Minor Hotels, a global leader in hotel ownership, operation, and investment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil as Vice President – Operations, India, effective from December 21, 2023. As part of Minor Hotels’ ambitious expansion plan in India, Krishnan-Vazhvelil’s appointment to this newly established role is crucial for the successful launch and positioning of the group’s inaugural Anantara property in Jaipur, ensuring a robust growth trajectory across the country.
With over two decades of experience as a business leader specializing in luxury hospitality, wildlife tourism, and experiential travel, Krishnan-Vazhvelil has a proven track record of strategically managing growth in emerging markets for luxury hotels, resorts, and safari lodges with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Throughout his career, Krishnan-Vazhvelil has worked with renowned 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. In his previous role before joining Minor Hotels, Krishnan-Vazhvelil served as 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.
Collaborating with Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President – Middle East, Africa, and India, as well as the broader Minor Hotels team based in Dubai and Bangkok, Krishnan-Vazhvelil will play a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable pipeline and operations in India.
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, as well as Managing Strategic Growth and Leadership in Emerging Markets in Hotels and Resorts.
