Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 13, 2024

Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as its new General Manager, marking another milestone in his illustrious career in the hospitality industry. Backed by over 18 years of experience, Gaurav is well-positioned to lead the property, focusing on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team development.

Joining the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2019, Gaurav has held pivotal roles across several properties. His most recent assignment as Task Force General Manager at Holiday Inn Amritsar highlighted his ability to drive results under challenging circumstances. Gaurav also made significant contributions to Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and Holiday Inn Agra, successfully implementing revenue growth strategies and enhancing guest experiences. Before IHG, he worked with esteemed brands such as Lemon Tree, The Leela, Radisson, Pride Hotels, Trident, and Renaissance.

Through IHG’s Room to Grow program, Gaurav has capitalized on professional development opportunities, taking on multiple responsibilities and excelling at each. His leadership style emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and delivering personalized, memorable guest experiences.

Expressing his excitement, Gaurav shared, “I am honoured to take on this new role and excited to lead the team at Holiday Inn Katra. Katra is a unique destination, rich in culture and spirituality, and I am focused on offering millennials and Gen Z travellers an immersive, authentic experience. We will also strengthen our local partnerships to ensure Katra becomes a more vibrant and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.”

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Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager for IHG South West Asia, praised Gaurav’s dedication, stating, “Gaurav is the kind of leader who thrives on challenges. He has always stepped in whenever needed—whether for task forces or managing key operations—and brings boundless energy, problem-solving capabilities, and a solutions-driven mindset. We are confident that his leadership will help elevate Holiday Inn Katra as a premier destination in the region.”

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Gaurav was honoured with the Best Manager Award in 2022 by India Biz, presented by the Honourable Union Minister of State for Tourism. This accolade highlights his ability to drive excellence in the hospitality industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gaurav is an avid traveller and enjoys playing volleyball in his leisure time. His well-rounded persona and commitment to hospitality promise to bring a fresh perspective to Holiday Inn Katra, ensuring the property remains a top choice for travellers seeking an enriching stay at this spiritual destination.


Trehan Iris Appoints Milind Soman as Wellness Advisor to Champion Holistic, Nature-Led Living

Trehan Iris Appoints Milind Soman as Wellness Advisor to Champion Holistic, Nature-Led Living

By Hariharan U

Published on December 13, 2025

Trehan Iris, a leading name in Indian real estate for over seven decades, has announced a strategic initiative to embed holistic wellness at the heart of all upcoming developments. Following its guiding philosophy, “Nourish Your Being”, the company is incorporating biophilic design, nature-led environments, and mindful community amenities to create living and working spaces that elevate everyday well-being.

In line with this vision, Trehan Iris has appointed actor, model, fitness and wellness icon Milind Soman as its Wellness Advisor. Known for promoting holistic health, endurance, and sustainable lifestyles, Milind will guide the wellness framework for upcoming projects in Gurugram and Noida, helping shape spaces that encourage residents and professionals to adopt healthier, more mindful habits.

Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said, "Wellness is the ultimate luxury. Our collaboration with Milind Soman brings this philosophy to life in our developments, ensuring that every design element, amenity, and experience supports holistic well-being."

Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, added, "Real estate must evolve with people’s changing needs, and wellness is central to that evolution. With Milind’s guidance, we’re designing spaces that naturally promote healthier lifestyles."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Milind Soman commented, "Wellness is not about doing something extra, it's about integrating healthy habits and mindful choices into everyday life. I’m delighted to partner with Trehan Iris to shape communities where well-being becomes intrinsic to how people live, move, and connect."

Trehan Iris continues to redefine luxury real estate, ensuring that holistic wellness, nature, and balance remain integral to all future developments, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across Gurgaon, Noida, and Bangalore.

About Trehan Iris:
With over seven decades of expertise, Trehan Iris has delivered more than 15 million sq. ft. across 100+ landmark projects, including IRIS Broadway Gurgaon, IRIS Tech Park, and IRIS Cyber Tower. The company is expanding into wellness-led residential, commercial, and hospitality developments, crafting future-ready communities that integrate nature, vitality, and lifestyle innovation.


voco Amritsar Appoints Ahmed Faisal as Associate Director of Food & Beverage

voco Amritsar Appoints Ahmed Faisal as Associate Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

voco Amritsar by IHG has announced the appointment of Ahmed Faisal as the Associate Director of Food & Beverage, strengthening the leadership team ahead of the hotel’s upcoming opening.

Ahmed brings strong pre-opening experience and a solid foundation in IHG’s service culture, known for shaping distinctive food and beverage concepts that enhance guest satisfaction and operational standards.

He previously served at voco Jim Corbett by IHG as a core part of the pre-opening team. During his tenure, he played a key role in building the hotel’s F&B identity, from menu and concept development to service refinement and guest engagement.

Continuing his growth within the IHG family, Ahmed now moves to voco Amritsar where he will lead menu planning, restaurant operations, team development and overall F&B strategy for the city’s newest upscale hotel.

His experience, creativity and focus on guest-centric dining are expected to contribute meaningfully to the hotel’s culinary positioning as it prepares to welcome travellers and locals alike.


Espire Hospitality appoints Sandeep Kumar Rajput as Commercial Director

Espire Hospitality appoints Sandeep Kumar Rajput as Commercial Director

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

Espire Hospitality Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Sandeep Kumar Rajput as its new Commercial Director. He will lead the commercial strategy for the company’s two key brands, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts. The appointment comes as Espire continues to expand its presence and strengthen its revenue framework across India.

With more than 22 years of experience in Sales and Marketing, Sandeep has built a strong reputation for delivering growth across multiple hospitality brands. His career includes leadership roles at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, Pride Group of Hotels, HHI Group, St Laurn Hotels, and Infinity Resort, where he contributed to building high-performing teams and driving market development.

In his previous role as Vice President – Sales at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, he handled the P&L and commercial direction for over 55 hotels across North and East India and Nepal, while also supporting revenue for a larger portfolio of more than 110 hotels across the country. His strengths include corporate partnerships, key account management, and building scalable sales structures.

At Espire Hospitality Limited, Sandeep will focus on enhancing the commercial ecosystem, strengthening brand visibility, and supporting the group’s expansion plans. His role will also involve deepening stakeholder relationships and building a results-driven culture across teams.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “We are excited to have Sandeep join Espire Hospitality Limited during this defining chapter of our expansion. Sandeep brings with him a wealth of industry experience and has successfully led several high-impact strategic initiatives across the region. We are confident that his impressive track record, proven leadership and broad expertise will play a key role in our journey to scale new heights.”

Sandeep’s industry knowledge and leadership style are expected to contribute significantly to Espire Hospitality’s growth vision and new development pipeline.

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