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.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has appointed Ranjita Das as Assistant Manager – Learning & Development, strengthening its focus on talent development and service excellence.

With over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranjita brings expertise in team development, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and training. In her new role, she will lead the hotel’s learning and development initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee capabilities, building leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with global brand standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranjita to our leadership team. Her passion for people development and strong operational understanding makes her a valuable addition. We are confident she will play a key role in nurturing talent and elevating the associate experience.”

Prior to this, Ranjita was associated with The Leela Palace New Delhi, where she served as Assistant Restaurant Manager. She played an active role in training, onboarding, and driving operational efficiencies, while also leading initiatives such as festive gifting projects aligned with market trends.

Her earlier experience includes roles at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and Lemon Tree Premiere Hyderabad, where she built strong capabilities in guest service, team coordination, and high-end hospitality operations.

Ranjita holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and has completed certifications in Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias, reflecting her focus on progressive workplace practices.

With a people-first approach, she is set to contribute to strengthening the hotel’s service culture and overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has appointed Ayush Saraf as Training Manager, reinforcing its focus on people development and service excellence.

With over a decade of experience in hospitality learning and development, Ayush brings a structured and people-centric approach to training. His expertise lies in associate engagement, capability building, and fostering service-driven cultures, aimed at enhancing guest experiences.

Prior to this role, Ayush was associated with Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa, where he led key initiatives to strengthen service culture and team performance. His professional journey also includes stints with leading hospitality brands such as The Tamara Coorg, Woods at Sasan, and Evolve Back Resorts, contributing to learning and leadership development across teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Sinha said, “At JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, our associates are at the heart of every guest experience. Ayush’s passion for developing people and fostering a culture of continuous learning will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.”

Sharing his perspective, Ayush Saraf added, “I am excited to be part of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, a brand that places people and purpose at the centre of everything it does. I look forward to building meaningful learning experiences and empowering associates to deliver intuitive service that resonates with our guests.”

In his new role, Ayush will lead the hotel’s learning and development function, focusing on leadership capability, service culture, and consistent delivery of refined guest experiences.

Part of Marriott International, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru continues to position itself as a leader in luxury hospitality, combining premium infrastructure with a strong emphasis on people and service excellence.


Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Hyatt Ahmedabad has announced the elevation of three team members into key leadership roles across Human Resources, Revenue, and Rooms Division. The move reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on nurturing talent from within and recognising consistent performance and dedication.

Anshita Detha has been elevated to Assistant Director of Human Resources from her previous role as Human Resources Manager. With 10 years of industry experience, her journey with Hyatt began in 2016 as a Learning Coordinator at Hyatt Ahmedabad. She later gained experience at Park Hyatt Hyderabad before returning to Hyatt Ahmedabad in 2023. In her new role, she will focus on shaping people strategies, strengthening workplace culture, and supporting long-term growth across departments. “This elevation is a milestone that reflects both my growth and the trust Hyatt places in me to drive people strategy with greater impact,” she shares.

Naved Chaudhry steps into the role of Cluster Revenue Manager for Hyatt Ahmedabad and Hyatt Regency Dharamshala. Previously serving as Revenue Manager, he brings 14 years of experience in the industry, including 3 years with Hyatt. His expanded role involves leading revenue strategy across both properties, balancing business goals while maintaining the brand’s people-first approach. “This elevation is a reflection of consistent growth and trust earned over time,” he shares.

Shezad Nagori has been elevated to Room Division Manager from his role as Front Office Manager. With 15 years of experience across three cities, his journey reflects steady growth within the industry. Starting as a Front Office Associate, he brings strong operational understanding and guest-focused insights into his leadership role. “Moving closer to where I'm meant to be,” he says, reflecting on this milestone.

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Commenting on the leadership changes, Mr. Gaurav Chandna, General Manager, Hyatt Ahmedabad, said, “At Hyatt Ahmedabad, we don't just fill positions. We build careers and we build people. Anshita, Naved, and Shezad have each demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity and care. Their elevations are a natural progression and a reflection of the culture we work hard to protect every single day. Hyatt's strength has always been its people, and these three are a proud example of that.”

With these elevations, Hyatt Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its leadership team while reinforcing its commitment to building careers and supporting growth from within.

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