IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced an expanded role for Rajit Sukumaran as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia and Pacific (EAPAC) – a newly-created position, overseeing more than 20 countries.
Sukumaran brings two decades of industry experience, most recently as the lead of IHG’s South East Asia and Korea (SEAK) business unit for the past four years, and previously as the company’s Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA), giving him a deep knowledge of the Asia Pacific region.
“With so many opportunities to turbocharge our growth across East Asia & Pacific, I’m honoured and excited to be taking on this expanded role to lead IHG’s business in the region,” said Sukumaran.
“We have a strong team of local market experts who are energised by our culture of firsts and have built a reputation for delivering for owners and guests in the world’s favourite destinations.”
Vivek Bhalla, who has been with the company since 2016, has been promoted to IHG’s Managing Director, SEAK with responsibility for more than 120 hotels across 10 brands, and a pipeline of over 90 properties.
An industry veteran, Bhalla has spent the last four years as Vice President, Operations, SEAK, before which he had two years in India as Regional Vice President/Head of South West Asia. He has also held commercial and operations roles for a range of hospitality companies across Asia Pacific.
“The South East Asia and Korea division is growing fast, across this diverse and vibrant part of the world, in partnership with our hotel owners,” said Bhalla.
“I’m proud to be leading the division and working alongside our talented teams to elevate our performance, expand our estate and provide opportunities for career growth in this dynamic industry.”
IHG’s Managing Director, Australasia and Pacific, Matt Tripolone, and Managing Director Japan and Micronesia Abhijay Sandilya, continue in their respective roles and join the East Asia and Pacific Leadership team.