Hilton's New Era in India: Zubin Saxena Takes Charge as Country Head

Hilton's New Era in India: Zubin Saxena Takes Charge as Country Head

By Author

Published on November 22, 2023

Hilton has recently announced a major leadership change in its Indian operations. Zubin Saxena has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and Country Head for India, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy for the region. Saxena, an industry veteran with a rich 24-year background in hospitality, is set to take the reins in January 2024.

Saxena's journey in the hospitality sector has been remarkable. Before joining Hilton, he was with Radisson Hotel Group for over eight years, ascending to the role of Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia. His career also includes a notable four-year tenure at IHG, where he served as the Director of Development for South Asia, and advisory roles with Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in India and HVS in New York. Armed with an MBA from the Adam Smith School of Business in Glasgow, Saxena is known for his leadership and team-building skills.

In his new role at Hilton, Saxena will oversee the company's 25 operational hotels in India. His primary focus will be on driving Hilton's expansion in South Asia, with 20 properties currently in the pipeline. Saxena's appointment follows the departure of Navjit Ahluwalia, who has been instrumental in Hilton's growth in India over the past six years, including steering the company through the pandemic.

Ahluwalia's tenure saw significant milestones, like the opening of the Hilton Goa Resort, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, and the DoubleTree by Hilton in Varanasi, among others. He also launched Hilton's new corporate office in Gurugram.

With India representing a major opportunity for Hilton, Saxena's appointment comes at a crucial time. "I am excited by the size and scope of the role and look forward to leading and delivering on our ambitious goals in this incredibly dynamic market,” Saxena commented on his new role. Under his leadership, Hilton aims to triple its estate, introducing new brands such as the Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, set to open in 2027.

Saxena's appointment marks a new chapter for Hilton in India, as the company gears up to expand its footprint and continue its legacy of excellence in hospitality. The industry eagerly awaits the new heights Hilton will achieve under Saxena's visionary leadership.


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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