Derek Stutz Appointed General Manager for Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

With great pleasure, the Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet-Marriott Executive Apartments announce Ekta Kanchan's appointment as Director of Marketing & Communications. With over 12+ years of broad experience in hospitality, F&B marketing, alcohol and beverage industries, Ekta brings a special fusion of creativity, strategic thinking, and operational knowledge to the position. Speaking on the appointment the GM Hemant Tenneti says, “We are elated to see Ekta Kanchan in her new role at the Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and are excited to welcome her. With her rich expertise and forward-thinking approach, Ekta is set to transform the way we connect with our guests and the market at large. Her leadership in marketing and communications will undoubtedly bring a fresh wave of innovation to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.” At The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Ekta aims to elevate the brand’s presence by blending data analytics with innovative marketing to create effective hyper-personalized campaigns at every touch point while focusing on increasing engagement. Her approach blends creative storytelling with data insights to ensure the tailored campaigns deeply connect with audiences. Her vision includes introducing wellness-focused initiatives and experimenting with tech forward strategies that align with The Westin’s brand ethos. She is also committed to fostering collaboration, mentoring her team, and aligning the marketing and public relation efforts with the property’s overarching business objectives. Ekta Kanchan, Director of Marketing & Communications at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake & Lakeside Chalet - Marriott Executive Apartments in her new role comments, “I’m thrilled to gain this opportunity and look forward to working with each one within the team to create spectacular campaigns together. My goal is to craft experiences that leave a lasting impression and drive sustained growth. I will always encourage my team to trust their instincts, embrace challenges, and nurture creativity as it sets one apart. Stay curious, build meaningful connections, and I look forward to celebrating every win with you- big or small.” A graduate in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Goa and a Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design from Wigan & Leigh College, Ekta’s career is defined by her adaptability and ability to deliver results in a multitude of fields. Starting her career with Hyatt, as an Industrial Trainee. She managed to work in core operational departments including a fast paced Banquet Kitchen where she managed to thrive with quantity kitchen cooking and was recognised by the executive chef for her efforts and dedication. Her professional journey includes impactful stints with Accor, Zomato, Dineout, and Hill Zill Wines. During her Management Training with Accor, she gained invaluable experience in hotel sales, which equipped her with a deep understanding of both the leisure and business aspects of a hotel, she soon learnt that while planning is everything, execution is the key—meticulous planning lays the foundation for success, but it’s the execution that truly defines the outcome. Her invaluable experience in the alcohol and beverage sector leant her a solid foundation in a variety of marketplaces by training her to navigate government policies, regulations, state-specific limitations in order for her to grow into a successful strategist for new launches pan-india. She expanded her knowledge in F&B marketing, market research, and consumer behavior by working with startups like Zomato and Dineout. These positions introduced her to the hustle culture and equipped her with the skills necessary to be impactful in a dynamic, fast-paced industry while producing remarkable outcomes. Ekta played a key role while at the Westin Mumbai Powai Lake to reopen the Mayouchi Restaurant and create a unique beverage program, and carry out a fruitful social media marketing campaign that greatly increased footfall and revenue. With her appointment, Ekta will be forerunner in further cementing the Westin Mumbai Powai Lake’s  positioning as a luxury destination within the city.

The new Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang has now fully opened, introducing its new General Manager and unveiling a new flagship spa, offering one of Vietnam’s most comprehensive resort wellness experiences. Mario Mendis, a seasoned international hotelier, brings a wealth of expertise gained over an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years. His professional journey began in Brisbane, Australia, and has since taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious destinations, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bermuda, Thailand and Vietnam. Throughout his career, Mendis has played pivotal roles in internationally renowned luxury city and resort hotels, consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence. Most recently, he served as General Manager of the iconic Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where he further solidified his reputation for visionary leadership in the hospitality industry.

ME by Meliá Dubai, the iconic hotel designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, proudly announces the appointment of Gyunay Alieva as the new director of sales and marketing. With an impressive background in luxury hospitality and a proven track record of driving significant growth, Alieva brings with her over 15 years of experience and is poised to further drive the hotel's position in the competitive market with her fresh perspective and strategic vision. As the new director of sales and marketing at ME by Meliá Dubai, Alieva is focused on driving the hotel's strategic vision, enhancing its market positioning, and elevating its reputation as a premier luxury and lifestyle destination. Her responsibilities encompass leading a dynamic team in developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies, fostering key partnerships and collaborations, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. With a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Public Relations, Alieva's journey began in 2009 as a sales executive at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa, followed by her role as senior sales manager at Meydan Hotel & Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Alieva has excelled in diverse roles, including business development manager at The First Group, and she was part of the preopening executive for Meraas, where she served as Sales Manager, consistently delivering exceptional results within her position. Prior to her role at ME by Meliá Dubai, Alieva held the position of global director of sales at Rixos Hotels, Accor ALL Inclusive Brand. In this role, she oversaw multiple properties and played a pivotal role in the successful preopening and launch of new projects across the UAE, Türkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Vietnam. Here, she demonstrated remarkable expertise in launching new projects, managing financial structures, and building vital partnerships to ensure each venture's operational success and financial viability. Her tenure at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island & Club Prive and Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites as director of sales saw operation growth with Alieva's proven track record in revenue generation and team leadership, highlighted by achieving record-breaking revenues and exceeding annual budgets. Her creative approach has positioned the properties at the forefront of competitive markets, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai's tourism boards and government organisations. Alieva aims to build on ME by Meliá Dubai's renowned symbol of style and sophistication, leveraging its architectural excellence and cultural distinction to attract discerning travellers across the globe. Her goal is to deliver sustainable growth through tailored initiatives that highlight the hotel's unique brand positioning while nurturing a collaborative and results-driven team culture.