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.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Appoints Rishabh Jain

Holiday Inn Gurugram Appoints Rishabh Jain

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Rishabh Jain as its new General Manager, marking a strategic leadership addition as the property looks to strengthen its operations and market positioning.

With over 21 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rishabh brings a balanced mix of operational expertise, sales leadership, and strategic insight to the role. His appointment aligns with the hotel’s focus on driving performance while maintaining strong service standards.

Prior to this, he served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur, where he played a key role during the pre-opening phase and later led the hotel’s growth trajectory over three years. His experience in handling both launch and scale-up phases adds depth to his leadership profile.

In his new role, Rishabh will oversee all aspects of operations at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, including financial performance, team development, guest experience, and overall brand positioning in a competitive market.

He also brings prior experience with IHG Hotels & Resorts, having spent nearly six years across multiple cities in key operational and leadership roles. Over the years, he has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott International, and The Lalit, further strengthening his industry exposure.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Rishabh has consistently focused on service excellence while delivering strong business outcomes. His expertise spans hotel pre-openings, business ramp-ups, post-pandemic recovery strategies, as well as revenue management and sales operations.

Academically, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Vivekanand Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management, Rajkot.

Commenting on his appointment, Rishabh said, “I am delighted to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to working with the team to build on the hotel’s strong legacy, deliver memorable guest experiences, and drive sustained growth.”

Welcoming him to the role, Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager, South West Asia at IHG and General Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar, noted that  Rishabh’s leadership capabilities and deep operational understanding make him well-suited to lead the property into its next phase of growth.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Promotes Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has announced the promotion of Chef Suresh Rajan Pillai as Head Chef, marking an important step in his journey with the property. The move recognises his contribution to shaping the hotel’s culinary identity and his consistent focus on innovation.

Chef Suresh, who was previously serving as Chef de Cuisine, has been leading the culinary direction at Mazzo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Over time, he has brought a fresh perspective to South Indian cuisine, presenting it in a way that connects tradition with a more contemporary style.

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A graduate of Oriental Catering College of Hotel Management, Madurai, Chef Suresh combines strong technical knowledge with a personal approach to cooking. His philosophy is built around the idea that every dish tells a story, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of Madurai, the coastal flavours of Kerala, and his Malaysian background. This mix reflects clearly in his menus, which offer a modern take on familiar South Indian dishes.

During his time at Mazzo, he has introduced a range of curated dining experiences that have helped strengthen the restaurant’s presence in Hyderabad. From traditional Onam Sadhyas to specially designed Navratri menus featuring over 40 saatvik dishes, his work highlights both cultural authenticity and thoughtful presentation. Dishes like Venad Paal Konju, jackfruit masala wrapped in banana leaf, and his Malabar Feast have stood out for bringing together familiar flavours with a new approach.

His role has also been key in refreshing Mazzo’s overall menu, turning it into a go-to destination for modern South Indian dining. By combining regional influences with evolving culinary techniques, the restaurant continues to appeal to a wide range of guests.

Chef Suresh’s work has also been recognised at a national level, including the Chef of the Year award at the Restaurant India Awards 2026.

In his new role as Head Chef, he will lead the overall culinary operations of the property, focusing on strengthening its food and beverage offerings while continuing to highlight regional Indian cuisines through creative and engaging dining experiences.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Bharat Khanna as its new Front Office Manager, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, Bharat Khanna brings deep expertise in front office management, guest services, and team leadership. His career spans leading hotel brands, including Taj Mahal New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, and Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, where he has consistently delivered high standards of guest experience and operational excellence.

In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations, ensuring seamless guest journeys while upholding the brand’s service standards. His core competencies include guest relations, problem resolution, OTA and channel management, group bookings coordination, and business forecasting.

Known for his ability to mentor and inspire teams, Bharat has built a reputation for fostering a culture of performance and professionalism. His experience in managing VIP services, executive lounges, and high-profile guest interactions further strengthens his approach to enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the appointment, Anurag Rai said, “We are delighted to welcome Bharat to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His extensive experience and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Sharing his perspective, Bharat Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and look forward to contributing to the brand’s commitment to service excellence while working closely with the team to create memorable guest experiences.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to reinforce its focus on operational excellence and guest-centric service, aligning with evolving expectations in the hospitality sector

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