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.


Ronil Goa Appoints Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales

Ronil Goa Appoints Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel has announced the appointment of Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales, further strengthening the boutique resort’s commercial leadership as it continues to build its market presence in North Goa.

Located on the vibrant Calangute–Baga Road, Ronil Goa reflects the free-spirited and community-led ethos of the JdV by Hyatt brand, offering immersive experiences inspired by Goa’s local culture, sociability, and relaxed lifestyle. Shruti’s appointment comes at a significant stage in the hotel’s growth journey as it continues to expand its positioning within Goa’s competitive hospitality landscape.

With over 15 years of experience across hospitality sales and marketing, Shruti brings extensive expertise from working with leading international hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott-affiliated properties. Throughout her career, she has managed key business segments including corporate, MICE, transient, and long-stay markets, building strong industry relationships while driving market visibility and sustainable revenue growth.

Known for her collaborative and people-centric leadership style, Shruti’s approach aligns closely with Ronil Goa’s welcoming and experience-driven brand philosophy. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening commercial strategy, developing partnerships, and driving business growth across key market segments.

Speaking on her appointment, Shruti Shivalkar shared that the individuality and authenticity of the JdV by Hyatt brand drew her to the opportunity. She added that Goa continues to evolve as a dynamic hospitality market and expressed excitement about working with the team to build meaningful partnerships while celebrating the hotel’s distinctive energy and sense of place.

Beyond her professional role, Shruti enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures, listening to music, and reading.

Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel carries a legacy of more than 35 years and holds the distinction of being the first five-star hotel on the bustling Calangute–Baga stretch. The property features Indo-Portuguese-inspired architecture across 135 rooms with private balconies, alongside multiple dining concepts, wellness facilities, event spaces, and entertainment-led experiences designed around Goa’s vibrant social culture.

As part of Hyatt’s lifestyle hospitality portfolio, JdV by Hyatt continues to focus on creating neighbourhood-inspired hotels that celebrate individuality, local culture, and joyful experiences for guests and communities alike.

For more information, visit Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team with an experienced hospitality HR professional.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Augustine brings expertise across talent management, associate engagement, learning and development, and people-focused leadership. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s human resources function, focusing on enhancing associate engagement initiatives, strengthening learning and development programs, and supporting operational growth through strategic people practices.

Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Augustine held key HR positions with several renowned hospitality brands including The Westin Chennai Velachery, Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur, Fairfield by Marriott OMR Chennai, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, and Asiana Chennai. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to talent acquisition, performance management, budgeting, organisational development, and employee engagement initiatives.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and strong people-centric approach, Augustine believes empowered associates play a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences. His focus on nurturing talent and creating inclusive work environments has earned him recognition as a dedicated hospitality HR leader.

Augustine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Annamalai University and a Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from Jenney's Academy. He is also a certified trainer with extensive experience in coaching, counselling, and associate development.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “We welcome Augustine to the Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal family. His extensive experience in hospitality human resources and his passion for people development align perfectly with our commitment to creating a positive and inspiring workplace culture. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen associate engagement and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued success.”

With this appointment, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal continues its focus on building a strong workplace culture while enhancing associate experiences and operational excellence


Le Méridien Gurgaon Appoints Chef Ajay Chauhan as Executive Sous Chef

Le Méridien Gurgaon Appoints Chef Ajay Chauhan as Executive Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Le Méridien Gurgaon has announced the appointment of Chef Ajay Chauhan as its new Executive Sous Chef, further strengthening the hotel’s culinary leadership team with a professional who brings years of experience across some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands.

Chef Ajay Chauhan has built a strong career in the hospitality industry, having worked with globally recognized names such as Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Accor Group, and ITC Hotels. Over the years, he has been associated with several luxury properties in India as well as international destinations.

Before joining Le Méridien Gurgaon, Chef Chauhan was serving as Banquet Senior Chef de Cuisine at JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata. He also gained valuable international experience during his tenure as an Indian Expat Chef at Shangri-La Colombo.

His professional journey includes working with renowned hospitality properties such as Shangri-La Bengaluru, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, ITC WelcomHotel Dwarka, and ITC Maurya.

Chef Chauhan is known for his expertise in banquet operations, culinary innovation, kitchen leadership, and delivering premium dining experiences. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled food production, team mentoring, quality consistency, and international hygiene standards in luxury hospitality environments.

At Le Méridien Gurgaon, he will be responsible for overseeing culinary operations, banquet production, menu planning, kitchen administration, employee training, and overall quality assurance, while continuing to enhance the guest dining experience at the property.

“I am excited to join Le Méridien Gurgaon and look forward to delivering exceptional culinary experiences while working with a passionate hospitality team.” Chef Ajay Chauhan

With his extensive operational expertise and experience across globally recognized hotel brands, Chef Ajay Chauhan’s appointment further reinforces Le Méridien Gurgaon’s focus on culinary excellence and elevated hospitality experiences.

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