Some career journeys come with a twist that feels almost scripted, and Ekta Kanchan’s latest move is exactly that kind of story. Sofitel Mumbai BKC has announced her appointment as Director of Marketing, and interestingly enough, this is the very hotel where she took her first steps into hospitality marketing more than a decade ago.
A Homecoming With a Leadership Mandate
Ekta’s appointment is being seen as a strong move by Sofitel Mumbai BKC to sharpen its brand presence and build marketing that genuinely connects with people rather than just promoting rooms and packages. With more than 13 years of experience across luxury hospitality, food-tech, F&B and the alco-bev space, she brings a rare mix of perspectives to the role, having worked both inside hotel brands and in fast-moving consumer and digital businesses.
What Her Role Will Focus On
As Director of Marketing, Ekta will be responsible for shaping the hotel’s overall marketing and communications strategy. Her mandate goes well beyond routine promotions. She will be driving visibility and commercial growth across rooms, dining, wellness and celebrations, while crafting storytelling that captures Sofitel’s signature identity, that blend of French zest layered with local culture. Expect this to unfold through integrated campaigns across digital platforms, public relations, partnerships, curated experiences and data-backed marketing decisions.
A Career That Has Come Full Circle
What makes this appointment stand out is the personal journey behind it. Ekta began her hospitality career as a Management Trainee in Sales & Marketing at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, a starting point that quietly shaped everything that followed. From there, she went on to build an impressive career across some of India’s most recognised hospitality and lifestyle brands, including The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Lakeside Chalet by Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott International, Hill Zill Wines, Dineout, Times Internet and Zomato India. Along the way, she developed strong expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, communications, partnerships and experiential campaigns, skills that now come together in this leadership role at the very place where it all started.
Recognition That Reflects Her Impact
Ekta’s work has not gone unnoticed in the industry. She has been honoured with the Marriott Elite Award for Property Marketing Leader at APEC 2024, along with the BW Hotelier Head of PR/Marcom of the Year award for the West Region in 2024–25. These accolades speak to her ability to turn marketing strategy into real, measurable brand impact.
Educational Background
Ekta holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Hotel Administration from the Institute of Hotel Management, Goa, and later went on to pursue a Post-Graduate Diploma in Advertising & Graphic Design from Wigan and Leigh College, India, a combination that clearly reflects in her creative yet strategic approach to marketing.
In Her Own Words
Speaking about her appointment, Ekta Kanchan said returning to Sofitel Mumbai BKC feels deeply personal since it is where her hospitality marketing journey first began. She shared that coming back after more than a decade, this time in a leadership position, feels like both a full-circle moment and the start of an exciting new chapter. She also spoke about Sofitel’s unique ability to blend French zest with local culture and how Mumbai offers the perfect canvas for that story, adding that she looks forward to building meaningful experiences and strengthening the hotel’s connection with the city.
About Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Mumbai BKC blends French elegance with warm Indian hospitality. The property features 302 rooms and suites, contemporary meeting spaces, the Club Millésime Executive Lounge, multiple dining options, Sofitel SPA with L’OCCITANE, Sofitel FITNESS, a Hair & Beauty Salon and a peaceful open-air pool, making it a preferred choice for both business travellers and leisure guests.
About Sofitel
A name synonymous with French luxury since 1964, Sofitel is known for combining heartfelt hospitality with a distinctly French sensibility. The brand currently operates more than 120 hotels across some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk and Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, alongside heritage properties under the Sofitel Legend collection such as Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Sofitel is part of Accor, a global hospitality leader with more than 5,500 properties in over 110 countries, and is a participating brand in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program.
