With over 19 years of distinguished experience across premier hospitality brands, Ajay brings comprehensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, guest experience enhancement, and strategic team leadership to this key position.

Since joining IHG in 2018, Ajay has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities, most recently serving as Director of Operations where he successfully implemented operational excellence initiatives and elevated guest satisfaction metrics. His extensive hospitality career encompasses diverse roles across prestigious international brands, providing him with a robust understanding of global hospitality standards and regional market dynamics.

“His strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to service excellence are expected to significantly enhance the guest experience at Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha, further strengthening IHG’s position in Nepal’s expanding tourism landscape,” the hotel stated in its announcement.

In a statement regarding his appointment, Ajay shared, “I am honored to join this exceptional property and contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s vibrant tourism sector. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to create unforgettable experiences for our guests while upholding the distinctive standards of the Holiday Inn Resort brand.”

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A. B. Chaki has been appointed as the Operations Manager at Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh. With over 20 years of experience in Front Office Operations, planning, and general management, Chaki has a proven track record of building high-performing teams and driving consistent service delivery. His previous roles at Lords Hotels & Resorts and Via Lakhela Resorts have honed his ability to enhance guest satisfaction while maintaining strong financial performance.

Laxman Parab takes on the role of General Manager at Stone Wood Beach Resort, Vagator. A seasoned hospitality professional with 27 years of experience, he specializes in Front Office Operations, Revenue Generation, and Cost Management. Having previously worked with Spazio Leisure Resort, Ramatan Resort, and Baga Hideout, Parab has a deep understanding of delivering operational excellence and sustaining business growth.

At Stone Wood Hotel, Rishikesh, Abhishek Kumar has been appointed as the General Manager. His diverse background includes experience with esteemed brands such as Club Mahindra, ITC Fortune, Radisson, Ananta Spa & Resorts, Ahuja Residency Private Limited, and Ramada Encore by Wyndham. With expertise in front office operations, guest services, and property management, Kumar is committed to maintaining high service standards and ensuring seamless operations.

Santosh Bartakke joins as the General Manager of Stone Wood Premier Dandeli. With over 20 years of experience in hotel operations, guest experience, and revenue management, he brings valuable expertise to the role. His past associations with Le Meridien Pune, Royal Orchid, Spree Shivai Hotel, and Bizzgrow Hotels have equipped him with strong leadership skills in hotel openings, sales, and customer relations, making him a valuable asset to the team.

These appointments reflect Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to assembling a leadership team that aligns with its vision of redefining hospitality through exceptional guest experiences. The brand, which has made a mark with its boutique resorts, villas, serviced apartments, and clubs across India, continues to focus on growth, innovation, and personalized service.

“At Stone Wood, we believe that strong leadership is the foundation of great hospitality. Each of these industry experts brings immense value to our brand, and their expertise will be instrumental in driving operational efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on creating memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a culture of excellence within our team,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. 

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With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chef Kutubuddin brings a wealth of experience, creativity and an unwavering passion for culinary excellence.

A graduate of the Premier Institute of Hotel Management, Odisha, Chef Kutubuddin began his career at Grain of Salt, Kolkata, where he had the privilege of working with renowned Chef Sanjeev Kapoor from 2004 to 2005. He then joined Kamat Hotels India Limited as a Chef de Partie at Lotus Resorts, contributing to the successful launch of a pre-opening property.

His journey took him internationally in 2012 when he joined Jasmi’s Corporation in Bahrain as a Junior Sous Chef at Le Chocolate. Between 2016 – 2024, he served as an Operations Chef at Al Mantiq Company in Saudi Arabia, further honing his expertise in managing large-scale culinary operations. Most recently, he was a Sous Chef at Oberoi Flight Services, Mumbai, before joining Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan in March 2025.

Throughout his career, Chef Kutubuddin has earned numerous accolades and participated in prestigious culinary competitions at both national and international levels. His expertise in flavor profiling, menu development and operational excellence makes him a valuable addition to the hotel’s culinary team.

In his new role, Chef Kutubuddin will collaborate closely with Executive Chef Feroz Patel to elevate the dining experience at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan. His innovative approach to cuisine, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional flavors will further enhance the hotel’s culinary offerings.

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With an illustrious career spanning over 22 years across leading luxury hospitality brands, Chef Sahil Arora brings a wealth of culinary expertise.

