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.


Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur has announced the appointment of Rajinder Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening its leadership team in the culinary and dining segment.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajinder brings solid expertise in handling end-to-end food and beverage operations across well-known hotel brands. He has worked closely on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams to maintain consistent service standards. His experience also includes involvement in pre-opening projects, revenue strategies, and developing new dining concepts.

In his new role, Rajinder will oversee all food and beverage operations at Novotel Jodhpur, including restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on building a stronger culinary identity for the hotel, introducing fresh and innovative offerings, and ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction, in line with the brand’s standards.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajinder to our leadership team. His rich experience and passion for hospitality will play a key role in enhancing our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and leadership will further elevate the dining experience for our guests.”

Speaking on his new role, Rajinder Singh said, “I am excited to join Novotel Jodhpur and be part of a brand that stands for quality and innovation. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and contributing to the continued success of the hotel.”


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Park Hyatt Chennai has announced the appointment of Srinath Ravindranath as its Director of Sales, adding to its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its position among the city’s leading luxury destinations.

In his new role, Srinath will head the Sales function, working closely with internal teams to drive strategic growth, build stronger client relationships, and expand the hotel’s presence across key market segments.

He brings over 13 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, including a long association of 12 years with IHCL. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales at Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield, where he led key commercial initiatives and played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s positioning in a competitive market.

Srinath’s career also includes leadership roles across IHCL’s multi-property portfolio, along with an earlier stint at Hyatt Hyderabad. These experiences have helped shape his approach, combining strategy, relationship-building, and execution to deliver consistent results.

An alumnus of the Oriental School of Hotel Management, Wayanad, he is known for his focus on long-term client engagement, steady growth, and mentoring teams to perform at their best. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycles and hiking, reflecting his energetic and driven personality.

His collaborative and results-focused approach aligns well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s commitment to offering refined, intuitive, and personalised guest experiences.

Located in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Chennai blends contemporary luxury with understated elegance. Overlooking Guindy National Park and situated close to the airport and major business districts, the hotel offers a peaceful escape for travellers. It features 200 well-designed guestrooms and suites, along with dining experiences such as Park Brasserie, The Flying Elephant Bar and Mr. Ong, The Flavours of Singapore. The property also includes a luxury spa, rooftop infinity pool, and modern event spaces, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure guests.


ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

ITC Maurya has announced the appointment of Gaurav Lavania as its new Executive Chef. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he will lead the hotel’s culinary operations, overseeing its portfolio of award-winning restaurants along with large-scale banquet services.

Chef Lavania is known for his ability to create refined flavours using simple ingredients, presenting dishes with a minimalist aesthetic while preserving authenticity. His culinary philosophy reflects a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and a deep respect for India’s rich culinary traditions, while also embracing modern techniques.

Before this role, he was part of the leadership team at ITC Narmada. Over the years, he has contributed to several acclaimed restaurants within the ITC Hotels portfolio, including Yi Jing, Dakshin, The Pavilion, Fabelle, and Peshawri, earning recognition for his culinary excellence and innovation.

Commenting on the appointment, Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) and General Manager, ITC Maurya, said, “We are delighted to welcome Executive Chef Gaurav Lavania to lead the culinary team at ITC Maurya. His deep expertise, commitment to Responsible Luxury and passion for authentic flavours align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional culinary experiences. We look forward to the distinctive culinary vision he brings, further elevating ITC Maurya’s celebrated dining legacy.”

With this appointment, ITC Maurya aims to further strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading luxury dining destinations, continuing its legacy of delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

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