Travel and Hospitality Industry Appointments: September 2025

Sanjay Kumar Singh - Nemetschek India
Sep 25: Sanjay Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Managing Director of Nemetschek India, the Indian subsidiary of the globally renowned Nemetschek Group, a leader in software solutions for the AEC/O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) and media industries.

Urvashi Mehta - Dharana at Shillim
Sep 24: Urvashi Mehta has joined Dharana at Shillim as the new Commercial Director – Wellness, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing.

Ankita Agranayak - Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC) and Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC)
Sep 24: Ankita Agranayak has been appointed as the Learning & Development (L&D) Manager at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC) and Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), both managed by Accor.

Mohit Kabra/Dipak Bohra - MakeMyTrip
Sep 24: MakeMyTrip has reshuffled its leadership team, elevating Mohit Kabra to Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and appointing Dipak Bohra as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately.

Reshma Godbole - Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
Sep 24: Reshma Godbole has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM) at Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, bringing over two decades of hospitality expertise to one of Maharashtra’s premier leisure destinations.

Daryl Lee - Dida Holdings
Sep 24: Daryl Lee has been appointed Group CEO of Dida Holdings, effective October 5, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the global AI-first traveltech company. Founder Rikin Wu will transition to Chairman, continuing to guide Dida’s long-term vision.

Manoj Kumar - WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa
Sep 23: Manoj Kumar has been appointed as the General Manager of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa in Rajasthan, marking a significant leadership move in India’s luxury hospitality sector.

Joanna Flint/Chris Whitehouse/Abhishek Sharma - Soneva
Sep 23: Soneva has made three major senior appointments to bolster its global leadership team: Joanna Flint joins as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing 20+ years of experience from Mandarin Oriental, Google, and Singapore Airlines. She will lead global commercial strategy, digital transformation, and brand elevation. Chris Whitehouse becomes Chief Financial Officer, with a strong background in financial strategy and asset management from The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC. Abhishek Sharma is promoted to Chief Operating Officer after overseeing all three Soneva resorts and delivering exceptional guest experiences across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and Mauritius.

Parmeet Singh Nayar - MBD Group
Sep 23: MBD Group has elevated Mr. Parmeet Singh Nayar to the role of Executive Vice President – Hospitality Operations, recognizing his visionary leadership and impactful contributions. With over 35 years in hospitality, Mr. Nayar has worked with top global brands including Shangri-La, Hilton, Carlson Rezidor, ITC Hotels, The Taj Group, and The Imperial New Delhi

Jimmy Shaw/Nirav Gandhi/Chetan Mehta/Pradeep Shetty/Gurbir Singh Bedi/Paramjit Singh Ghai - Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI)
Sep 23: At its 75th Annual General Meeting, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) re-elected Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director of The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa, as President for another term. Nirav Gandhi remains Senior Vice President, Chetan Mehta continues as Vice President, Pradeep Shetty retains his role as Honorary Secretary, Gurbir Singh Bedi steps in as Joint Honorary Secretary, Paramjit Singh Ghai takes over as Honorary Treasurer

Prarit Aggarwal - Summit Hotels & Resorts
Sep 23: Summit Hotels & Resorts has named Prarit Aggarwal as its new Chief Resorts Officer (CRO) to lead its expansion across Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. Aggarwal brings 27+ years of hospitality experience, including leadership roles at ITC Hotels, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, and Manu Maharani Resorts & Spa.

Assim Sherif - Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli
Sep 23: Assim Sherif has been appointed as the General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli. He brings over 17 years of hospitality experience, having worked with major international hotel brands like Marriott, IHG, Hilton, and Sarovar across India and the Middle East.

Abbas Moiz/Anil Kalsi/Hitank Shah/Rai Achal Krishna - Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI)
Sep 23: The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) is set to finalize its new leadership at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 26, 2025. Abbas Moiz will officially take charge as President. Anil Kalsi continues as Vice President. Hitank Shah and Rai Achal Krishna will serve as National General Secretary and National Treasurer, respectively.

Ankit Verma - Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Sep 22: Ankit Verma has been appointed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing at Jaipur Marriott Hotel, bringing over 20 years of hospitality experience to the role.

Anuraag Kadam - W Goa
Sep 22: W Goa has appointed Anuraag Kadam as its new Director of Human Resources, bringing over 12 years of experience in hospitality leadership to the role.

Mohit Singh - Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida
Sep 22: Mohit Singh has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, marking a significant step in his hospitality career with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Chef Sandeep Kumar Rai - Executive Chef at Raffles Udaipur
Sep 20: Chef Sandeep Kumar Rai has been appointed as the Executive Chef at Raffles Udaipur. He brings over 19 years of international culinary experience across luxury hospitality brands in India, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean region.

