Vaibhav Kulkarni
General Manager
Navi Mumbai,MH
Summary
Dynamic Hotel General Manager with over 19 years of progressive leadership experience across luxury, upscale, and midscale hotel brands in India and the Middle East. Expertise in pre-opening operations, multi-property management, and P&L ownership, with a strong focus on revenue optimization and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Skilled in driving commercial performance, cultivating high-impact teams, and enhancing brand positioning within competitive global markets. Committed to fostering a culture of excellence that elevates service standards and maximizes operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
GENERAL MANAGER
CLARKS INN SUITES (unit of IHCL Group), HYDERABAD
03.2025 - Current
- Leading full operations of a 118-room upscale hotel, with a grand ballroom and multi-cuisine dining.
- Managed daily operations for smooth functioning of the hotel, ensuring high-quality standards in all departments.
- Received Award - Hotel of the Year.
- Guest reviews on Tripadvisor rank 10 in total, out of 550+ hotels in the city.
- Achieved the highest revenue for the first time of INR 2.25 Cr. within the first eight months of operations. ARR of INR 5,800 and with 2,700 room nights.
- Average monthly revenue of 1.5 Cr. With the ratio of 60% from the room division and 40% from the food and beverage department.
- Developed comprehensive budget plans, closely monitoring expenses and optimizing cost-saving opportunities.
- Successfully managing an annual budget of INR 16 Cr, with strong performance against the forecast.
- Delivered GOP above 43% every month through strong cost control and operational discipline.
- Strengthened banquet-led revenue by optimizing corporate events, social functions, and weddings.
- Implemented dynamic pricing and revenue strategies to increase RevPAR and market share.
- Mentoring department heads to build a service culture aligned with international standards.
- Growth plan targets a 20% YoY increase through new partnerships, corporate contracting, and F&B promotions.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and continuous employee development opportunities.
- Collaborated with sales teams on targeted campaigns to increase bookings from corporate clients or group travelers during low-occupancy periods.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts for goods and services vital to hotel operations.
- Provided exceptional service and assistance to guests upon check-in.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of personnel to confirm compliance with standards.
- Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
- Developed and implemented promotional strategies to increase occupancy.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints.
- I did many outdoor catering events for 50 guests to 2,000 guests for corporate and social wedding events.
CORPORATE GENERAL MANAGER
ECO HOTELS & RESORTS (UK PLC.), MUMBAI
06.2024 - 03.2025
- Oversaw operations, development, and pre-opening for seven hotels across India.
- Total inventory of rooms is 400+, with a targeted ARR of INR 3,500 to 4,500.
- Did the pre-opening of the properties, land survey, and property hotel operating licenses.
- Worked as a business development manager.
- Prepared budget for the individual properties.
- Directed budgeting, feasibility, and compliance for new project acquisitions.
- Standardized operating procedures and optimized commercial contracts for cost efficiency.
- Strengthened leadership pipelines through structured recruitment and performance audits.
GENERAL MANAGER
PARK INN BY RADISSON, UTTAR PRADESH
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Pre-opening General Manager for Ayodhya’s first international brand hotel.
- Property was managed by the Sarovar Group of Hotels.
- Opened 80 rooms, 3 banquet venues, lawns, and a complete F&B ecosystem.
- Delivered a record single-day revenue of INR 45 lakhs, with an ARR of INR 15,500.
- Achieved 58% GOP in month one;
- Successfully hosted high-profile dignitaries, ministers, and global corporate leaders.
- Established standard operating procedures that enhanced employee performance. I built a team of 110 employees pre-opening.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
GENERAL MANAGER
ADITYA HOMETEL (SAROVAR), HYDERABAD
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Led operations for 92-room hotel with strong F&B portfolio.
- Scaled monthly revenue from INR 35 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs.
- Improved ARR by 33% and maintained occupancy above 86%.
- Achieved consistent GOP between 46–51%, exceeding brand expectations.
Head of Sales
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark, Bahrain
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
- World's number 11 and Gulf countries' number 1 waterpark adjacent to the hotel.
- The highest revenue since the park opened, with a profit of $2.5 million, occurred in the year 2019.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
- Implemented CRM systems for better tracking of leads, improving follow-up processes and communication within the team.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently, through strategic planning and execution of targeted sales initiatives.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
Head of Sales & Marketing
Ramee Group, Bahrain
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Developed comprehensive sales plans for product expansion, resulting in higher market penetration and customer satisfaction.
