Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Appoints Andy Tan as General Manager

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Appoints Andy Tan as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 27, 2026

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel has announced the appointment of Andy Tan as General Manager as the design-led lifestyle property prepares for its opening in April 2026 in the Selegie–Mount Sophia precinct. The 128-room boutique hotel, positioned as the Southeast Asia flagship of Tribute Portfolio by Marriott International, marks a significant milestone for the brand in the region.

Andy brings more than three decades of hospitality and travel experience, combining operational leadership with commercial strategy. He will oversee the hotel’s pre-opening phase, including team building, service culture development, brand alignment and go-to-market planning across key segments and distribution channels, with a strong emphasis on people development and guest experience delivery.

Conceived as an “urban oasis” rooted in neighbourhood connection and creative energy, Varel Singapore aims to establish a distinctive presence within Singapore’s boutique hospitality landscape. Under Andy’s leadership, the hotel will focus on disciplined commercial execution while delivering experiences aligned with Tribute Portfolio’s “Stay with Character” ethos and Sincere Service philosophy.

Over the course of his career, Andy has held senior regional and global roles across Asia Pacific and Europe with leading hospitality groups such as Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. His expertise spans hotels, serviced residences, lifestyle concepts, food and beverage operations, strategic partnerships and B2B and B2C distribution. Most recently, he served in a senior leadership role at Millennium Hotels & Resorts, supporting commercial performance and operational alignment across its global portfolio.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Andy serves on the Board of Directors of the Employment and Employability Institute and contributes to the Sustainability and Technical Committees of the Singapore Hotel Association, advancing workforce development and operational excellence across the sector. He holds a Master’s degree in International Hospitality & Service Management from Glion Institute of Higher Education and is fluent in English, Mandarin, Thai, Malay and several Chinese dialects.

“I am honoured to join Varel Singapore at such an exciting stage of its journey. This is a unique opportunity to build a distinctive, people-centred hotel that celebrates design, culture, community and authentic hospitality. I look forward to working with the team to create a destination that resonates with both local and international guests,” said Andy.

Located at 189 Selegie Road, the hotel will be within walking distance of Little India, Rochor, Bencoolen and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations, reinforcing its connectivity within the city.


W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

W Goa Appoints Nishal Seebaluck as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

W Goa has announced the appointment of Nishal Seebaluck as its new General Manager, further strengthening its leadership team in the luxury hospitality space.

With over 18 years of experience across ultra-luxury hotels and destination resorts in India, Mauritius, and Morocco, Nishal brings a strong blend of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and guest-centric leadership. Known for elevating brand positioning and driving performance, he has consistently delivered impactful results in competitive luxury markets.

An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, Nishal began his career in finance at The Oberoi Beach Resort before transitioning into operations, where he discovered his passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles across renowned properties including The Oberoi Marrakech and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening brand identity, enhancing profitability, and driving market-leading performance. His contributions have also been instrumental in achieving industry recognition, including awards such as Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards and global rankings by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.

Most recently serving as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Nishal now steps into his new role at W Goa, where he is expected to lead the property’s operations, enhance guest experiences, and further strengthen its position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination.

Beyond his professional journey, Nishal is known for his passion for travel, food, and cultural exploration, bringing a creative and globally inspired perspective that aligns seamlessly with W Goa’s bold and expressive identity.


Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa Appoints Deepak Rawat as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Deepak Rawat as its new General Manager, marking a significant leadership addition at one of Goa’s most iconic luxury destinations.

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepak brings a strong mix of operational expertise, commercial insight, and a people-first leadership approach. Over the years, he has led teams across both international and Indian hotel brands, consistently delivering elevated guest experiences while driving business performance.

His career spans palace hotels, destination resorts, and city properties, giving him a well-rounded perspective on diverse hospitality formats. Known for his passion for Food & Beverage innovation, Deepak has played a key role in conceptualising and leading award-winning dining experiences, reinforcing his focus on creating immersive and memorable guest journeys.

Speaking on his appointment, Deepak Rawat said, “Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa is more than a destination; it is a legacy that resonates across generations. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that stay true to the essence of Tajness.”

Welcoming him, Javed Deshmukh highlighted the importance of the appointment, noting that the resort has been a cornerstone of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1974 and continues to hold a special legacy in the region.

In his new role, Deepak will focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving innovation across Food & Beverage, integrating sustainable practices, and strengthening overall operational performance. His leadership is expected to further elevate the resort’s positioning while shaping a future-ready vision rooted in excellence and collaboration.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Appoints Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on April 9, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has announced the appointment of Rakib Hussain as Director of Sales, reinforcing its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the market.

With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rakib brings a strong commercial outlook and a proven ability to drive revenue growth across corporate and MICE segments. Known for his strategic thinking and people-first leadership approach, he has consistently built high-performing teams and delivered sustained business results.

Prior to this role, he served as Cluster Associate Director of Sales at Andaz Delhi, where he played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding business opportunities. His career also includes significant tenures at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Chennai, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse markets and customer segments.

In his new role, Rakib will lead the hotel’s sales strategy, focusing on driving revenue across segments while further enhancing the property’s positioning in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Speaking on his appointment, Rakib Hussain said, “The opportunity to create meaningful guest experiences and inspire teams to push boundaries every day is what keeps me going.”

His appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on building a dynamic and forward-looking leadership team aligned with its growth ambitions.

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