Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor have announced the promotions of two emerging marketing professionals, reinforcing the group's commitment to nurturing talent from within and building the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Chandan Sharma has been promoted to Marketing and Communication Manager, while Abhiram Sridhar has been elevated to the position of Cluster Assistant Marketing Manager – Digital. The appointments reflect the properties' focus on recognising performance, creating career growth opportunities, and strengthening leadership across key business functions.

In their expanded roles, both professionals will play an important part in shaping the marketing and brand strategies of the three properties, with responsibilities spanning digital marketing, brand campaigns, guest engagement initiatives, revenue-driven programmes, and market visibility efforts.

Commenting on the promotions, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, we take pride in nurturing talent and giving our people opportunities to grow within the organisation. Chandan and Abhiram have both contributed meaningfully to our brand journey, and these promotions recognise not only their performance, but also the promise they bring to the future. We are pleased to see them take on larger roles and are confident they will continue to strengthen our market presence in the years ahead.”

As Marketing and Communication Manager, Chandan Sharma will oversee the overall marketing function for the properties, leading digital, traditional, and public relations initiatives aimed at strengthening brand positioning and market visibility.

Over the past year, Sharma has played a significant role in enhancing direct revenue performance by increasing web-direct contributions through targeted performance marketing and direct booking initiatives. He has successfully conceptualised and executed multiple campaigns across social media, search, and display platforms while developing seasonal promotions, destination-focused experiences, and food and beverage campaigns.

Working closely with the sales teams, Sharma has contributed to sharpening brand presence across multiple channels. Under his marketing leadership and strategic brand-building efforts, the properties collectively secured 16 industry awards over the past year across hotel, restaurant, and individual achievement categories, further strengthening their standing in the hospitality sector.

In his new role as Cluster Assistant Marketing Manager – Digital, Abhiram Sridhar will lead digital marketing initiatives across all three properties. His responsibilities will include driving social media strategy, paid marketing campaigns, website performance, audience engagement, and digital partnerships aligned with the hotels' commercial objectives.

Recognised for his combination of creative thinking and data-driven decision-making, Sridhar has played a key role in driving audience growth and engagement through impactful digital storytelling and integrated campaigns. His performance-led marketing initiatives have contributed to stronger website traffic, increased lead generation, and improved conversion outcomes for the properties.

The promotions highlight the strength of the organisation's internal talent pipeline and reflect a broader commitment to innovation-led marketing, strategic brand development, and delivering meaningful guest experiences across every touchpoint.

As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, investing in young leadership and digital expertise remains a critical focus for hotel brands seeking stronger customer engagement and sustained business growth. Through these appointments, the Novotel and Accor-managed properties continue to demonstrate their commitment to fostering talent while building future-ready marketing capabilities

Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences has announced the promotion of Gaurav Bisht as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, recognizing his contributions to the property’s dining operations and guest experience initiatives over the years.

In his new role, Gaurav will oversee food and beverage operations across the hotel, including guest experience programmes, revenue generation strategies, dining outlet performance, event services, and team development initiatives.

With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Gaurav has built a strong track record in operational leadership, customer engagement, and strategic planning. His promotion reflects the hotel’s confidence in his ability to drive operational excellence while enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.

Prior to his elevation, Gaurav served as Food & Beverage Manager at Hyatt Regency Pune, where he played an instrumental role in improving guest satisfaction, introducing innovative dining concepts, and supporting revenue growth through successful promotional campaigns and events.

His journey with the property has included several key leadership positions, including Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and Restaurant & Bar Manager. Throughout these roles, he led numerous initiatives focused on staff development, sales strategy implementation, operational efficiency, cost optimisation, and service excellence.

Known for his hands-on leadership approach, Gaurav has consistently balanced operational performance with a strong focus on guest-centric hospitality. His efforts have contributed significantly to the continued growth and reputation of Hyatt Regency Pune’s food and beverage division.

Before joining Hyatt Regency Pune, Gaurav gained valuable industry experience with leading hospitality brands, including Marriott International’s The Westin Gurgaon and The Grand, New Delhi. These assignments provided him with exposure to luxury hospitality operations, large-scale event management, and premium guest service standards.

Over the course of his career, Gaurav has received multiple “Best Employee” recognitions and has successfully managed large-scale hospitality events serving more than 500 guests during peak meal periods. His achievements highlight his expertise in operational planning, team leadership, and guest engagement.

Gaurav holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the Delhi Institute of Hotel Management. In his new role, he aims to further strengthen the hotel’s food and beverage offerings while continuing to cultivate a culture of service excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction.

The promotion reinforces Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences’ commitment to nurturing internal talent and empowering hospitality professionals to take on leadership roles within the organisation

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the promotion of Ganesha B as Director of Human Resources. The appointment highlights the hotel’s commitment to developing talent from within and fostering long-term career growth opportunities for its team members.

Having built his career steadily within the property, Ganesha’s promotion reflects his valuable contributions towards creating a people-focused workplace culture centred on employee engagement, inclusion, and professional development.

Prior to this role, Ganesha served as Human Resources Manager at the hotel, where he played a key role in leading employee engagement programmes, supporting team member wellbeing initiatives, and promoting an inclusive work environment. His expertise in statutory compliance and human resource operations has also seen him contribute to HR initiatives across other IHG hotels in the region.

Commenting on the promotion, Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is focused on creating a culture where individuals are encouraged to learn and grow. Ganesha’s elevation reinforces this commitment that dedication and perseverance is valued. We look forward to seeing him grow with IHG and achieve the yardstick of success.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Ganesha B, Director of Human Resources, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, said, “I am excited to take on this new role and continue my professional journey with Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside incredible teams, and I look forward to further fostering an inclusive, supportive, and motivating environment where individuals can grow and succeed together.”

With this promotion, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse continues to strengthen its focus on recognising internal talent and building a workplace culture where employees are encouraged to develop their skills, take on leadership responsibilities, and grow within the organisation.