Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty strengthens its leadership team with three key appointments across HR and marketing
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Mohana Priya as Cluster Director of Human Resources, Sumesh Mohan as Human Resources Manager and Pooja Nerkar as Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager.
Mohana Priya, Cluster Director of Human Resources
With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mohana Priya, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, brings extensive expertise in strategic human resources leadership, people development and organisational culture, with a career spanning leading luxury hotels in Chennai and across the hospitality sector.
A postgraduate in Commerce from the University of Madras and an MBA in Human Resources from ICFAI, Mohana Priya began her professional journey in manufacturing before transitioning to hospitality in 2006. Her hospitality career began with Marriott International, where her strong people management capabilities led her to transition into the Human Resources function.
She subsequently held leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Chennai and the Hyatt family, including Hyatt Regency Chennai and Park Hyatt Chennai, where she served as Director of Human Resources from December 2019 until her latest appointment.
Mohana Priya brings a people-centric leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, authenticity and accountability. Her approach focuses on building high-performing teams, fostering positive workplace cultures and creating an environment where colleagues and guests feel valued.
Her contributions to the hospitality industry have earned recognition, including the Hotelier India HR Person of the Year 2025 – Upscale & Luxury award. Among the highlights of her Hyatt journey are her work in fostering inclusive workplaces and creating impactful colleague touchpoints at Park Hyatt Chennai, strengthening employee engagement and bringing the brand’s people-first culture to life.
Speaking about her new role, Mohana Priya said, “I am truly excited to be joining Grand Hyatt Kochi. It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of an iconic property, work alongside a dynamic team, and contribute to the hotel’s continued success.”
Mohana Priya brings with her a simple leadership philosophy: “People first, always.”
Sumesh Mohan, Human Resources Manager
With 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sumesh Mohan, Human Resources Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, brings a diverse professional journey spanning hotel operations, human resources, talent development and pre-opening operations.
A graduate of Christ University, Bengaluru, with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, he also holds an MBA in Hotel Management & Human Resources from Mumbai University.
Sumesh Mohan began his hospitality career in 2009 as a Pastry Chef before transitioning to Human Resources in 2015 as a Human Resources Executive. Over the past 11 years in the HR function, he has taken on progressively senior responsibilities, including leading HR operations at Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal, Bengaluru, where he was later promoted to Assistant Director of Human Resources.
His career has taken him across several leading hospitality properties in India and the Maldives, including The Westin Hyderabad, Sheraton Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, Velaa Private Island, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark, Hyatt Place Rameshwaram, Hyatt Regency Thrissur, Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal and Sterling Holidays Resorts.
His experience across multiple pre-opening properties has further strengthened his expertise in building teams, establishing HR processes and supporting operational readiness.
Sumesh Mohan’s contributions to talent acquisition, team development and pre-opening operations have earned recognition during his career, including the Best Human Resources Manager Award for Human Resources Leadership in Talent Acquisition in 2018 and the Serve 360 Award for contributions to CSR initiatives under Marriott International in South Asia.
At Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Sumesh Mohan will focus on strengthening the Human Resources function through process-driven strategies across recruitment, talent development, administration, compliance and people management, while ensuring HR priorities remain closely aligned with the hotel’s long-term business objectives.
A strong advocate for nurturing talent and creating positive workplace environments, Sumesh Mohan believes in fostering opportunities for both personal and professional growth. In his new role, he aims to continue shaping people practices that support operational excellence while inspiring hospitality professionals to thrive, grow and build meaningful careers.
Pooja Nerkar, Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager
Bringing over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Pooja Nerkar, Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, brings a well-rounded perspective spanning hotel marketing, communications, food and beverage operations, guest experience and event management.
Her experience combines strategic marketing expertise with a strong understanding of hotel operations and guest expectations.
Pooja Nerkar began her hospitality career at Renaissance Convention Centre Hotel in Mumbai, where she built relationships with local and expatriate communities and focused on enhancing guest experiences. She subsequently held guest service and food and beverage roles with Hilton Chennai and Courtyard by Marriott Chennai before moving into the marketing and communications function at Hyatt Regency Chennai.
At Hyatt Regency Chennai, Pooja Nerkar progressed from Food and Beverage Team Leader to Marketing and Communications Executive and most recently Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager. In her marketing role, she has worked across social media, digital marketing, website and SEO, brand communications, creative production, media and influencer relations, photography, videography and events.
Her contribution to the hospitality industry has also been recognised through accolades including Employee of the Year at Hilton Chennai and HyCare Discoverist of the Year at Hyatt Regency Chennai, recognising her contributions to guest experience, marketing initiatives and brand engagement.
In her new role at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Pooja Nerkar will contribute to strengthening the hotel’s marketing and communications initiatives, with a focus on building meaningful brand engagement, creating impactful campaigns and amplifying the property’s experiences across relevant audiences and platforms.
With expertise spanning digital marketing and analytics, social media, PR and networking, event planning and content management, Pooja Nerkar brings a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to her new role.
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