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.


Supriyo Dhali Appointed General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri

Supriyo Dhali Appointed General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2025

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels Group, has announced the appointment of Supriyo Dhali as the General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri.

An accomplished hotelier with over 25 years of experience, Dhali brings a strong record of success in hotel operations, guest engagement, and brand-led service excellence. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s overall functioning with a focus on enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the brand’s presence in the region.

Throughout his career, Dhali has held leadership positions across leading hospitality brands, including Sterling Holidays, Lemon Tree Hotels, Club Mahindra, Park Inn by Radisson, Taj Hotels, and ITC Hotels.

Before joining Fortune Select Siliguri, he served as General Manager at Sterling Aravalli, Udaipur, where he successfully led a 70-key upscale resort with multiple banquet venues, driving both guest satisfaction and operational performance.

Known for his disciplined leadership, people-first approach, and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, Dhali is set to play a key role in driving the continued growth and service excellence of Fortune Select Siliguri, the company said in a release.


The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Abhesek Roy as Sous Chef

The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Abhesek Roy as Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2025

The Leela Gandhinagar, a beacon of luxury hospitality in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, has announced the appointment of Chef Abhesek Roy as its new Sous Chef.

With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, Chef Abhesek brings a wealth of experience, culinary creativity, and technical expertise to his new role. His professional journey includes associations with some of India’s most prestigious hospitality brands such as The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Mumbai, The Lalit Mumbai, Hilton Shillim, and The Willingdon Sports Club.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikas Sood, General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Abhesek Roy to The Leela Gandhinagar. His extensive experience across leading hospitality establishments, coupled with his creativity and commitment to quality, will further strengthen our culinary offerings and delight our guests with exceptional dining experiences.”

Chef Abhesek holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Global Institute of Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (GIMS), Mumbai. His career reflects consistent growth across diverse leadership roles, from Demi Chef de Partie to Pre-opening Sous Chef and Brand Chef, each role sharpening his expertise in kitchen management and menu innovation.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, Chef Abhesek will oversee kitchen operations, drive culinary innovation, and curate refined dining experiences that reflect the brand’s signature elegance and authenticity.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Chef Abhesek Roy shared,

“Joining The Leela Gandhinagar is both an honour and an exciting opportunity. I look forward to crafting memorable gastronomic journeys for our guests, showcasing innovative techniques while celebrating the rich culture and culinary heritage of India.”

With Chef Abhesek’s appointment, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to reinforce its commitment to elevating the culinary landscape through exceptional talent and craftsmanship.


Vineet Kumar Mishra Appointed General Manager at Novotel Guwahati GS Road

Vineet Kumar Mishra Appointed General Manager at Novotel Guwahati GS Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Novotel Guwahati GS Road has announced the appointment of Vineet Kumar Mishra as its new General Manager. With a remarkable career spanning over 19 years, Mishra brings extensive leadership experience from renowned hospitality brands such as Hilton, Radisson, Accor, and Lemon Tree Hotels.

Throughout his professional journey, he has successfully led diverse teams, driven operational excellence, and introduced guest-centric initiatives that reflect his deep passion for hospitality and service innovation. His strategic mindset and people-first approach have consistently contributed to enhanced guest satisfaction and sustainable business growth.

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Vineet Kumar Mishra said,

“As I step into this exciting new role, I look forward to continuing my journey with Accor and leading an incredible team, fostering a culture of excellence, and delivering memorable experiences for every guest at Novotel Guwahati GS Road.”

With Mishra’s appointment, Novotel Guwahati GS Road aims to strengthen its leadership team and reinforce its commitment to offering exceptional service and enriching guest experiences in the region.

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