Ace Group International Appoints Chris Penn as CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion

Ace Group International Appoints Chris Penn as CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 12, 2025

Ace Group International, the operator of the globally recognized Ace Hotel brand, has announced Chris Penn as its new CEO. This significant leadership move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to drive international growth and strengthen its position in the lifestyle hospitality market.

With a hospitality career spanning 25 years, Penn brings extensive experience in managing independent lifestyle hotels across various markets. As the former Managing Director of Ace Hotel London, he has an intimate understanding of the brand's ethos. In his new role, Penn will oversee all aspects of Ace Group’s operations, focusing on growth, innovation, and commercial success.

To further support its ambitious growth plans, Ace Group has also appointed Mostafa Abdella as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Meriem Soliman as Chief Brand Officer (CBO).

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  • Mostafa Abdella, as COO, will oversee key functions, including finance, operations, revenue, food and beverage, IT, and HR. His mission will center on delivering exceptional guest experiences while enhancing profitability.
  • Meriem Soliman, who joined Ace Group in 2012 as General Counsel and later served as President, has been named Chief Brand Officer, a role in which she will lead the brand’s creative and strategic vision.

Brad Wilson, Managing Partner of Ace Group International / Atelier Ace, expressed his confidence in the leadership team, stating, “Chris and Mostafa are both seasoned, highly regarded operators with global experience and an intimate understanding of the Ace brand. Their long history of successful partnership will be a major advantage as we continue to seek development opportunities both domestically and internationally.”

The enhanced leadership structure underscores Ace Group’s commitment to delivering elevated hospitality experiences while exploring new development opportunities worldwide. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, the company is poised to strengthen its foothold in the global lifestyle hospitality sector.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Bharat Khanna as its new Front Office Manager, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, Bharat Khanna brings deep expertise in front office management, guest services, and team leadership. His career spans leading hotel brands, including Taj Mahal New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, and Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, where he has consistently delivered high standards of guest experience and operational excellence.

In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations, ensuring seamless guest journeys while upholding the brand’s service standards. His core competencies include guest relations, problem resolution, OTA and channel management, group bookings coordination, and business forecasting.

Known for his ability to mentor and inspire teams, Bharat has built a reputation for fostering a culture of performance and professionalism. His experience in managing VIP services, executive lounges, and high-profile guest interactions further strengthens his approach to enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the appointment, Anurag Rai said, “We are delighted to welcome Bharat to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His extensive experience and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Sharing his perspective, Bharat Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and look forward to contributing to the brand’s commitment to service excellence while working closely with the team to create memorable guest experiences.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to reinforce its focus on operational excellence and guest-centric service, aligning with evolving expectations in the hospitality sector


Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the appointment of Hakimuddin Kanorwala as its Chief Finance Officer (CFO), strengthening its financial leadership team.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he completed a one-year Executive CFO Programme, Kanorwala brings a strong academic and professional foundation to his new role.

With over 15 years of experience in finance and accounts, he has built deep expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, taxation, compliance, risk management, governance, strategic finance, and financial reporting.

Over the course of his career, Kanorwala has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels, Accor Hotels, and The Indian Hotels Company Limited, gaining strong domain expertise across global and Indian markets.

Prior to joining Suba Hotels Limited, he served as Corporate Director – Finance at Roots Corporation Limited, which operates the Ginger Hotels brand under the IHCL Group. In this role, he was part of the key management team and oversaw the organisation’s overall financial function.

Known for his strategic approach, Kanorwala has played a pivotal role in driving financial decision-making, supporting business growth, strengthening financial planning and discipline, and enhancing governance frameworks and internal controls. He has also led process transformation initiatives through technology and automation.

With this appointment, Suba Hotels Limited continues to reinforce its leadership structure, aiming to drive financial efficiency and sustainable growth in the competitive hospitality landscape.


Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Vijay Singh as Chief Engineer

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Vijay Singh as Chief Engineer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur has announced the appointment of Vijay Singh as its new Chief Engineer, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hotel engineering and facilities management, Singh brings a well-rounded skill set spanning preventive maintenance, energy optimization, safety compliance, and operational efficiency within the hospitality sector.

Prior to this role, he served as Chief Engineer at Accor IBIS Jaipur, where he successfully led engineering operations for a multi-facility property. His professional journey also includes tenures with leading hospitality brands such as Hilton Jaipur, Radisson Blu Nagpur, Marriott Renaissance Ahmedabad, The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, and Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur. This diverse experience has equipped him with deep insights across luxury, upscale, and business hotel environments.

Recognized for his hands-on leadership approach, Singh has consistently implemented effective preventive maintenance programs, energy conservation initiatives, and cost-optimization strategies. His contributions have enhanced operational performance while ensuring elevated guest comfort and seamless service delivery.

His expertise also extends to managing critical infrastructure, conducting safety audits, and mentoring engineering teams to uphold high operational standards. Over the years, Singh has been honoured with several accolades, including the prestigious Marriott Asia Pacific Promises of the Year Award 2018, along with multiple performance and leadership recognitions.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur reinforces its commitment to operational excellence and infrastructure strength, aiming to deliver consistent and high-quality guest experiences under Singh’s leadership.

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