Cygnett Hotels Expands Leadership Team with Global Expertise, Strengthening Presence Across India, Maldives, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 15, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, a leading name in the Indian hospitality industry, is reinforcing its leadership with the recent appointments of three highly experienced professionals. With an aim to enhance operational excellence and foster growth, these strategic roles are set to steer the brand’s development in the coming years. The newly appointed leaders bring with them decades of expertise across the culinary, technology, and learning sectors, which are essential to Cygnett’s continued expansion across India and beyond. This move signals the company’s commitment to maintaining top-notch service standards while preparing for a broader market presence.

Strengthening the Culinary Division: Chef Rahul Rana Takes Charge

Cygnett Hotels has appointed Chef Rahul Rana as the Director of Culinary. With a rich career spanning over 22 years, Chef Rana is a seasoned expert in global culinary arts. He brings invaluable experience from top international hotel brands such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, and InterContinental, and has worked in diverse locations including the United Kingdom, the Maldives, Kenya, and Indonesia. His expertise in modern culinary techniques and large-scale international buffet services aligns perfectly with Cygnett’s vision of offering unique dining experiences to its guests. Chef Rana’s track record of launching specialty restaurants adds another dimension to his leadership at Cygnett, ensuring that the culinary offerings at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts remain competitive and innovative.

Advancing Learning and Development with Sanjit Kumar Thakur

Cygnett’s commitment to employee development is further demonstrated with the appointment of Sanjit Kumar Thakur as the new Corporate Learning & Development Manager. Thakur brings nearly 15 years of experience in hospitality and human resources management. His previous roles in renowned hospitality brands such as Taj, Oberoi, and Radisson have shaped his strategic approach to people development. At Cygnett, Thakur will oversee the Learning and Development functions, driving initiatives that enhance employee skills and ensure the company’s workforce remains well-equipped to meet the challenges of a growing hospitality sector. Thakur’s leadership will be critical as Cygnett continues to scale its operations and expand its presence across India.

Revamping IT Infrastructure with Ravvinder Bhola

In the digital realm, Cygnett Hotels has appointed Ravvinder Bhola as General Manager of Information Technology. Bhola, with over two decades of experience in hospitality IT, has worked with some of the most prominent names in the industry, including Starwood, Taj, and Marriott. His expertise in IT operations, digital transformation, and cybersecurity is crucial as Cygnett enhances its technology infrastructure to support its expansion goals. Bhola’s leadership will ensure that Cygnett’s systems remain resilient, secure, and able to deliver a seamless digital experience for guests. His vast experience in managing large-scale IT deployments and risk management will be key to maintaining the high standards of service expected at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Cygnett’s Expansion Plans and Vision for the Future

These appointments come at a crucial time as Cygnett Hotels & Resorts seeks to expand its footprint in India. With its robust growth strategy, the company is focusing on strengthening its leadership team to ensure it can meet the demands of an ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The experience and skills brought in by Chef Rana, Thakur, and Bhola are aligned with Cygnett’s vision to offer exceptional guest experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Sarbendra Sarkar, emphasized the importance of these strategic hires, noting that the combination of culinary expertise, technology leadership, and a focus on employee development will help Cygnett meet its long-term objectives.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

With these new appointments, travelers can expect an enhanced experience when staying at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. The focus on culinary innovation promises exciting dining experiences, while the advancements in technology will ensure seamless and efficient services, from check-in to checkout. The dedication to learning and development also means that guests will benefit from a team of well-trained and passionate staff, committed to delivering exceptional hospitality at every touchpoint.

A Competitive Edge in the Indian Hospitality Market

As the hospitality industry in India continues to grow, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself as a competitive player in the market. With these strategic appointments, the company is enhancing its operational capabilities and service offerings, which will enable it to better serve guests and expand its market presence. Travelers looking for luxury, comfort, and innovation can expect Cygnett to be at the forefront of providing an outstanding hospitality experience.

Travel Tips for Guests at Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

1. Check Out the Culinary Delights: With Chef Rahul Rana’s leadership, the culinary offerings at Cygnett Hotels are bound to be an unforgettable part of your stay. Don’t miss out on unique dishes that showcase local and international flavors.
2. Embrace Technology: Look out for Cygnett’s cutting-edge technology that enhances your stay. From fast check-ins to smart room features, the hotel is integrating the latest in hospitality tech.
3. Staff Excellence: With Sanjit Kumar Thakur’s focus on learning and development, expect attentive service and personalized experiences from the hotel staff.

Closing Thoughts on Cygnett’s Growth

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is not only expanding in terms of properties but also in its leadership team. These appointments reflect the company’s commitment to growth and excellence. As Cygnett continues to strengthen its operations, travelers can look forward to even greater service standards and new, exciting experiences across its portfolio of hotels.