Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts proudly welcomes Palak Shah as their new Vice President of Sales, marking a strategic addition to the organization’s leadership team. With a career spanning over 22 years, Shah brings a wealth of strategic expertise and exceptional leadership in the hospitality industry, garnered from renowned international hotel chains such as Intercontinental Hotels & Group and Marriott Hotels India.
In response to Shah’s appointment, Radhey S Tawar, the Chief Commercial Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Palak to the Cinnamon family. His appointment further accentuates our commitment to enhancing our sales culture and driving strategic growth within the organization.” Tawar emphasized Shah’s pivotal role in aligning efforts towards commercial success, particularly with the imminent opening of Sri Lanka’s first and South Asia’s largest integrated resort, Cinnamon Life, later this year.
As Vice President of Sales, Shah will focus on accelerating business growth in key source markets, with a particular emphasis on India. Additionally, he will oversee and lead the Global Sales Offices in India, China, and the United Kingdom, ensuring a cohesive and effective sales strategy across multiple regions.
Shah’s extensive experience in sales and marketing leadership roles underscores his ability to drive revenue goals and achieve high customer satisfaction levels. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a track record of success in startup, turnaround, and high-growth situations, showcasing a keen ability to drive business operations to profitability.
Prior to joining Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Shah served as the Regional Director of Sales for South West Asia at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), where he was instrumental in driving new business, monitoring sales and marketing activities, and leading and grooming teams. His role at IHG also involved managing key client relationships, developing strategic marketing promotions, and driving analytical capability to understand market share and promote company preference.
Shah’s tenure at Marriott Hotels India included roles such as Director of Sales Marketing and Associate Director of Sales & Marketing, where he implemented new market strategies, ran marketing campaigns, and led teams to achieve revenue goals. His experience also extends to other reputable hotel chains such as The Pride Hotels, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, and Fortune Select Trinity.
Shah holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Osmania University, where he specialized in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. His skills encompass a wide range of areas including strategy, global sales, revenue analysis, leadership, negotiation, pre-opening operations, customer satisfaction, and tourism.
The appointment of Palak Shah as Vice President of Sales signifies Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to driving commercial success and delivering exceptional experiences to guests. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, Shah is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future growth and success of the organization.
