With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vivek will oversee all hotel operations at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. His responsibilities will include managing accommodations, food and beverage, spa services, and recreational activities, as well as leading sales and marketing strategies to enhance guest experiences and drive operational excellence.
Before joining Sofitel, Vivek held a crucial position at Shangri-La Group, where he oversaw Global Sales Offices in both India and the Middle East. His leadership spanned major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Dubai, and Riyadh, highlighting his skill in driving sales and building strong client relationships across diverse markets.
Vivek began his professional career in the FMCG sector, where he played a pivotal role in launching Levi’s Jeans in India. After earning his MBA in Sales and Marketing, he transitioned to the hospitality industry, starting as a Management Trainee with the Taj Group of Hotels. Over the years, he has held significant positions at Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. In 2016, he took on a key role at Shangri-La, where he initially managed the Global Sales Office for India before advancing to lead larger projects in Hong Kong and the Middle East over the following eight years.
Throughout his extensive career, Vivek has managed audiences as diverse as Indian Weddings, Royal Families, GCC luxury travel, Lawyers, the Professional Congress Industry, Medical Tourism, Luxury Consortia, and the Diplomatic Corps. An accomplished executive team leader since 2007, Vivek’s deep and varied experience comes from working with global brands across leisure, corporate, and MICE sectors, with a focus on luxury hotels.
Vivek, of Goan origin, has lived in various cities including Goa, Pune, Antwerp (Belgium), Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. An enthusiastic camper and outdoorsman, he and his family are often found near mountains, nature parks, or trails when not working. Actively involved in the tourism sector, Vivek is a member of the Indian Merchant Chamber’s Expert Committee on Tourism for the 2022-2024 term. He has also served as the Director of PR and Communications for Skål International India (2020-2022) and his local Skål Bombay chapter. A well-known Skålleague, he played a key role in building the brand identity, launching an industry magazine, and enhancing the social media presence of Skål India. Furthermore, Vivek is an Associate Member of EEMA (Exhibition and Event Management Association of India) and recently served as Senior Auditor for Skål Bombay.
“We are delighted to have Vivek join our team,” said Mehdi Hanayen, General Manager. “His extensive experience and passion for the hospitality industry will be instrumental in enhancing our offerings and strengthening our brand in the GCC and Indian markets”.