Global hotel operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia, a strategic move aligning with the group's expansion plans across Asia and India. Effective this July, Dhawan will oversee the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in the region, reporting directly to CEO Dillip Rajakarier.
Dhawan, a hospitality veteran with a 30-year career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings extensive industry expertise to Minor Hotels. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor showcased his leadership in business development, owner management, hotel operations, and commercial strategy. He was instrumental in launching Accor’s first Raffles hotel in India and has held prominent positions such as Vice President of Operations, Middle East, during his 25-year tenure with Accor. Dhawan’s career in hospitality began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held roles in the Philippines and Hong Kong.
Dhawan's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in Minor Hotels' Bangkok Corporate Office upon assuming his new role.
“We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years”, said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International.
This leadership appointment comes as Minor Hotels intensifies its focus on expanding its footprint in Asia. In January, the group set a target to add over 200 new openings to its global portfolio by the end of 2026, with approximately half in Asia. Further solidifying its growth trajectory, Minor Hotels recently announced plans to open 50 new properties in India over the next decade. This includes the anticipated debut of its luxury Anantara brand in Jaipur later this year.
Dhawan’s appointment is expected to drive Minor Hotels' ambitious growth strategy, enhancing its presence in key Asian markets and contributing to the group's overall vision of expanding its luxury and upscale offerings across the region.