Sheetal Sangalia - Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC
Sep 20: Sheetal Sangalia has been appointed as the new Director of Sales at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), managed by Accor.

Gautam Chhabra - Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur
Sep 19: Gautam Chhabra has been appointed as the Hotel Manager of Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road, bringing with him over 14 years of experience within Marriott International.

Sweta Sharma - Fairmont Jaipur and Raffles Jaipur
Sep 19: Sweta Sharma has been appointed as the new Cluster Director of Revenue Management for both Fairmont Jaipur and Raffles Jaipur. Sweta brings a wealth of experience in revenue management and strategic financial planning within the luxury hospitality segment. Her background is expected to drive significant growth and optimize revenue streams for both iconic properties.

Amrit Abhijat (IAS) - Principal Secretary for Tourism, UP
Sep 19: Amrit Abhijat (IAS) has officially taken charge as the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Culture & Charitable Works. This significant appointment marks a new chapter for these crucial departments within the state. Amrit Abhijat, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, brings a wealth of experience and administrative acumen to this vital role.

Shane Steffens - EF Ultimate Break U.S.A.
Sep 19: Shane Steffens has been appointed as the new President of EF Ultimate Break U.S.A. Shane Steffens brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the youth travel market. His background is expected to drive innovation and growth for EF Ultimate Break.

Paul Kingsly - Hilton Chennai
Sep 19: Paul Kingsly has recently been appointed as the new Director of Human Resources at Hilton Chennai. Paul brings 13 years of expertise from his previous roles at Marriott, where he honed his skills in various HR functions.

Dr. Paresh Pant - Tourism Fiji
Sep 18: Following a rigorous global search, Tourism Fiji has appointed Dr. Paresh Pant as the board's new Chief Executive Officer, effective mid-October. Dr. Pant brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors, with a significant portion of his career spent across Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

Gaurav Chandna - Hyatt Ahmedabad
Sep 18: Gaurav Chandna has been appointed as the new General Manager of Hyatt Ahmedabad. Gaurav brings a wealth of experience in hotel management and operations, with a strong track record of driving excellence in guest services and business growth. His career spans various leadership roles within renowned hospitality brands.

Siebe Gerbranda - Rail Europe
Sep 18: Siebe Gerbranda has been appointed as the new Vice President of Product at Rail Europe. Siebe brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously worked in various capacities that have honed his skills in product development and management.

Rajesh Kumar (IAS) - Director General of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh
Sep 17: Rajesh Kumar, IAS (2004 UP cadre), has officially taken charge as the new Director General of Tourism for Uttar Pradesh as of September 17, 2025. He replaces Mukesh Kumar Meshram, who continues as Principal Secretary, Tourism.

Alisha Bansal - Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi
Sep 17: Alisha Bansal has been appointed as the new General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi. Alisha brings over 17 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, focusing on guest experience, relationship management, and service excellence.

Henna Punjabi - Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Sep 17: Henna Punjabi has been appointed as the new Director of Public Relations and Communications at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. With a rich background in marketing and communications, she brings a proven track record of crafting compelling brand narratives and executing high-impact campaigns.

Amitesh Osta - MRG Group
Sep 17: MRG Group has made a significant move by appointing Amitesh Osta as their new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).This strategic hire reflects MRG Group's commitment to strengthening its human resources function and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.

Axat Sharma - Lords Hotels & Resorts
Sep 16: Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Axat Sharma as their new General Manager for Learning & Development. This strategic hire is aimed at enhancing employee growth and fostering a strong culture of continuous learning within the organization.

Leanne Reddie - Global Asset Solutions
Sep 16: Global Asset Solutions has announced the appointment of Leanne Reddie as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This strategic move is part of the company's broader expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Leanne Reddie brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with her expertise spanning across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, and the Asia Pacific.

Kapil Vig - Crowne Plaza Lucknow
Sep 16: Kapil Vig has been appointed as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Lucknow. The hotel is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts and marks their 50th property in India.

Tapendra Ghosh - Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences
Sep 16: Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has appointed Tapendra Ghosh as its new Food & Beverage Manager. With over 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Tapendra brings a wealth of expertise in F&B operations, guest engagement, and strategic planning.

Siddartha Nath - The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Suites, Pune
Sep 15: Siddartha Nath has been appointed as the Multi-Property Senior Manager for Marketing & Communications at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune and Marriott Suites, Pune.

