Vaibhav Verma Appointed CEO of Udman Hotels & Resorts

Vaibhav Verma Appointed CEO of Udman Hotels & Resorts

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 12, 2024

Udman Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the appointment of Vaibhav Verma as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Verma, with a distinguished career spanning over 28 years in the hospitality sector, brings a wealth of experience and insight that aligns perfectly with Udman’s vision for growth and excellence.

In his new role, Verma will be instrumental in driving the brand’s strategic growth, which includes an ambitious plan to expand its portfolio from 7 boutique and luxury hotels to 50 over the next five years. His extensive background in managing and leading teams, coupled with his expertise in operational excellence and business development, positions him ideally to navigate Udman through this transformative period.

Verma’s career includes notable roles with prominent brands such as Best Western, Business World Magazine, Accor Hotels, ITC Fortune Hotels, JHM Interstate Hotels, Taiping Carpets, and Jaypee Hotels. His experience includes pre-opening and operational roles in launching properties like Four Points by Sheraton in Jaipur, Pune, and Vishakhapatnam, and Khyber in Gulmarg. Most recently, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at juSTA Hotels and Resorts.

Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder and Managing Director of Ferns N Petals, expressed his enthusiasm about Verma’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Vaibhav to the Udman family. His extensive experience and ability to blend strategic thinking with hands-on leadership will be crucial as we embark on this exciting new chapter. I am confident that his leadership will help us remain at the forefront of innovation and growth in the hospitality industry.”

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On his appointment, Verma shared, “I am thrilled to join Udman at such a pivotal time in its journey. The opportunity to contribute to a brand that values both luxury and individuality is truly exciting. I look forward to working closely with the talented team here to further enhance our offerings, ensuring that each guest experience is as memorable and enriching as the next.”

With Verma at the helm, Udman Hotels & Resorts is poised to continue its legacy of luxury and personalized service while pursuing its ambitious expansion goals.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Yogesh Sharma as Executive Housekeeper and Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. The appointments reflect the hotel’s continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and employee growth.

Yogesh Sharma joins the property with more than 17 years of experience in housekeeping and hospitality operations. He began his career as a Housekeeping Associate at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, and has since worked with several leading hospitality brands including Trident Bandra Kurla, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Taj Group of Hotels.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Yogesh served as Executive Housekeeper at Le Méridien Kochi, where he played a key role in improving guest satisfaction, streamlining departmental operations, and leading large housekeeping teams. He is also recognised for his expertise in pre-opening operations, having successfully established housekeeping systems and processes for multiple hotel properties.

Speaking on the appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, “Yogesh's proven track record and leadership in housekeeping will be invaluable as we continue to uphold Crowne Plaza Greater Noida's high standards of guest service and operational excellence.”

The hotel has also welcomed Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. With over eight years of specialised experience in employee training and capability building, Shailesh brings strong expertise in organisational learning and team development.

Prior to this role, he was associated with Baskin Robbins India, where he led Learning & Development initiatives for more than 330 stores across North India. His work focused on improving employee engagement, operational efficiency, and service standards.

Shailesh has also worked with Cinepolis India Pvt. Ltd. as Regional Trainer – South India and with Cafe Coffee Day, contributing to leadership training, talent development, and process improvement initiatives. He is a graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Jaipur, and holds certifications in Food Safety (FOSTAC) and Soft Skills Training.

Commenting on his appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay added, “Shailesh's passion for building high-performing teams and enhancing learning culture will strengthen our organizational capabilities and further elevate the guest experience.”

With these strategic appointments, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while investing in operational and people-focused growth.


Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan have announced the appointment of Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial, overseeing both properties under a unified strategic leadership structure.

With over 15 years of international experience across sales, marketing, and revenue management, Laufrais brings a strong combination of analytical capability and creative commercial thinking. His appointment is aimed at driving long-term, sustainable growth while strengthening the global positioning of both resorts.

Most recently, Laufrais spent two years in Bali leading the commercial positioning and launch strategy at Regent Bali Canggu, gaining deep insight into the island’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.

Prior to that, he served as Head of Commercial at InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, where he focused on strengthening luxury partnerships and lifestyle positioning in a competitive European market. Earlier in his career, he held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, further building his expertise in ultra-luxury resort operations and global luxury demand generation.

In his new role, Laufrais will oversee commercial strategy across both Bali properties, integrating sales, marketing, and revenue management functions while ensuring each resort retains its distinct identity and sense of place.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “Luxury travel today is about emotional resonance. These resorts offer distinctive experiences in two remarkable settings. My focus is to strengthen global positioning while ensuring each initiative reflects the authenticity, heritage, and sense of connection that define them.”

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, set along the Ayung River, is known for its serene jungle landscape and spiritual design influences, while Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers a beachfront experience rooted in Balinese coastal culture and relaxed living.

Laufrais will be responsible for aligning commercial planning across both resorts, ensuring a cohesive strategy that respects their individual character while leveraging their shared brand strength in the global luxury market.


voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

voco Goa Arpora has announced the appointment of Vivek Sharma as its new Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening its leadership team within the F&B division.

With over 11 years of experience in food and beverage operations, Vivek Sharma brings a strong background in hospitality excellence, having worked with leading global and luxury hotel brands including Taj Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Five Palm Jumeirah, The Postcard Hotel, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Throughout his career, Vivek has been recognised for his strong operational expertise, guest-centric approach, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams. He has consistently focused on enhancing guest experiences while driving operational efficiency and service excellence across diverse hospitality environments.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Vivek believes in empowering teams through coaching, mentoring, and continuous development. His approach fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation, enabling teams to consistently exceed guest expectations in dynamic service environments.

Beyond his professional commitments, Vivek enjoys travelling and playing chess, reflecting his strategic thinking and balanced personality.

At voco Goa Arpora, his appointment is expected to further elevate the hotel’s food and beverage offerings and enhance overall guest satisfaction through refined service standards and innovative dining experiences.

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