Tata Sons Appoints Pradeep Singh Kharola as Advisor Amid Air India Regulatory Scrutiny

Tata Sons Appoints Pradeep Singh Kharola as Advisor Amid Air India Regulatory Scrutiny

By Hariharan U

Published on February 20, 2026

Tata Sons has appointed former civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola as an advisor for its aviation business, as the group sharpens its focus on reviving Air India amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and leadership changes.

Kharola, a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, is expected to steer the airline’s communication with the government at a time when the carrier is navigating safety reviews, compliance challenges and internal transition. He earlier served as civil aviation secretary from February 2019 to September 2021 and played a pivotal role in the privatisation process that led to the Tata Group’s takeover of Air India in January 2022. He also previously held the position of Air India chairman.

Sources familiar with the development said Kharola was handpicked by Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran and has already been closely involved in critical matters, including sensitive government interactions and safety assessments.

The appointment comes at a challenging time for the airline. Following last year’s crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft that resulted in 260 fatalities, Air India’s operations have remained under heightened regulatory watch. A preliminary investigation did not indicate any fault with the aircraft or the airline’s engineering practices as the cause of the crash.

According to data presented in Parliament, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued 84 show cause notices to Air India in the past two years, while its low-cost arm Air India Express received 65 notices. In comparison, rival IndiGo, with nearly double the fleet size received 98 notices during the same period.

Last week, the DGCA penalised Air India for operating an aircraft eight times without a valid airworthiness permit, stating that the lapse had eroded public trust in aviation safety.

Meanwhile, Tata Group has reportedly initiated the search for a successor to CEO Campbell Wilson as part of broader leadership restructuring efforts.

Aviation remains a highly regulated sector, where airlines depend heavily on government clearances. Air India is currently lobbying for permission to use Chinese airspace to mitigate financial pressures arising from restrictions on Indian carriers using Pakistani airspace.

Industry observers note that strengthening government relations is critical for airlines in India. IndiGo too has brought experienced bureaucrats into key corporate roles to manage regulatory and policy engagement.

With Kharola’s administrative experience and familiarity with the aviation ministry’s functioning, Tata Sons appears to be reinforcing its strategy to stabilise operations, rebuild trust and navigate complex regulatory terrain as Air India charts its next growth phase.


ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

ibis Styles Mysuru has announced the appointment of Zenith U as its new Operations Manager. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive knowledge in operations management, guest experience enhancement, and team leadership across Premium, Midscale, and Economy hotel segments.

Zenith began his hospitality career over ten years ago and has since held several key roles with leading international hotel brands. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of guest service.

Before joining ibis Styles Mysuru, he served as Rooms Division Manager at Grand Mercure Bangalore. In that role, he worked closely on strengthening operational processes, supporting sustainability initiatives, ensuring health and safety compliance, and continuously improving guest satisfaction. His dedication to service excellence and leadership has earned him several recognitions, including the titles of Manager of the Year and Best Personality in the Rooms category.

Zenith holds a degree in Maritime Hospitality Studies and has also completed certifications in bartending and maritime safety, adding to his diverse professional background.

Speaking about his new role, Zenith said,

“I am truly excited to begin this new chapter at ibis Styles Mysuru. I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver seamless operations and memorable guest experiences that reflect the brand’s vibrant spirit.”

Outside of work, Zenith enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures. A fitness enthusiast, he also values staying active and spending quality time with his family. With his experience and people-focused leadership approach, ibis Styles Mysuru aims to further strengthen its operations and enhance the overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

By Hariharan U

Published on March 12, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has added a strong culinary voice to UNO Izakaya with the appointment of Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at the hotel's acclaimed Japanese Bar and Lounge.

Chef Dhar brings over seven years of fine-dining and luxury kitchen experience to the role, a career that has taken him across India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and through some genuinely impressive establishments along the way. His expertise sits firmly in Japanese cuisine, with particular depth in sushi, sashimi, and omakase-style cooking the kind of technical mastery that takes years to develop and is immediately felt in the quality of what lands on the plate.

His international experience is equally compelling. Most recently serving as Head Sushi Chef, Chef Dhar has been part of notable pre-opening projects including NOZOMI in Riyadh and La Mer at Sindalah Island, NEOM, Saudi Arabia two high-profile openings that demand both precision and the ability to build something from scratch. In India, his resume includes time at The Oberoi Bengaluru, ITC Gardenia, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, a strong set of names that reflect his standing within the industry.

Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, welcomed the appointment, "Chef Shubham Dhar brings exceptional technical skill and international experience to UNO Izakaya. His expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the restaurant continues to offer high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bengaluru's premier dining destinations."

In his new role, Chef Dhar will focus on menu execution, culinary consistency, and supporting the kitchen team in delivering the high standards UNO Izakaya is known for. For a restaurant that has built a loyal following among Bengaluru's Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, this is a well-timed and well-considered appointment


Utsa Majumder Appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a Strong Start for the Brand's India Chapter

Utsa Majumder Appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a Strong Start for the Brand's India Chapter

By Hariharan U

Published on March 12, 2026

THE OZEN COLLECTION has made a strong leadership call for its much-anticipated India debut. Utsa Majumder has been appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, the brand's newest property and its first in the country, a 181-villa luxury resort nestled in the Aravalli ranges.

It's a significant appointment, and one that reflects how seriously Atmosphere Core is approaching this launch. Utsa brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across some of the most respected international brands in India. She's known for a people-centric leadership style that doesn't come at the cost of sharp operational thinking or revenue focus, a combination that's earned her recognition well beyond her own organisations.

Her accolades speak for themselves, General Manager of the Year 2024 at the Hozpitality Excellence Awards, and Leading Hospitality Icon at the World Leadership Congress Awards in 2022. But what sets her apart equally is her work beyond the corporate world. She currently serves as President of the WICCI Hospitality & Tourism Council in Himachal Pradesh and is an active mentor with the WICCI mentorship outreach programme, championing women in hospitality at a time when that advocacy genuinely matters.

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, commented on the appointment, "THE OZEN COLLECTION represents refined luxury within our portfolio, and OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will be a remarkable addition to the brand's growing footprint. Utsa's extensive experience in high-end resorts, combined with her inspiring leadership style, makes her the ideal choice to lead this exceptional resort. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to seeing her bring the vision of THE OZEN COLLECTION to life in Jaipur."

About the Property

OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated luxury openings in India. Spread across 20 acres of lush landscape in the Aravalli ranges, the resort will offer 181 one- and two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. The low-rise design keeps the property feeling exclusive and peaceful, making it ideal for travellers who want genuine seclusion without sacrificing luxury.

The location works beautifully too. Sitting within India's Golden Triangle, the resort is just an hour from Jaipur International Airport, about two and a half hours from Gurgaon, and three hours from Agra, well-connected enough for destination travellers while still feeling removed from the urban rush.

For events and weddings, the property is particularly well-equipped. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space, along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues, positions OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR as a premier destination for large Indian weddings and corporate celebrations, a segment that continues to grow strongly in Rajasthan.

With Utsa Majumder at the helm and THE OZEN COLLECTION's brand DNA behind it, this Jaipur property is one to watch closely in the months ahead.

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