Priyanka Ahluwalia has been appointed as the Cluster General Manager for Holiday Inn Express hotels in India, effective January 2026. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ahluwalia will oversee the operations of 12 hotels owned by SAMHI. Her extensive background includes roles in hotels, tourism boards, and golf resorts, with a focus on sales, marketing, operations, and revenue strategy across India, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
Ahluwalia's previous position was with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, where she served as General Manager of Sales & Operations, managing a diverse portfolio of hotels in India and the UK. During her tenure, she was responsible for over 2,200 keys and worked to enhance operational excellence and service levels.
Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of SAMHI Hotels, expressed confidence in Ahluwalia's leadership, stating, "Priyanka’s appointment comes at a defining moment as we continue to scale our Holiday Inn Express portfolio and sharpen our operational edge."
Ahluwalia is recognised for her strategic acumen and collaborative leadership style, focusing on building high-performing teams. She commented on her new role, saying, "I am delighted to join the team and lead the Holiday Inn Express portfolio. My focus has always been on driving operational excellence through a people-first approach."
Her appointment aligns with Holiday Inn Express's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, as part of IHG’s “Room to Belong” ethos, which promotes a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
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