Insider Stories

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is delighted to announce the elevation of Abhishek Singh to the role of Director of Rooms. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Abhishek’s journey with Marriott International, where he has consistently exemplified exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Bringing over 12 years of extensive hospitality experience, Abhishek Singh has been a valued member of the Marriott family since 2019. His comprehensive understanding of hotel operations have consistently driven the implementation of efficient and effective processes, significantly contributing to the success of the organization. In his previous role as Front Office & Loyalty Manager, Abhishek was instrumental in elevating guest satisfaction scores through the Medallia Guest Voice platform. He ensured that all Front Office operations aligned seamlessly with Marriott's strategic plans and stringent standards, while successfully collaborating with the revenue management team to achieve optimal occupancy.  Prior to JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Abhishek demonstrated a consistent record of success at some of the industry’s most prestigious establishments, including The Oberoi New Delhi, Novotel & Ibis Techpark Bangalore, and The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai. As the new Director of Rooms, he will lead a diverse team of Front Office, Spa, and Gymnasium associates, while strategically recruiting and developing talent within the divisions. His deep-rooted understanding of the brand’s ethos and strategic vision will undoubtedly contribute to enhanced revenue, elevated guest experiences, and improved occupancy rates at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu looks forward to supporting Abhishek in his new role as he takes on this advancement in his career, along with expanded responsibilities.

Embracing the Six Senses philosophy of placing sustainability at the core of its operations, Six Senses Fort Barwara is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Rohit Saini as the new Sustainability Director. With a deep-seated passion for driving impactful environmental change, Rohit is set to enhance the resort's commitment to transformative practices. Rohit’s journey in sustainability commenced with a degree in Urban and Environmental Planning, which further paved the way for a career in consulting focused on pivotal projects related to Circular Economy, sustainability, plastic and marine pollution, and waste management across India. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as the World Bank, the European Union, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, UK. His work supported marginalized communities and addressed the challenges of over-tourism and waste management in various regions. A transformative experience in the Himalayas ignited Rohit’s commitment to sustainable hospitality. Witnessing the environmental toll of unchecked hotel waste disposal and the need for greater tourist awareness in eco-sensitive regions, Rohit shifted his focus to improving sustainability within the hospitality sector. At Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rohit will spearhead initiatives to enhance sustainability in energy, water, and waste management. His role involves implementing effective data capture and monitoring systems to ensure the minimization of the negative impact on the environment. In addition, Rohit will lead community outreach efforts at Six Senses Fort Barwara, including providing clean water access to local communities, thereby fostering a broader sense of responsibility beyond the resort’s boundaries. "I am delighted to have Rohit as our new Sustainability Director at Six Senses Fort Barwara. Rohit's extensive experience and passion for working in the sustainability space align perfectly with our Six Senses philosophy. His approach will undoubtedly support our vision of adapting transformative practices, ensuring that our operations continue to emanate ecological responsibility and community engagement,” said Mr Aaron McGrath, Regional General Manager of Six Senses Fort Barwara. "Rohit Saini’s noteworthy background in driving impactful environmental change and his dedication to improving practices within the hospitality sector are invaluable assets. We look forward to witnessing Rohit’s leadership in advancing our initiatives in environment management, as well as his efforts in extending our commitment to the local community,” said Mr Rajat Gera, Commercial Director of Six Senses Fort Barwara.

Marriott Hotels in Surat is pleased to announce the appointment of Rucha Ogale as the new Cluster Assistant Director of Marketing. Rucha, a seasoned professional with 11 years of experience in marketing communications across the hospitality, FMCG, and real estate sectors, will now spearhead the marketing portfolio for both the Marriott hotels in Surat.  In her new role, Rucha will be responsible for all marketing activities, including digital marketing, for the two prestigious properties. Her extensive experience and previous successful tenure as Cluster Manager of Marketing Communications for both hotels make her the ideal candidate to lead the marketing team towards achieving greater milestones.  Amit Mehta, Vice President Operations, added, "Having Rucha re-join us is a significant advantage. Her deep understanding of our brand and her proven track record make her a key asset in driving our marketing strategies forward. We are excited about the fresh perspectives she will bring."  Outside of her professional life, Rucha enjoys singing and immersing herself in fiction novels. Her creative pursuits reflect her dynamic personality, which she also brings to her professional endeavors.  Marriott Hotels in Surat looks forward to a period of dynamic growth and innovative marketing under Rucha's leadership.