- Delivered consistent year-over-year growth in both revenue and market share through aggressive sales tactics and targeted marketing efforts.
- Optimized marketing strategies by analyzing market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform decisionmaking.
- Led a high-performing sales team to exceed targets through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by developing tailored solutions that addressed their unique challenges and promoted long-term success.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.
Sales Manager
Marriott International, Ahmedabad
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
Sales Center Manager
Marriott International, Pune
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Streamlined booking process to increase efficiency and reduce potential errors in communication.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create enticing menus for various types of events, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Increased banquet sales by developing and implementing effective marketing strategies.
- Conducted site visits with prospective clients, showcasing venue features and outlining available services.
- Maintained accurate records of all correspondence, proposals, contracts, invoices using specialized software systems.
- Led a team of event planners, promoting teamwork and efficient workflow management for successful events.
- Reviewed contracts thoroughly to minimize risk and protect company interests during negotiations with clients.
- Worked closely with operations team to ensure seamless execution of all banquet events from setup through teardown.
- Monitored industry trends to stay current on popular themes, décor styles, menu offerings, and other relevant factors affecting banquet sales success.
Sales Manager
Novotel (Accor), Pune
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
- Initially joined as Assistant Sales Manager and was promoted to Sales Manager.
- Handle the topmost account of the city, like Daimler, Mercedes, Sandvik Asia, and Bridgestone.
- Did the revenue of 1.75 crore occur in one year
- Nominated a couple of times as the top performer of the month.
Assistant Sales Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Joined the hotel as Restaurant Manager and later transferred to Sales as Asst Sales Manager.
Assistant Manager F&B
American Consulate (ACSA), Mumbai
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, leading to improved guest retention rates.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
F&B Executive
Royal Orchid Central Grazia
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Increased revenue with strategic promotions and upselling techniques.
- Oversaw daily operations of the F&B department, ensuring smooth coordination between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, incorporating new ideas into the F&B offerings while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by creating a positive work culture that fostered professional growth opportunities for staff members.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient F&B service standards and procedures.
Restaurant Team Leader
The Beatle Hotel, Mumbai
01.2008 - 01.2009
Education
Diploma - Hotel Management & Catering Technology
Bharati Vidyapeeth
Navi Mumbai01.2006
Skills
P&L oversight in hospitality
Accomplishments
- Achieved Hotel of the year Award.
- Managed 130 employee payroll.
- Handle Multiple properties.
- Achieved revenue and GOP benchmarks across multiple properties.
- Recognized for record-breaking openings and commercial performance.
- Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline hiring and onboarding process.
- Awarded Manager of the Month – Courtyard by Marriott, Pune.
- Nominated Manager of the Year – DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune.
- Excellence awards across multiple brands for operational leadership.
Timeline
GENERAL MANAGER
CLARKS INN SUITES (unit of IHCL Group), HYDERABAD
03.2025 - Current
CORPORATE GENERAL MANAGER
ECO HOTELS & RESORTS (UK PLC.), MUMBAI
06.2024 - 03.2025
GENERAL MANAGER
PARK INN BY RADISSON, UTTAR PRADESH
07.2023 - 03.2024
GENERAL MANAGER
ADITYA HOMETEL (SAROVAR), HYDERABAD
03.2022 - 06.2023
Head of Sales
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark, Bahrain
01.2019 - 01.2021
Head of Sales & Marketing
Ramee Group, Bahrain
01.2017 - 01.2019
Sales Manager
Marriott International, Ahmedabad
01.2016 - 01.2017
Sales Center Manager
Marriott International, Pune
01.2015 - 01.2016
Sales Manager
Novotel (Accor), Pune
01.2014 - 01.2015
Assistant Sales Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Manager F&B
American Consulate (ACSA), Mumbai
01.2011 - 01.2012
F&B Executive
Royal Orchid Central Grazia
01.2010 - 01.2011
Restaurant Team Leader
The Beatle Hotel, Mumbai
01.2008 - 01.2009
Diploma - Hotel Management & Catering Technology
Bharati Vidyapeeth
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Hotel Operations | Revenue Management | Pre-Opening | F&B & Banquets
- Corporate Sales | Budgeting & Forecasting | International Standards | Team Leadership