With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vivek will be in charge of all hotel operations at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. He will be responsible for managing accommodations, FandB, spa services, and recreational activities, in addition to spearheading sales and marketing strategies designed to improve guest experiences and achieve 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 started his professional journey in the FMCG sector, playing a key role in the introduction of Levi’s Jeans to the Indian market. After completing his MBA in Sales and Marketing, he made the shift to hospitality, beginning as a Management Trainee with the Taj Group of Hotels. Throughout his career, he has held important positions at Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, ultimately leading in 2016 to a significant role at Shangri-La, where he progressed from managing the Global Sales Office for India to taking charge of larger projects in Hong Kong and the Middle East over the next 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.
An Indian of Goan origin, Vivek has grown up between Goa, Pune, Antwerp (Belgium), Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. An avid camper and outdoorsman, the Braganza family can usually be found near a mountain, nature park, or trail when not at work. Active in the tourism industry, Vivek is a member of the Indian Merchant Chamber’s Expert Committee on Tourism for the 2022-2024 term. He has also served as Director of PR and Communications for Skål International India (2020-2022) and for his home Chapter Skål Bombay. A well-recognized Skålleague, he is known for creating the brand identity, launching an industry magazine, and developing the social media presence of Skål India. Additionally, Vivek is an Associate Member of EEMA (Exhibition and Event Management Association of India) and most 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.”