Sanjay Pandita - Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru
Sep 13: Sanjay Pandita has been appointed as the Hotel Manager for both Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, bringing over two decades of hospitality experience to this dual leadership role.

Nitin Bhapkar - Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur
Sep 12: Nitin Bhapkar has been appointed as the Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur, bringing with him over 17 years of hospitality experience and a reputation for operational excellence.

Miten Khakhar - One Above Global DMC
Sep 12: Miten Khakhar has joined One Above Global DMC as part of their Doha, Qatar team, marking an exciting new chapter in his travel industry journey.

Preeti Mittoo - The Westin Goa
Sep 12: Preeti Mittoo has been appointed as the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Goa, marking her debut with Marriott International and bringing over 18 years of hospitality expertise to the role.

Soumyadeep Bhattacharya - InterContinental Jaipur
Sep 12: Soumyadeep Bhattacharya has been appointed as the Director of Operations at InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, bringing with him over 17 years of hospitality experience across leading hotel brands.

Sandeep Mohan - Hyatt Regency Trivandrum
Sep 12: Sandeep Mohan has recently taken on the role of Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, effective September 8, 2025.

Vishal Sukhwal - Holymont Udaipur
Sep 12: Vishal Sukhwal has been appointed as the Manager of Administration & Human Resources at Holymont Udaipur. This role is crucial as it involves overseeing employee management and ensuring smooth administrative operations within the organization.

Hishan Singhawansa - Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Sep 11: Hishan Singhawansa has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, marking a significant leadership shift in one of Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality brands.

Shaoni Sen - Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar
Sep 11: Shaoni Sen has been appointed as the new Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar.

Adam Obouih - Atout France
Sep 10: That's fantastic news! Adam Obouih has officially taken on the role of Managing Director at Atout France, the French tourism development agency. He began his tenure on September 4, 2025, and brings a wealth of experience to the position.

Karryn Christopher - Signature Travel Network
Sep 10: Karryn Christopher has been appointed as the new president of Signature Travel Network. She has a long-standing history with the company, having joined in 2001.

Manpreet Singh - The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur
Sep 9: Manpreet Singh has recently been appointed as the General Manager of The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli Hills)—a scenic luxury property nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s tranquil hills.

Hari Narayan - The Fern Habitat, Mundhwa, Pune
Sep 9: Hari Narayan is the Operations Manager at The Fern Habitat, Mundhwa, Pune, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience and operational excellence of the property.

Pravind Singh Chauhan - The Royal Melange Beacon, Ajmer
Sep 9: Pravind Singh Chauhan is the Operations Manager at The Royal Melange Beacon, Ajmer, a property under The Fern Hotels & Resorts. He brings over a decade of experience in hospitality, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Sakshi Upadhyay - The Leela Gandhinagar
Sep 9: Sakshi Upadhyay has recently stepped into the role of Marketing & Communications Manager at The Leela Gandhinagar, bringing a dynamic blend of creativity and strategic insight to the luxury hospitality brand.

Prachi Tandon - The Serai & Barefoot Resorts
Sep 8: Prachi Tandon has recently been appointed as the General Manager – Marketing & Communications at The Serai & Barefoot Resorts. With over 16 years of experience in luxury, hospitality, and entertainment marketing, she’s known for her strategic leadership and creative storytelling that elevate brand experiences.

Abhijit Abhyankar - Cathay Pacific
Sep 9: Cathay Pacific has appointed Abhijit Abhyankar as the Regional Head of Customer Travel and Lifestyle for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In this new role, he will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of customer travel experiences.

Abhishek Mukherjee - Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata
Sep 9: Abhishek Mukherjee has recently been elevated to Director of Sales & Marketing at Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in his hospitality journey.

Jaideep Dang - IHG Hotels & Resorts
Sep 8: Jaideep Dang has recently been appointed as Head of Development, South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts—a major move in the hospitality industry.

Nilesh Kumar - Grand Mercure Bangalore
Sep 6: Nilesh Kumar has recently been appointed as the Food & Beverage Manager at Grand Mercure Bangalore, marking a significant step in his hospitality career.

Savio Fernandes - The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet – Marriott Executive Apartments
Sep 6: Savio Fernandes has recently taken on the role of Hotel Manager at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet – Marriott Executive Apartments, bringing over 22 years of hospitality leadership to the property.

Gloria Guevara - World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Sep 6: Gloria Guevara has been appointed as the Interim CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), stepping in to lead the organization during the upcoming Global Summit in Rome. This change comes after the previous CEO, Julia Simpson, had to withdraw from the event due to medical reasons.

