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.


Ronil Goa Appoints Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales

Ronil Goa Appoints Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel has announced the appointment of Shruti Shivalkar as Director of Sales, further strengthening the boutique resort’s commercial leadership as it continues to build its market presence in North Goa.

Located on the vibrant Calangute–Baga Road, Ronil Goa reflects the free-spirited and community-led ethos of the JdV by Hyatt brand, offering immersive experiences inspired by Goa’s local culture, sociability, and relaxed lifestyle. Shruti’s appointment comes at a significant stage in the hotel’s growth journey as it continues to expand its positioning within Goa’s competitive hospitality landscape.

With over 15 years of experience across hospitality sales and marketing, Shruti brings extensive expertise from working with leading international hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott-affiliated properties. Throughout her career, she has managed key business segments including corporate, MICE, transient, and long-stay markets, building strong industry relationships while driving market visibility and sustainable revenue growth.

Known for her collaborative and people-centric leadership style, Shruti’s approach aligns closely with Ronil Goa’s welcoming and experience-driven brand philosophy. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening commercial strategy, developing partnerships, and driving business growth across key market segments.

Speaking on her appointment, Shruti Shivalkar shared that the individuality and authenticity of the JdV by Hyatt brand drew her to the opportunity. She added that Goa continues to evolve as a dynamic hospitality market and expressed excitement about working with the team to build meaningful partnerships while celebrating the hotel’s distinctive energy and sense of place.

Beyond her professional role, Shruti enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures, listening to music, and reading.

Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel carries a legacy of more than 35 years and holds the distinction of being the first five-star hotel on the bustling Calangute–Baga stretch. The property features Indo-Portuguese-inspired architecture across 135 rooms with private balconies, alongside multiple dining concepts, wellness facilities, event spaces, and entertainment-led experiences designed around Goa’s vibrant social culture.

As part of Hyatt’s lifestyle hospitality portfolio, JdV by Hyatt continues to focus on creating neighbourhood-inspired hotels that celebrate individuality, local culture, and joyful experiences for guests and communities alike.

For more information, visit Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Appoints Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has announced the appointment of Augustine S. as Assistant Director of Human Resources, further strengthening the hotel’s leadership team with an experienced hospitality HR professional.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Augustine brings expertise across talent management, associate engagement, learning and development, and people-focused leadership. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s human resources function, focusing on enhancing associate engagement initiatives, strengthening learning and development programs, and supporting operational growth through strategic people practices.

Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, Augustine held key HR positions with several renowned hospitality brands including The Westin Chennai Velachery, Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur, Fairfield by Marriott OMR Chennai, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, and Asiana Chennai. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to talent acquisition, performance management, budgeting, organisational development, and employee engagement initiatives.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and strong people-centric approach, Augustine believes empowered associates play a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences. His focus on nurturing talent and creating inclusive work environments has earned him recognition as a dedicated hospitality HR leader.

Augustine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Annamalai University and a Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from Jenney's Academy. He is also a certified trainer with extensive experience in coaching, counselling, and associate development.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “We welcome Augustine to the Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal family. His extensive experience in hospitality human resources and his passion for people development align perfectly with our commitment to creating a positive and inspiring workplace culture. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen associate engagement and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued success.”

With this appointment, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal continues its focus on building a strong workplace culture while enhancing associate experiences and operational excellence


Le Méridien Gurgaon Appoints Chef Ajay Chauhan as Executive Sous Chef

Le Méridien Gurgaon Appoints Chef Ajay Chauhan as Executive Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Le Méridien Gurgaon has announced the appointment of Chef Ajay Chauhan as its new Executive Sous Chef, further strengthening the hotel’s culinary leadership team with a professional who brings years of experience across some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands.

Chef Ajay Chauhan has built a strong career in the hospitality industry, having worked with globally recognized names such as Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Accor Group, and ITC Hotels. Over the years, he has been associated with several luxury properties in India as well as international destinations.

Before joining Le Méridien Gurgaon, Chef Chauhan was serving as Banquet Senior Chef de Cuisine at JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata. He also gained valuable international experience during his tenure as an Indian Expat Chef at Shangri-La Colombo.

His professional journey includes working with renowned hospitality properties such as Shangri-La Bengaluru, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, ITC WelcomHotel Dwarka, and ITC Maurya.

Chef Chauhan is known for his expertise in banquet operations, culinary innovation, kitchen leadership, and delivering premium dining experiences. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled food production, team mentoring, quality consistency, and international hygiene standards in luxury hospitality environments.

At Le Méridien Gurgaon, he will be responsible for overseeing culinary operations, banquet production, menu planning, kitchen administration, employee training, and overall quality assurance, while continuing to enhance the guest dining experience at the property.

“I am excited to join Le Méridien Gurgaon and look forward to delivering exceptional culinary experiences while working with a passionate hospitality team.” Chef Ajay Chauhan

With his extensive operational expertise and experience across globally recognized hotel brands, Chef Ajay Chauhan’s appointment further reinforces Le Méridien Gurgaon’s focus on culinary excellence and elevated hospitality experiences.

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