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 Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore has announced two new appointments across key departments, welcoming Mohammad Sadiq as Quality Manager and Divyansh Khanna as Front Office Manager. The appointments strengthen the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and personalised guest experiences.

Mohammad Sadiq Appointed as Quality Manager

Mohammad Sadiq joins The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore with more than a decade of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality across India, Qatar and the Maldives. He has worked with leading brands including Leela, Marriott, Hyatt and Accor.

His experience includes roles with Marriott International Maldives, Park Hyatt Chennai, Accor Hotels Doha, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and The Park Chennai, where he worked across quality assurance, pre-opening projects, operational audits and compliance programmes.

Known for his focus on continuous improvement, Sadiq has worked on strengthening quality processes and applying international standards to improve operations and guest experiences.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and look forward to working alongside a talented team to further strengthen our quality culture and uphold the exceptional service standards that define the brand," says Mohammad Sadiq. "It is a privilege to be part of a hotel renowned for its commitment to excellence, and I look forward to contributing to memorable experiences for our guests."

In his new role, Sadiq will oversee the hotel’s quality management systems, internal audits and compliance programmes, while working with teams across the property to further strengthen service standards.

Divyansh Khanna Joins as Front Office Manager

Divyansh Khanna brings more than a decade of luxury hospitality experience to his new position. His career includes experience with The Postcard Hotel, Trident Nariman Point, and The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development.

Having worked across housekeeping, duty management and front office leadership, Khanna has developed experience in hotel operations, guest engagement, team management and service delivery.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and become part of a team that is recognised for its exceptional hospitality," says Divyansh Khanna. "I look forward to working closely with the team to create memorable first impressions for our guests while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement."

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Khanna will lead the Front Office team and oversee guest arrivals and departures, concierge services, daily operations and team development. He will also work closely with other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Speaking on both appointments, Reuben Kataria, General Manager, said,

“These strategic additions to our leadership team reflect our continued commitment to excellence across every aspect of the guest experience. As we continue to build a team with a high emotional quotient and further evolve our approach towards creating more meaningful and experiential stays, the appointment of leaders who embody these values is especially important. Mohammad's expertise in quality management and continuous improvement, combined with Divyansh's strong operational leadership and guest-centric approach, will further strengthen our ability to deliver the intuitive, personalised service that defines The Ritz-Carlton experience. We are delighted to welcome them both and look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our hotel, our ladies and gentlemen, and our guests."

With the addition of Sadiq and Khanna, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore looks to further strengthen its leadership team while continuing to focus on quality, collaboration and personalised hospitality.


Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie has announced the appointment of Surender Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening the property's leadership team and focus on elevated dining and guest experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the property's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants, bar, banqueting and in-room dining services. His responsibilities will include maintaining service standards, strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.

Singh brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, having worked across leading hotel groups including ITC Hotels, The Leela, Accor, The Roseate Hotels and The LaLiT. His career spans multiple areas of food and beverage and hotel operations, giving him experience in service excellence, team leadership and guest-centric hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Surender Singh, Food & Beverage Manager, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie, said, “I am delighted to join the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie family. This iconic property has a rich legacy of hospitality, and I look forward to building on that heritage while delivering memorable food and beverage experiences to our guests.”

With his experience across established hospitality brands, Singh is expected to contribute to the continued development of the property's food and beverage operations while supporting consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.

Located in Mussoorie, The Savoy is a historic hill-station property under the ITC Hotels group. The hotel combines colonial-era heritage with contemporary hospitality, offering elegant accommodation, dining experiences and views of the Himalayan landscape.


Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on August 24, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has appointed Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales, strengthening its commercial leadership as the group focuses on revenue growth, market expansion and the development of its growing hotel portfolio.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jacob brings expertise across sales strategy, key account management and revenue generation. In his new role, he will lead the commercial sales strategy for Ramee Group's new, existing and upcoming properties.

Jacob has previously held senior sales positions with established hospitality and real estate brands. His professional experience spans hotels, restaurants and outdoor catering, giving him a broad understanding of customer requirements and diverse business segments.

His experience across different hospitality formats is expected to support Ramee Group's efforts to strengthen market relationships, expand its commercial reach and drive business growth across its portfolio.

As General Manager – Sales, Jacob will focus on developing sales strategies, strengthening key accounts and identifying opportunities to improve revenue performance across the group's properties.

The appointment comes as Ramee Group continues to expand its presence, with a focus on building a stronger commercial foundation across its existing and upcoming properties.

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