London Gatwick Sofitel appoints new GM and F&B manager

Sofitel London Gatwick has appointed Yasmin Keen as its new general manager and Laukik Kharkar as food and beverage manager.

Keen’s previous position was GM at the Queens Hotel Cheltenham, and she has also held senior sales and marketing roles at Holiday Inn London-Camden Lock and The Principal London.

Yasmin Kharkar returns to Sofitel London Gatwick 15 years after he started his hospitality career as a waiter at the property, following the completion of his training in Mumbai. He has held positions at numerous hotels across the UK, including deputy food and beverage manager at Premier Inn London Gatwick and as operations manager at Whitbread Gatwick.

Vincent Madden, director of operations at Arora Hotels, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Yasmin and Laukik to the team. With Yasmin’s vast experience and expert knowledge of the hospitality industry, Yasmin is exceptionally well-placed to ensure our guests continue to receive a first-class experience when visiting the hotel.

“We’re also delighted to welcome back Laukik in his new role of food and beverage manager. Laukik brings a wealth of creativity and knowledge, and we know he will be an asset in the team and enable them to continue to deliver remarkable and memorable moments for guests.”

Commenting on her appointment, Keen said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Arora Hotels and the team at Sofitel London Gatwick. The hotel excels at providing high standards of luxury travel and facilities for business travellers, leisure guests and corporate delegates alike, and I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and ideas to the table, and working with the fantastic team here to ensure we continue to deliver a seamless experience.”

Kharkar added: “It’s a very good feeling to be returning to Sofitel London Gatwick, and to lead the department where I started my career 15 years ago. No two days are the same at a luxury airport hotel and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”