Sunset Hospitality Group Appoints New Chief Operating Officer for Sunset Hotels & Resorts

Sunset Hospitality Group Appoints New Chief Operating Officer for Sunset Hotels & Resorts

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.

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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


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage, strengthening its leadership team as the hotel continues to enhance its culinary offerings and destination dining experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage operations across its signature restaurants, bar, in-room dining, and banqueting services. His focus will include elevating guest experiences, introducing innovative culinary concepts, improving commercial performance, and developing high-performing teams.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jitendra Singh brings extensive expertise in food and beverage operations, revenue optimisation, guest experience enhancement, and business growth initiatives. He has held leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International, The Corinthians Resort & Club, Golden Tulip, and Holiday Inn.

Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Singh served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Ahmedabad, where he managed multi-outlet operations, large-scale banqueting, and revenue-driven F&B strategies. Throughout his career, he has contributed to operational excellence, successful pre-openings, and strengthening guest satisfaction across hospitality properties.

Commenting on the appointment, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said that Jitendra’s experience across high-volume and multi-outlet F&B operations makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team. He added that Singh’s expertise will support the hotel’s efforts to strengthen culinary offerings and create memorable dining experiences.

Speaking about his new role, Jitendra Singh said he looks forward to building on Novotel Hyderabad Airport’s strong food and beverage foundation by introducing fresh culinary perspectives, thoughtfully curated menus, and innovative concepts that combine creativity, quality, and warm hospitality.

With signature dining venues including Food Exchange, Gourmet Bar, and its popular Sunday brunch experiences, Novotel Hyderabad Airport continues to focus on creating engaging culinary offerings through seasonal menus, curated concepts, and innovative beverage programmes for both hotel guests and Hyderabad’s food enthusiasts.

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers high-quality hotels designed as comfortable and energising spaces where guests can achieve balance while travelling for work, leisure, or a combination of both. The brand operates over 590 locations across more than 60 countries and is part of Accor, a leading hospitality group with over 5,700 properties worldwide. Novotel is also part of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme.


Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has announced the elevation of Stephen George as its Director of Operations, further strengthening the hotel's leadership team. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen takes on the new role after serving as Director of Food & Beverage, where he made significant contributions to the hotel's operational performance, guest satisfaction and business growth.

In his new position, Stephen will work closely with the General Manager to oversee day-to-day hotel operations, enhance business performance, improve guest experiences and ensure operational excellence across all departments while maintaining Marriott and Renaissance brand standards.

Since joining the hotel in 2024, Stephen has played an important role in driving the growth of the food and beverage business, managing large-scale events, supporting the hotel's renovation journey and building a strong, high-performing team culture.

Before joining Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, he held leadership roles with leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, Club Mahindra, Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Goa, bringing extensive operational expertise to his new position.

Speaking on his elevation, Stephen George, Director of Operations, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"It is a privilege to take on this role at a hotel that has been an important part of my professional journey. I look forward to working with our teams to build on our strong foundation, drive operational excellence and create memorable guest experiences while supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Welcoming him to his new role, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"Stephen has consistently demonstrated strong operational leadership, a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of our business. His elevation reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead the hotel into its next phase of growth while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests."

With this leadership elevation, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel continues to invest in developing internal talent while reinforcing its focus on operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced the appointment of Abnash Kumar as General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing its leadership team as the ultra-luxury Maldivian resort enters a new phase of operational refinement, guest experience enhancement, and sustainable growth.

With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Kumar brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic planning, project management, business development, and sustainability. His career spans prestigious hospitality destinations across the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, where he has successfully led operations at renowned luxury properties.

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Known for his people-centric leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Kumar has built a reputation for elevating guest experiences through service innovation, strong team culture, and sustainable hospitality practices. During his previous leadership assignments in the Maldives, he spearheaded award-winning initiatives recognised globally for their innovation and environmentally responsible design.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said Kumar's extensive international experience and passion for guest satisfaction, people development, and operational excellence align closely with THE OZEN COLLECTION's philosophy of Refined Elegance. He expressed confidence that Kumar's leadership would further elevate the personalised luxury experiences offered at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the resort, Kumar said it is a privilege to lead OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at an exciting stage of its journey. He noted that the brand's commitment to authentic and sustainable luxury strongly resonates with his own values and expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside the team to enhance guest experiences while continuing to build a culture of excellence.

As General Manager, Kumar will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, nurturing talent, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. His appointment comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION continues its international expansion strategy while deepening its commitment to regenerative tourism across its portfolio.

Kumar holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION's continued investment in experienced leadership as it strengthens its position in the global luxury hospitality sector.

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