Hospitality Tip of the Day is thrilled to introduce the “Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders People’s Choice Awards List,” celebrating individuals who are not only exceptional sales and marketing professionals but also visionary commercial leaders. These leaders drive their organizations toward growth by identifying emerging market trends and harnessing cutting-edge technologies. Their deep understanding of consumer behavior, competitive positioning, and digital transformation enables them to craft innovative strategies that boost revenue, enhance brand loyalty, and secure a strong market presence in a rapidly evolving industry.
This special edition honors these distinguished Commercial Leaders, whose strategic vision and leadership have revolutionized the hospitality industry. Their mastery in sales techniques, market analysis, and strategic planning has led to the outstanding performance of numerous top hotels and resorts. By leveraging advanced data analytics, dynamic pricing strategies, and personalized marketing campaigns, these leaders have consistently outpaced competitors and delivered impressive financial results. As the hospitality landscape continues to change, their ability to adapt and innovate in sales and marketing will inspire others and ensure the continued success of India’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Amrita Ghosh the Director of Sales & Marketing at Holiday Inn Cochin! With diverse experience in the hospitality industry, Amrita has consistently demonstrated her expertise in Sales & Marketing, Pre-opening, Operations, Catering Sales, Business Development, P&L/Revenue Generation, and Budgeting and Cost Controls. Her visionary leadership and strategic insights have been instrumental in driving success and fostering growth. Holiday Inn Cochin is privileged to have such a seasoned professional at the helm, guiding the team towards new heights of excellence and innovation. Here’s to continued success and outstanding achievements!
Atul, the distinguished Director of Sales at Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle, brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector. He has consistently excelled in sales and marketing, utilizing his skills in pre-opening, operations, catering sales, business development, P&L/revenue generation, and budgeting and cost control. Atul’s dedication and leadership have set new benchmarks in the industry, earning him a respected reputation in hospitality. Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle is fortunate to have such an experienced professional leading the team towards new heights of excellence and innovation. Here’s to continued success and remarkable achievements!
Gaurav Ganapathy, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa, has a deep-seated passion for hospitality, fueled by a desire to create memorable experiences. His journey began with a fascination for hosting and welcoming others, leading him to pursue a career in the dynamic hospitality industry. With extensive experience across various roles, Gaurav excels in anticipating and exceeding guest expectations. His leadership style merges hospitality expertise with strategic marketing, crafting narratives that resonate and drive growth. Gaurav’s ultimate goal is to inspire his team to deliver genuine hospitality, creating remarkable experiences that forge lasting guest connections.
Gouri Kalra, Associate Director of Sales at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, has been honored with the prestigious Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award 2023. This recognition highlights her significant contribution to India’s growth through her PhD research in luxury hotels. Gouri’s innovative work in sales and marketing is poised to shape the future of India’s luxury hotel industry. Her dedication led her to a three-month journey across Europe, where she gained invaluable insights into the global hospitality sector. This international exposure further enhances her expertise, setting her apart as a visionary in the field.
Govind Singh, Head of Sales and Marketing at Fortune Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, exemplifies exceptional leadership and innovation. His distinguished career is marked by a proven track record of success, innovative marketing strategies, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Singh’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, combined with his ability to adapt and lead teams effectively, sets him apart in the industry. Recognized for his thought leadership and strategic vision, he embodies the qualities that make him a deserving candidate for the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024.
Indu Khatri, the esteemed Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at Raffles & Fairmont Jaipur, stands out as a seasoned professional with over 18 years of remarkable experience in the hospitality industry. Her expertise spans across sales and marketing, pre-opening operations, catering sales, business development, and P&L management. Known for her visionary approach, Indu has consistently driven revenue generation, budgeting, and cost controls, setting new benchmarks for excellence. Her dedication and leadership continue to elevate the standards of luxury hospitality, making her a true asset to the Raffles & Fairmont family. Indu’s journey inspires many in the industry.
Keshari Ranjan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Faridabad, exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier leader. His career is marked by a relentless drive for innovation and a results-focused approach. Keshari’s success is rooted in his creative strategies, adaptability, and keen market insight. He consistently pioneers new marketing channels, embraces emerging technologies, and refines sales techniques to propel organizational growth. His leadership empowers teams to excel through collaboration and continuous learning. Keshari’s impressive track record of revenue growth and successful product launches underscores his suitability for recognition as one of the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders.
K S Sachin, National Head – Sales & Distribution at VIVIDUS Hotel Bangalore, exemplifies excellence in Sales and Marketing. His strategic vision and hands-on execution have set him apart as a leader. Sachin’s keen ability to identify market opportunities and craft innovative campaigns has led to consistently surpassing sales targets and optimizing marketing ROI. Under his leadership, cross-functional teams achieve remarkable results. His commitment to data-driven decision-making, customer-centric strategies, and adaptability to market dynamics make him a deserving candidate for the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024.
