Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints industry veterans to strengthen leadership

Three key appointments have been announced by Cygnett Hotels to give a boost to its leadership as also move ahead with its growth plans.

Deba Prasad as new Director of Operations

Prasad, a distinguished alumnus of IHM Pusa with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and an MBA from UBI, Belgium, brings a robust 27-year track record in hospitality management. Having held key positions with prominent global hotel groups such as Oberoi, Taj, Jaypee, Starwood, Lalit, Best Western, Sterling, Wyndham, and MGM, Prasad has demonstrated his proficiency across various aspects of hotel operations both in India and internationally.

“We are excited to welcome Deba Prasad to our team. His extensive experience and innovative leadership are invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our offerings. Prasad’s vision for operational excellence aligns with our commitment to providing guests with exceptional service and a memorable hospitality experience,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

An accomplished professional in setting service standards and operational policies, Prasad possesses a strong commercial acumen with a proven track record in facilities management, cost control and optimising top-line and bottom-line performance.

Rajeev Sharma as General Manager of Operations & Pre-Opening Support

Sharma, a seasoned hospitality expert with a Postgraduate Degree in Hotel & Hospitality Management and a Bachelor in Commerce, brings to the company over two decades of extensive experience in the hospitality sector, both in India and internationally. Sharma completed his Food & Beverage executive management training at the Welcome Management Institute (WMI, ITC-India) and has since established a remarkable career.

“Rajeev’s rich background and dynamic approach to hospitality management will be pivotal as we expand and enhance our portfolio. His leadership will be crucial in driving the operational success of our upcoming hotel openings and reinforcing Cygnett’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry,” said Sarkar.

In his new role, he will oversee the operational aspects and support the pre-opening phases of new properties, ensuring that each venture aligns with Cygnett’s standards of excellence and operational efficiency.

Shyam Bhethanabotla as Chief Technology Officer

With a B Tech in Electronics and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Florida, Bhethanabotla brings over 28 years of experience designing and deploying large-scale systems in various sectors, including hospitality, e-commerce, and tech, both in India and globally. Before joining Cygnett, Bhethanabotla held executive leadership roles at major global organisations such as Reliance, Lucent, Verizon, and HCL. His expertise in Cloud Computing, Enterprise Architecture, and AI/ML systems is particularly noted for driving innovation and efficiency in business operations.

As CTO, Shyam will oversee the expansion of Cygnett's IT infrastructure and the rollout of advanced technology platforms that support the group’s strategic goals. He is also a current board member of the Cygnett Group, playing a critical role in shaping the company’s technological advancements.

“Shyam’s extensive background and forward-thinking approach to technology will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and set new benchmarks for innovation in the hospitality industry. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to invest in technology that enhances our guest experience and operational efficiency,” said Sarkar.

Bhethanabotla has also been associated with Tech Platforms, which delivers pioneering technology solutions across various industries. Additionally, he is deeply involved in philanthropy and social causes, focusing on initiatives that promote education, health, and sustainability.