Zo World, the parent company behind Zostel, has announced a major leadership transition as part of its strategic vision for the future. (R to L) Co-founder and CEO Dharamveer Singh Chouhan will assume the role of chairman, while Aviral Gupta, the company’s first employee and a long-time leader, has been appointed chief executive officer.

According to the company, this change signals the formal beginning of Zo World’s next phase — an expansive, AI-powered, community-driven ecosystem that unites travel, hospitality, and digital experiences under one borderless brand. Zo World aims to develop the "travel operating system" for humanity’s collective future.

“Zo World is not just a company; it’s an invitation to a planet where everyone can explore fearlessly. Powered by community, rooted in the Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ and scaled by cutting-edge tech, we’re building the trip partner for humanity’s journey of self-discovery. Aviral embodies the soul of this vision, he’s lived every step of our journey. As chairman, I now focus on building Zo as a generational movement, unifying our ecosystem globally, and enabling thousands of creators and founders to bring this vision to life,” said Dharamveer Singh Chouhan.

A decade-long veteran at Zostel, Aviral Gupta joined as the company’s first employee and has held multiple leadership roles — from overseeing hostel operations to driving strategy and technology. Most recently, he delivered a 400 percent year-on-year growth in Zo Trips while doubling Zostel’s EBITDA.

“Zo is more than a brand, it’s a belief system. As we scale into a borderless, tech-powered future, our focus is on crafting experiences where every trip becomes personal, every stay meaningful, and every traveller part of something larger than themselves. We are building Zo not just as a travel brand, but as a lifestyle and cultural identity for the next generation,” said Aviral Gupta.

This leadership evolution reinforces Zo World’s ambition to redefine travel by merging technology, community engagement, and hospitality into a single, transformative ecosystem.