Karan Wats
Hyderabad
Summary
Results-driven hospitality professional with 14 years of experience in hotel operations, luxury sales, and client relationship management. Expertise in enhancing guest experiences while driving revenue growth through corporate sales and strategic account management. Proven track record in managing hotel operations, optimizing service delivery, and implementing initiatives that ensure operational excellence. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Hotel Management and an MBA in Global Management, with strong skills in business development, contract negotiation, and performance reporting.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sales Manager
Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
Hyderabad
06.2024 - Current
- Executed comprehensive sales plan for successful hotel market positioning prior to launch.
- Cultivated relationships with key corporate clients to enhance business growth and retention.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities within hospitality sector.
- Conducted training sessions to elevate team performance and product knowledge.
- Oversaw budgeting and forecasting to synchronize sales targets with company objectives.
- Managed complete sales process from lead generation through deal closure.
- Developed and implemented innovative sales strategies to boost profits and expand market share.
- Monitored customer feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement in products and services.
Sales Manager
Marriott, Sheraton Grand
Pune
11.2023 - 06.2024
- Generated and closed MICE leads, contributing to revenue growth.
- Negotiated room and event rates to strengthen the hotel's financial outcomes.
- Conducted daily sales calls to assigned territories and visited key accounts regularly.
- Acquired and developed RFPs and LNRs for new accounts.
- Mapped accounts to pinpoint key opportunities for development.
- Collaborated with the team to deploy strategies that enhanced RevPAR and market share.
- Maintained monthly productivity reports and implemented tactics for business improvement.
- Developed F&B leads for restaurant bookings and managed packed boxes.
Sales Manager
Hyatt
Pune
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Generated leads through proactive calling and site visits, resulting in new business opportunities.
- Conducted daily sales calls to assigned territories and visited key accounts regularly.
- Developed proposals and successfully closed MICE leads to enhance revenue streams.
- Collaborated with team to deploy strategies that increased RevPAR and market share.
- Negotiated competitive room and event rates, contributing to improved hotel's financial performance.
- Acquired and developed RFPs and LNRs to expand account portfolio.
- Mapped accounts to identify and nurture key focus areas, supporting strategic growth initiatives.
- Maintained monthly account productivity reports while implementing tactics to improve performance.
Assistant Manager Front Office
Hyatt
Pune
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed day-to-day hotel operations, ensuring seamless guest service and adherence to luxury hospitality standards.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences by effectively handling guest feedback and resolving complaints, contributing to improved online ratings.
- Supervised VIP guests, corporate groups, and delegations, ensuring personalized service and flawless execution.
- Maximized room revenue through strategic upselling, room upgrades, and efficient inventory management.
- Prepared staff duty rosters and coordinated workforce planning to ensure optimum operational efficiency and service quality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to streamline operations and maintain high standards of service delivery.
- Conducted regular inspections to ensure cleanliness, maintenance, safety compliance, and adherence to hotel SOPs.
- Trained and mentored new associates on operational procedures, guest service standards, and company policies while monitoring attendance and performance.
Assistant Manager Front Office
Accor Group, Pullman and Novotel Hotel
Delhi
03.2016 - 08.2020
- Resolved customer complaints and managed relationships to elevate guest satisfaction.
- Conducted training sessions to support team development and enhance service quality.
- Monitored departmental performance metrics for continuous improvement.
- Ensured compliance and accuracy in operations by overseeing PM high balance A&D and C-forms.
- Handled VIP groups, delegations, and special events with precision.
- Attended interdepartmental meetings and conducted briefings to align departmental goals.
- Maintained inventory levels and ordered supplies as needed for hotel functions.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to ensure cleanliness and maintenance standards.
Front Office Executive
ITC Maurya- Luxury Collection
Delhi
08.2013 - 02.2016
- Monitored VIP movement and developed action plans for effective delegation.
- Room Blocking /URC & Concierge services.
- Processed refund and credit notes to ensure accurate financial adjustments.
- Tallied batch settlements and corrected discrepancies to maintain financial integrity.
Front Office Supervisor
Radisson Hotels
Pune
01.2009 - 03.2011
- Provided tailored solutions to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.
- Monitored departmental performance through analysis of Guest Comment Cards to enhance service quality.
- Managed financial transaction records
Education
MBA - Global Management
Business and Hotel Management School
Luzerne, Switzerland06-2013
B.Sc. - Hospitality and Hotel Administration
Institute of Hotel Management
Hyderabad, India01-2009
Skills
- Sales strategy and revenue generation
- Business development and client acquisition
- Corporate MICE and banquet sales
- Key account management
- Contract negotiation and deal closure
- Hotel operations management
- Guest experience excellence
- Front office operations
- Team leadership and staff development
- Cross-functional coordination
- Revenue optimization strategies
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Market research and analysis
- Inventory management
- Property management systems (PMS)
- Microsoft Office Suite
Accomplishments
- New Gen Leader (Management Training) - Pullman and Novotel
- Hotel Operations Management Trainee - Radisson Pune
Timeline
Senior Sales Manager
Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
06.2024 - Current
Sales Manager
Marriott, Sheraton Grand
11.2023 - 06.2024
Sales Manager
Hyatt
12.2022 - 11.2023
Assistant Manager Front Office
Hyatt
07.2021 - 12.2022
Assistant Manager Front Office
Accor Group, Pullman and Novotel Hotel
03.2016 - 08.2020
Front Office Executive
ITC Maurya- Luxury Collection
08.2013 - 02.2016
Front Office Supervisor
Radisson Hotels
01.2009 - 03.2011
MBA - Global Management
Business and Hotel Management School
B.Sc. - Hospitality and Hotel Administration
Institute of Hotel Management