Mainak Ray, Director of Sales & Marketing at Novotel Goa Panjim Accor, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in the hospitality sector. With a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and securing market share, Mainak has driven his teams to remarkable success. Over the past year, he guided his team to achieve a record topline revenue of INR 130 CR+ at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, maintaining a market-leading RGI of 138 in a competitive landscape. His prior role at Westin Kolkata saw him position the hotel as a market leader with an impressive RGI of 130.
Mayank Kumar, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar, brings over 14 years of diverse experience in sales and marketing. With exceptional communication and organizational skills, he excels in providing logical solutions to complex challenges. Mayank leads the segmented sales efforts, managing transient, group, catering, and extended stays, while achieving segment revenue goals and team management. His commitment to top-tier customer service is evident through his positive attitude, servant leadership, and teamwork. Specializing in RFP Management, New Business Development, Sales & Marketing, Maintaining Sales Statistics, Budgeting & Forecasting, and Team Management, Mayank consistently drives excellence and innovation.
Pankaj Wadhwa, Deputy General Manager of Sales at Aurika, Mumbai Skycity, has carved a remarkable niche for himself in the hotel industry. With 25 years of dynamic experience, Pankaj’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach have driven significant growth and innovation. His leadership, marked by humility and a collaborative spirit, has turned around four hotels, achieving extraordinary success. Notably, he pre-opened the largest inventory hotel in his current role, showcasing his strategic acumen. Recognition as one of the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024 would be a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and the hard work of his exceptional teams.
Pushkar Upadhyay, Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Sindhu Bhawan Road, Ahmedabad, exemplifies leadership through adaptability and emotional intelligence. His distinctive approach includes motivating team members to recognize their value, fostering cohesive decision-making, and achieving collective success. Upadhyay’s commitment to blending India’s rich cultural heritage with world-class hospitality shines through in his role. His ability to lead by example, embrace feedback, and build trust within his team underscores his dedication to showcasing exceptional service on a global stage. Upadhyay’s vision continues to elevate the standards of hospitality, setting a benchmark for excellence.
Rahul Malik, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, exemplifies excellence with a strategic vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment. Over 19 years, Rahul has enriched luxury brands like The Oberoi, Hyatt, and Radisson, spending nearly a decade with the Taj Group. His innovative strategic thinking, market research, and process improvements have driven remarkable success in hospitality. Rahul’s empathy and perceptiveness enable him to understand and meet clients’ needs. His empowering leadership, forward-thinking approach, and strong guest relationships make him a standout candidate for the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024.
Rajani Nair Deb, the Commercial Director at Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, boasts an impressive 21-year tenure in the hospitality and meetings industry. Currently, she leads the pre-opening efforts for a substantial 619-room complex, featuring Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, at Manyata Embassy Business Park in Bengaluru, India. Rajani is a distinguished expert in destination marketing for India’s convention sector, pre-opening hotels, event planning, and business events strategy. A fervent advocate for mentoring women in leadership within India’s meetings industry, she aspires to create a “greenhouse” for nurturing female leaders. Her notable achievements include executing the UN Meeting on Conservation of Migratory Species in 2020 and the ICCA Annual Congress in 2010.
Rejoe Francis, National General Manager – Sales & Marketing at Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, exemplifies excellence in leadership through his 2P Formula: People & Performance Management. His remarkable career is marked by his ability to connect with diverse individuals and influence them positively. Rejoe’s commitment to people management is evident in his team’s zero attrition across various organizations, reflecting his belief that a leader’s success is tied to their team’s success. He prioritizes continuous training and empowerment, fostering both professional and personal growth. In performance management, Rejoe has consistently achieved significant turnarounds, setting new benchmarks for the hotels he has worked with.
Sachin Sharma, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Regency Amritsar, exemplifies excellence in his field through a unique blend of strategic insight and innovative tactics. His remarkable ability to consistently exceed targets, foster strong client relationships, and lead dynamic teams underscores his distinction as a top Sales & Marketing leader. Sharma’s dedication to continuous learning and adapting to market trends ensures his leadership remains at the forefront of the industry. His proven track record and forward-thinking approach make him a standout candidate for recognition as one of the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders.
