The Westin Pune Welcomes New Leadership Team

The Westin Pune Welcomes New Leadership Team

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 11, 2024

The Westin Pune is excited to announce the appointment of three seasoned professionals to its leadership team. Arpan Kakde steps in as the Director of Food and Beverage, Suman Kundu takes on the role of Front Office Manager, and Shivangi Tijare becomes the Director of Catering Sales. Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in their respective fields, poised to elevate the hotel's renowned service and guest experiences.

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Arpan Kakde: Director of Food and Beverage

Arpan Kakde brings extensive expertise in managing luxury restaurants and overseeing large-scale food and beverage operations. His leadership is expected to significantly enhance the dining experiences at The Westin Pune. Known for his passion for delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, Arpan's innovative approach to food and beverage management promises to set new benchmarks in hospitality for the hotel.

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Suman Kundu: Front Office Manager

Suman Kundu joins the team with a rich background in managing high-pressure environments and ensuring top-notch guest services. His role as Front Office Manager will focus on curating memorable guest experiences, fostering strong guest relations, and driving guest satisfaction. Having honed his skills at prestigious properties like St. Regis Mumbai, Suman's dynamic approach and leadership are anticipated to guide his team towards achieving collective goals.

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Shivangi Tijare: Director of Catering Sales

Shivangi Tijare brings a decade of experience working at renowned hotels both in India and abroad. Her dedication to surpassing sales targets and creating unforgettable experiences for social events will be crucial in achieving The Westin Pune’s priorities and revenue goals. Shivangi's expertise in catering sales is expected to play a pivotal role in the hotel's ongoing success.

Sudeep Sharma, the General Manager of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "We are elated to welcome a dynamic leadership team on board. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences that perfectly align with our vision for excellence. I am confident that their contributions will significantly enhance our guest experiences and drive our success to new heights. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and memorable stays is reinforced with these exceptional leaders at the helm."

With these strategic appointments, The Westin Pune is poised to continue delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, ensuring every guest enjoys a stay marked by excellence and comfort.


AIPL Joy Gallery Adds UCB & U.S. Polo Assn. to Elevate Gurugram’s Premium Fashion Scene

AIPL Joy Gallery Adds UCB & U.S. Polo Assn. to Elevate Gurugram’s Premium Fashion Scene

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 1, 2025

AIPL Joy Gallery, located in Sector 66, Gurugram, has announced the leasing of approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of prime retail space to international fashion heavyweights United Colors of Benetton (UCB) and U.S. Polo Assn. This strategic addition brings a fresh wave of global style to the shopping hub, bolstering its appeal as a premier destination for discerning shoppers in the city.

Known for its vibrant Italian knitwear, UCB and the timeless sporty elegance of U.S. Polo Assn. will now be part of the mall’s growing portfolio of global brands. This move not only enriches AIPL Joy Gallery’s premium fashion offering but also positions it as a dynamic conduit connecting local consumers with international lifestyle trends.

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Commenting on this milestone, Ishaan Singh, Director, AIPL, said, “We are delighted to welcome United Colors of Benetton and U.S. Polo Assn. to AIPL Joy Gallery. Their presence reinforces the growing confidence in our project and highlights its positioning as a premium lifestyle destination in Gurugram. At AIPL, we aim to create more than just shopping spaces — we envision vibrant destinations where people can enjoy a complete, high-quality retail and leisure experience.”

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AIPL Joy Gallery has consistently attracted leading brands looking to cement their presence in Gurugram’s thriving retail landscape. This leasing achievement underscores AIPL’s broader vision of crafting thoughtfully designed commercial spaces that foster brand growth, elevate urban lifestyles, and redefine modern retail experiences.

With a robust pipeline of reputed brands and a commitment to quality and innovation, AIPL continues to shape vibrant consumer-centric spaces. As Joy Gallery evolves, it stands as a testament to the group’s dedication to delivering premium, strategically positioned lifestyle destinations that resonate with today’s shoppers.


Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Appoints Vikkas Sharma as General Manager

Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Appoints Vikkas Sharma as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 1, 2025

Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett, Chhoi has announced the appointment of Vikkas Sharma as the hotel’s new general manager. In this role, Sharma will oversee overall hotel operations, focus on maximising revenue potential, enhance guest experiences, and foster a positive work environment for team members.

Given Jim Corbett’s popularity as a tourist destination famed for its tiger reserve, Sharma will also play a crucial role in promoting Wyndham Garden across key tourism markets.

Prior to joining Wyndham Garden, Sharma served as general manager at Lemon Tree Premier, Jim Corbett, where he managed hotel operations, sales and marketing, and staff development.

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Speaking on the appointment, Omesh Bansal, owner of Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett, Chhoi, said, “Vikkas is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that Wyndham Garden, Jim Corbett continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Jim Corbett community.”

A native of Gurugram, Haryana, Sharma completed his B.Sc from Kurukshetra University in 1995 and went on to earn a diploma in hospitality management from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi in 1998.

His rich industry experience and deep understanding of hospitality operations are expected to further strengthen Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett’s position as a preferred choice for travellers visiting this scenic wildlife haven.


Dishant Baria Joins Courtyard Aravali Resort Faridabad as Executive Sous Chef

Dishant Baria Joins Courtyard Aravali Resort Faridabad as Executive Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2025

Courtyard Aravali Resort Marriott, located in the scenic surroundings of Faridabad, has appointed Dishant Baria as its new Executive Sous Chef. Bringing with him more than 12 years of rich culinary experience, Baria is set to infuse the resort’s dining offerings with creativity and finesse.

Throughout his career, Dishant has worked with some of the most prestigious hospitality brands including Hyatt, Imperial, Westin, and ITC. His deep-rooted passion for crafting exceptional dining experiences and his flair for blending traditional flavours with modern techniques have earned him accolades from guests and peers alike.

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Before joining Courtyard Aravali Resort, Baria was part of the culinary team at Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi. Reflecting on his journey, Dishant shared, "My time at Westin Gurgaon was an incredible experience. I had the privilege of working alongside a team of highly skilled professionals, which helped further refine my approach to culinary excellence."

In his new role, he will lead the culinary team at Courtyard Aravali Resort, focusing on enhancing the gastronomic journey for guests while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation. His leadership is expected to elevate the resort’s dining experiences across all outlets.

With this appointment, Courtyard Aravali Resort aims to further strengthen its culinary offerings, blending the beauty of its natural setting with an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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