IHG Hotels & Resorts announced that Rajit Sukumaran will take on an expanded role as their senior vice-president and managing director for East Asia and the Pacific.

The 20-year veteran brings his expertise to bear for expand the hospitality group’s growth, performance, and reputation in over 20 nations within the region.

Prior to this latest appointment, Sukumaran led IHG’s South East Asia & Korea business unit for four years. Throughout his tenure, he gained extensive knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region whilst managing teams across multiple markets.

He also oversaw the regional strategy for IHG brands as the company’s chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Sukumaran expressed that he felt honoured to have been named to the post, saying: “With so many opportunities to turbocharge our growth across East Asia & Pacific, I [look forward to] taking on this expanded role to lead IHG’s business in the region. 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.”

Bhalla takes over SEAsia and SoKor

As Sukumaran takes on the expanded role, Vivek Bhalla steps in as IHG’s managing director for South East Asia and Korea. He takes on the responsibility of growing the group’s estate of over 120 hotels across ten brands, with an additional 90 properties in its pipeline.

Bhalla pointed out the speed of the regional division’s growth, explaining that it was made possible through working partnerships with hotel owners. 

He also said: “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.”