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By Nishang Narayan
Published on June 19, 2024
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Philipp Knuepfer as the new Chief Operating Officer of Sunset Hotels & Resorts. With over 20 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Philipp will play a key role in supporting the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts and overseeing global operations, solidifying SHG’s reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry.
The strategic hire follows SHG’s recent announcement of the new Sunset Hotels & Resorts and an ambitious expansion plan to develop, open, and operate 20 new hotels by the end of 2025. The beginning of 2024 saw SHG accelerate its hotel portfolio expansion by acquiring the renowned Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona, which is set to be renovated in time for its 100-year anniversary in 2025. Sunset Hotels & Resorts currently operates a portfolio of five hotels, with a strong pipeline of projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Philipp joins SHG from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he served as Area Vice President and General Manager, successfully managing the group’s portfolio across Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. His tenure with Mandarin Oriental included senior management positions in Hawaii, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Washington D.C., and Boston. Philipp's strategic capabilities and commercial expertise in both developed and developing markets will be essential in contributing to SHG’s growth and long-term success.
A German national, Philipp holds a Hotel Management degree from the International School for Hotel Business in Germany and an MBA from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He is a graduate of the Cornell Hotel School in Ithaca, New York, and has completed advanced leadership education at the London Business School and Columbia University.
Assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer, Philipp will be based out of SHG’s Singapore office, adding value for the Group’s investors and stakeholders in Asia. SHG has already established a solid presence in South Asia with homegrown brands like Attiko, Azure Beach, and Hanu coming soon to Vietnam, and the highly acclaimed hotspot SUSHISAMBA set to open in the Capital Tower building in Singapore in July. Asia is a key market for SHG, promising an exciting pipeline of extraordinary lifestyle hospitality experiences in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Philipp Knuepfer, COO of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, SHG, expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, “I’m excited to be joining a talented team in a company with such an impressive global footprint and an enviable reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry. My focus is to support the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, further cementing its reputation as one of the leading luxury hotel providers committed to delivering pioneering hotel concepts and extraordinary lifestyle hospitality experiences around the world. I can’t wait to continue and develop the incredible work that SHG has been doing.”
Jaime Buxo Clos, CEO of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, SHG, welcomed Philipp on board, saying, “It’s my pleasure to have Philipp join our growing team. He is a values-driven business leader with a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivering results in the hospitality industry. Our new COO will play a fundamental role in driving the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, while further elevating the Group’s presence in Asia.”
About Sunset Hospitality Group:
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) was founded in 2011 with a vision to create unique hospitality experiences around the world, ranging from resorts and beach clubs to restaurants and nightlife venues. Since then, the group has grown to become a leading hospitality investment and management company developing new and pioneering concepts and acclaimed multinational brands. SHG has a presence in 17 countries with a proven record in delivering high-quality services at exceptional locations. SHG’s portfolio includes renowned concepts such as METT Hotels & Resorts, Azure Beach, Ammos, Drift Beach Club, AURA, SUSHISAMBA, DREAM, L’Amo Bistro del Mare, Mott 32, Black Tap, Lola Taberna Española, Goldfish, Isola, Raise Fitness & Wellness, and many more.
2023 saw the opening of Azure Beach Marbella, Isola Marbella, Bar de Lola Marbella, Mott 32 Dubai, Signor Sassi Dubai, METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, Yalikavak Marina Hotel Bodrum, Mood Jordan, Raise Marbella, and Santana Bali. For more information, visit Sunset Hospitality Group.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Sara Barrow at sara.barrow@sunsethospitality.com or +971529254615
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 24, 2026
JW Marriott Kolkata has appointed Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 22 years of experience across luxury hotels, fine dining and large-scale banqueting operations.
Singh joins the Kolkata property following his most recent assignment as Executive Chef at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, where he led culinary operations across multiple dining venues and banquet facilities.
His career includes senior culinary roles at several prominent hospitality properties in India, including The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata; Trident Udaipur; Trident Chennai; Oberoi Gurgaon; and Trident Gurgaon. Across these assignments, he gained experience in restaurant and banquet management, menu development, food quality and kitchen team leadership.
With experience spanning both domestic and international hospitality markets, Singh brings a broad understanding of culinary operations and the requirements of luxury dining. His background in managing diverse food and beverage outlets and large-scale banqueting is expected to support JW Marriott Kolkata's culinary offerings and guest dining experiences.
As Director of Culinary, Singh will bring his expertise to the hotel's food and beverage operations, with a focus on culinary execution, consistency and team development.
His appointment marks a new chapter in his career and adds to the hotel's culinary leadership as it continues to serve guests across its dining and event offerings.
Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has appointed Ombeer Singh as Head Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership team with an experienced hospitality professional who brings over 18 years of industry experience.
In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, including menu planning and development, food quality, kitchen management, hygiene and safety compliance, and team leadership. He will also work closely with the hotel's leadership team to enhance dining experiences for business and leisure travellers.
Before joining Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Singh served as Executive Chef at Novotel Jodhpur, where he led culinary operations, menu innovation and kitchen management while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction standards.
His professional journey also includes key culinary assignments with TAJ SATS Air Catering, Marriott Jaipur, Waldorf Astoria Dubai and InterContinental Hotel Doha in Qatar. During his tenure as Chef de Partie at Waldorf Astoria Dubai, he gained international experience in premium dining and luxury hospitality operations.
Commenting on the appointment, Srivatsa Allampalli, General Manager, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ombeer to Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. His extensive culinary expertise, international exposure, and passion for excellence will be instrumental in elevating our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his leadership will further enhance our guests’ dining experiences and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued growth and success.”
Singh's career reflects experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands and large-scale culinary operations. His appointment is expected to support the hotel's focus on culinary innovation, consistent food quality and memorable guest experiences.
Outside the kitchen, Singh enjoys outdoor camping, cooking and exploring historical destinations, interests that complement his appreciation for different cultures, flavours and experiences.
The appointment reinforces Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar's focus on strengthening its leadership team and developing its food and beverage offerings for modern travellers.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has appointed Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef, bringing an extensive international culinary background and experience across luxury hotels, cruise lines and restaurants. The appointment is expected to bring fresh ideas and new culinary experiences to the hotel's restaurants.
Chef Ajay is a graduate of the Indian Hotels Diploma Program at Taj Palace. His career has taken him through several recognised kitchens, including Orient Express and Café Fontana. He also spent nearly 20 years with Carnival Cruise Lines, where he rose to the position of Executive Chef and helped shape onboard dining experiences across the company's flagship concepts.
Following his tenure with Carnival Cruise Lines, Chef Ajay brought his expertise to Accor Group's Pullman & Novotel Aerocity and Aroqa Hospitality in New York, which is listed in the Michelin Guide. Most recently, he was associated with 1932 Trevi, part of the One Window Hospitality and Iris Restaurants group.
Chef Ajay's culinary philosophy focuses on fresh ingredients, technical expertise and creativity. His approach combines European elegance, Asian restraint and American creativity, with an emphasis on ingredients such as free-range meats and tree-ripened produce.
“In every dish, we seek to create surprise, memory, and meaning,” says Chef Ajay.
His experience across different culinary traditions and international dining environments is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad's food and beverage offerings.
Commenting on the appointment, Sonale Zagade, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, said, “Ajay's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad. His extensive global experience, innovative approach, and passion for culinary excellence will further elevate our dining experiences and strengthen our position as a leading hospitality destination in the city”.
With his background in international kitchens, cruise line operations and restaurant management, Chef Ajay will lead the hotel's culinary operations, focusing on developing its dining experiences and bringing new ideas to its restaurants.
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