Chef Sahil commenced his culinary journey in 1999 as a Prep Chef at Hyatt Regency New Delhi. He went on to hold key leadership positions at various renowned hotels, including The Imperial New Delhi, Shangri-La, and several Marriott properties. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in the pre-opening of Hyatt Regency Dehradun. His extensive knowledge of global cuisines, combined with his passion for culinary excellence, is set to further elevate the hotel’s position as the Prime Address of East Delhi. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Sahil to our team,” said Harkaran Singh, General Manager, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi. “His rich experience, commitment to innovation, and dedication to creating elevated dining experiences will strengthen our culinary offerings and enhance our vision of delivering the finest hospitality. With one of the largest event spaces in the capital, our hotel continues to be the preferred destination for hosting some of the most prestigious events in the city, and Chef Sahil’s expertise will further enrich our bespoke culinary experiences for these grand occasions.”

A native of Dehradun, Chef Sahil enjoys spending quality time with his daughter Naisha, exploring scenic destinations, and capturing moments through photography. Having travelled to countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam, his culinary philosophy is inspired by global flavors, with a special fondness for Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

Guided by his favorite quote, ‘Believe you can, and you are there,‘ Chef Sahil is set to bring new dimensions to the hotel’s dining landscape.

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This is for the first time in history, cofounder of a unicorn company has been appointed as the Chairman of CII Delhi State. As the CEO & Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, Rikant Pittie has been instrumental in revolutionizing the industry. Under his leadership, EaseMyTrip has witnessed remarkable growth, staying committed to a customer-first approach and technological innovation.

Rikant’s leadership signals a transformative shift, with a renewed focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven economic growth. With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector, Rikant brings a strategic vision that will shape the council’s initiatives. Now serving as Chairman of CII Delhi, he will focus on business growth, policy advocacy, digital transformation, and strengthening industry-government collaboration. 

Previously, as Vice Chairman of CII Delhi State, Rikant Pittie actively engaged with key stakeholders, including state and national governments, and represented Delhi’s industries on global platforms. His advocacy for holistic real estate and urban infrastructure development played a crucial role in the establishment of a dedicated Joint Task Force on Real Estate, in collaboration with the Hon’ble LG of NCT of Delhi.

Now, as Chairman of CII Delhi, Rikant will focus on business growth, policy advocacy, digital transformation, and strengthening industry-government collaboration. Additionally, he aims to elevate Delhi’s tourism sector by initiating large-scale tourism initiatives, further positioning the city as a global tourism and cultural hub. His expertise in leveraging technology for economic progress will be instrumental in defining the council’s agenda for the coming year.

Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “It is a profound honor to be appointed as the chairman of the CII Delhi State at such a pivotal time for India’s business landscape. As industries evolve at an unprecedented pace, we must champion innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and drive policy reforms that create lasting economic impact. My vision is to position Delhi as a global business and tourism powerhouse, leveraging technology, sustainability, and industry collaboration to unlock new opportunities. I look forward to working alongside policymakers and business leaders to build a future that is dynamic, inclusive, and driven by growth and transformation.”

Rikant’s entrepreneurial journey has been widely recognized. He has been featured in Fortune India’s ‘40 Under 40’ list and has received prestigious awards, including ‘Entrepreneur of the Year in Service Business (Travel)’ by Entrepreneur India and ‘Best Travel Planner of the Year’ by Hurun India. 

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Bringing a distinctive blend of on-property and agency expertise, Forum’s addition to the leadership team marks an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey toward elevating its brand narrative and guest engagement.

Forum Shah’s career is a testament to her passion for luxury hospitality and innovative marketing solutions. Prior to joining Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Forum held pivotal roles with varied luxury hotels across India and South West Asia. 

With a knack for creating compelling brand stories and implementing strategies that drive revenue and enhance visibility, Forum has been instrumental in launching successful restaurant concepts, curating experiential events, and optimizing online platforms. Her hands-on approach to marketing has consistently resulted in measurable success, making her a key player in the hospitality sector.

“It is a privilege to join Park Hyatt Hyderabad, a brand synonymous with understated luxury and unique guest experiences. I look forward to working alongside the talented team to craft meaningful campaigns that resonate with our guests and further strengthen the hotel’s market position,” said Forum Shah upon her appointment.

