Park Hyatt Doha appointed Ms. Esra Parin as new General Manager

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Goa’s largest hospitality operator and leader in the tourism sector has appointed Mr Vivek Batra as General Manager - Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon and Mr Anmol Pancholy as Hotel Manager - Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage. With extensive experience across the Luxury Collection of ITC Hotels, Vivek initially joined the organization as Director of Food & Beverage at Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru, where he played a key role in curating exceptional dining experiences for our discerning guests. He then moved on to lead the food and beverage operations at the flagship hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, in the role of Director of Food & Beverage. Demonstrating his leadership capabilities as Hotel Manager Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage he is recognized for his dedication, operational acumen, and strong leadership he has successfully taken on broader responsibilities, further enhancing his understanding of the hospitality landscape in Goa. His ability to drive excellence, elevate guest experiences, and lead high-performing teams has made him an invaluable asset to the organization. Anmol began his journey with IHCL as a Management Trainee. Following the completion of the program, he joined the Sales team at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Throughout his tenure at IHCL, Anmol led the Sales teams at Gateway Nashik and Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, before transitioning to the Accor group as Director of Sales at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre. Anmol then took on the role of Director of Sales and Marketing at The Leela Bhartiya City Hotel Convention and Residences. In his most recent position as Director of Operations at The Leela Hyderabad, Anmol developed his expertise in operations and general management. With experience across multiple properties, Anmol brings a unique blend of strategic vision and collaborative leadership. His ability to inspire teams, drive guest satisfaction, and uphold the highest standards of service has been pivotal in his success. Now, as the Hotel Manager at Taj Cidade De Goa Heritage, Goa, Anmol is poised to bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to excellence, further strengthening the hotel's legacy. In this new role, Anmol would be reporting to General Manager – Taj Cidade de Goa. Reflecting on the new appointments at IHCL Goa, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa stated, “At IHCL, we are deeply committed to our deliberate effort to identify and promote emerging young talent to leadership roles bringing diverse perspectives and energy into the organisation. This people-centric approach reflects IHCL's dedication to promoting talent from within, ensuring that employees are provided with opportunities for growth and advancement thus emphasizing the value of human capital.”

Banyan Tree Krabi has announced the appointment of seasoned culinary professional Ammaraporn Duangphophim (Emma) as the hotel’s new Executive Sous Chef. Originally from Bangkok where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Chef Emma has worked in some of Thailand’s top kitchens and hotels, and brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to this luxury beachfront resort, which was listed in the most recent MICHELIN Guide to Thailand with the distinction of “Two Keys”. Prior to joining Banyan Tree Krabi, Emma was Chef de Cuisine at Avani+ Mai Khao on Phuket as well as at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia after several years at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok. As the new Executive Sous Chef, she will oversee operations at Banyan Tree Krabi’s three dining outlets: The Naga Kitchen, an all-day venue serving international cuisine; Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant; and the beachfront Kredkaew Bar. She joins a culinary team with a solid reputation for upholding Banyan Tree’s commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from local farmers, fishermen and distributors. “At Banyan Tree Krabi, I am expecting a luxury hospitality experience focused on exceptional food & service, wellness, and environmental sustainability,” she said, noting that she was looking forward to improving her skills and infusing traditional southern Thai recipes into her latest culinary creations. Among the gastronomic attractions at Banyan Tree Krabi is the Bird’s Nest, a trio of dining pods perched among the trees, and attached by a short walkway to Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a steep ride in an electric funicular. The panoramic Bird’s Nest tables are one of the most outstanding and photogenic features at the award-winning resort, commanding a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea.

The Athenaeum Hotel and Residencies (www.athenaeumhotel.com) has appointed Sergi Kuzmin as its new Head Pastry Chef. Kuzmin brings with him a wealth of expertise, having been in the industry for over 15 years, most recently as Head Pastry Chef at The Excel London before returning to The Athenaeum in February 2025.  Kuzmin started his culinary career at famed-five-star hotel, The Savoy, in 2010, climbing the ladder from 2nd Commis Pastry Chef to Demi Chef de Partie. Going on to work in a host of luxury London establishments including Shangri-La The Shard, Rosewood London and Kimpton Fitzroy, before initially joining The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences as Head Pastry Chef in 2021, leaving to become Head Pastry Chef at The Excel London in 2022. On his recent appointment, Kuzmin said "I am thrilled to be returning to The Athenaeum in the role of Head Pastry Chef. There are lots of exciting activations in the pipeline, such as a new afternoon tea, that I can’t wait to get stuck into.”  Kuzmin will work alongside Executive Chef, Kevin Fawkes, to innovate and elevate the hotel’s F&B offering. Crafting exquisite pastries that elevate the guest experience and turn special moments into treasured memories. Along with his day-to-day career, Kuzmin has also been involved in industry competitions, achieving both Gold and Best in Class in the 2011 Salon Culinare Londres Junior Static Plated Dessert competition as well as reaching the finals of the Association of Pastry Chefs Dessert of the Year in 2012.  Embodying five-star luxury with an independent spirit, The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences is an award-winning hotel, located in the heart of Mayfair. Its prime location offers easy access to the West End, the designer boutiques of Bond Street, and the regal Buckingham Palace, making it an ideal temporary 'home' in London. The rooms and suites, adorned with life's indulgences, provide enchanting views of either Green Park or the charming Mayfair streets.