Zubin Saxena takes over as MD & VP Operations – South Asia, RHG

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Zubin Saxena as its new Managing Director and Vice President of Operations, South Asia, effective 1 January 2019. Zubin is also a member of the Group’s Asia Pacific executive committee and is involved in growing and directing the company’s business in South Asia.

Zubin will take over the regional leadership role from Raj Rana, who has decided to move on from Radisson Hotel Group after a long and illustrious career. In his new role, Zubin will provide counsel to the South Asia team. A strategic thinker and executor, he will be responsible for implementing new brand standards and delivering on operational efficiency and effectiveness to our hotels.

“With almost two decades of global hospitality experience, Zubin is the perfect candidate to lead Radisson Hotel Group in South Asia – one of our key focus markets. He has already played a pivotal role in expanding our regional portfolio and I am confident that Zubin will continue the excellent work in establishing Radisson Hotel Group as one of South Asia’s leading international hospitality chains,” said Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group

“Our longstanding equity in the Indian market has been built on the foundation of robust owner relationships and I remain committed to taking them to the next level. I am looking forward to bolstering our brands with a focus on operational excellence, strategic development and team building”, said Zubin Saxena, incoming Managing Director and Vice President of Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Zubin was appointed as Radisson Hotel Group’s Vice President of Development, South Asia, in February 2015 and has successfully spearheaded the company’s regional expansion strategy. During his three-and-a-half-year tenure, he has been instrumental in adding over 50 hotel projects and expanding the portfolio making Radisson Hotel Group one of the largest and fastest growing international hotel chains in South Asia.

Previously, Zubin has held senior and leadership positions with prominent global companies such as InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and HVS-New York.

South Asia is a key focus market for Radisson Hotel Group where it currently operates 93 hotels across six brands – Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Country Inns & Suites by Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson. Earlier this year, the group revealed plans to expand its portfolio in the region to more than 200 hotels by 2022. This forms part of the company’s ambitious “Destination 2022” strategic vision, which will position it as one of the world’s top three hotel companies within five years.