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With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Pawan brings a wealth of culinary expertise, further strengthening the hotel’s diverse and dynamic kitchen team.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chef Pawan has held key leadership roles with renowned hotel brands, spearheading pre-opening initiatives, overseeing high – profile banquet operations, and curating signature dining experiences. His innovative approach and deep understanding of global and regional cuisines make him a valuable addition to the Radisson Blu family.

Commenting on his appointment, Amit Raman, General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Pawan Kumar to our team. His extensive experience, creativity, and passion for culinary excellence perfectly align with our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences. We look forward to the innovative flavours and concepts he will introduce to our guests.”

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With nearly 6 years of experience  in luxury hospitality, Harsh will be spearheading the F&B operations at the soul-stirring destination.  Known for his innovative hospitality skills and leadership expertise, he remains steadfast in his  commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and excellence. 

Harsh is a highly experienced professional with a proven track record in managerial and leadership roles  across diverse culinary environments. His extensive expertise is complemented by exceptional  communication skills and a deep understanding of spiritual destinations. Starting his career as a Hotel  Operations Trainee at Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, Harsh embarked on a journey that has seen him excel  in various roles within the Taj Group. His dedication and growth within the company led to his promotion  to Catering Assistant at both Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, after just one year. In 2019,  Harsh further advanced his career by assuming the role of Restaurant Manager at Taj Nadesar Palace,  Varanasi. 

Commenting on the appointment, Vikas Nagar, Hotel Manager, Pilibhit House, Haridwar- IHCL  SeleQtions stated, “We are excited to welcome Harsh Rawat to the Pilibhit House team. With his exceptional dedication and impressive journey at Varanasi, we are confident that he will significantly enhance our F&B operations and take them to newer heights. His extensive knowledge and leadership  skills will introduce innovative ideas, further strengthening our commitment to excellence.” 

Harsh Rawat holds a B Sc. in Hotel Management from the reputed International Institute of Hotel  Management, New Delhi. Furthermore, he is certified Level 2 Expert from the Wine and Spirit Education  Trust Certification and has successfully completed Front of House Service Excellence Program by the  British Butler Institute adding feathers to his existing skillset.  

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With 16 years of experience spanning both India and international markets, Arvind brings expertise in brand positioning, digital strategy, public relations, and guest engagement, making him a valuable addition to the leadership team.

Arvind Kumar Kewalchand has held key marketing roles with Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels and Royal Orchid Hotels, where he played an instrumental role in branding, digital marketing, and strategic communications. He was pivotal in the launch of South Asia’s first Moxy hotel in Bengaluru, driving market entry strategies, large-scale brand campaigns, and innovative guest engagement initiatives. His international experience in Dubai has further refined his understanding of global hospitality trends and consumer behavior.

Driving Brand Growth and Innovation: In his new role at Hilton Mumbai Airport, Arvind Kumar Kewalchand will oversee marketing, communications, public relations, and brand partnerships, enhancing the hotel’s market positioning and guest experiences. His expertise in brand storytelling and data-driven marketing strategies will be key in driving growth and strengthening Hilton’s presence in the region.

A Vision for Innovation and Excellence Sharing his enthusiasm about the new role, Arvind stated, “I am thrilled to join Hilton Mumbai Airport and be part of a brand known for its legacy of hospitality and innovation. This role presents an exciting opportunity to create impactful marketing strategies, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen the hotel’s presence in a competitive market. I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful brand engagement and set new benchmarks in hospitality marketing.”

“We are delighted to welcome Arvind to the Hilton Mumbai family,” said Deepak Kumar, General Manager at Hilton Mumbai Airport. “His expertise and vision will be instrumental in strengthening our brand presence and enhancing guest experiences.”

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With a career that has expanded over a decade, Yogendra brings more than 13 years of rich experience in the hospitality industry, having held key leadership positions with renowned brands such as IHG Hotels, Hilton Group, Jaypee Hotels, and Radisson Group.

His extensive career has provided him with a deep understanding of the hospitality sector, and he has developed a strong grasp of both the Delhi and Agra markets, positioning him uniquely to drive business success at Fairfield by Marriott Agra. His passion for the industry, coupled with his strategic vision, makes him an invaluable addition to our team.

Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Yogendra Verma shared, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Fairfield by Marriott Agra. I look forward to working alongside such a talented group of individuals to achieve great milestones. Together, we will focus on enhancing the guest experience while driving business growth. I am confident that, with the support of the team, we will accomplish remarkable things.”

On a personal note, Yogendra is married and blessed with two children. He values family and maintains a balanced life, further enriching his professional journey.

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