Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Launches CaterINN for Outdo...
Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse has announced the launch of...
The Adyar House Brings Boutique Homestays with a Chennai Touch
Chennai’s hospitality space is seeing a fresh and personal a...
Country Inn Expands in Uttarakhand with New Hotels in Dehrad...
Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire H...
ROOH San Francisco Unveils Special Menu for Restaurant Week ...
ROOH San Francisco is set to present a specially curated men...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 22, 2026
Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Deepak Bothra as its Corporate General Manager, as the brand continues to expand across the Eastern Himalayan region. The move comes as part of the company’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership and maintain consistency across its growing portfolio.
Deepak Bothra brings close to three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Throughout his career, he has worked with several international and regional brands, taking on senior roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.
In his new role, he will lead operational strategy across Summit’s properties, with a focus on improving service standards and overall performance. His responsibilities will also include refining systems, strengthening quality benchmarks, and ensuring a consistent guest experience as the brand expands its footprint in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and other parts of the Northeast.
Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio."
With this appointment, Summit Hotels & Resorts aims to further streamline its operations while supporting its long-term growth plans in the region.
Published on April 20, 2026
Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Rishabh Jain as its new General Manager, marking a strategic leadership addition as the property looks to strengthen its operations and market positioning.
With over 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rishabh brings a balanced mix of operational expertise, sales leadership, and strategic insight to the role. His appointment aligns with the hotel’s focus on driving performance while maintaining strong service standards.
Prior to this, he served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur, where he played a key role during the pre-opening phase and later led the hotel’s growth trajectory over three years. His experience in handling both launch and scale-up phases adds depth to his leadership profile.
In his new role, Rishabh will oversee all aspects of operations at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, including financial performance, team development, guest experience, and overall brand positioning in a competitive market.
He also brings prior experience with IHG Hotels & Resorts, having spent nearly six years across multiple cities in key operational and leadership roles. Over the years, he has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott International, and The Lalit, further strengthening his industry exposure.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Rishabh has consistently focused on service excellence while delivering strong business outcomes. His expertise spans hotel pre-openings, business ramp-ups, post-pandemic recovery strategies, as well as revenue management and sales operations.
Academically, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Vivekanand Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management, Rajkot.
Commenting on his appointment, Rishabh said, “I am delighted to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to working with the team to build on the hotel’s strong legacy, deliver memorable guest experiences, and drive sustained growth.”
Welcoming him to the role, Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager, South West Asia at IHG and General Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar, noted that Rishabh’s leadership capabilities and deep operational understanding make him well-suited to lead the property into its next phase of growth.
Published on April 18, 2026
Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef, marking an important step in his journey with the property. The move recognises his contribution to shaping the hotel’s culinary identity and his consistent focus on innovation.
Chef Suresh, who was previously serving as Chef de Cuisine, has been leading the culinary direction at Mazzo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Over time, he has brought a fresh perspective to South Indian cuisine, presenting it in a way that connects tradition with a more contemporary style.
A graduate of Oriental Catering College of Hotel Management, Madurai, Chef Suresh combines strong technical knowledge with a personal approach to cooking. His philosophy is built around the idea that every dish tells a story, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of Madurai, the coastal flavours of Kerala, and his Malaysian background. This mix reflects clearly in his menus, which offer a modern take on familiar South Indian dishes.
During his time at Mazzo, he has introduced a range of curated dining experiences that have helped strengthen the restaurant’s presence in Hyderabad. From traditional Onam Sadhyas to specially designed Navratri menus featuring over 40 saatvik dishes, his work highlights both cultural authenticity and thoughtful presentation. Dishes like Venad Paal Konju, jackfruit masala wrapped in banana leaf, and his Malabar Feast have stood out for bringing together familiar flavours with a new approach.
His role has also been key in refreshing Mazzo’s overall menu, turning it into a go-to destination for modern South Indian dining. By combining regional influences with evolving culinary techniques, the restaurant continues to appeal to a wide range of guests.
Chef Suresh’s work has also been recognised at a national level, including the Chef of the Year award at the Restaurant India Awards 2026.
In his new role as Head Chef, he will lead the overall culinary operations of the property, focusing on strengthening its food and beverage offerings while continuing to highlight regional Indian cuisines through creative and engaging dining experiences.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.