The Machan Resorts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Girish as Head of Development. Girish holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Edexcel, United Kingdom, and brings over 15 years of specialized experience in Asset Management,  Business Development, Guest relations, Marketing and Operations to this role. Prior to joining The Machan, Girish served as Associate Director of Business Development at Sayaji Hotels. His career also includes a significant tenure as Business Development Manager at Lords Hotels and Resorts, alongside key roles at renowned organizations such as the Kamat Group of Hotels and Clermont Hotel Group, London. In his new position, he will be responsible for expanding The Machan’s global footprint. Based in Mumbai, he will oversee strategic growth initiatives, establish critical partnerships, and lead new development projects. Rakshit Sharma, COO of The Machan, commented on the appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Girish to our senior leadership team. His diverse skill set and extensive experience make him a valuable addition to The Machan. We are confident that under his leadership, we will explore and capitalize on new opportunities for collaboration and growth." Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Girish stated, "I am honored to take on the role of Head of Development and look forward to the challenges ahead. I am excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of The Machan."

In a move that underscores its commitment to redefining luxury and elevating guest experiences, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ankita Bhawsinka as the Director of Marketing Communications and Forum Shah as the Marketing Communications Manager. Their arrival heralds a transformative chapter for the hotel, marked by an infusion of creativity, strategic vision, and an unwavering dedication to brand excellence. Ankita Bhawsinka steps into her role with a distinguished career that reflects her expertise in hospitality and media. With an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Symbiosis International University, Ankita's journey with Marriott has been marked by crafting exceptional campaigns for multiple affluent brands. Her tenure as the Cluster Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Marriott International in Pune, overseeing four prestigious properties including The Ritz-Carlton Pune and JW Marriott Pune, is a testament to her strategic acumen and ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. During her tenure in Pune, Ankita was instrumental in strengthening the brand presence of each property, leading dynamic marketing teams, and conceptualizing campaigns that celebrated the uniqueness of the property, their F&B venues and signature spas. Her strategic insight and ability to operationalize cluster priorities in close partnership with corporate and ownership teams have been pivotal in delivering remarkable results. Ankita’s stewardship of the marketing and digital P&L for all four brands further underscores her prowess in steering complex projects to success. Forum Shah, the newly appointed Marketing Communications Manager, brings with her an inspiring blend of on-property experience and agency expertise. Her journey with Marriott is a story of passion and commitment, having cultivated a deep-rooted understanding of the brand’s ethos from the inside out. Forum’s return to Marriott after successfully managing key hospitality accounts on the agency side has endowed her with a unique dual perspective, allowing her to seamlessly bridge the gap between creative vision and strategic execution. Forum’s career is marked by her nifty handling of new restaurant launches and the execution of high-impact marketing strategies. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of brand storytelling and her talent for crafting campaigns that capture the essence of luxury hospitality make her an invaluable asset to the team. With her innovative approach and keen eye for detail, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is poised to further strengthen its brand presence and continue setting benchmarks in the industry. As JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu embarks on this exciting new journey, the combined expertise of Ankita Bhawsinka and Forum Shah promise to elevate the hotel’s marketing communications to unprecedented heights. Their arrival marks the start of a new chapter, where their vision will mold the brand presence of this iconic hotel.

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji is delighted to announce the appointment of Roselyn Marian as Director of Sales. This strategic appointment underscores DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji’s commitment to strengthening its business development leadership. Roselyn brings with her a wealth of knowledge of over 13 years of experience working across several sectors. Based in Mumbai, she will lead the hotel’s business development operations aligning with the properties overarching business and sales strategy, particularly focusing on the MICE segment. Her extensive background equips her to lead the team with a focus on creating a target-driven environment. Expressing her delight on the appointment she said, “I am thrilled to be joining the DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji Team. I am eagerly looking forward to applying my expertise and leadership skills to drive strategic sales initiatives.” Roselyn’s professional trajectory includes working with seasoned brands, The Oberoi Mumbai, Taj President, Leela Mumbai, Marriott - NSO, and Hyatt Regency New Delhi. She was part of the pilot batch of cluster sales setup for Marriott in India. “We’re thrilled to welcome Roselyn to our team. With her impressive track records, we're excited to see the new heights we'll achieve under her sales leadership and strategic vision. I’m confident she will steer our hotel towards greater productivity and growth, driving our success forward” said Harshad Nalawade, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji. Outside of work, Roselyn enjoys travelling, gardening, and caregiving for senior citizens.

