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


The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore has announced two new appointments across key departments, welcoming Mohammad Sadiq as Quality Manager and Divyansh Khanna as Front Office Manager. The appointments strengthen the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and personalised guest experiences.

Mohammad Sadiq Appointed as Quality Manager

Mohammad Sadiq joins The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore with more than a decade of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality across India, Qatar and the Maldives. He has worked with leading brands including Leela, Marriott, Hyatt and Accor.

His experience includes roles with Marriott International Maldives, Park Hyatt Chennai, Accor Hotels Doha, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and The Park Chennai, where he worked across quality assurance, pre-opening projects, operational audits and compliance programmes.

Known for his focus on continuous improvement, Sadiq has worked on strengthening quality processes and applying international standards to improve operations and guest experiences.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and look forward to working alongside a talented team to further strengthen our quality culture and uphold the exceptional service standards that define the brand," says Mohammad Sadiq. "It is a privilege to be part of a hotel renowned for its commitment to excellence, and I look forward to contributing to memorable experiences for our guests."

In his new role, Sadiq will oversee the hotel’s quality management systems, internal audits and compliance programmes, while working with teams across the property to further strengthen service standards.

Divyansh Khanna Joins as Front Office Manager

Divyansh Khanna brings more than a decade of luxury hospitality experience to his new position. His career includes experience with The Postcard Hotel, Trident Nariman Point, and The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development.

Having worked across housekeeping, duty management and front office leadership, Khanna has developed experience in hotel operations, guest engagement, team management and service delivery.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and become part of a team that is recognised for its exceptional hospitality," says Divyansh Khanna. "I look forward to working closely with the team to create memorable first impressions for our guests while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement."

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Khanna will lead the Front Office team and oversee guest arrivals and departures, concierge services, daily operations and team development. He will also work closely with other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Speaking on both appointments, Reuben Kataria, General Manager, said,

“These strategic additions to our leadership team reflect our continued commitment to excellence across every aspect of the guest experience. As we continue to build a team with a high emotional quotient and further evolve our approach towards creating more meaningful and experiential stays, the appointment of leaders who embody these values is especially important. Mohammad's expertise in quality management and continuous improvement, combined with Divyansh's strong operational leadership and guest-centric approach, will further strengthen our ability to deliver the intuitive, personalised service that defines The Ritz-Carlton experience. We are delighted to welcome them both and look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our hotel, our ladies and gentlemen, and our guests."

With the addition of Sadiq and Khanna, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore looks to further strengthen its leadership team while continuing to focus on quality, collaboration and personalised hospitality.


Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie has announced the appointment of Surender Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening the property's leadership team and focus on elevated dining and guest experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the property's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants, bar, banqueting and in-room dining services. His responsibilities will include maintaining service standards, strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.

Singh brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, having worked across leading hotel groups including ITC Hotels, The Leela, Accor, The Roseate Hotels and The LaLiT. His career spans multiple areas of food and beverage and hotel operations, giving him experience in service excellence, team leadership and guest-centric hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Surender Singh, Food & Beverage Manager, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie, said, “I am delighted to join the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie family. This iconic property has a rich legacy of hospitality, and I look forward to building on that heritage while delivering memorable food and beverage experiences to our guests.”

With his experience across established hospitality brands, Singh is expected to contribute to the continued development of the property's food and beverage operations while supporting consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.

Located in Mussoorie, The Savoy is a historic hill-station property under the ITC Hotels group. The hotel combines colonial-era heritage with contemporary hospitality, offering elegant accommodation, dining experiences and views of the Himalayan landscape.


Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on August 24, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has appointed Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales, strengthening its commercial leadership as the group focuses on revenue growth, market expansion and the development of its growing hotel portfolio.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jacob brings expertise across sales strategy, key account management and revenue generation. In his new role, he will lead the commercial sales strategy for Ramee Group's new, existing and upcoming properties.

Jacob has previously held senior sales positions with established hospitality and real estate brands. His professional experience spans hotels, restaurants and outdoor catering, giving him a broad understanding of customer requirements and diverse business segments.

His experience across different hospitality formats is expected to support Ramee Group's efforts to strengthen market relationships, expand its commercial reach and drive business growth across its portfolio.

As General Manager – Sales, Jacob will focus on developing sales strategies, strengthening key accounts and identifying opportunities to improve revenue performance across the group's properties.

The appointment comes as Ramee Group continues to expand its presence, with a focus on building a stronger commercial foundation across its existing and upcoming properties.

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