Marriott’s Mumbai Airport Hotel Boosts Leadership Strategy With New Sales and Communications Appointments

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Mahesh Shetty as Director of Sales and Avani Dedhia as Marketing Communications Manager. The strategic leadership additions highlight the hotel’s continued focus on enhancing brand visibility, expanding market presence and reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality destination in Mumbai’s airport district.

Bringing nearly two decades of experience in hospitality sales, Mahesh Shetty joins the property with extensive expertise across corporate sales, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), transient business and revenue growth strategies. Before taking on his new role at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, he served as Associate Director of Sales at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, where he played a key role in driving sales initiatives across multiple segments.

During his tenure at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Mahesh received the President’s Circle Award for two consecutive years and contributed to significant business growth, including achieving 100% growth in room night revenue. He also successfully developed new revenue opportunities by strengthening partnerships with production houses and expanding corporate business networks.

His professional journey includes key leadership roles at renowned hospitality brands such as Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach and Waterstones Hotel, where he consistently focused on increasing MICE, corporate and banquet revenues.

In his new position at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Mahesh will lead strategies to maximise room and banquet revenue while strengthening relationships with existing corporate partners and developing new business opportunities. His appointment is expected to support the hotel’s growth ambitions by enhancing its corporate and events portfolio in one of Mumbai’s most important business and travel hubs.

“I’m excited to be joining Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport at such a
dynamic point in its growth journey. The industry is growing rapidly, with every player vying
for a larger share of the market,” said Mahesh Shetty, Director of Sales. “The airport
catchment offers tremendous scope for both corporate and MICE business, and I look forward
to building on the relationships and momentum this property has already established.”

Avani brings more than 17 years of expertise in marketing, communications and public relations, with a strong background in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector. Before taking on this new role, she served as Director of Marketing at ICONIQA Hotel and previously held the position of Marketing & Communications Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai, where she was involved from the property’s pre-opening stage.

Her professional journey spans multiple leadership roles across hospitality, media and publishing, including positions with Absolute Hotel Services India, Tropicana Resort & Spa Alibaug and Time Out Mumbai Magazine. Her early experience in print media allowed her to collaborate with several renowned authors and industry personalities, while her passion for food and beverage experiences inspired her transition into the hospitality sector.

Known for her energetic approach, creativity and strong relationship-building skills, Avani brings a natural understanding of brand storytelling and guest engagement to the hospitality industry. In her new position, she will lead the hotel’s marketing, communications and brand strategy, while working closely with the sales, food and beverage, and culinary teams to strengthen the property’s market presence and enhance its visibility across key segments.

Having previously worked with Marriott International, this appointment marks her return to the global hospitality group, introducing a new chapter in her career with a fresh market and expanded responsibilities.

“Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has a strong existing brand identity, and
I’m looking forward to elevating it further,” said Avani Dedhia, Marketing Communications
Manager. “My focus will be on sharpening the hotel’s storytelling and strengthening its
connection with the media network, guests and the local community.”

Commenting on the appointments, Abhishek Sachdev, General Manager, Courtyard by
Marriott Mumbai International Airport, said, “Mahesh and Avani bring the kind of experience
and energy we were looking for as we look to accelerate growth across both sales and brand-
building. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in helping us reach new audiences and
deliver stronger results across the board. We’re delighted to welcome them to the team.”

With these strategic appointments, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport further strengthens its focus on enhancing guest satisfaction and driving long-term growth. The hotel continues to solidify its reputation as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers seeking premium hospitality in Mumbai’s prominent airport district.