Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has promoted Ankit Saklani to Duty Manager at the pre-opening Taj Hampi Resort and Spa in Karnataka. Saklani moves into the role from Taj Theog in Himachal Pradesh, where he was associated with the front office function.
With experience spanning front office operations, guest services and interdepartmental coordination, Saklani will take on responsibilities supporting the day-to-day operations of the upcoming resort. His appointment comes as Taj Hampi Resort and Spa prepares for its opening in Kamalapura, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi.
This move reinforces Taj’s focus on talent development, aligning with trends in hospitality leadership updates.Ankit Saklani to Support Resort Operations
As Duty Manager, Saklani will be involved in overseeing day-to-day hotel operations and coordinating with various departments at Taj Hampi Resort and Spa. His responsibilities will build on his previous front office experience, including guest handling, operational coordination and support for hotel teams.
In his earlier role at Taj Theog, Saklani was responsible for front office operations covering guest arrivals and departures, reservations, room allocation, billing and guest service recovery. He also served as a shift in-charge, coordinating with housekeeping, engineering, security and food and beverage teams.
His new position will require similar coordination across hotel functions as the property moves towards its opening. Saklani will contribute to operational processes while supporting the resort’s teams and guest-service requirements.
Progression Through Taj Theog
Before his promotion, Saklani served as Front Office Executive at Taj Theog from September 2025 to August 2026. During this period, his responsibilities included managing front office operations and supporting guest arrivals, departures, reservations and room allocation.
He also handled billing and guest service recovery while working as a shift in-charge. In that capacity, he coordinated with multiple departments and supported front office teams with operational procedures, guest requests and escalations.
Prior to becoming Front Office Executive, Saklani completed a Management Trainee Programme at Taj Theog from September 2024 to September 2025. The programme provided exposure to front office operations, guest relations, reservations, VIP handling and interdepartmental coordination.
Early Experience Across Hotel Functions
Saklani began his professional hospitality journey with an internship at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. During the internship, he gained exposure to several hotel functions, including front office, housekeeping, culinary, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing.
The cross-functional experience provided an introduction to the different operational areas within a hotel before he moved into a more focused front office career. His subsequent roles at Taj Theog have continued to build his experience in guest services, front office procedures and coordination with other departments.
Preparing for Taj Hampi’s Opening
Taj Hampi Resort and Spa is an upcoming IHCL property in Kamalapura, Karnataka, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. As a pre-opening property, the resort is building its operational teams ahead of welcoming guests.
Saklani’s promotion to Duty Manager adds front office and guest-service experience to the resort’s operational leadership. His background in managing guest requirements, coordinating with multiple departments and supporting front office operations will form part of his responsibilities as the property prepares to open.
The move also represents a progression in Saklani’s hospitality career, taking him from a Front Office Executive role at Taj Theog into a broader operational position at an upcoming Taj property.
