Wagh Bakri’s Paras Desai Elected Chairman of FAITTA

Wagh Bakri’s Paras Desai Elected Chairman of FAITTA

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Paras Desai, Executive Director of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been elected as the new Chairman of FAITTA (Federation of All India Tea Traders’ Association), the national body representing tea traders across the country. FAITTA works with government authorities, tea boards, and allied associations to safeguard the interests of buyers and traders while addressing industry-wide challenges.

Alongside this development, Vidisha Desai, Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been inducted into the Executive Committee of FAITTA.

A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Mr. Desai has been associated with Wagh Bakri since 1993. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into one of India’s largest packaged tea businesses, with operations across 24 states and exports to more than 60 countries. He has been instrumental in modernising the group’s operations, setting up an NABL-accredited in-house testing laboratory, introducing instant tea premixes and wellness blends, and launching the Wagh Bakri Tea Lounges. He also serves as President of the Western India Tea Dealers Association.

Speaking about his election, Mr. Desai said, “It is truly an honour to lead FAITTA, and I sincerely thank all members for their trust and cooperation, as well as the past Chairmen and office bearers for their immense contributions. The tea industry today is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by evolving consumer tastes and pressing challenges such as climate change. My focus will be to work closely with industry members, government, and regulators to further strengthen the tea category. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to address both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Mr. Desai holds a Diploma in Management Studies from Ohio State University and brings more than three decades of experience as a skilled tea taster. Beyond business, he actively supports initiatives in women’s empowerment, education, and rehabilitation.

About FAITTA
Established in 2014, FAITTA unites tea traders’ associations from across India to address issues ranging from auctions, wholesale and retail trade, and packaging, to warehousing and exports. It ensures compliance with FSSAI residue norms, promotes transparency in auction practices, and advocates for trader interests amid rising costs, evolving regulations, and changing consumer preferences.

About Wagh Bakri Tea Group
Founded in 1892, the Wagh Bakri Tea Group is one of India’s most trusted packaged tea brands. With an annual turnover of ₹2,000 crore and distribution exceeding 50 million kilograms, the group reaches millions of households across India and international markets. Known for quality and tradition, Wagh Bakri remains a symbol of trust in the Indian tea industry.


Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur has announced the appointment of Ashutosh Jayee as its general manager. In his new role, Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, along with managing sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s overall performance.

Jayee previously served as the head of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Jammu, where he contributed to driving commercial strategies and enhancing business development.

“Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur.

Jayee is a native of Jammu and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his master’s in business administration and master’s in tourism management in 2010 and 2012 respectively.


Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham, Alleppey at Nehru Trophy Finishing Point, Punnamada, Alappuzha has announced the appointment of Sreejith Kottla as its general manager. In his new role, Kottla will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, maximizing revenue, managing staff and maintaining overall quality and financial performance. He will also focus on promoting Alleppey as a premier MICE destination.

Kottla previously served as the general manager for Joys Hotels & Resorts, a hotel group based in Thrissur, Kerala, where he managed hotel operations and sales. His experience in leadership, guest servicing and operational efficiency has consistently contributed to improved hotel performance and enhanced guest engagement.

“Kottla is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada By Wyndham continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Alleppey community,” said Reji Cheriyan, chairman of the Ramada By Wyndham, Alleppey.

Kottla is a native of Payyanur, Kerala, and a graduate of Srinivas College of Hotel Management in Mangalore, Karnataka, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in hotel management. He also holds an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Hyatt Regency, Chennai has announced the appointment of Anirudhya Basu as its director of food and beverage. A seasoned hospitality leader with over 17 years of experience across India’s finest luxury hotels, Basu brings extensive operational expertise, creative vision and a strong passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In his new role, Basu will spearhead all food and beverage operations across the hotel, including its restaurants, bars, banquets, in-room dining and culinary events. He will focus on strengthening the hotel’s dining identity, introducing innovative gastronomic concepts and ensuring that every guest experience reflects Hyatt’s warm hospitality and world-class excellence.

Basu’s career spans some of the country’s most prestigious hotel brands, where he has excelled in both operational precision and creative leadership. Most recently, he served as the multi-property director of food and beverage at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. In this role, he led multiple F&B outlets and large-scale banqueting operations, with his strategic initiatives significantly contributing to enhanced profitability and guest satisfaction.

Before joining Marriott, Basu held key leadership positions at Hilton Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, and Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. His wide-ranging experience includes managing multi-outlet operations, high-volume banquets and premium dining concepts, and he has consistently set new standards in service quality and culinary excellence.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Basu is known for his forward-thinking leadership style, team mentorship and his ability to blend innovation with hospitality in every project he leads.

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