Up Norway Expands Leadership Team Amid Growing Demand for Luxury Travel

Up Norway Expands Leadership Team Amid Growing Demand for Luxury Travel

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 16, 2024

Up Norway, a sustainable luxury travel company, has appointed Karoline Hoff as its new Managing Director. Founder Torunn Tronsvang, who has led the company since its inception in 2016, will now take on the role of Chief Experience Officer (CXO). This leadership change marks a significant step in Up Norway's continued commitment to providing luxury travel experiences rooted in Norwegian culture and sustainability.

Tronsvang expressed her excitement about the transition, emphasizing the company's mission to become a leading expert in value-driven luxury travel. "Karoline's strategic expertise guiding our growth allows me to focus on innovating exceptional travel experiences and inspiring positive change through our journeys," said Tronsvang.

Hoff has worked in various industries, including at Møller Mobility Group, WiMP Music (now Tidal), Orkla ASA, and McKinsey & Company. Hoff holds both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Economics and Business Administration from The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH). With her background in project management, strategic planning, and team leadership, Hoff is expected to play a key role in Up Norway's future.

Erik Jakobsen, a board director at Up Norway, praised Hoff’s appointment, noting her leadership will help meet the growing demand for value-driven travel experiences. "Hoff's leadership will be instrumental in refining our strategic direction and meeting the increasing demand for value-driven travel experiences that reflect Norwegian authenticity, respect for nature, and community engagement," he stated.

Hoff, in turn, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "I'm thrilled to join Up Norway and lead the team in creating unforgettable experiences for our travelers. I'm incredibly impressed by what the team has accomplished so far, and I'm excited to be part of this journey to make Norway the world's most attractive travel destination."

Tronsvang’s move to CXO reflects her dedication to Up Norway’s mission of offering authentic, sustainable travel experiences. Since founding the company, she has sought to counter the superficial travel experiences often associated with Norway. Under her leadership, Up Norway has become a top sustainable travel curator, offering bespoke itineraries that highlight Norwegian culture while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility.

Tronsvang will now focus on her passion for destination and experience development, working closely with local partners to continue shaping Up Norway's unique offerings. "I am excited about my new role as Chief Experience Officer," Tronsvang said. "This transition is part of our vision for the company's future. Collaborating with Karoline will be vital as we advance our mission to make Norway the world's most attractive travel destination."

Up Norway’s leadership changes come at a time of significant growth. The company has already added five new team members in 2024, reflecting increasing demand for its eco-friendly, luxury travel experiences. Up Norway’s expansion strategy, guided by B Corp principles, aims to offer high-quality travel experiences without sacrificing sustainability.

For more details on Up Norway, visit their website at upnorway.com.


The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on November 8, 2025

The Machan Lonavala, one of India’s most recognised eco-luxury resort brands, has announced the appointment of Vikas Toksya as its new Resident Manager.

With an impressive 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience from his time with prestigious names such as the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, Radisson Blu, and Hyatt Hotels. His expertise spans operations management, guest experience, and team leadership, making him well-suited to drive The Machan’s next chapter of growth.

In his new role, Vikas will oversee the resort’s day-to-day operations, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction and reinforcing The Machan’s core values of sustainability and experiential hospitality.

We are delighted to welcome Vikas to The Machan family. His rich operational background and deep understanding of luxury hospitality will play a pivotal role in driving our next phase of growth,” said Rakshit Sharma, COO, The Machan.

Renowned for its award-winning tree-house accommodations and commitment to eco-sensitive practices, The Machan continues to redefine responsible tourism — offering guests a truly immersive retreat amidst nature


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper. With a proven track record of excellence and over a decade of experience in hospitality operations, Mr. Mishra has been instrumental in maintaining the hotel’s high standards of cleanliness, guest comfort, and sustainability. In his new role.

he will continue to lead the housekeeping team with a focus on service innovation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, further strengthening Welcomhotel Guntur’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and ensuring an impeccable stay experience for every guest

About Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur

Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur blends modern luxury with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and signature warm hospitality. With sustainable practices at its core, Welcomhotel Guntur embodies ITC Hotels’ “Responsible Luxury” philosophy, offering guests an experience that is both refined and environmentally conscious.


Cygnet.One Appoints Dr. Pankaj Dikshit as Executive Director to Drive AI-Led Digital Transformation

Cygnet.One Appoints Dr. Pankaj Dikshit as Executive Director to Drive AI-Led Digital Transformation

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Cygnet.One, a global leader in digital tax transformation and enterprise technology, has announced the appointment of Dr. Pankaj Dikshit, PhD (IIT Delhi) as Executive Director. With over 30 years of experience spanning government, enterprise, and technology, Dr. Dikshit brings a rare mix of strategic vision and hands-on expertise in building national-scale digital systems powered by AI and compliance-driven frameworks. He will operate from New Delhi.

An IIT Delhi alumnus, Dr. Dikshit holds both M.Tech and PhD degrees and has previously held senior roles at IBM and the Government of India. Over his career, he has been at the forefront of digital transformation, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and policy innovation, earning recognition from AWS, ET Digitech, and DSCI for his leadership in technology and data-driven governance.

One of his most notable contributions was his pioneering role in India’s GST digital transformation, where he helped scale the system to serve millions of taxpayers, billions of invoices, and transactions across the country. He also played a key role in designing and implementing the E-Way Bill and e-Invoicing frameworks, strengthening revenue collection and compliance through technology.

Speaking on his new role, Dr. Pankaj Dikshit shared, “Having worked closely with both government and industry leaders on large-scale digital transformations, I believe technology is more than compliance,  it’s a catalyst for trust, efficiency, and long-term value. At Cygnet.One, I’m excited to extend this vision by helping enterprises embrace AI-first, secure, and compliant digital systems that redefine the way they operate.”

Niraj Hutheesing, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnet.One, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Dikshit to our leadership team. His work in India’s digital transformation and his experience at the intersection of policy, governance, and technology make him the ideal leader to guide our next phase of growth. His expertise will accelerate our mission to empower enterprises through AI-driven and compliance-led innovation.”

At Cygnet.One, Dr. Dikshit will focus on advancing AI-first digital transformation across key sectors including BFSI, Manufacturing, Pharma, Retail, and the Public Sector. His leadership will help businesses move beyond compliance, turning regulatory alignment into opportunity and driving measurable value through automation and intelligent systems.

Beyond enterprise strategy, Dr. Dikshit is also expected to contribute to Cygnet.One’s core growth pillars, Clients, Cygnetians, and Community by promoting a culture of innovation, mentorship, and social impact through technology.

Cygnet.One continues to stand at the forefront of digital transformation, with expertise spanning Tax, VAT & GST compliance, e-Invoicing, AI-driven data intelligence, and enterprise modernization. The company is actively involved in large-scale implementations across regions including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Europe, helping businesses redefine how they comply, connect, and compete in the evolving digital economy.

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