Thomas B Meier Named CEO of Jumeirah

Jumeirah Appoints Thomas B Meier as CEO to Drive Global Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

Jumeirah, the luxury hospitality giant under Dubai Holding, has announced the appointment of Thomas B Meier as its new Chief Executive Officer. Known for his exceptional leadership in the industry, Meier will spearhead Jumeirah’s ambitious Mission 2030, aiming to double the brand’s portfolio and elevate its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality.

Since joining Jumeirah as Chief Operating Officer in October 2021, Meier has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. His tenure has seen remarkable achievements, including the launch of properties in Africa like Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in Tanzania and South Africa. He also oversaw the strengthening of Jumeirah’s leadership team and strategic expansion efforts.

Under his leadership, the brand’s global footprint has continued to grow, with the recent unveiling of iconic properties such as Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the UAE, Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Jumeirah now operates 30 luxury properties across multiple continents, with plans to expand further into key cities and resort destinations.

In his new role, Meier is set to redefine industry standards and focus on innovative guest experiences that emphasize culture and connection. Commenting on his appointment, Meier said:

“Jumeirah has always set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, consistently delivering extraordinary guest experiences. As we gear up for the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and continue to expand into new markets, I am honoured to lead Jumeirah’s next chapter.

“With bold ambitions, Jumeirah will continue to innovate, staying ahead of industry trends and exceeding the ever-evolving expectations of the most discerning guests. Our vision is to establish Jumeirah as one of the foremost influential hospitality brands worldwide.”

Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, positioning the brand as a beacon of excellence in the global hospitality landscape. With Meier at the helm, the company is poised to achieve unprecedented growth and set new standards in the industry.

Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, the landmark 50th property under IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, has welcomed Sachin Bhardwaj as its new Operations Manager, strengthening the hotel’s leadership as it continues to grow within the Indian hospitality market.

With a career spanning over 16 years, Sachin brings deep industry insight and a strong operational background to the role. Known for his strategic thinking and team-focused approach, he will be overseeing daily operations, driving brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the property.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Sachin worked with top hospitality names like Accor, Marriott, The Lalit, and IHG, where he held various key positions across renowned properties. His experience across multiple formats and markets has helped him master the art of delivering consistently high service standards and operational efficiency.

Strategically located on the Lucknow - Varanasi Road, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on providing modern comforts, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless experience aligned with the global Crowne Plaza promise.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sachin Bhardwaj said,

“As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring every guest's experience is exceptional and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. We strive to create moments that leave a lasting impression, and I am committed to working alongside a talented team to elevate Crowne Plaza Lucknow as a leading destination for hospitality.”

This appointment comes at a key moment for IHG, as it celebrates its 50th hotel milestone in India, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. With Sachin at the helm of operations, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in service delivery in the region.

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Park Hyatt Chennai has welcomed Mr. Suraj Ashok Gunjal as its new Director of Revenue, a move aimed at strengthening the hotel’s growth and revenue strategy. Backed by a well-rounded career in hospitality, Suraj brings both front-end experience and deep expertise in revenue management to the role.

An alumnus of the University of Pune with a B.Sc. in Hospitality Studies, Suraj began his career at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in the Front Office, where he developed a solid foundation in guest service and operational efficiency. He soon transitioned into revenue and reservations, finding his calling in strategy and data-led decision making.

Over the years, he has worked with top hospitality names including Accor, Ginger, Hilton, and Marriott International. Most recently, he was part of Marriott's Revenue Cluster team in Pune, where he played a key role in optimizing performance across multiple properties.

Suraj’s approach to leadership is grounded in analytics, teamwork, and a keen eye for market dynamics, qualities that align well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s reputation for refined luxury and operational excellence.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Suraj Gunjal said, “I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Chennai as the Director of Revenue. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team and contributing to our shared vision of excellence. I am confident that together, we will uncover new opportunities and achieve exceptional results.”

In this new role, Suraj will oversee revenue functions across the property, focusing on multi-segment optimization, strategic planning, and driving sustained growth for the hotel.

Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

ibis India has officially welcomed Mr. Rais Panjabi as the new Director of Sales for its Mumbai Cluster, which includes ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Panjabi is all set to lead the charge in boosting sales strategy and driving business success across the region.

Before joining ibis, Mr. Panjabi played a key role at Lemon Tree Hotels, where he was known for strengthening market presence, refining sales processes, and guiding high-performance teams. His knack for understanding the market and his people-first approach have consistently led to solid business outcomes.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head for ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “We are delighted to have Rais join us to lead sales for our key properties in the Mumbai cluster. His extensive industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and proven leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our brand’s commercial performance. With Rais at the helm, we are confident of driving sustainable growth and delivering enhanced value to our partners and guests.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Mr. Rais Panjabi said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ibis India family and contribute to the brand’s dynamic growth in Mumbai. ibis’ vibrant energy and customer-centric values strongly resonate with my own professional ethos. I look forward to collaborating with the wider team and leveraging my experience to drive impactful strategies, build stronger client connections, and elevate the sales narrative across the cluster.”

With this move, ibis India continues to invest in seasoned talent to strengthen its leadership bench and deliver memorable guest experiences backed by strong commercial performance.

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Jumeirah Appoints Thomas B Meier as CEO to Drive Global Expansion

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Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

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Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

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Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

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