Udaipur Marriott Hotel has strengthened its leadership team with the promotion of Khushboo Sharma as Director of Human Resources and the appointment of Naveen Shekhawat as Director of Engineering.

Khushboo Sharma Promoted as Director of Human Resources

Khushboo Sharma began her journey with Marriott International in April 2021 as Human Resources Manager in Ahmedabad. She later progressed to the role of Assistant Director of Human Resources, where she played a key role during the transition of the property from Courtyard by Marriott to Le Méridien Ahmedabad. In December 2024, Khushboo joined Udaipur Marriott Hotel as the pre-opening Human Resources leader and was among the first two associates to become part of the hotel's team. She played an important role in the successful opening of Udaipur's first Marriott-branded hotel, helping build its people-first culture and associate experience from the ground up.

With over 14 years of experience in hospitality human resources, she has worked with leading brands including Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, The Oberoi Group, and Marriott International. Her expertise spans talent management, organisational development, associate engagement, and operational excellence. In her new role, Khushboo will continue to focus on talent development, leadership growth, associate well-being, and fostering a workplace culture that supports both employees and exceptional guest experiences. Her promotion reflects Marriott International's continued commitment to recognising and developing internal talent.

Naveen Shekhawat Joins as Director of Engineering

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has also welcomed Naveen Shekhawat as its new Director of Engineering. Bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Naveen has built a strong career across pre-openings, hotel operations, renovations, energy conservation, and fire and life safety. He started his hospitality journey with The Oberoi Group and has since worked with several leading hospitality brands, including Taj Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and Hilton Hotels. At Udaipur Marriott Hotel, Naveen will oversee engineering operations, with a focus on operational efficiency, technical excellence, and creating a seamless experience for both guests and associates.

As Udaipur's first Marriott-branded hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the city, the appointments of Khushboo Sharma and Naveen Shekhawat further reinforce the hotel's focus on building a strong leadership team and delivering outstanding hospitality experiences.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has announced the appointment of Gaurav Shiva as its new General Manager, marking a key leadership addition for the eco-friendly hospitality brand.

With over 29 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Gaurav brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, culinary arts, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and overall business performance management. His career spans leading global hospitality brands including Taj Group of Hotels, Carnival Cruise Lines, Carlson Hotels & Resorts, Accor Hotels, and Royal Orchid Hotels.

A graduate from the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad, where he topped his batch, Gaurav began his career with the Taj Group. During his early years, he worked across more than a dozen properties, building a strong foundation in hotel operations before moving to international assignments.

His global experience includes working with luxury cruise operations in the United States and contributing to the acclaimed three-Michelin-star restaurant Georges Blanc in France. He later played a key role in culinary development initiatives at Carnival Cruise Lines.

On returning to India, Gaurav held several leadership positions across major hospitality brands. His work includes spearheading the launch of Radisson Resort & Spa, Alibaug, and taking on senior roles with Accor Hotels, where he served across multiple responsibilities including Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage, Executive Assistant Manager – Sales & Marketing, Operations, and General Manager.

He has also led pre-opening projects and hotel repositioning assignments across Bengaluru, Mysore, Goa, and Chennai, contributing to operational excellence and brand strengthening.

Prior to joining The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Gaurav served in General Manager and General Manager Delegate roles with Royal Orchid Hotels and Accor Hotels, where he earned recognition for driving performance, building strong teams, and enhancing guest experiences.

Speaking on his appointment, Gaurav Shiva said he is delighted to join The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, a brand known for its commitment to eco-friendly hospitality. He added that Mumbai’s dynamic hospitality landscape offers exciting opportunities to elevate guest experiences and strengthen the hotel’s positioning.

Welcoming him, Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd., said Gaurav’s diverse experience across culinary, operations, and hotel leadership, along with his international exposure, makes him an ideal fit to lead the flagship property. He expressed confidence that under his leadership, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai will continue to set new benchmarks in sustainable hospitality and guest experience.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Gaurav has consistently focused on building collaborative teams, driving innovation, and strengthening guest engagement throughout his career. Outside his professional journey, he is also associated with charitable initiatives such as the Spastic Society of India.

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Samarth Gangthade as its new Food and Beverage Manager, strengthening its culinary leadership team in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality market.

Samarth brings over 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality and F&B operations, with a strong track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing guest experiences, and leading high-performing teams across leading international hotel brands.

Before joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, he served as Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road, where he managed the hotel’s dining portfolio and delivered strong revenue performance through innovative food and beverage concepts. His career also includes key roles with Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, The Ritz-Carlton Pune, P&O Cruises, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, and Royal Caribbean International.

In his new role, Samarth will oversee all food and beverage operations at the hotel, with a focus on improving guest experience, operational efficiency, and introducing innovative dining concepts aligned with evolving consumer preferences. The hotel stated that his expertise in beverage programs, nightlife concepts, and strategic F&B planning will further enhance its culinary positioning in Bengaluru.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said the hotel is pleased to welcome Samarth to the team and highlighted his strong experience in luxury hospitality and his ability to deliver operational excellence.

Samarth holds a B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Ahmedabad, bringing a strong academic foundation along with extensive industry experience to his new role.

With this appointment, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal aims to further strengthen its food and beverage offerings and reinforce its position as one of Bengaluru’s leading hospitality destinations.