Krishnendu Banerjee - Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur
Sep 5: Chef Krishnendu Banerjee has recently been appointed as the Executive Chef at Fairfield by Marriott Sriperumbudur, bringing over 15 years of culinary experience to the role.

Sana Naseem - Planet Hollywood Thane
Sep 5: Sana Naseem has been appointed as the General Manager of Planet Hollywood Thane, marking a significant step for the luxury hotel as it aims to enhance its hospitality offerings. Here are some key highlights about her appointment.

Abdulla Al Olama / Matthew Scott - Emirates Airline
Sep 5: Emirates Airline has recently made significant strides in enhancing its commercial leadership team with two new senior appointments. This move is part of their strategy to ramp up operations and prepare for the next phase of growth.

Abdulla Al Olama has been promoted to Vice President of Regional Clusters. Matthew Scott has been appointed as Senior Vice President of the Network Passenger Sales Development team.

Kiran Andicot - Marriott International
Sep 5: Marriott International has made a significant leadership appointment in its South Asia operations. Kiran Andicot has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, South Asia at Marriott International. In this expanded role, Andicot will be responsible for overseeing Operations and Development across the entire South Asia region.

Frosti Lau - Cathay Pacific
Sep 3: Cathay Pacific has announced significant leadership changes aimed at strengthening its presence and operations in the Southeast Asia and Oceania regions. The airline has integrated the Southeast Asia and Oceania regions into a new, unified structure. This strategic move is designed to foster closer collaboration and enhance operational efficiency across these markets.

As part of this restructuring, Frosti Lau has been appointed as the new Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia & Oceania. Frosti brings a wealth of experience, boasting 25 years in the industry, with a strong background in commercial and cargo operations.

Xander Labuschange - Jumeirah Thanda Safari
Sep 3: Jumeirah Group is thrilled to announce the appointment of Xander Labuschange as the new General Manager of Hospitality for Jumeirah Thanda Safari. This appointment is a significant one, as Labuschange brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to this extraordinary wilderness destination.

Abhishek Puri - Thrillophilia
Sep 3: Thrillophilia, the popular online platform for discovering and booking travel experiences, has appointed Abhishek Puri as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO). This is a significant addition to Thrillophilia's leadership team, as Puri brings a wealth of experience in business development and strategy.

Hishan Singhawansa - Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Sep 3: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic appointment signals a strong focus on India as a key growth market for the Sri Lankan hospitality brand. With a vision to strengthen the brand's role as a major contributor to Sri Lanka's tourism sector, Singhawansa aims to position the country as a prominent global destination.

Thomas Reynaert - IATA
Sep 2: Thomas Reynaert has officially taken charge of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s global advocacy efforts as of September 1, 2025. This is a significant appointment for the organization, and he will be responsible for coordinating IATA's global advocacy initiatives, working closely with governments and international organizations to promote the interests of the airline industry.

Nasrulla Adam - Visit Maldives
Sep 2: Visit Maldives has appointed Nasrulla Adam as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This strategic appointment is aimed at strengthening the country's tourism marketing efforts and enhancing its global presence. Adam's role will involve leading commercial strategy, fostering key partnerships, and driving market expansion initiatives.

Nishanth Vishwanath - The St. Regis Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Sep 1: Nishanth Vishwanath has been appointed as the Multi-Property General Manager at The St. Regis Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriott Agra. This appointment brings a wealth of experience, as he has over two decades in the hospitality industry.

Naarayan T V - Akasa Air
Sep 1: Akasa Air has officially appointed Naarayan T V as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective August 29, 2025. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the airline's marketing efforts as it continues to grow in the competitive aviation market.

Upender Singh Tomar - Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur
Sep 1: Upender Singh Tomar has been appointed as the General Manager at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur.

This is a notable appointment for the flagship property of ITC's newest luxury brand. Upender Singh Tomar is a seasoned hotelier with over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector. His expertise is expected to be instrumental in leading the team and ensuring exceptional guest experiences at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur.

Harsh Champawat - Fairmont Udaipur Palace
Sep 1: Harsh Champawat has been appointed as the Hotel Manager of Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a stunning luxury resort nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Udaipur. This appointment is significant as it brings a wealth of experience to the property.

Manish Dayya - The Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Sep 1: The Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity has appointed Manish Dayya as its new General Manager. This is a significant addition to the hotel's leadership team, as Dayya brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. His responsibilities will include overseeing the operations of both properties, ensuring high standards of service, and driving guest satisfaction.