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.


Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.

In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.

Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.

Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.

Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.


The Ritz-Carlton Pune Appoints Ishwinder Gill as General Manager

The Ritz-Carlton Pune Appoints Ishwinder Gill as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune has announced the appointment of Ishwinder Gill as its new General Manager, bringing with him over two decades of distinguished experience in the global hospitality industry.

In his new role, Ishwinder Gill will focus on further enhancing the hotel’s luxury positioning, strengthening operational excellence, and elevating overall guest experiences. His appointment reflects the brand’s continued commitment to thoughtful leadership and refined luxury in one of India’s key hospitality markets.

Ishwinder joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune after a successful tenure as General Manager at W Goa, where he played a pivotal role in reinforcing the resort’s reputation as one of India’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations. His transition marks a shift from leading a vibrant lifestyle brand to steering one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality names.

Previously, Ishwinder served as Chief Operating Officer at Far East Hospitality, overseeing operations across 26 hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. During his time in Singapore, he was instrumental in the development and success of several acclaimed upscale and luxury brands, including The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Oasia Resort Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel, and The Clan Hotel.

An alumnus of Cornell University, USA, and the William Angliss Institute, Melbourne, Ishwinder brings a strong academic foundation combined with deep operational expertise and a global perspective. This positions him well to lead The Ritz-Carlton, Pune into its next phase of growth and excellence.

Commenting on his appointment, Ishwinder Gill said, “I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Pune and embark on this new chapter. It is an honour to be part of such a globally respected brand, and I look forward to working with the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Pune to further elevate the hotel as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in India.”

His appointment further underscores The Ritz-Carlton, Pune’s focus on strong leadership, exceptional service standards, and delivering memorable experiences aligned with the evolving expectations of today’s global luxury traveller.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Promotes Deepmala Chaudhary as GM – Sales & Corporate Revenue

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Promotes Deepmala Chaudhary as GM – Sales & Corporate Revenue

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has announced the promotion of Ms. Deepmala Chaudhary to the role of General Manager – Sales & Corporate Revenue, acknowledging her long-standing contribution and leadership across the Group’s commercial functions.

Associated with The LaLiT since 2013, Ms. Chaudhary has steadily grown through key leadership roles, most recently serving as Head – Corporate Revenue. With over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality revenue management, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s revenue performance across India and international markets, including London.

In her expanded role, she will oversee integrated sales and corporate revenue strategies across rooms, food & beverage, MICE, and digital channels. Her responsibilities will continue to include pricing strategy, demand forecasting, distribution optimisation, and yield management, working closely with unit general managers and central teams.

During her tenure, Ms. Chaudhary has driven stronger direct and online booking performance, built strategic partnerships, and established robust centralised revenue systems across the Group’s portfolio.

Commenting on the promotion, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “Deepmala’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding of hospitality business dynamics.”

Her elevation reflects The LaLiT’s focus on nurturing internal talent and building future-ready leadership.

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