Shagun Sethi, National Sales Manager – Group Sales at ITC Hotels, stands out with 22 years of industry experience. Her career spans prestigious hotel chains like Oberoi Group and Fairmont Hotels, offering a deep, multifaceted perspective on the hospitality sector. Shagun has adeptly navigated industry changes, implementing impactful sales and marketing strategies across luxury, business, and leisure segments. Known for her empowering leadership style, she fosters innovation and inclusivity, significantly boosting team morale and retention. Her dedication to nurturing talent underscores her commitment to excellence. Recognizing Shagun as one of the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024 would honor her remarkable contributions and leadership in the industry.
Mr. Sharin Joseph Commercial Director of Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks. His dedication, strategic vision, and exemplary leadership have been instrumental in driving the hotel’s commercial success. Under his guidance, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks has not only achieved significant milestones but also set new benchmarks in the hospitality industry. Mr. Joseph’s commitment to excellence continues to inspire his team and elevate the guest experience. We look forward to witnessing even greater accomplishments under his dynamic leadership. Congratulations, Mr. Sharin Joseph!
Shivam Saxena, the Regional Sales Manager at Raffles Udaipur, has distinguished himself as an exceptional sales and marketing professional. Shivam’s journey at Raffles has been marked by his dedication to understanding how marketing seamlessly drives sales. His proactive approach in engaging with core areas and potential markets has not only enhanced his personality but also set him apart in the industry. His passion for learning about products and his enthusiasm for client interactions have always been his strengths. Pursuing a career in sales was Shivam’s first choice, and it has remarkably shaped his personal and professional growth.
As Sales Manager at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Varun Sharma exemplifies the power of teamwork and genuine connections. With a unique ability to engage with clients, stakeholders, and team members, Varun fosters positive and fruitful relationships that drive success. His inspiration stems from a deep desire to see smiles on people’s faces and his commitment to understanding others’ perspectives. By analyzing situations practically and empathetically, Varun ensures that every interaction is meaningful, ultimately contributing to the hotel’s overall success. His dedication to relationship-building sets a high standard in the hospitality industry.
Alongside the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders, we are delighted to recognize 05 Judge’s Choice Sales & Marketing Leaders who have exhibited exemplary dedication and remarkable achievements in the hospitality industry.
Here is the list of 05 Judge’s Choice Sales & Marketing Leaders – (in alphabetical order)
Joginder Singh, Sales Manager at Sarovar Portico Sonipat, has turned his fascination with the hospitality industry into a career dedicated to exceptional guest experiences. By focusing on clear communication, active listening, and personalized service, Singh has effectively built lasting relationships with customers. His recent campaign, featuring personalized bottle labels, ignited a social media frenzy and underscored the profound emotional impact of tailored experiences. Singh’s success highlights the importance of engaging with guests on a personal level, rewarding loyalty, and leveraging feedback to enhance service quality. His innovative approach continues to set a high standard in the industry.
Kirti Taneja, Senior Sales Manager at Marriott International, stands out in her field through innovative strategies, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on client relationships. Her consistent success in exceeding sales targets highlights her expertise and dedication. Kirti’s commitment to excellence, fostering a collaborative team environment, and delivering exceptional customer value are key reasons she deserves recognition as one of the Top 20 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the People’s Choice Awards 2024. Her adaptability to market changes and pursuit of growth opportunities solidify her as a true leader in sales and marketing.
Pawan Sharma, Sales Manager at The Fern Residency Jodhpur, blends his disciplined defense background with a passion for hospitality. His commitment to hard work and detail propelled him from a successful front office career to an exciting role in Sales. Pawan believes that understanding customer preferences and analyzing feedback are key to driving sales. He emphasizes that a collaborative approach is essential for success, as it helps in tailoring strategies that meet client needs effectively. His dedication to enhancing guest experiences through teamwork and strategic insights continues to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry.
Pooja Shukla, Senior Sales Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Pune Kharadi, exemplifies strategic brilliance and a commitment to guest satisfaction. Her innovative approach and ability to adapt to market shifts have consistently exceeded targets, showcasing her leadership in sales and marketing. Pooja’s track record of fostering strong client relationships and delivering exceptional results underscores her dedication to excellence. Her proven expertise and unwavering dedication make her a standout candidate for recognition, highlighting her significant contributions to the hospitality industry.
Varun Shangloo, Director of Sales & Marketing at Taj City Centre Gurugram, has had a remarkable 12-year journey with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Starting at the Global Sales Office (GSO), Varun honed his corporate sales skills. His leadership at the MICE-focused Damdama resort saw him rise from ASM to DOS. At Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, he spearheaded the pre-opening, significantly boosting local ARR rates. Now, at Taj City Centre Gurugram, Varun’s strategic acumen led to surpassing the 100 Cr mark in FY 2023-24. His strengths in achieving, analyzing, and relating have consistently driven his teams to record-breaking performances.
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