Category Archives: Movements

Rikant Pittie co-founded EaseMyTrip in 2008 and has been instrumental in its growth and success over the years With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s leading online travel tech platforms, has announced the appointment of Rikant Pittie as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder. In his new role, Rikant will lead the company’s strategic initiatives, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences to further strengthen EaseMyTrip’s position in the industry. Rikant Pittie co-founded EaseMyTrip in 2008 and has been instrumental in its growth and success over the years. With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. Under his leadership, EaseMyTrip has achieved significant growth, reflecting its commitment to a customer-first approach. “The travel industry is at a transformative juncture where technology and personalisation are redefining how people explore the world.” Speaking on his appointment, Rikant Pittie, CEO, Co-founder, EaseMyTrip said, “The travel industry is at a transformative juncture where technology and personalisation are redefining how people explore the world. At EaseMyTrip, our mission goes beyond simply offering an enhanced travel experience. It is about setting new benchmarks. We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that empower travellers globally. I am both honoured and thrilled to take on this role and look forward to continuing the company’s journey.” Rikant has also been recognised for his exceptional contributions to the business landscape, having won the prestigious Fortune India 40 Under 40 and Entrepreneur India’s Entrepreneurship of the Year in Service Business – Travel Category. Notably, Rikant Pittie …

Crowne Plaza Kochi announced the appointment of Jerin Jose as Executive Housekeeper. With over 16 years of experience in housekeeping management, Jerin has worked with prestigious brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and The Rain Tree Hotels. His expertise spans quality assurance, inventory control, budgeting, and expense management, alongside strong skills in time management, communication, and team development. Jerin is recognised for achieving a perfect cleanliness score in his career. Dinesh Rai, General Manager, expressed excitement about his appointment, confident that Jerin’s leadership will elevate service standards. We welcome Jerin to the IHG family!    

International hospitality brand, Atmosphere Core has made two pivotal leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a people-first culture. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch as General Manager of RAAYA Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returned to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere. Born in Australia, Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, cost-effectively develop new projects, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency. Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.     Milan Mookerjee as Vice President of Human Resources Milan Mookerjee has been appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core. Veteran Human Resources leader, Mookerjee will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across the Atmosphere Core’s resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, he is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture. Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality, where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programmes tailored to business needs.

In a significant development for India’s entertainment and event management industry, Rajeev Jain, Founder, Director, Rashi Entertainment, has been appointed as Chair of the Entertainment Committee at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the 2024-25 term. This prestigious role underscores Jain’s reputation as an industry leader and his dedication to advancing the entertainment and events sectors in India. As Chair, Jain will serve as a vital link between industry stakeholders and government representatives, focusing on bridging gaps, addressing challenges, and pursuing new opportunities. His leadership is anticipated to drive forward initiatives aimed at strengthening industry resilience and promoting growth in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. “I am truly excited to work alongside visionary leaders and professionals to encourage innovation, build meaningful partnerships, and promote growth in the industry,” Jain said. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jain added, “My experience will be instrumental in helping us collectively achieve our shared goals for the sector. I am looking forward to leveraging this platform to drive positive change and unlock the full potential of the entertainment and events industry.” With Jain’s appointment, the industry anticipates a phase of dynamic growth, driven by strategic advocacy, innovation, and meaningful collaborations under his leadership.  

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre – Managed by Accor, announced key appointments to its leadership team. Manik Vishnoi has been appointed as the new Director of Operations, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, having worked with brands like Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Throughout his career, he has managed diverse teams across various cities. His journey includes positions at Hyatt Regency New Delhi, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity & Marriott Jaipur Convention Centre. Manik’s experience spans key locations such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata, allowing him to cultivate a deep understanding of regional tastes and service styles. Most recently, he served as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, West Bengal. His expertise includes managing topline budgeting, revenue strategy, F&B promotions, along with cost control, pricing, guest satisfaction, and team development, making him a valuable asset to the company. Neha Choudhary joins as the Marketing & Communications Manager, bringing over 14 years of experience, including 10 years in journalism with leading publications like The Times of India Jaipur, Daily News and Analysis, and Rajasthan Patrika. After transitioning into corporate communications at AU Small Finance Bank, Neha moved into the hospitality sector, taking on marketing and communications at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer. Her shift into hospitality has brought a fresh perspective, blending her expertise in content writing, public relations, marketing, and brand-building. Neha’s strategic leadership will be pivotal in driving the marketing efforts of this massive hotel complex and enhancing the brand image. Abhishek Sharma has been appointed as the …

