Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd has announced the appointment of Mr. Sumit Ghosh as Associate Vice President – Sales, strengthening its senior leadership as the hospitality group continues to scale operations across multiple Indian markets.

In his new role, Ghosh will lead the company’s sales strategy, focus on strengthening key accounts, and drive revenue growth across the portfolio. His responsibilities will include corporate sales, key account management, market development, and aligning sales plans with Cygnett’s broader growth strategies. He will also work closely with key stakeholders within the organisation and with asset partners.

Ghosh brings over 24 years of experience in the hotel industry, with strong expertise across sales leadership, business development, and revenue-focused roles in branded hotel chains. He holds a postgraduate degree in Marketing Management (PGDBA) from SCDL–Symbiosis, Pune, a Diploma in Hotel Management from IIHM, Kolkata, and a BA in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Scotland.

Prior to joining Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Ghosh was associated with several well-known hotel groups, including Wyndham Hotel Group, Royal Orchid Hotels, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, Jaypee Hotels, Best Western Premier, and Sunday Hotels. His experience spans hotels in metro cities as well as other regions, contributing to business restructuring, corporate alliances, and top-line growth across different portfolios.

Commenting on the appointment, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "Sumit brings a tremendous understanding of market dynamics, execution skills, and understanding of all the prominent hotels will be an advantage for us in improving our sales performance in the market."

As part of the leadership team, Ghosh will play an important role in developing scaled-up sales approaches, training teams, and supporting the expansion of Cygnett’s growing product base. The appointment comes at a time when Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is actively expanding its presence in the mid-market and value segments of the hospitality industry.

SAMHI has announced the appointment of Priyanka Ahluwalia as Cluster General Manager for its Holiday Inn Express portfolio, effective January 2026. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the operations of all 12 Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) hotels across India owned by SAMHI.

A seasoned hospitality professional, Priyanka brings over 25 years of experience across hotels, tourism boards, and golf resorts. Her career spans leadership roles covering sales, marketing, operations, and revenue strategy, with responsibilities across India, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. She is widely recognised for managing large, multi-location portfolios and driving performance through structured processes and people-led leadership.

Before joining SAMHI, Priyanka spent 12 years with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group. Most recently, she served as General Manager – Sales & Operations, where she handled a diverse portfolio of hotels in India and the UK. During this period, she carried revenue responsibility for more than 2,200 keys and worked closely with individual hotel leadership teams to strengthen operations and elevate service standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of SAMHI Hotels, said, "Priyanka’s appointment comes at a defining moment as we continue to scale our Holiday Inn Express portfolio and sharpen our operational edge. We are confident that her leadership will strengthen our portfolio and help us deliver the right guest experience.”

Known for her strategic clarity and collaborative working style, Priyanka has consistently focused on building strong teams and effective systems. Her experience in setting up standard operating procedures and managing owner relationships is expected to play a key role in supporting the continued growth and consistency of the Holiday Inn Express portfolio.

Sharing her thoughts on the new role, Priyanka Ahluwalia said, "I am delighted to join the team and lead the Holiday Inn Express portfolio. My focus has always been on driving operational excellence through a people-first approach. I look forward to collaborating with the teams across these 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels to refine our service delivery and ensure we continue to provide smart, efficient hospitality that resonates emotionally with our guests.”

Priyanka holds an Executive MBA from Venkateshwara Open University and has been recognised throughout her career for exceeding business targets and delivering growth across varied international markets.

With this appointment, Holiday Inn Express continues to reinforce its commitment to inclusive and people-focused leadership, aligned with IHG’s “Room to Belong” ethos. The philosophy centres on creating an environment where professionals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute authentically, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success across the organisation.

Novotel Jodhpur has announced the promotion of Surendra Shekhawat to the newly created role of Associate Director of Finance, marking a key step in strengthening Accor’s regional finance leadership in Rajasthan. Previously serving as Finance Manager, Shekhawat’s elevation reflects his consistent performance, strategic insight, and growing leadership responsibilities within the organisation.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality finance, Shekhawat brings a strong track record across reputed hotel brands including Radisson Hotel Kandla, Novotel Ahmedabad, and Novotel Jodhpur. Since January 2024, he has been leading the finance function at Novotel Jodhpur, contributing to improved financial discipline, compliance, and operational efficiency.

In his new role, Shekhawat will oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis across key Accor properties in Rajasthan. His responsibilities will also include driving initiatives to enhance profitability, supporting operational effectiveness, and mentoring finance leaders across the region as part of Accor’s broader leadership framework.

Commenting on the promotion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “Surendra has distinguished himself as a strategic finance leader. His expertise in compliance and operations has played an important role in strengthening our financial performance. This promotion recognises his leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to Accor’s vision.”

Going forward, Shekhawat will work closely with divisional and corporate finance teams to support long-term growth and resilience across Accor’s portfolio in Rajasthan and neighbouring markets. His appointment underlines Accor’s focus on building strong regional leadership to support sustainable expansion