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.


The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

The LaLiT Group has announced the appointment of Ms. Harmeet Kaur as General Manager, Corporate Marketing & Customer Experience. With nearly 28 years of experience in customer engagement, marketing strategy, and business transformation, Ms. Kaur brings a wealth of expertise to the hospitality giant.

An MBA in Marketing and an alumna of the Management Development Program at IIM Ahmedabad, Ms. Kaur began her career with Direm (now Direxions), focusing on loyalty and CRM. She later spent seven years at OgilvyOne Worldwide, working with iconic brands such as ITC Hotels, British Airways, and Benetton, delivering holistic 360° brand communications across ATL, BTL, digital, CRM, and loyalty marketing.

For over 18 years, she was associated with DishTV India Ltd., where she most recently served as Head – Customer Engagement (Retention & Usage) for brands including DishTV, D2H, Zing, and Watcho. She led communications for over 15 million subscribers, managed major transformation initiatives, designed emotionally intelligent customer journeys, and fostered a culture of customer-first excellence.

A recognized thought leader, Ms. Kaur has earned several national and international awards and has been a speaker and jury member at leading industry forums.

Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Harmeet Kaur to The LaLiT family. Her exceptional experience in customer-centric marketing and deep understanding of brand transformation will strengthen our connection with guests and enhance our brand experience.”

Her appointment highlights The LaLiT Group’s commitment to innovative marketing strategies, transformative communication, and unmatched customer experiences across all touchpoints.


Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Hariharan U

Published on October 8, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Chetana Suryawanshi as its new Director of Services. With more than ten years of experience in hospitality, Chetana brings strong expertise in operations and housekeeping, strengthening the hotel’s executive leadership team.

In her new role, she will lead the Services Division, overseeing housekeeping, laundry, guest services, and operational efficiency. Her focus will be on enhancing luxury standards, driving service innovation, and ensuring every guest enjoys a smooth and memorable stay.

Chetana has previously held senior roles with top hospitality brands including The St. Regis Mumbai, Marriott International Bengaluru, and the Ramee Group. Known for combining strategic insight with operational excellence, she has consistently raised service benchmarks while nurturing high-performing teams.

Speaking about her appointment, Chetana Suryawanshi said, "Luxury is not defined by grand gestures alone, but by the consistency of care guests feel in every interaction. This opportunity at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar allows me to strengthen the very backbone of guest comfort our services and create a culture where every team member takes pride in the details."

With Chetana leading the Services Division, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar continues to uphold its promise of world-class hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, sophistication, and memorable guest experiences.


Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Chef Soham Dhar as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8, the hotel’s renowned all-day dining destination. Bringing with him over a decade of global culinary experience and a distinctive expertise in Indian cuisine, Chef Dhar is set to elevate CUR8’s offerings with his innovative and authentic approach to food.

Chef Dhar’s journey began at IHM Bhubaneswar, where early exposure to international cuisines sparked a lifelong fascination with the culinary arts. For him, cooking goes beyond flavour; it is an art form, a celebration, and a medium of human connection. His philosophy has guided a career spanning Michelin-recognized restaurants and prestigious hotels worldwide. He was recently honoured with the TOI Food & Nightlife Award, Chef of the Year 2023, recognising his contribution to the culinary landscape.

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Kazim Mehdi, Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, said,

“At Four Seasons, we believe that the strength of our culinary offerings lies in the calibre of talent we bring to the table. Chef Soham Dhar embodies this ethos. His expertise, discipline, and creativity will ensure our guests enjoy an authentic yet elevated dining experience that matches the intuitive hospitality we are known for.”

Chef Dhar adds, “Joining Four Seasons is an exciting new chapter in my journey. The brand is synonymous with excellence and represents some of the most distinguished dining venues globally and in India. It is a privilege to be part of this legacy.”

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With Chef Dhar at the helm, CUR8 continues to strengthen its position as one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after dining destinations. Known for lavish buffet spreads, indulgent Sunday brunches, and pet-friendly lunches, CUR8 also offers an inviting alfresco setting. Guests can now look forward to culinary experiences that blend traditional Indian flavours with contemporary flair, curated under Chef Dhar’s expert guidance.

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