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.


Sandipan Bose Takes Charge as General Manager of ITC Mughal, Agra

Sandipan Bose Takes Charge as General Manager of ITC Mughal, Agra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 6, 2025

ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra, has announced the appointment of Sandipan Bose as its new General Manager. With more than 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Sandipan brings a wealth of operational expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Previously leading the growth of Mementos by ITC Hotels, Udaipur, Sandipan successfully positioned the property as a preferred choice for global travellers in the value-driven Udaipur market. Now, at ITC Mughal, he will spearhead a talented team to strengthen the hotel’s reputation as a preferred bleisure destination, known for its LEED-certified environmental stewardship and its status as an ideal wedding venue in Agra.

An alumnus of IHM Meerut, Sandipan’s association with ITC Hotels began early in his career. Since his initial role at the flagship ITC Maurya in 2000, he has worked across several prominent hospitality brands in India, consistently driving excellence in operations, service delivery, and guest satisfaction.

Speaking on his new role, Sandipan Bose said, “ITC Mughal is LEED Platinum, LEED Zero Carbon and LEED Zero Water certified. It continues to serve as a landmark destination, and we will put our best foot forward to continue offering specially curated experiences to our guests. This only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award is a testament to ITC’s vision of Responsible Luxury, bringing alive facets of the destination through architecture and design.”

Under his leadership, ITC Mughal is expected to further strengthen its positioning as a destination that blends heritage, sustainability, and contemporary luxury, staying true to ITC Hotels’ guiding philosophy of Responsible Luxury.


JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Russel Issac as Director of Food & Beverage

JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Russel Issac as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 4, 2025

JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Russel Issac as the hotel’s new Director of Food & Beverage. With more than a decade of diverse experience across iconic hotels and luxury resorts in India and overseas, Issac brings strategic expertise and a proven ability to deliver memorable guest experiences.

A graduate of Rizvi College of Hotel Management, Mumbai, with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Hotel Administration, Issac began his career with Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai as an Industrial Trainee. His journey spans leadership roles with Lemon Tree Hotels, The Oberoi Group, JW Marriott Mumbai, and the Taj Group of Hotels, steadily establishing himself as a dynamic hospitality leader.

In his most recent role as Associate Director of Food & Beverage at Taj Coromandel, Chennai, Issac played a key role in shaping F&B operations, enhancing guest experiences, and mentoring teams to deliver excellence. His earlier tenure at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai, managing Shamiana and Aquarius, saw him curate dining experiences aligned with global culinary trends. His international experience at Taj Exotica, Maldives, further enriched his expertise in luxury dining and personalised service.

As Director of Food & Beverage at JW Marriott Kolkata, Issac will oversee the strategic direction of the hotel’s restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on innovative dining concepts, sustainable practices, and elevating guest experiences, while also driving revenue growth and operational excellence.

Commenting on the appointment, Sunil Kumar, General Manager, JW Marriott Kolkata, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Russel Issac to the JW Marriott Kolkata family. His deep expertise, creative vision and passion for food & beverage are perfectly aligned with our commitment to creating extraordinary dining journeys for our guests. We look forward to his leadership in strengthening our position as a leading culinary destination in the city.”

Outside of work, Issac enjoys freehand illustrations, reading, and playing pool, reflecting his creative personality and balance of artistry with precision.


Hemant Sharma Appointed Head of Finance at ITC Narmada

Hemant Sharma Appointed Head of Finance at ITC Narmada

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

ITC Narmada, a luxury collection hotel in Ahmedabad, has announced the appointment of Hemant Kumar Sharma as the property’s new Head of Finance. Sharma, a cost and management accountant with over 16 years of experience, has held leadership positions across India’s largest conglomerates in hospitality, manufacturing, and financial services.

In his new role at ITC Narmada, Sharma will lead the finance function, ensuring robust governance, efficient financial operations, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. He will also oversee financial planning and analysis, with a focus on enhancing value creation and supporting ITC Narmada’s long-term growth strategy in Ahmedabad’s competitive and diverse market.

Previously, Sharma served as Head of Finance at ITC Hotels Limited, managing internal audits, statutory audits, budgeting, forecasting, and monthly financial statements across multiple functions. He has also worked with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts (EIH Limited), where he managed financial planning, corporate reporting, internal controls, and strategic cost management at both property and group levels.

Commenting on his appointment, Sharma said, “I am delighted to join ITC Narmada at such an exciting stage in its journey. The property has set new benchmarks in luxury and sustainable hospitality in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success by strengthening financial stewardship, driving operational efficiencies, and supporting its growth vision.”

Sharma holds a CMA qualification from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), a Master of Commerce from IGNOU, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Finance) from SCDL Pune. His expertise includes SAP implementation, IFRS integration, and the development of internal controls and standard operating procedures, making him well-equipped to guide ITC Narmada’s finance strategy in alignment with the brand’s premium hospitality standards.

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