TripJack, India’s leading B2B travel-tech platform announced the appointment of Varun Mahajan as the new Head of Business for its Flights portfolio, effective May 2024. In his new role, Varun will work closely with founders Hussain Patel and Hasan Patel to drive TripJack’s vision forward and accelerate the company’s growth trajectory. Varun will lead TripJack’s largest division with a focus on building new lines of business, driving process transformation, and enhancing capability development. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of TripJack’s flights portfolio as the company strengthens its position in the travel industry. Varun brings with him over 15 years of rich experience across diverse sectors. Most recently, he served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey India’s growth practice, where he spearheaded numerous sales and marketing transformations across industries for five years. His expertise lies in scaling businesses and implementing high-impact strategies to achieve significant growth. Prior to his tenure at McKinsey, Varun spent nearly a decade at Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) in various brand management, marketing, and sales roles. His deep-rooted experience in the consumer goods sector provides him with unique insights into building customer-focused strategies. Varun holds an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi. With a strong understanding of the Indian commercial landscape and a proven track record in B2B and B2B2C environments, Varun is well-positioned to strengthen TripJack’s ‘customer-first’ philosophy. His leadership will be pivotal as the company continues to enhance its offerings and expand its flights business in the face of a growing competitive market.  

Sushil Kumar Singh, an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) officer of the 1993 batch, has taken on the additional role of Chairperson of the Mumbai Port Authority. He assumed the position on 1 October, 2024, succeeding Rajov Jalota, who retired on 30 September. Singh is also the Chairperson of the Deendayal Port Authority.

Godwin Group of Hotels appointed Sushil Joshi as their Corporate HR & Training Head. With over 35 years of experience and an award-winning career in top hotel chains such as Carlson Sarovar, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, and Starwood Group, he has held prominent roles and led innovative strategies in business development, revenue generation, and HR practices. His academic credentials include an MBA in Human Resource Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations, solidifying his knowledge and leadership capabilities. Noteworthy among his many accolades is being recognised as the HR Professional of the Year (2019) and receiving the prestigious Golden Globe Tiger Award for his exceptional contributions to the hotel industry. Joshi has been entrusted with overseeing properties in Goa, Haridwar, Meerut, and Gobindgarh Jaisalmer, ensuring continued excellence in Godwin Group of Hotels’ HR practices and growth.

Hyatt Regency Amritsar announced the appointment of Swapnil Dora as the new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Chef Dora brings a wealth of culinary expertise, diverse global experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. In his new role, Chef Dora will spearhead the update of food concepts across all outlets, aligning them with current trends and enhancing the culinary offerings for both in-house guests and local patrons. Known for his dynamic approach to food innovation and attention to detail, Chef Dora’s leadership is anticipated to elevate Hyatt Regency Amritsar’s culinary landscape to new heights. Swapnil’s culinary journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a Diploma in Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition from the National Council of Hotel Management, Delhi, he embarked on his career at Hyatt Regency Delhi as a Commis Chef in 1996. Over the years, he has honed his skills and risen through the ranks, contributing to prestigious hotels like Jumeirah Emirates Dubai, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi, and Hyatt Hyderabad. Most recently, he led the culinary team at Radisson Blu Bengaluru as the Executive Chef. Chef Dora’s expertise spans various cuisines, including Indian, American, Arabic, and Mediterranean, and he holds certifications in hygiene audits and food safety management, further enhancing the hotel’s commitment to quality and safety. “We are thrilled to have Chef Swapnil Dora lead our culinary team,” said Naveen Yadav, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Amritsar. “His deep knowledge, creativity, and passion for culinary excellence align perfectly with our mission to offer world-class dining experiences. We look forward to the innovation and leadership he will bring to our property.” Chef …

FCM Travel Asia announced the appointment of Gursheel Dhillon as the new Head of Marketing. Dhillon, a seasoned marketer and communicator, has been a pivotal part of the business, overseeing Public Relations and Communications across six key markets in Asia. She was awarded the Global Corporate Marketer of the Year by the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) in her first year with the business, securing over 800 media features. She has successfully driven FCM’s narrative in Asia, contributing to growing the brand’s presence across both trade and mainstream media titles while working closely with key stakeholders. Dhillon has crafted winning strategies for diverse businesses in the lifestyle space and boasts an extensive regional network. With over a decade of experience in business, Dhillon is also an award-winning entrepreneur. “With a bank of deep expertise, drive, and productivity, Dhillon has delivered a material impact on the business and has shown us what can be done. FCTG’s ‘Brightness of Future’ initiative encourages every team member to develop their career and explore opportunities within the company.” “We are excited for Gursheel to steer our brand towards new heights in the business travel management landscape,” said Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director, FCM Travel Asia. “I have enjoyed working with our team of agile Marketers, committed to growing the FCM brand by leveraging data to craft ‘Glocal’ marketing strategies that set us apart. I look forward to launching brand new campaigns for an alternative business travel management company like FCM and meeting our customers at our upcoming inaugural FCM Singapore Summit,” added Dhillon.