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.


Sheraton Hyderabad Elevates Sourav Pal Chowdhury to Director of Food & Beverage

Sheraton Hyderabad Elevates Sourav Pal Chowdhury to Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has announced the elevation of Sourav Pal Chowdhury to the role of Director of Food & Beverage. He steps into this position after a successful stint as Assistant Director, where he played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s food and beverage operations.

With close to 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sourav has worked with well-known global brands such as Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. At Sheraton Hyderabad, he is recognised for his attention to detail and a people-first approach, both of which have helped enhance guest experiences while building strong team engagement.

In his new role, he will lead the overall strategy and operations of the hotel’s F&B division. This includes overseeing popular dining venues like Feast and Zega, along with banqueting, in-room dining and Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels. His focus will remain on maintaining consistency in service, improving guest satisfaction and supporting steady business growth.

Commenting on his elevation, Sourav Pal Chowdhury said:

"I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the leadership team. I strongly believe that consistency in quality and service remains key, even in a dynamic market. I look forward to contributing further to the hotel’s growth and delivering meaningful dining experiences for our guests."

This move highlights Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel’s continued focus on recognising internal talent and strengthening its position as a preferred hospitality destination in the region.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Tara Gurung as Vice President – Human Resources, reinforcing its focus on building a strong, people-first organisation as it continues to expand its presence across the Eastern Himalayan region.

Tara Gurung brings with her extensive experience across leading hospitality brands, with a career shaped by a deep understanding of human capital, organisational culture, and leadership development. She has previously worked with global hotel groups such as Marriott International and Radisson Blu, where she led human resources and learning and development functions across multiple properties and clusters.

Her professional journey reflects a consistent focus on nurturing talent, building high-performing teams, and creating structured learning environments that support both individual growth and organisational success. With strong expertise in training, employee engagement, and team development, she brings a balanced perspective that combines operational insight with long-term people strategy.

In her new role, Tara will oversee the human resources function across Summit’s growing portfolio, with a focus on strengthening organisational culture, building leadership pipelines, and aligning people practices with the brand’s broader growth ambitions. Her leadership is expected to play a key role in supporting the company’s expansion while ensuring a strong and cohesive workplace culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka said, “We are extremely proud to welcome Tara back to her home region. At Summit, we strongly believe in building a homegrown organisation, and it is a matter of pride for us when talented professionals choose to return and contribute to the growth of this region. As we expand our footprint across the Himalayan belt, our focus is not just on building hotels, but on creating meaningful employment opportunities and strong career paths closer to home. I would like to encourage hospitality professionals from the Himalayan region, who may be working away from their families, to explore opportunities back here. The region today offers immense growth potential, and together we can build a vibrant, sustainable hospitality ecosystem.”

Tara Gurung’s appointment comes at a time when Summit Hotels & Resorts is steadily expanding across key destinations, with a continued focus on operational consistency and long-term brand building. Her addition to the leadership team reflects the company’s commitment to evolving its organisational culture alongside its growth journey.


Shyam Nair Appointed Multi-Property HR Director Across Marriott Kochi Portfolio

Shyam Nair Appointed Multi-Property HR Director Across Marriott Kochi Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Kochi Marriott Hotel has announced the elevation of Shyam Nair as Multi-Property Human Resources Director, overseeing HR functions across three key properties, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, and Port Muziris, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

With a career spanning over three decades, Shyam brings a unique blend of experience to the role. He served for 20 years in the Indian Air Force before transitioning into hospitality, where he has spent the last 16 years building expertise in leadership, operations, and people management. Armed with an MBA in HR and Operations, his professional journey reflects a strong foundation in both discipline and strategic thinking.

During his tenure with the Marriott portfolio in Kochi, Shyam has held the position of Multi-Property Director of Loss Prevention, where he played a key role in ensuring operational safety and efficiency. His transition into human resources has been marked by a focus on strengthening recruitment processes, enhancing training frameworks, and streamlining administrative and HR functions across properties.

Beyond core HR responsibilities, Shyam has also been actively involved in driving sustainability initiatives. He has led several green practices, including waste reduction programmes and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting environmental awareness. These initiatives not only align with global brand priorities but also reinforce the properties’ commitment to responsible hospitality.

In his new role, Shyam will lead strategic HR functions including recruitment, compensation management, training and development, employee engagement, and retention. His leadership is expected to further strengthen workplace culture while supporting the continued growth and performance of the Marriott portfolio in Kochi.

This appointment reflects a continued emphasis on strong internal leadership and the importance of people-focused strategies in driving long-term success within the hospitality sector.

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