GIRISH CHAUHAN
Pune
Summary
Accomplished Director of Engineering with more than 24 years of progressive experience in the hospitality sector, including 15+ years in senior leadership roles across luxury brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, and Westin. Proven expertise in hotel pre-opening, engineering operations, MEP systems, F&LS compliance, energy optimization, and large-scale capital projects. Highly skilled in leading diverse engineering teams, implementing sustainability initiatives, and delivering operational excellence across multi-property environments. Recognized for operational resilience, strategic planning, crisis management, and the ability to guide teams through complex engineering challenges. Strong track record of reducing energy costs, modernizing engineering infrastructure, and ensuring adherence to corporate brand standards.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director of Engineering & Functional Specialist – South West Asia
Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences
07.2022 - Current
- Leading engineering operations for a luxury property with 222 rooms, 79 apartments, and 40,000 sq ft banquet space, soon expanding to 323 units.
- Key Achievements:
- Appointed Engineering Functional Specialist – South West Asia (2024) supporting Hyatt corporate in pre-opening and operational guidance.
- Spearheaded coordination for 22 upcoming serviced apartments, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure.
- Played a major role in pre-opening of Hyatt Centric Chandigarh, overseeing F&LS, MEP, and guest room inspections, and resolving technical issues with corporate and ownership teams.
- Successfully implemented ISO 22000 (Food Safety) and EarthCheck sustainability certification.
- Delivered multiple plant upgrades:
- ETP installation
- Cooling tower & STP revamp
- Guestroom door lock upgrade (BLE)
- Water bottling plant
- EV charging stations
Director of Engineering
Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Restored full engineering operations post-pandemic, completing all major preventive maintenance overdue for two years.
- Ensured 100% closure of third-party Fire & Life Safety audit findings.
- Installed water bottling plant and EV charging stations, supporting sustainability goals.
- Coordinated with project teams for Westin Hyderabad 2 (168 keys) pre-opening.
Director of Engineering
Grand Hyatt Muscat
03.2018 - 09.2021
- Oversaw complete property engineering operations and safety inspections.
- Led pre-opening engineering support for Alila Hinu Bay, Salalah, ensuring MEP, F&LS, and guest area readiness.
- Executed major upgrades:
- Replacement of chillers with York VSD screw chillers (3 × 320TR)
- Chiller management automation (Johnson Controls)
- BLE keyless entry for guestrooms
- IPTV system upgrade (Acentric)
- Coordinated renovation of restaurant, pool, and redevelopment of all MEP drawings.
Director of Engineering
Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
09.2014 - 01.2018
- Successfully opened the hotel (210 rooms + 59 in planning).
- Set up engineering department, SOPs, P&P, FF&E coordination, and snag closure with project teams.
- Managed pre-opening and post-opening budgets; contributed to hotel’s 5-star classification.
- Improved guest satisfaction through proactive maintenance and strategic planning.
Director of Engineering
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
12.2010 - 08.2014
- Reduced electricity consumption by 9.9% and diesel consumption by 3.7% annually.
- Installed heat recovery system saving 30% fuel for hot water generation.
- Replaced 4500+ LED spotlights and 930 LED tubes (1-year ROI projects).
- Installed new Siemens Fire Alarm System (NFPA 72).
- Executed major renovation projects including DG pipelines, chilled water reinsulating, café & bar renovation, and CCTV system installation (174 cameras).
- Major Achievements:
Chief Engineer
Courtyard by Marriott Chennai
07.2009 - 11.2010
- Led engineering team.
- Achieved improvement in EIWO score from 70.55% to 79.3%, receiving Marriott APAC award.
- Implemented water-saving initiatives (15% reduction).
- Installation of Specialised window for noise reduction in guest rooms
- Installation of Synchronization panel for Three Diesel Generator for the property
- Key Highlights Across Roles
Engineering Manager → Assistant Manager → Duty Engineer → Lead Associate → Associate
JW Marriott Mumbai
10.2001 - 06.2009
- Pre-opening team member; grew through the ranks over 8 years handling different areas in the hotel engineering.
- Tested and installed 2500KVA power-saving transformers in Busan, achieving 7% daily electricity savings.
- Cross-trained in Seoul and Bangkok JW Marriott Hotels on process improvement and operations excellence.
- Received Associate of the Year (2003) and Supervisor of the Year (2004) awards.
- Extensive experience managing DG sets, HVAC, BMS (Siemens), CCTV, EPABX, fire alarm systems, and major plant operations.
- Key Highlights Across Roles
Electrical Supervisor
Sri Sai Electrical Contractor
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Earlier Roles (1996 – 2001)
Electrician
Dyckerhoff & Widmann AG
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Under Sea-Tunnel Projects
- Earlier Roles (1996 – 2001)
Electrician
Blue Star Ltd.
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Earlier Roles (1996 – 2001)
Education
NCVT - Wireman Trade
TATA Thermal Power Station
TrombayCertified Electrical Supervisor License - undefined
Government of Maharashtra
Diploma - Basic Electronics
Kohinoor Technical Institute
MumbaiDiploma - Electrical Engineering
K.J. Somaiya Polytechnic
MumbaiSkills
Hotel Pre-Opening & Handover Procedures
Certification
EarthCheck Implementation
Timeline
Director of Engineering & Functional Specialist – South West Asia
Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences
07.2022 - Current
Director of Engineering
Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
10.2021 - 07.2022
Director of Engineering
Grand Hyatt Muscat
03.2018 - 09.2021
Director of Engineering
Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
09.2014 - 01.2018
Director of Engineering
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
12.2010 - 08.2014
Chief Engineer
Courtyard by Marriott Chennai
07.2009 - 11.2010
Engineering Manager → Assistant Manager → Duty Engineer → Lead Associate → Associate
JW Marriott Mumbai
10.2001 - 06.2009
Electrical Supervisor
Sri Sai Electrical Contractor
01.1996 - 01.2001
Electrician
Dyckerhoff & Widmann AG
01.1996 - 01.2001
Electrician
Blue Star Ltd.
01.1996 - 01.2001
Certified Electrical Supervisor License - undefined
Government of Maharashtra
NCVT - Wireman Trade
TATA Thermal Power Station
Diploma - Basic Electronics
Kohinoor Technical Institute
Diploma - Electrical Engineering
K.J. Somaiya Polytechnic
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Office, CMMS, BMS Systems, AutoCAD (Working Knowledge)