Pankaj Kumar
Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record at Aurika, driving luxury service excellence and revenue maximization. Expert in pre-opening management and strategic planning, I foster high colleague engagement and deliver exceptional guest experiences, ensuring operational efficiency and brand standards are consistently met.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager (Appointed)
Aurika Mumbai SkyCity
Mumbai
04.2025 - Current
- Spearheading operations for the largest room inventory hotel in the country and responsible for driving and delivering exceptional results.
Hotel Manager & Interim General Manager
Aurika Hotels & Resorts
Mumbai
04.2024 - 03.2025
- Oversee comprehensive operations for Aurika Mumbai, SkyCity (669-room luxury hotel near Mumbai T2 International Airport), managing financial performance, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
- Lead strategic initiatives across all departments, optimizing service delivery, enhancing guest journey, and maximizing profitability in a competitive luxury market.
- Champion brand standards and foster a culture of excellence, driving high colleague engagement and exceptional guest experiences.
Director of Operations
Aurika
Mumbai
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Headed all operational divisions for the pre-opening of India's largest inventory hotel (669 guest rooms), including four F&B venues, 15,000 SQFT of event spaces, state-of-the-art fitness center, Spa, and Salon.
- Developed and successfully implemented comprehensive operational policies and procedures, ensuring a seamless launch and consistent high service standards.
- Instrumental member of the core pre-opening leadership team, contributing significantly to establishing the hotel's foundational success and market positioning.
- Conceptualized and developed 'THE STUDIO,' a unique and highly adaptable convertible F&B venue concept for the property.
Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort & Spa
Dehradun
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Managed all Food & Beverage operations, driving an F&B revenue of INR 44 Crores within a 6-month period.
- Successfully launched multiple new concepts, including an Indo-Tibetan rooftop restaurant, Poolside Lounge, enhanced In-Room Dining, a signature retail outlet, and the Malt Bar (whisky-focused).
- Spearheaded the planning and operational readiness for the innovative 'Sky Dining' concept, enhancing guest experiences and revenue potential.
Co-Founder & Creator
ProFNB
Mumbai
12.2020 - 10.2022
- Co-founded a creative hospitality start-up providing end-to-end F&B solutions to hotels and businesses, encompassing talent recruitment, product sourcing, and business development.
- Operated 'The Meeting Place,' a successful café concept themed around nostalgic F&B experiences, emphasizing affordability and sustainability.
Director of F&B
InterContinental
Mumbai
12.2020 - 10.2022
- Led the Food & Beverage division, including multiple restaurants, a rooftop bar, in-room dining, a deli, pool bar, and extensive banqueting services.
- Consistently achieved 40% of the hotel's total top-line revenue goals, regularly exceeding set targets through strategic planning and execution.
Founder, Director
Mountain Souls
Mumbai
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Established an MSME focused on providing sustainable solutions for hotels, including sourcing and supplying wheat stem drinking straws, hand-picked Himalayan pine cones for décor, and hand-woven pine needle baskets.
Director of F&B
Westin Pune Koregaon Park
Pune
09.2017 - 02.2018
- Awarded Best Director of Food & Beverage by India Nightlife Awards for Pune (2017), recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in F&B operations.
- Conceptualized and executed 'Arola,' the property's first Gin Bar concept, offering an extensive selection of 30+ gin labels, significantly boosting beverage revenue and guest appeal.
F&B Manager
Hyatt Regency Mumbai
Mumbai
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Successfully redefined the overall F&B offering with the launch of innovative concepts: Brunch, Backyard BBQ, Grab N Go, specialized Coffee programs, and a curated Bar selection, increasing guest satisfaction and revenue streams.
Assistant Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Mumbai
Mumbai
04.2016 - 12.2016
Assistant Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
Kolkata
08.2014 - 04.2016
Assistant F&B Manager
The Lalit Mumbai
Mumbai
10.2013 - 07.2014
Manager Roles (Restaurant, Beverage, Banquet)
JW Marriott Juhu
Mumbai
02.2010 - 10.2013
- Instrumental in opening a new Wine Room and launching a highly successful Wine Ambassador training program, elevating service standards and promoting wine sales.
Managerial & Supervisory Roles (Bar Captain, F&B Executive, Asst. Rest. Manager)
Taj Lands End
Mumbai
04.2007 - 01.2010
- Conceptualized and successfully launched a molecular mixology cocktail menu at the Atrium Lounge, enhancing the hotel's luxury beverage offerings and guest experience.
- Achieved Bartender of the Year - Ciroc Vodka Competition (2007), demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity.
F&B Associate (Pre-Opening Team)
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences
Mumbai
12.2003 - 04.2007
- Key member of the pre-opening team, contributing to the successful launch of the hotel, including the city's largest banquet venue.
Education
Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology -
Oriental School of Hotel Management
01.2004
Industrial Training -
Taj Ummed Ahmedabad
07.2002
Higher Secondary Education -
Comprehensive School of Education and Degree College
Aizawl01.2001
Skills
- Marketing and branding
- Luxury service excellence
- Pre-opening management
- Revenue maximization
- Talent management
- Owner relations
- Sustainability initiatives
- Market trend integration
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Conflict resolution
- Financial administration
References
Available upon request.
Key Leadership Competencies
Concept Development, Business Development, Budgeting & Forecasting, Marketing & Branding, Luxury Service Excellence, Pre-opening & Launch, Operations Management, Revenue Maximization, Talent Management, Owner Relations, Colleague Engagement, Performance Development, F&B Concept Creation, Sustainability Initiatives, Market Trend Integration
Timeline
General Manager (Appointed)
Aurika Mumbai SkyCity
04.2025 - Current
Hotel Manager & Interim General Manager
Aurika Hotels & Resorts
04.2024 - 03.2025
Director of Operations
Aurika
04.2023 - 03.2024
Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort & Spa
11.2022 - 04.2023
Co-Founder & Creator
ProFNB
12.2020 - 10.2022
Director of F&B
InterContinental
12.2020 - 10.2022
Founder, Director
Mountain Souls
03.2018 - 11.2018
Director of F&B
Westin Pune Koregaon Park
09.2017 - 02.2018
F&B Manager
Hyatt Regency Mumbai
12.2016 - 09.2017
Assistant Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Mumbai
04.2016 - 12.2016
Assistant Director of F&B
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
08.2014 - 04.2016
Assistant F&B Manager
The Lalit Mumbai
10.2013 - 07.2014
Manager Roles (Restaurant, Beverage, Banquet)
JW Marriott Juhu
02.2010 - 10.2013
Managerial & Supervisory Roles (Bar Captain, F&B Executive, Asst. Rest. Manager)
Taj Lands End
04.2007 - 01.2010
F&B Associate (Pre-Opening Team)
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences
12.2003 - 04.2007
Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology -
Oriental School of Hotel Management
Industrial Training -
Taj Ummed Ahmedabad
Higher Secondary Education -
Comprehensive School of Education and Degree College
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