmandu, Nepal, and a food festival at Courtyard by Marriott, Kathmandu, both in 2018. In 2017, he participated in the Karnataka Cuisine – Flavours of the Coast festival at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, and a South Indian Cuisine Festival at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa.

In 2016, his engagements included a Kerala Cuisine Onam Festival at Marriott Bengaluru, a Karnataka Cuisine Festival at Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar, and a Tamil Nadu cuisine showcase at Courtyard by Marriott, Gurugram. His earlier initiatives featured South Indian cuisine at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in 2015, a Karnataka-themed Indian Culinary Route at Marriott Bengaluru, and a Chettinad Cuisine festival at the same hotel.

His regional cuisine showcases also took him to Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur, and Aloft Bengaluru, where he presented South Indian food festivals in 2014 and 2012, respectively. In 2011, he showcased South Indian cuisine in Belgium through an initiative associated with Lufthansa German Airlines.

At Lemon Tree Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru, Chef Thirumal Mohan brings together his knowledge of regional cuisines, menu innovation and operational management to strengthen the hotel's food and beverage offerings. His experience in South Indian specialities, supported by his background in large-scale kitchen operations and international culinary showcases, contributes to a dining approach that balances regional authenticity, consistent food quality and contemporary guest expectations.

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