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.


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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