Nihal Kurian

RENAISSANCE RACE COURSE HOTEL BENGALURU

Responsible to strategize, drive topline and surpass budgeted numbers across all revenue streams for 276 keys, 3 FNB outlets and over 15,000 sq. ft of banquet venues.
Increased hotel ADR with the objective of being the market leader in the premium hotel segment by deciphering the right segmentation mix, effective yielding strategies & work on a dynamic pricing strategy.
Conceptualize a roadmap to achieve fair share as the short term goal and eventually position the hotel as the market share leader.
Curate bespoke events and marketing campaigns to amplify the brand and the hotel's presence.

Effectively interpret data from available industry tools to help the hotel change strategy where required and shift share from competition.

• Led the Tenant Engagement and Marketing function for South India assets spread across Bengaluru and Chennai.
• Develop and foster relationships with India real estate heads, CXO level contacts , CRE teams & thereby establishing a diversified network of contacts.
• Uplift experiences at all business parks by mapping the customer journey & identifying key touch points .
• Curate and implement engagement activities which are best in industry, with the objective of enhancing the landlord and tenant relationship.
• Custodian of the client experience framework which was handled as a project management exercise, key objective of which is to drive customer satisfaction.
• Partner closely with operations and leasing to ensure that client feedback is addressed in a timely & professional manner .
• Work closely with the appointed marketing agency to ensure collateral and signage is uniform across all parks.

HILTON GARDEN INN PUNE

• Led the entire pre -opening of Hilton Garden Inn Pune along with the regional brand opening team.
• Positioned the hotel as the most premium food and beverage destination in Hinjawadi with 6 food and beverage outlets and commanding a 15 % premium over competition. Building loyalty & driving preference within the ever-growing residential real estate bubble in Hinjawadi.
• Strategized a robust ramp up strategy for year one by deploying strategic resources to service critical source markets and catchment areas and were thus able to move critical top accounts from competition.
• Effectively utilize all Hilton sales tools & specialist sales resources in order to activate multiple channels and revenue streams.
• Establish a strong connect and network with leadership, procurement & real estate heads in the city in order to garner critical business intel.
• Developed a structured marketing plan to build awareness of the "Hilton Garden Inn"brand in the city and to activate the high energy F&B outlets at the hotel.
• Conducted research to develop detailed business plans for commercial opportunities and expansion.

• Part of the pre -opening team at the Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Whitefield.
• Successfully drove an 89% growth in average room rates over the last hotel operator.
• Devised strategic marketing plans along with the Marriott corporate marketing team to ensure a successful launch.
• Hiring, training and grooming of the property sales team in line with Marriott brand standards.
• Firm believer in maintaining high levels of client ,associate & partner satisfaction.
• Drafting of budgets & goal setting for the property in line with owner expectations.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure service delivery is aligned with customer expectations.
• Collaborated with internal teams and suppliers to evaluate costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve higher operating profits.
• In depth training of team members on Marriott International`s commitment to clean to ensure the safe return of our guests.
• Adept at growing & keeping teams highly motivated irrespective of the external environment.
• Grow relationships & connect amongst key stakeholders & influencers across accounts in Whitefield.

• Led a team of 4 account managers and 6 banquet sales associates to achieve their individual revenue targets at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield.
• Responsible for top accounts in Marriott India such as Accenture, GE, Capgemini, Netapp & HP.
• Spearheading the RFP program and pricing of accounts in line with the budgeted numbers for 2018.
• Framing best practices for the markets sales setup post the Marriott & Starwood integration.
• Playing a key role in the ramp up of the Sheraton Grand Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center with 360 rooms and over 60,000 sq of banquet space.
• Prepared mitigation plans and brick walling of accounts for the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield to safeguard against competition.
• In depth coverage and knowledge of Whitefield as a sub market.
• Mapping new office supply & hotel inventory in Bengaluru.
• Work closely with associations such as WEPPIA & WACIA to gain intel of new project movements into Whitefield.

• Part of the Pre Opening Team at the JW Marriott Pune with 414 keys and 50,000 square feet of banquet space.
• Was responsible for the setup of the sales center at this hotel including the entire Opera sales & catering pre work and installation.
• Proactive Sales- handled PCMC and Chakan from 2012 to 2017 and shifted share from the traditional hotels this belt used. Top accounts handled were GE, BMC Software, Tetra Pak, Stantec, Thyssenkrupp.
• Grew 4 designations over a duration of 6.5 years at this hotel thereby gaining exposure across all sales functions.