The Leela Palace Jaipur Welcomes New Leaders Across Key Roles

The Leela Palace Jaipur Welcomes New Leaders Across Key Roles

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 12, 2024

The Leela Palace Jaipur has fortified its leadership team with four new appointments, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to elevate the luxury hotel's offerings and operations.

Sohil Bhargava, Director of Food and Beverage

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With over nine years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sohil Bhargava has an impressive track record working with esteemed establishments like Raffles, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, and Andaz. Most recently, he excelled as the Senior Food and Beverage Manager at The DLF Camellias, where he implemented innovative strategies and created exceptional dining experiences. A graduate of the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Bhargava specializes in F&B operations, business strategy, and leadership.

In his new role, Bhargava will drive the culinary vision at The Leela Palace Jaipur, focusing on elevating the food and beverage experience to create unforgettable moments for guests while contributing to the hotel's overall growth and reputation.

Varun Parashar, Executive Chef

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A seasoned culinary expert, Varun Parashar brings a rich background that includes roles at Raa Atoll, Maldives; South Male Atoll, Maldives; Trident Bandra Kurla; and The Oberoi Rajvilas. With a proven ability to enhance team performance and deliver exceptional culinary standards, Parashar is a graduate of the Oberoi Center for Learning & Development and holds a bachelor's degree from IHM Lucknow.

As the Executive Chef, Parashar will lead the culinary operations at The Leela Palace Jaipur, curating exceptional menus that celebrate regional flavors while maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Director of Finance

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Sandeep Kumar Sharma joins with extensive experience in financial management, having held key positions at Hilton Jaipur, The Leela Palace New Delhi, and Trident properties in Chennai and Hyderabad. Sharma’s ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and his expertise in strategic planning have been hallmarks of his career.

A commerce graduate from Rajasthan University, Sharma will oversee financial strategies at The Leela Palace Jaipur, ensuring the hotel's fiscal health and operational efficiency.

Tanuj Shokeen, Director of Sales and Marketing

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With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Tanuj Shokeen has a proven track record in driving sales performance and engaging stakeholders across various markets. Before joining The Leela Palace Jaipur, he served as the Director of Sales at Taj - Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur. Shokeen holds a PGDM in Marketing and International Business from AIMA and a bachelor's degree in commerce from Delhi University.

In his new role, Shokeen will focus on enhancing sales strategies, revenue management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring The Leela Palace Jaipur strengthens its position as a leader in the luxury hospitality market.

These appointments mark a significant step forward for The Leela Palace Jaipur, as the new leaders bring their expertise and passion to take the property’s guest experiences and operational excellence to new heights.


W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

W Goa has announced the appointment of Nishal Seebaluck as its new General Manager, further strengthening its leadership team in the luxury hospitality space.

With over 18 years of experience across ultra-luxury hotels and destination resorts in India, Mauritius, and Morocco, Nishal brings a strong blend of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and guest-centric leadership. Known for elevating brand positioning and driving performance, he has consistently delivered impactful results in competitive luxury markets.

An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Nishal began his career in finance at The Oberoi Beach Resort before transitioning into operations, where he discovered his passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles across renowned properties including The Oberoi Marrakech and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening brand identity, enhancing profitability, and driving market-leading performance. His contributions have also been instrumental in achieving industry recognition, including awards such as Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards and global rankings by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.

Most recently serving as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Nishal now steps into his new role at W Goa, where he is expected to lead the property’s operations, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen its position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination.

Beyond his professional journey, Nishal is known for his passion for travel, food, and cultural exploration, bringing a creative and globally inspired perspective that aligns seamlessly with W Goa’s bold and expressive identity.


Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Deepak Rawat as its new General Manager, marking a significant leadership addition at one of Goa’s most iconic luxury destinations.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepak brings a strong mix of operational expertise, commercial insight, and a people-first leadership approach. Over the years, he has led teams across both international and Indian hotel brands, consistently delivering elevated guest experiences while driving business performance.

His career spans palace hotels, destination resorts, and city properties, giving him a well-rounded perspective on diverse hospitality formats. Known for his passion for Food & Beverage innovation, Deepak has played a key role in conceptualising and leading award-winning dining experiences, reinforcing his focus on creating immersive and memorable guest journeys.

Speaking on his appointment, Deepak Rawat said, “Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa is more than a destination; it is a legacy that resonates across generations. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that stay true to the essence of Tajness.”

Welcoming him, Javed Deshmukh highlighted the importance of the appointment, noting that the resort has been a cornerstone of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1974 and continues to hold a special legacy in the region.

In his new role, Deepak will focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving innovation across Food & Beverage, integrating sustainable practices, and strengthening overall operational performance. His leadership is expected to further elevate the resort’s positioning while shaping a future-ready vision rooted in excellence and collaboration.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales, reinforcing its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the market.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rakib brings a strong commercial outlook and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across corporate and MICE segments. Known for his strategic thinking and people-first leadership approach, he has consistently built high-performing teams and delivered sustained business results.

Prior to this role, he served as Cluster Associate Director of Sales at Andaz Delhi, where he played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding business opportunities. His career also includes significant tenures at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Chennai, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse markets and customer segments.

In his new role, Rakib will lead the hotel’s sales strategy, focusing on driving revenue across segments while further enhancing the property’s positioning in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Rakib Hussain said, “The opportunity to create meaningful guest experiences and inspire teams to push boundaries every day is what keeps me going.”

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on building a dynamic and forward-looking leadership team aligned with its growth ambitions.

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