The Indian Hotels Company has announced a restructure, as it doubles down on its Accelerate 2030 growth plan.
Senior managers within the business will now lead the company forward under two verticals, Traditional Businesses and Growth Businesses. Within the Traditional stream are the Taj, Claridges Collection, Atmantan, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway and Vivanta brands – all well established, and with their own growth potential. Grouped under the Growth umbrella are Ginger, Tree of Life, Qmin and Ama Stays & Trails.
Dividing Brands Into Two Streams
“To effectively manage scale, maintain brand salience and deliver value creation for all stakeholders, business delivery is now organised in two verticals,” explained IHCL’s managing director and CEO, Puneet Chhatwal. “This structure will sharpen execution, unlock enterprise synergies and enhance agility, reinforcing the company’s Accelerate 2030 vision to be the most valued, responsible and profitable hospitality ecosystem.”
Gaurav Pokhariyal has been promoted to chief operating officer for the Traditional brands, while Prabhat Verma has been promoted to chief people officer for the group. As of today, the group has a total of 14 brands, with a portfolio of 645 hotels across 15 countries, and properties in 300 locations. The total hotel count includes 263 in the pipeline.
During the first quarter of its current financial year, the group achieved 20 new signings, with 17 of those across its Gateway, Ginger and Tree of Life brands.
The latest addition to the Tree of Life brand pipeline, now at six properties, was Tree of Life Chilika Lake, a 30 room property that will overlook the lake, and will include a pool and spa, and all-day restaurant. “Tree of Life is anchored in immersive stays that are closely connected to their setting,” commented IHCL’s Numa Venkatesh,EVP for real estate. “This signing aligns with our strategy to expand in destinations with a strong experiential appeal.Next to open will be Tree of Life Resort Pondicherry, an intimate, 18 room property launching in early 2027.
The Ginger brand increasingly features in dual hotel developments. At Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, a 325 room Ginger is being built alongside a 450 room Vivanta by Taj hotel, with both due to open during 2027. And in Ludhiana, Punjab there are plans to develop the 100 room Ginger Ludhiana alongside a 110 room Gateway branded hotel.
Expanding Outside India
IHCL also expanded internationally during the quarter. It opened the Taj Hessischer Hof in Frankfurt, while in South Africa, launched Taj Bush Lodge in Greater Kruger. Back at home, its Seleqtions brand opened Ayodhayam in Ayodhya and Bandra House in Mumbai; while Ginger added operations in Hyderabad, Agra, Kota, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and Siwan.
Among the Traditional brands, the iconic Taj continues to expand not only in India, but across the Middle East. Pipeline projects include Taj Resort Seef and Taj Resort Hamala in Bahrain, and Taj Wellington Mews in the UAE, which will open in early 2028. And in Saudi Arabia, the Taj brand will be taking its place alongside many others in the pilgimage destination of Makkah, with opening planned in autumn 2028.
