IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced a significant leadership promotion, appointing Rajit Sukumaran as Senior Vice President and Managing Director for East Asia and Pacific (EAPAC). This newly-created position will see Sukumaran overseeing IHG’s operations across more than 20 countries in the region.
Sukumaran, who brings two decades of industry experience to his expanded role, previously led IHG’s South East Asia and Korea (SEAK) business unit for the past four years. Prior to this, he served as IHG’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEAA), providing him with extensive 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”, Sukumaran stated. “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”.
In conjunction with Sukumaran’s promotion, IHG has also elevated Vivek Bhalla to Managing Director, SEAK. Bhalla, who has been with the company since 2016, will now oversee more than 120 hotels across 10 brands, with a pipeline of over 90 properties. An industry veteran, Bhalla has spent the last four years as Vice President, Operations, SEAK, and previously served as Regional Vice President/Head of South West Asia. His extensive experience includes various commercial and operations roles across the Asia Pacific region.
“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”, Bhalla commented. “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 for Australasia and Pacific, Matt Tripolone, and Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia, Abhijay Sandilya, will continue in their respective roles and join the East Asia and Pacific Leadership team. These appointments reflect IHG’s commitment to strengthening its leadership structure to drive growth and operational excellence across the region.