In his new capacity, Beh will report directly to Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, and Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer, for Minor Hotels, and is based at the company headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Before joining Minor Hotels, Beh served as Global Vice President, Hotel Chains at Trip.com, a multinational travel service conglomerate. At Minor Hotels, Beh will spearhead the overall regional strategy, adopting a holistic approach to sales, marketing, e-commerce, revenue and distribution across all Minor Hotels brands in Asia, including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH and NH Collection. His responsibilities extend to providing strategic guidance to hotel sales and marketing leaders, as well as collaborating with the Global Sales Organization to maximise business performance across Minor-operated properties. Beh’s career trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2006 when he joined Marriott International as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Melaka Hotel. After quickly rising through the ranks, he became Area Director of Sales & Marketing (China) for The Ritz-Carlton in 2014. In his next role, as Vice President of Sales and Distribution for the Shangri-La Group, he drew on his luxury background to elevate revenue generation strategies and enhance customer experiences across the group’s portfolio of upscale properties. A Malaysian national, Richard Beh is fluent in five languages and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Sunway University, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from HELP University, both in Malaysia.

Her hands-on knowledge of hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue, and customer delight are set to drive the hotel towards greater success

Azerai one of Vietnam’s increasingly known boutique luxury resort brands in Vietnam continues its growth and commitment to this exciting destination by adding a passionate and dynamic new Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Jimmy Tran has close to 20 years of high-end hospitality experience in some of the top international and local hotels across Vietnam, as well as luxury exposure in the dynamic hotel market of Dubai. Jimmy’s debonair style and passion for curating luxurious experiential stays in spectacular destinations promises to elevate the intuitive service quality for which the hotel group’s three breathtaking resorts are already known. In this new role, he will oversee the private island retreat of Azerai Can Tho, the beauty of the garden and beaches of Azerai Ke Ga Bay and the riverfront historic grandeur of  a truly classic hotel Azerai La Residence, Hue. Jimmy’s vision is to shine a light on the true essence of Azerai for the world to appreciate. “The trio of Azerai resorts exude authentic hospitality journeys and accessible luxury that appeal on a global level. My quest as Group Director of Sales & Marketing is to share the Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and heritage with guests. Azerai Can Tho, Azerai Ke Ga Bay, and Azerai La Residence, Hue inspire relaxation in stunning locations and destination-led experiential travel.” This ethos has developed through a career of delivering to the  highest level of expectation from luxury hospitality guests,  fine-tuning every detail of a stay and creating a feeling of effortless, personal, and refined quality. Extending the Azerai narrative to reach discerning travellers across the globe is part of the mission of this executive-level hire, which will effectively communicate each of the three resorts’ most impressive assets. At Azerai Can Tho, guests discover the richness of the Mekong Delta with an island sanctuary by the Hau River with 60 rooms and five pool villas boasting one to five bedrooms. Only accessible by boat, a lotus pond, age-old banyan trees, and expansive tropical gardens set the tone of tranquil exclusivity. while a spa and yoga pavilion induce well-being as do activities that connect to nature such as green bathing. Traditional Vietnamese design elements are translated into contemporary comfort. Experiences include private cruises and floating markets, plus a cacao farm visit with chocolate-making to follow, private al fresco dining, and cooking with local herbs and ingredients. Elegant Azerai Ke Ga Bay welcomes guests to stay in tranquil suites and villas, some of which boast private pools, surrounded by greenery. By a long stretch of sparkling white sands, just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Ho Chi Minh, nearby Hon Ba Island is in view and the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam, with fishermen casting out and salt and dragon-fruit  farms close by. Four swimming pools are beautifully positioned, including one in the gardens and another right by the beach with sunset views and al fresco dining. Experiences include trips to a nearby world-class golf course, the resort’s spa rituals, five-sense cooking classes, and dragon fruit culinary creativity. The historic Azerai La Residence, Hue seduced with original Art Deco designs and a colonial mansion that hosts guests in stunning rooms and suites with Indochinese interior flourishes. Set by the spectacular Perfume River, a spa, fitness, and a salt-water pool rejuvenate. Experiences lead back in time with visits to Hue, home to Nguyen Dynasty emperors and incredible architecture, plus trips to Ngoc Son Garden House to discover its well-preserved royal heritage, along with Thien Mu Pagoda a symbol of Hue’s cultural legacy. Azerai, established by veteran international hotelier, Adrian Zecha has created destination stays in Vietnam for travellers seeking luxurious experiences with meaning outside of the well-travelled hotspots. His latest top-level hire will undoubtedly add to the texture and unique quality of Azerai’s Vietnam.

