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


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Abhijith R as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Abhijith R as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on November 18, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Abhijith R as the new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. With more than ten years in the hospitality industry, Abhijith brings hands-on experience in operations, guest satisfaction, and team leadership.

His journey with Hyatt has included key milestones, especially during the pre-opening phases of Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru and Hyatt Regency Trivandrum. In both roles, he played an important part in setting brand standards and shaping memorable dining experiences. His professional path also includes time at St. Regis Doha, where he continued to build on his ability to innovate and elevate food & beverage offerings.

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Abhijith said, "I’m thrilled to join the Grand Hyatt Kochi family! The hotel’s stunning location and rich heritage make this a unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. My motto is simple, create moments that matter."

Originally from Trivandrum, Abhijith stays closely connected to Kerala’s heritage and values. His local understanding, combined with global exposure, adds a refreshing perspective to the hotel’s food & beverage direction.

With Abhijith leading the F&B division, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is set to strengthen its commitment to standout culinary experiences and exceptional guest service.


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Welcomes Sachin Katoch as Director of Sales

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Welcomes Sachin Katoch as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on November 17, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Sachin Katoch as the new Director of Sales, bringing onboard a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong background in sales and leadership. Sachin holds an MBA in Marketing & Finance from Delhi Business School and has spent over a decade building his expertise across some of India’s most respected hotel brands.

Sachin began his career in February 2012 as a Sales Executive with Fariyas Hotel and Resorts, managing corporate sales for both Fariyas Resort Lonavala and Fariyas Mumbai. His performance led to a promotion to Assistant Sales Manager in July 2013.

In February 2014, he joined Concept Hospitality as an Assistant Sales Manager, and later moved to Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport in the same role. His journey continued in July 2016 when he took on the position of Regional Sales Manager – Mumbai at Fairmont Jaipur, eventually transitioning to the hotel as a Sales Manager in June 2017.

Sachin’s next move was to Hilton Jaipur, where he joined as Senior Sales Manager in April 2019 and grew into the position of Associate Director of Sales in January 2022. His career then took him to Mumbai as Associate Director of Sales at JW Marriott Juhu Mumbai in July 2022.

In March 2023, Sachin returned to Fairmont Jaipur as Associate Director of Sales, taking on additional responsibilities as Cluster Associate Director of Sales in December 2023. In January 2025, he stepped into the role of Director of Events, which he held until joining Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty.

Sachin comes from the peaceful Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is a member of the Chandravanshi Rajput Katoch clan, a lineage known for courage, honour, and a tradition of service to the nation.

The team at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is delighted to welcome Sachin and looks forward to the experience, vision, and leadership he brings to the role.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Sahil Ranaut as general manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints Sahil Ranaut as general manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 14, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Sahil Ranaut as its new general manager. In this role, Ranaut will lead the hotel’s dynamic team and oversee all operations, with a strong focus on elevating guest experiences and driving impactful business results.

Ranaut brings over 16 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry, having started his career with Marriott in 2009 as a Voyager Management Trainee in revenue management. His journey includes notable tenures with both Marriott and IHG Group before joining Hyatt in 2019.

Most recently, he served as Area Director of Revenue Management at Park Hyatt Hyderabad, where he successfully led revenue strategies for 14 hotels across southern India, demonstrating a results-driven approach complemented by creativity and precision.

Ranaut’s leadership style is rooted in empathy and collaboration, emphasizing that genuine human connection is the foundation of impactful hospitality. His approach balances ambitious business goals with creativity, fueled by his passion for culinary arts and attention to detail.

Reflecting on his new role, Sahil Ranaut said, “As I begin this exciting new phase, I’m truly looking forward to collaborating closely with our incredible Hyatt colleagues to elevate the guest experience while driving impactful business results. I remain deeply grateful to the mentors and teammates who have shaped my journey so far, your guidance, support, and belief have made all the difference. Here’s to continued growth, meaningful partnerships, and creating memorable moments for our guests and teams alike.”

With this appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road continues to strengthen its leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences infused with energy, style, and purpose.

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