The Access Group appoints Shashikant Shimpi as Managing Director, India to drive Hospitality growth and APAC expansion

The Access Group appoints Shashikant Shimpi as Managing Director, India to drive Hospitality growth and APAC expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

The Access Group, one of the leading global providers of business management software, has announced the appointment of Shashikant Shimpi (Shashi) as Managing Director, India, for its Hospitality Division. The move marks an important step in the company’s APAC growth plans, with India being seen as a key market for both business expansion and technology development.

Shashi joined the company in May 2026 and will oversee The Access Group’s India operations. His role will focus on strengthening growth opportunities for STAAH, an Access company and one of the region’s hospitality technology platforms, while also supporting wider technology and innovation goals across APAC.

Bringing over 25 years of experience, Shashi has built a strong career in digital transformation, business growth, and client success. Over the years, he has established three Global Capability Centres from the ground up, scaling each to teams of more than a thousand professionals across multiple locations. Before joining The Access Group, he served as Global COO at RunDTC and also held leadership roles at Dentsu, Isobar, and Tata group companies.

Known for driving large-scale growth and creating long-term value, Shashi has experience in strategic planning, P&L management, and expanding businesses through both organic and inorganic growth. He was also recognised as Business Leader of the Year by the World Leadership Congress.

India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing travel and tourism markets globally. With both independent and chain hotels increasingly adopting modern technology to improve revenue management, distribution, and guest experiences, the company sees significant opportunity in the market. Through STAAH, The Access Group already has an established presence among hoteliers in India and plans to build further on that foundation with broader technology offerings.

Apart from market growth, India’s strong technology ecosystem and increasing expertise in AI-related fields make it an important location for future capability building. As part of his role, Shashi will also focus on developing strong talent that contributes to the division’s product and technology goals.

“India is an exciting near term growth market for us in the accommodation software space. Through STAAH, an Access company, we already have a substantial footprint with hoteliers across the country, and as we prepare to bring Access Evo to India, our AI-powered platform that empowers hospitality businesses to focus on what truly matters, from answering the biggest strategic questions to completing everyday tasks, having world-class leadership on the ground is critical. Shashi is exactly the right person to lead The Access Group in India," said Louise Daley, Head of Hospitality APAC, The Access Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Shashikant Shimpi, Managing Director, India, The Access Group, said, "Joining The Access Group at this point in its India journey is a tremendous opportunity. We have a strong foundation through STAAH, an Access company, and the broader Access platform opens up possibilities that support even greater options for our customers to grow their businesses and support their employees to do more. My priority will be to build a team that is deeply connected to The Access Group's mission, bring in the best talent India has to offer, and ensure our customers across the region have a technology partner they can genuinely rely on."


Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli Appoints Nisha Mundliya and Suresh Raju to Key Leadership Roles

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli Appoints Nisha Mundliya and Suresh Raju to Key Leadership Roles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli has announced two leadership appointments, welcoming Nisha Mundliya as Director of Finance and Suresh Raju as Human Resources Manager. These appointments are aimed at strengthening the hotel's leadership team and supporting its focus on operational excellence and people development.

In her new role, Nisha Mundliya will oversee the hotel's financial operations, strategic planning, compliance, budgeting, forecasting and business performance initiatives. A Chartered Accountant with over eight years of experience across the hospitality and assurance sectors, she brings expertise in finance management, auditing, compliance, financial planning and operational excellence.

During her career, Nisha has worked with leading organisations such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, KPMG and PwC. Before joining Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, she served as Assistant Director of Finance at Hyatt Regency Jaipur, where she handled complex financial matters, strengthened the finance team's capabilities, improved reporting processes and supported the property's operations. She has also held finance leadership positions at Park Hyatt Hyderabad and Kochi Marriott Hotel.

Suresh Raju joins the hotel as Human Resources Manager and will lead its HR function, focusing on talent development, employee engagement, organisational culture and people practices that support associate wellbeing and business growth.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Suresh brings expertise in human resources management, talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, performance management and HR operations. He has held key positions with hospitality brands including Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Radisson Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Before this appointment, he served as Associate Director of Human Resources at The Leela Hyderabad, where he worked on talent initiatives, workplace culture and organisational growth.

Commenting on the appointments, Ruban Das, General Manager, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, said, "We are delighted to welcome Nisha and Suresh to Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli. Nisha's strong financial acumen and strategic approach, combined with Suresh's extensive experience in people leadership and talent development, will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Hyatt's purpose of caring for people so they can be their best. We look forward to their valuable contributions as we continue to elevate the guest and associate experience at Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli."

With these appointments, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli looks to further strengthen its finance and human resources functions while continuing to focus on business performance, employee development and guest experience.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Hyatt Regency Chennai has promoted Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales, recognising his contributions to the hotel's commercial growth and client relationship development. Annsar previously served as Senior Sales Manager at the property.

Annsar joined Hyatt Regency Chennai as Sales Manager in May 2023 and was promoted to Senior Sales Manager in October 2024. His latest elevation, effective April 2026, marks the next step in his professional journey with the hotel.

During his tenure, he has contributed to strengthening the property's contract and negotiated business, while developing strategic relationships with travel agents, sports teams and medical associations.

In his new role, Annsar will lead the hotel's Sales team and oversee key revenue-generating segments, including Corporate, Contract and Negotiated accounts. His responsibilities will include steering Request for Proposal (RFP) strategies, monitoring team performance and mentoring sales managers to support business growth and organisational objectives.

Commenting on the promotion, Puneet Baijal, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai, said, "Annsar's journey with Hyatt Regency Chennai over the past three years reflects his dedication, business acumen and ability to build strong client relationships. His contributions have been valuable to our commercial growth, and we are confident that he will lead the Sales team towards greater achievements in his new role."

Annsar holds an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources from the University of Madras and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology from PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru.

His professional experience spans sales roles across the hospitality, vacation ownership and financial services sectors, bringing together commercial exposure and relationship management experience.

His promotion reflects his progression within Hyatt Regency Chennai, where he has moved through three roles in the Sales function since joining the property in 2023.


Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Dale Cabral has been promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC, marking an important milestone in his hospitality career and recognising his experience in housekeeping operations and service management.

With a background in the hospitality industry, Cabral brings experience in operations management and customer service, supported by a strong understanding of housekeeping standards and operational efficiency. His professional strengths include time management, operational coordination and proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Cabral holds a bachelor's degree with a specialisation in Housekeeping, providing him with an academic foundation in hotel operations and service excellence.

In his new role, Cabral will take on greater responsibilities within the hotel's housekeeping function, focusing on maintaining operational standards, supporting efficient service delivery and contributing to the overall guest experience.

His promotion represents a significant step in his professional journey, reflecting his dedication, professional growth and continued commitment to excellence in housekeeping operations

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