Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa, Bangalore, celebrates the extraordinary leadership of its Group CEO, Mr. Balaji, who has reshaped the resort’s journey towards unmatched success. Under his transformative vision, the resort has achieved remarkable milestones, including doubling its turnover and tripling occupancy rates, firmly establishing itself as a top choice for leisure and corporate travelers alike.

A Journey of Leadership and Growth

Mr. Balaji’s career with Clarks Exotica began in 2011, where he took on a critical leadership role across multiple verticals, including Operations, Sales Marketing, Finance, Procurement, and HR. These responsibilities set the stage for the resort’s extraordinary growth.

By December 14, 2011, Mr. Balaji was promoted to Vice President, where his leadership broadened to include strategic oversight of various departments. His diverse expertise and commitment to operational excellence culminated in his appointment as Group CEO, where he now oversees the group’s continued growth across all aspects of hospitality.

Leadership Philosophy

Mr. Balaji believes in fostering an environment of succession planning and eliminating hierarchical barriers. He emphasizes the importance of attitude over technical skills and encourages his team to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

In his own words:
"Every challenge is an opportunity to evolve, to grow, and to innovate. It is this relentless pursuit of excellence, day in and day out, that fuels me and my team to continuously raise the bar."

This philosophy has inspired the team to deliver unparalleled guest experiences while continuously innovating to stay ahead in the competitive hospitality industry.

A Vision of Excellence

Mr. Balaji’s innovative strategies have revolutionized the resort’s offerings, ensuring a seamless blend of traditional Indian hospitality with cutting-edge amenities. From optimizing operational frameworks to introducing enhanced guest experiences, his leadership embodies the ethos of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (The guest is God).

Driving Success Through Innovation

Through his visionary approach, Mr. Balaji has positioned Clarks Exotica as a leader in hospitality. His ability to inspire, innovate, and push boundaries reflects in the resort’s consistent growth and stellar reputation.

As Clarks Exotica celebrates this milestone, the team looks forward to scaling greater heights under Mr. Balaji’s leadership, continuing its legacy of excellence and innovation.

Pride Hotels Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Shibu Jacob as its new Corporate Head of Food & Beverage. With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Shibu brings a wealth of expertise and a reputation for transforming culinary and beverage programs into world-class offerings.

Having worked with some of the most prestigious brands in India, including Marriott International and The Lalit Hotels, Shibu has honed his skills in food and beverage operations, concept development, and team leadership. His most recent position was at Sea Princess Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the hotel’s culinary offerings and creating memorable dining experiences for guests.

In his new role at Pride Hotels Group, Shibu will oversee the food and beverage strategies for the group’s 60+ hotels across India. His focus will be on elevating guest experiences, curating innovative dining concepts, and setting new standards for service excellence.

“We are thrilled to have Shibu join us as the Corporate Head of Food & Beverage at Pride Hotels Group,” said Mr. Atul Upadhyay, EVP of Pride Hotels Group. “His vast expertise, gained from his work with renowned brands, along with his exceptional leadership, makes him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that his creative approach to culinary innovation will enhance the dining experience across our properties, setting new benchmarks for excellence in food and beverage operations.”

Shibu Jacob expressed his excitement about joining Pride Hotels Group, saying, “I am honored to be part of such a dynamic and rapidly growing hospitality brand. Pride Hotels has a strong legacy in Indian hospitality, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to create memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

Pride Hotels Group, with its deep understanding of Indian hospitality, remains focused on delivering authentic and innovative guest experiences. Shibu Jacob’s addition to the leadership team reinforces the group’s commitment to enhancing its food and beverage offerings while maintaining the hallmark of Indian charm.