Minor Hotels appoints Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil as India VP, to launch Anantara in Jaipur

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Minor Hotels, a renowned global leader in hotel ownership, operation, and investment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil as the Vice President – Operations, India, effective December 21, 2023. This strategic move aligns with Minor Hotels’ ambitious plans to expand its footprint in India, with Krishnan-Vazhvelil assuming a pivotal role in launching and positioning the group’s inaugural Anantara property in Jaipur. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring a robust growth trajectory across the country.

Bringing a wealth of experience as a seasoned business leader with a focus on luxury hospitality, wildlife tourism, and experiential travel, Krishnan-Vazhvelil boasts a proven track record in successfully navigating strategic growth in emerging markets. His career, spanning over two decades, includes notable contributions to brands such as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, American Express Banking Corporation, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club (a Relais & Chateaux affiliate), and Aramness luxury wildlife lodge in India. Prior to joining Minor Hotels, Krishnan-Vazhvelil served as the Vice President of Operations at Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels & Resorts, overseeing multiple properties across India for one of the nation’s fastest-growing hospitality brands.

In collaboration with Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President – Middle East, Africa, and India, and the wider Minor Hotels team based in Dubai and Bangkok, Krishnan-Vazhvelil will play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable pipeline and operations in India.

“Vijay’s extensive experience, especially in managing complex luxury hotel and resort operations, will be invaluable as we execute our expansion plans in India,” commented Amir Golbarg. “I am certain that his visionary approach and out-of-the-box thinking will ensure Minor Hotels creates a distinctive product and delivers exceptional guest experiences in the Indian market.”

“I am thrilled to join Minor Hotels at this pivotal moment,” said Krishnan-Vazhvelil. “It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the group’s growth journey in India and I look forward to working with the talented and passionate team at Minor Hotels and to leverage my expertise in lifestyle luxury hospitality to create memorable and sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Krishnan-Vazhvelil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University, India, and has completed courses from Cornell University, USA, in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management, and Managing Strategic Growth and Leadership in Emerging Markets in Hotels and Resorts.

« Back to Page

• Minor Hotels Announces Rohit Pandey as new General Manager of Anantara Jaipur