Zo World Appoints Aviral Gupta as CEO; Co-Founder Dharamveer Singh Chouhan Transitions to Chairman

Zo World Appoints Aviral Gupta as CEO; Co-Founder Dharamveer Singh Chouhan Transitions to Chairman

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 12, 2025

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.


Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

Taronish Karkaria Appointed General Manager of Taj West End Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2025

Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Taronish Karkaria as its new general manager. A second-generation hotelier, Karkaria brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, combining operational expertise with a strong focus on guest experience and team development.

He has been a prominent leader within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), successfully leading several of its flagship properties. Most recently, he served as the pre-opening general manager of Taj Gandhinagar Resort & Spa, and prior to that, as director of operations at Taj Palace, New Delhi the country’s largest luxury convention hotel. His career also includes leadership roles at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

In his new role at Taj West End, Karkaria will focus on advancing strategic operations, enhancing bespoke guest experiences, and introducing initiatives that strengthen the hotel’s legacy as one of Bengaluru’s most treasured landmarks.

Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, South, IHCL, said, “Taronish brings forth an extensive expertise across operations and proven ability to elevate guest experiences. His leadership will play a key role in further strengthening the hotel’s position as one of the city’s most distinguished luxury destinations”.

Sharing his excitement, Karkaria said, “Taj West End is a true icon of Bengaluru’s hospitality landscape. I am excited to continue its legacy while crafting meaningful experiences for our guests, blending warmth and innovation with the hotel’s timeless charm”.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of IHCL’s service ethos, Karkaria is poised to lead Taj West End into its next chapter of growth while maintaining its reputation as a luxury hospitality landmark.


Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

Accor appoints Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 1, 2025

Accor has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, a role covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The hospitality leader currently operates more than 70 hotels in the region, with over 30 in the pipeline.

Alex is a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning over three decades. Until recently, she served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, overseeing more than 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and went on to hold several leadership positions at Marriott, contributing significantly to its growth in the region.

Recognised for her achievements, Alex was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her contributions to the industry.

Expressing her excitement, Alex said:

“I am delighted to join an organisation with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

This appointment further strengthens Accor’s leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its position as a leading hospitality player in South Asia.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.