Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 25, 2024

Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, is excited to announce the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as their new Chief Executive Officer. With an impressive background in the luxury travel industry, Muckermann brings over 25 years of experience to this prestigious role. She previously led Silversea Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, which is renowned as the world's largest ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line.

Muckermann joins Kempinski at a pivotal time. The iconic hospitality brand, with its 127-year tradition of excellence, is preparing for significant global expansion. Currently operating 82 hotels in 36 countries, Kempinski aims to add 34 more properties to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa over the next few years. This strategic growth is intended to further cement Kempinski's reputation for providing unparalleled luxury and exceptional service.

René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kempinski Hotels S.A., expressed his confidence in Muckermann's leadership. "Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury. Her proven ability to elevate the guest experience while maximizing profitability for leading travel brands made her the ideal choice to lead Kempinski Hotels. Her dynamic, forward-thinking approach will be vital as we continue to usher in a new era of luxury for our brand."

Muckermann is the first woman to lead Kempinski Hotels in its 127-year history. She expressed her excitement about joining the company, stating, "I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand. I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honoring its rich history. I look forward to working with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury."

Throughout her career, Muckermann has significantly enhanced sales and profitability while upgrading customer experiences for global luxury brands such as Loro Piana, MSC Cruises, and NCL. Her extensive international experience, having lived in Italy, France, and the USA, and her proficiency in five languages, underscore her global perspective and capability. Additionally, she holds a Doctorate in Political Sciences and Economics and an MBA from both Columbia and London Business School.

Kempinski Hotels is known for its unique and legendary properties, each reflecting the cultural traditions of their locations while maintaining the high standards expected of the brand. As the company looks forward to expanding its presence, Muckermann's leadership is expected to guide Kempinski through this exciting phase, reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

With this new appointment, Kempinski Hotels continues to build on its rich heritage, combining tradition with innovation to offer the finest experiences in the world of luxury hospitality.


Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2025

Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.


Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.

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