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.


Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Appoints Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Appoints Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on September 2, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has announced the appointment of Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 21 years of experience across leading hotel groups.

Chef Sohail's career spans renowned hospitality organisations including IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson, where he has developed extensive expertise across culinary operations and guest-focused dining. His experience includes fine dining, banquet operations, menu development, and culinary concept creation, with a focus on combining consistency, creativity and quality.

In his new role, Chef Sohail will oversee the culinary operations at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, including menu development, kitchen operations and culinary innovation. He will also work closely with the hotel's culinary team to introduce new concepts and create engaging dining experiences for guests.

Speaking about his appointment, Chef Sohail Karimi, Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, "Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am excited to be part of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West and look forward to creating distinctive culinary experiences that celebrate great flavours, creativity, and quality. I am also eager to work closely with the team to introduce new ideas and experiences that delight our guests."

Chef Sohail's appointment comes as Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West continues to focus on strengthening its culinary offering and creating contemporary dining experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

With his extensive industry experience and focus on culinary creativity, Chef Sohail is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the property's food and beverage operations while supporting the hotel's commitment to warm and consistent hospitality


Mohamed Mansour Appointed General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili

Mohamed Mansour Appointed General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili

By Hariharan U

Published on September 2, 2026

Atmosphere Core has announced the appointment of Mohamed Mansour as General Manager of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, strengthening the leadership of the two resorts within its COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio in the Maldives.

With more than 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mansour brings extensive operational expertise and a strong focus on guest experience and team leadership to his new role.

Mansour began his career in Front Office before progressing through the Room Division, building experience across hotel operations, service delivery, guest relations and team management. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership positions with international hospitality groups and gained experience across diverse properties, markets and operational environments.

Known for his hands-on leadership style and people-focused approach, Mansour combines operational discipline with an emphasis on developing teams and creating memorable guest experiences.

In his new position, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, while supporting the continued growth and distinct positioning of both island resorts.

Commenting on his appointment, Mohamed Mansour, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi & OBLU SELECT Lobigili, said, “We put people at the heart of everything we do. True leadership transforms challenges into opportunities and teams into families, all while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer, Atmosphere Core, said that Mansour's appointment comes at an important stage for both resorts, which have established distinct identities and dynamic operations.

He added that Mansour's experience in leading resort operations, together with his focus on people and service, would be an asset to both teams.

The appointment adds to Atmosphere Core's leadership strength as the hospitality group continues to expand its portfolio across South Asia and international markets.

Atmosphere Core currently operates nine resorts in the Maldives and one heritage hotel in India, while its development pipeline includes hotels and resorts across several destinations in India, along with projects in Italy, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

About Atmosphere Core:

Atmosphere Core is a hospitality group with a portfolio spanning THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and ONE Atmosphere. The group focuses on destination-led hospitality, sustainable stays and guest experiences built around its founding ethos of Joy of Giving


Chef Mohamed Galhoum to Lead Culinary Repositioning of Colony Clubhouse & Grill

Chef Mohamed Galhoum to Lead Culinary Repositioning of Colony Clubhouse & Grill

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is preparing a new chapter for Colony Clubhouse & Grill with the appointment of Chef Mohamed Galhoum, who will lead the culinary repositioning of the hotel's celebrated dining destination.

Chef Mohamed brings 9 years and 8 months of experience across luxury hospitality kitchens in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. His career includes roles at leading properties such as Andaz The Palm, The Meydan Hotel, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Sheraton Jeddah, where he gained experience across restaurants, banquets and à la carte operations.

Currently serving as Sous Chef at Andaz The Palm in Dubai, Chef Mohamed has worked across Arabic, Mediterranean and international cuisine. His experience also covers menu planning, recipe development, food cost management, quality assurance and kitchen team leadership.

He has also been involved in pre-opening restaurant operations, production planning and recipe standardisation, giving him experience across both the creative and operational sides of running a culinary destination.

With his appointment, Colony Clubhouse & Grill is set to introduce a refreshed culinary identity while holding on to its warm and relaxed character. The new direction will focus on a more considered menu, combining strong culinary foundations with contemporary interpretations and quality ingredients.

The repositioning will also look beyond the menu to the overall dining experience. The restaurant aims to create a setting that works equally well for relaxed get-togethers, leisurely meals and memorable evenings by the waterfront.

The move is part of Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty's ongoing efforts to develop its culinary offerings and create distinctive experiences for both local diners and hotel guests.

As Chef Mohamed and his team begin shaping the restaurant's next phase, Colony Clubhouse & Grill is expected to bring together its familiar hospitality with a fresh culinary perspective, with the new experience set to unfold in the coming months.

Chef Mohamed Galhoum is a culinary professional with 9 years and 8 months of experience across luxury hotel kitchens in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. His expertise includes Arabic, Mediterranean and international cuisine, along with kitchen operations, menu development, team leadership, food cost management, quality assurance and pre-opening restaurant operations.

He has held culinary positions at Andaz The Palm, The Meydan Hotel, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort, Sheraton Jeddah and other hospitality establishments across the region.

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