Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has announced the appointment of Mahesh Shetty as the new Director of Sales and Avani Dedhia as the new Marketing Communications Manager
The appointments mark a strategic push on the brand-building front for the hotel as it consolidates its position among Mumbai’s key airport-district properties.
Mahesh brings in close to two decades of hospitality sales experience to the role. Having most recently served as Associate Director of Sales at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, he led proactive sales for transient and MICE. During his tenure, he was awarded the President’s Circle Award for two consecutive years and drove room night revenue growth of 100%, while bringing in incremental business from production houses.
His career also spans stints at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach and Waterstones Hotel, with a consistent focus on MICE, corporate and banquet revenue growth. At Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, he will be responsible for driving room and banquet revenues while deepening the hotel’s presence across new and retained corporate accounts.
“I’m excited to be joining Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport at such a dynamic point in its growth journey. The industry is growing rapidly, with every player vying for a larger share of the market,” said Mahesh Shetty, Director of Sales. “The airport catchment offers tremendous scope for both corporate and MICE business, and I look forward to building on the relationships and momentum this property has already established.”
Avani joins with over 17 years of experience across marketing, communications and public relations in the luxury and lifestyle space, having most recently served as Director of Marketing at ICONIQA Hotel and, prior to that, as Marketing & Communications Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai from its pre-opening phase.
Her career also includes leadership roles at Absolute Hotel Services India, Tropicana Resort & Spa Alibaug and Time Out Mumbai Magazine. Her diverse experience across print media and publishing has seen her work alongside some of the industry’s most well-known authors, while her keen interest in the F&B landscape eventually led to her transition into the hospitality industry.
With her vivacious and warm personality, she is a natural fit for the hospitality industry. In her new role, she will oversee the hotel’s marketing, communications and brand positioning strategy, working closely with the sales, F&B and culinary teams to elevate the property’s visibility across its key market. Having previously been part of Marriott International, this next step brings her back to the brand, albeit in a new location.
“Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has a strong existing brand identity, and I’m looking forward to elevating it further,” said Avani Dedhia, Marketing Communications Manager. “My focus will be on sharpening the hotel’s storytelling and strengthening its connection with the media network, guests and the local community.”
Commenting on the appointments, Abhishek Sachdev, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, said, “Mahesh and Avani bring the kind of experience and energy we were looking for as we look to accelerate growth across both sales and brand-building. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in helping us reach new audiences and deliver stronger results across the board. We’re delighted to welcome them to the team.”
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