Le Meridien Hyderabad is pleased to announce the appointment of Mervin Mathew as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Mervin brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the hospitality industry, making him a valuable addition to the team. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading a dynamic team to achieve the hotel’s sales, marketing, and revenue goals. With a distinguished career spanning 14 years, Mervin has held various significant roles within the hospitality sector. His most recent position was as Director of Sales and Marketing at Le Meridien Kochi. Over the past five years, Mervin has been a part of Marriott International, contributing his expertise to various brands within the group. His career also includes key roles at IHG, The Park, and Dream Hotel. “Mervin's extensive experience and deep industry knowledge will be pivotal in enhancing our sales and marketing strategies, driving growth, and elevating our brand’s presence. We are confident that his leadership and expertise will be instrumental in achieving new heights for Le Meridien Hyderabad,” said Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager of the hotel. Mervin Mathew’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Le Meridien Hyderabad as the hotel continues to strengthen its market position and deliver exceptional experiences to its guests.  

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu announces the promotion of Deep Vahi to Director of Operations. With an illustrious career experience spanning 18 years, Deep has advanced progressively through responsible positions at Marriott International in the past decade. Deep's professional journey has now come full circle, beginning in F&B operations, advancing through Sales, and eventually transitioning into Sales & Marketing before stepping into his role as Director of Operations. Deep's tenure in Marriott International has been marked by significant achievements. Under his guidance, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu has not only enhanced its market presence by winning the highest RevPar award for APEC by Marriott International but has also been acknowledged as one of the Best Hotels in India by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2022. As Director of Sales & Marketing, Deep excelled in redefining the hotel's market position. His contributions earned him prestigious awards, including Sales & Marketing Leader of the Year, APEC - Luxury by Marriott International and Salesperson of the Year - Luxury to Upper Upscale 2022 by Hotelier India. In his new role, Deep will apply his expertise to drive operational excellence, enhance guest experiences, and uphold the high standards synonymous with JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Deep's promotion reflects JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu's commitment to talent development and excellence in hospitality.

In the vibrant heart of Tokyo, where tradition meets modernity, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi announces a new chapter in its storied legacy with the appointment of Uday Rao as Regional Vice President and General Manager. Rao, a seasoned leader whose journey with Four Seasons began more than three decades ago, now returns to a country that has always held a special place in his heart. Uday’s role is multifaceted and expansive. From his base at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, he will oversee operations across Japan, including the iconic properties in Marunouchi and Kyoto, as well as the new Four Seasons in Osaka. “My job is to give support, guidance, build and develop owner relations, and ensure the Strategic Plan for the company is achieved by the team on the ground,” Uday explains, encapsulating his mission with clarity and determination. Uday’s love affair with Japan began in 1990. “I feel I am returning to a country that I love, respect, and admire for what it stands for,” he shares. This profound connection to Japanese culture and his deep understanding of omotenashi — the wholehearted approach to hospitality — will guide his efforts to blend traditional Japanese hospitality with the luxury service philosophy of Four Seasons. “The essence of true hospitality in both cultures is the same. It’s about the okyakusama – or customer,” Uday emphasizes, highlighting a universal truth in his approach. Uday’s career with Four Seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. His tenure has taken him across the globe, from the vibrant streets of Mumbai and the serene beaches of Bali to the bustling metropolises of Chicago, Singapore, and Sydney. Each destination has added a unique chapter to his journey, immersing him in diverse cultures and refining his leadership style. Most recently, Uday served as the General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, where he was instrumental in elevating the guest experience and operational excellence. “I have been influenced, taught, and grown as a person by living and working in various countries, or what I call the University of Life,” he reflects. This global perspective has not only honed his professional skills but also enriched his personal philosophy, making him a versatile and empathetic leader. Uday is equally committed to fostering a positive employee experience, seeing it as integral to delivering exceptional guest service. “As important as it is for a memorable guest experience, it is equally important for us to have a great employee experience,” he stated. This ethos of investing in his team’s growth and development, treating them as family, and leading with empathy, promises to elevate the Four Seasons experience in Japan to new heights. Reflecting on his dedication to the hospitality industry, Uday shares, “If it wasn’t for the love and passion for this business, the joy it brings to my soul when I travel, see and experience the world, work and meet extraordinary individuals, I wouldn’t be doing what I do. I do it because I love it.” With such a visionary leader at the helm, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is poised for a future of continued innovation and excellence.