Novotel Jodhpur has announced the promotion of Surendra Shekhawat to the newly created role of Associate Director of Finance, marking a key step in strengthening Accor’s regional finance leadership in Rajasthan. Previously serving as Finance Manager, Shekhawat’s elevation reflects his consistent performance, strategic insight, and growing leadership responsibilities within the organisation.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality finance, Shekhawat brings a strong track record across reputed hotel brands including Radisson Hotel Kandla, Novotel Ahmedabad, and Novotel Jodhpur. Since January 2024, he has been leading the finance function at Novotel Jodhpur, contributing to improved financial discipline, compliance, and operational efficiency.

In his new role, Shekhawat will oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis across key Accor properties in Rajasthan. His responsibilities will also include driving initiatives to enhance profitability, supporting operational effectiveness, and mentoring finance leaders across the region as part of Accor’s broader leadership framework.

Commenting on the promotion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “Surendra has distinguished himself as a strategic finance leader. His expertise in compliance and operations has played an important role in strengthening our financial performance. This promotion recognises his leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to Accor’s vision.”

Going forward, Shekhawat will work closely with divisional and corporate finance teams to support long-term growth and resilience across Accor’s portfolio in Rajasthan and neighbouring markets. His appointment underlines Accor’s focus on building strong regional leadership to support sustainable expansion

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Chef Faheem Qureshi as MasterChef at its Indian specialty restaurant, BarQat. With this move, the hotel continues to strengthen BarQat’s position as a dining destination rooted in craft, intention, and regional Indian flavours.

In his new role, Chef Faheem will oversee kitchen operations, menu development, culinary execution, and team management at BarQat. His focus will be on building strong kitchen systems that ensure consistency, quality, and strict adherence to the restaurant’s regional Indian culinary philosophy. The role also places emphasis on disciplined execution, along with maintaining high standards of safety and hygiene across the kitchen.

Chef Faheem brings over 10 years of experience across luxury hotels and specialty restaurants. His background includes extensive work in Indian cuisine, banquet operations, and team leadership. Over the years, he has held key culinary roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai, and Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality.

Trained under Chef Mukhtar Qureshi and Chef Javed Qureshi, Chef Faheem is known for his structured approach to kitchen management. His expertise spans quality control, SOP implementation, staff training, and pre-opening kitchen operations, all of which align closely with BarQat’s culinary direction.

Commenting on the appointment, Prakash Chettiyar, Director of Culinary, said, “Chef Faheem brings a strong sense of discipline, clarity and purpose to the kitchen-qualities that align seamlessly with BarQat's straight-line culinary philosophy. His deep understanding of regional Indian cuisine, combined with his structured approach to kitchen operations and team development, will further strengthen BarQat's culinary identity and ensure consistent, high-quality execution.”

With Chef Faheem Qureshi taking charge, BarQat at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar continues to refine its culinary programme, sharpening its focus on regional Indian flavours, operational consistency, and a polished specialty dining experience.

Espire Hospitality Limited has announced the appointment of Sharad Sharma as Director of Sales, entrusting him with overseeing the sales portfolio for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts. The appointment comes at a strategic time as the hospitality group continues to sharpen its commercial focus and expand its market presence.

With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sharad Sharma brings a strong mix of leadership, market insight and revenue-driven strategy. His career spans luxury, upscale, heritage and convention hotel segments, having held senior roles with leading brands including Noormahal Hotels Group, Radisson Hotels Group, Ajit Group of Hotels, Ramada Plaza (Wyndham), Sarovar Hotels (Louvre Hotels Group), Le Meridien and Grand Hyatt.

Widely recognised for his sales acumen, Sharad has consistently driven revenue growth across multiple properties. His expertise covers sales leadership, MICE, weddings, corporate sales, marketing strategy and brand positioning. He is also known for building high-performing sales teams and successfully managing medium to large-inventory hotels, including convention-led and luxury heritage destinations.

In his new role, Sharad will focus on strengthening the sales framework for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, driving top-line performance and aligning commercial strategies with Espire Hospitality Limited’s broader organisational goals. His leadership is expected to play a key role in enhancing guest engagement while supporting long-term, sustainable growth.

Commenting on the appointment, Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sharad Sharma to Espire Hospitality Limited. With his vast industry experience and strong understanding of diverse hotel segments, Sharad will play a crucial role in strengthening our sales leadership and driving consistent growth across ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts. We are confident that his expertise and strategic mindset will add significant value to the organisation.”

With his deep industry knowledge and proven leadership credentials, Sharad Sharma is poised to contribute significantly to Espire Hospitality Limited’s next chapter of growth and operational excellence.