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.


Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on May 8, 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Saurav Datta as Director of Sales & Marketing, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team as it continues to expand its market presence.

Bringing over 23 years of experience across luxury and upper-upscale hospitality brands, Saurav combines operational expertise with strong commercial acumen. His professional journey includes more than a decade in hotel operations, followed by 13 years in sales and marketing leadership roles.

Saurav began his Hyatt journey at Grand Hyatt Mumbai in 2004 within Food & Beverage operations before transitioning into sales and marketing. Over the years, he has held leadership roles across prominent hospitality brands including Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Le Méridien Hyderabad, and Le Méridien Nagpur, contributing to revenue growth and market expansion initiatives.

He rejoined Hyatt in 2023 at Hyatt Regency Chennai, where he played a significant role in shaping commercial strategy while also supporting Hyatt Pune as Acting General Manager.

In his new role at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Saurav will lead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy with a focus on driving revenue growth across key segments and strengthening the property’s positioning within the competitive luxury hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Saurav Datta said, “I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the hotel’s market presence while delivering meaningful guest experiences that define the Grand Hyatt brand.”

Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic approach, Saurav has consistently delivered strong business performance while building high-performing teams across multiple hospitality markets.

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities and driving long-term growth across key destinations in India.


Hyatt Regency Pune Appoints Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as Director of Finance

Hyatt Regency Pune Appoints Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as Director of Finance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

Hyatt Regency Pune has welcomed Ray Jonathan Dopaishi as its new Director of Finance. With more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ray brings strong expertise in financial strategy, compliance, operational excellence, and business performance.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with globally recognised hospitality brands including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and Accor. Known for his focused and results-driven approach, Ray has built a reputation for maintaining high standards in financial management while supporting long-term business growth.

He also brings valuable experience in improving operational processes, strengthening financial controls, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership style is aligned with Hyatt’s values and vision, further supporting the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for both guests and colleagues.

At Hyatt Regency Pune, Ray will lead the finance function with a focus on enhancing financial performance, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the property’s continued growth journey.

The hotel management believes his industry expertise and strategic approach will play an important role in strengthening operational efficiency and supporting the brand’s future goals.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Promotes Mohammed Akhil as Operations Manager

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Promotes Mohammed Akhil as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has announced the promotion of Mohammed Akhil as the hotel’s new Operations Manager. Akhil has been associated with the property for several years and most recently served as Director of Sales & Marketing, where he played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s market presence, driving revenue growth, and building strategic partnerships.

With over 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Akhil brings expertise across operations, sales, and marketing. Over the years, he has worked with leading hospitality brands and was also a part of the pre-opening team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, contributing to the successful launch of the property.

In addition to his professional experience, he has completed industrial training focused on quality and hospitality operations, further strengthening his operational understanding.

Commenting on the promotion, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “Mohammed Akhil’s journey with Novotel Vijayawada Varun has been defined by consistency, commitment and a strong understanding of both business and guest expectations. His contributions over the years have been invaluable. I wish him all the best for his new role as Operations Manager.”

In his new position, Akhil will oversee the hotel’s day-to-day operations with a focus on operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, compliance, and service excellence. He will also work closely with different departments to streamline processes, manage budgets, and ensure smooth coordination across the property.

The management at Novotel Vijayawada Varun believes that Akhil’s experience and leadership will continue to strengthen the hotel’s focus on delivering high-quality hospitality experiences for guests.

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