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.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Yogesh Sharma as Executive Housekeeper and Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. The appointments reflect the hotel’s continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and employee growth.

Yogesh Sharma joins the property with more than 17 years of experience in housekeeping and hospitality operations. He began his career as a Housekeeping Associate at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, and has since worked with several leading hospitality brands including Trident Bandra Kurla, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Taj Group of Hotels.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Yogesh served as Executive Housekeeper at Le Méridien Kochi, where he played a key role in improving guest satisfaction, streamlining departmental operations, and leading large housekeeping teams. He is also recognised for his expertise in pre-opening operations, having successfully established housekeeping systems and processes for multiple hotel properties.

Speaking on the appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, “Yogesh's proven track record and leadership in housekeeping will be invaluable as we continue to uphold Crowne Plaza Greater Noida's high standards of guest service and operational excellence.”

The hotel has also welcomed Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. With over eight years of specialised experience in employee training and capability building, Shailesh brings strong expertise in organisational learning and team development.

Prior to this role, he was associated with Baskin Robbins India, where he led Learning & Development initiatives for more than 330 stores across North India. His work focused on improving employee engagement, operational efficiency, and service standards.

Shailesh has also worked with Cinepolis India Pvt. Ltd. as Regional Trainer – South India and with Cafe Coffee Day, contributing to leadership training, talent development, and process improvement initiatives. He is a graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Jaipur, and holds certifications in Food Safety (FOSTAC) and Soft Skills Training.

Commenting on his appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay added, “Shailesh's passion for building high-performing teams and enhancing learning culture will strengthen our organizational capabilities and further elevate the guest experience.”

With these strategic appointments, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while investing in operational and people-focused growth.


Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan have announced the appointment of Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial, overseeing both properties under a unified strategic leadership structure.

With over 15 years of international experience across sales, marketing, and revenue management, Laufrais brings a strong combination of analytical capability and creative commercial thinking. His appointment is aimed at driving long-term, sustainable growth while strengthening the global positioning of both resorts.

Most recently, Laufrais spent two years in Bali leading the commercial positioning and launch strategy at Regent Bali Canggu, gaining deep insight into the island’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.

Prior to that, he served as Head of Commercial at InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, where he focused on strengthening luxury partnerships and lifestyle positioning in a competitive European market. Earlier in his career, he held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, further building his expertise in ultra-luxury resort operations and global luxury demand generation.

In his new role, Laufrais will oversee commercial strategy across both Bali properties, integrating sales, marketing, and revenue management functions while ensuring each resort retains its distinct identity and sense of place.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “Luxury travel today is about emotional resonance. These resorts offer distinctive experiences in two remarkable settings. My focus is to strengthen global positioning while ensuring each initiative reflects the authenticity, heritage, and sense of connection that define them.”

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, set along the Ayung River, is known for its serene jungle landscape and spiritual design influences, while Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers a beachfront experience rooted in Balinese coastal culture and relaxed living.

Laufrais will be responsible for aligning commercial planning across both resorts, ensuring a cohesive strategy that respects their individual character while leveraging their shared brand strength in the global luxury market.


voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

voco Goa Arpora has announced the appointment of Vivek Sharma as its new Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening its leadership team within the F&B division.

With over 11 years of experience in food and beverage operations, Vivek Sharma brings a strong background in hospitality excellence, having worked with leading global and luxury hotel brands including Taj Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Five Palm Jumeirah, The Postcard Hotel, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Throughout his career, Vivek has been recognised for his strong operational expertise, guest-centric approach, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams. He has consistently focused on enhancing guest experiences while driving operational efficiency and service excellence across diverse hospitality environments.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Vivek believes in empowering teams through coaching, mentoring, and continuous development. His approach fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation, enabling teams to consistently exceed guest expectations in dynamic service environments.

Beyond his professional commitments, Vivek enjoys travelling and playing chess, reflecting his strategic thinking and balanced personality.

At voco Goa Arpora, his appointment is expected to further elevate the hotel’s food and beverage offerings and enhance overall guest satisfaction through refined service standards and innovative dining experiences.

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