Vipin Khattar brings over two decades of international hospitality experience across India, the Middle East, Africa and the United Kingdom.

Accor has announced the appointment of Vipin Khattar as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia. In this role, he will lead the Group’s commercial strategy across the region, overseeing sales, revenue management, marketing, digital distribution, loyalty, partnerships, and transformation initiatives.

With more than two decades of international hospitality experience spanning India, the Middle East, Africa, and the United Kingdom, Vipin brings a distinguished track record of driving business growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated strong commercial acumen, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering sustainable business results.

Leadership experience across global brands

Prior to joining Accor, Vipin served as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. He previously held several senior leadership roles with Marriott International, including General Manager of JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity and a multi-property General Manager position in Dubai. His career portfolio also includes leadership assignments across renowned brands such as The St. Regis, Delta Hotels, and Marriott Residences.

Earlier in his career, Vipin held senior commercial and operational leadership roles with Hyatt across the UAE and Egypt, including General Manager and Area Director of Sales & Marketing. His experience with Atlantis The Palm and Grand Hyatt Dubai further strengthened his expertise in sales, business development, MICE, and commercial strategy. This diverse background across commercial leadership and hotel operations positions him strongly to advance Accor’s growth ambitions and commercial performance across South Asia.

Leadership perspectives

Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vipin Khattar to Accor as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia. His extensive experience across commercial strategy, sales and marketing, and hotel operations makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. Vipin’s strategic vision, business acumen, and ability to align commercial opportunities with operational excellence will play an important role in strengthening Accor’s commercial platform across the region. As we continue to accelerate our growth ambitions, I am confident that under his leadership we will further enhance our brands, deepen key partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across markets and segments.”

Commenting on his new role, Vipin Khattar, Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia, Accor, said: “I am excited to join Accor at such a dynamic phase of its growth journey in South Asia. The region presents tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to collaborating closely with our teams, hotel owners, and partners to strengthen commercial performance, elevate our brands, and drive sustainable growth across the market.”

National, April 2024: The MRS Group of Hotels that owns and operates a distinct collection of boutique hotels across Rajasthan & Uttarakhand, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Sameer Mehra as Chief Commercial Officer. This significant move underscores the group's dedication to accelerating its growth and solidifying its presence in the hospitality industry.

With a distinguished career at leading hospitality brands such as The Oberoi Group, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and most recently, Standard International in Thailand, Mr. Mehra is set to lead the group's strategic growth and commercial operations.

Mr. Mehra's impressive background in hospitality is bolstered by his extensive global experience. He has worked in diverse roles across various countries, including positions in luxury hotels, resorts, and other esteemed hospitality establishments. This international exposure highlights his adaptability and expertise in navigating the complexities of the global hospitality landscape.

In his new role, Mr. Mehra will be instrumental in driving the MRS Group's expansion efforts, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and experience to enhance the group's commercial strategies and contribute to its continued success.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Mehra said, "I am excited to step into my role at the MRS Group of Hotels, which has an incredible reputation for reimagining hospitality. The brand holds a special place in celebrating heritage, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that. Our aim is to expand thoughtfully, choosing locations that not only offer unique experiences but also honour the spirit of travel. As we navigate this exciting time in the industry, I'm eager to help create standout experiences for our guests, pushing the boundaries of what travel can be."

Karan Singh Vaid, President of The MRS Group of Hotels, shared his thoughts on the appointment, mirroring the sentiment of forward-looking ambition and strategic growth: "The MRS Group is at a pivotal stage in its journey, with a clear vision to redefine hospitality. We are committed to discovering unique properties in exceptional locations to enrich our portfolio and offer unparalleled experiences to our discerning guests. Sameer's remarkable track record and his ability to elevate esteemed hospitality brands are exactly what we need to advance our strategic objectives. His expertise will be crucial in expanding our footprint through targeted property acquisitions and new management agreements."

The MRS Group of Hotels warmly welcomes Mr. Mehra to its leadership team and eagerly anticipates the fresh perspectives and dynamic strategies he will bring to the organization, further cementing the group's reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry.

About The MRS Group of Hotels:
The MRS Group of Hotels are a medium for sharing love and fascination with distinct landscapes, people and extraordinary stories with the global traveller. Through their hotels, guests engage with distinct worlds in intimate ways — which are believed to set them on some incredible personal journeys across time and space. By synthesizing heritage, human potential, and technology, they attempt to bring self-sufficiency to communities without costing them their identities or environments. So far, they have worked on cultural and ecological conservation, strengthening tourism ecosystems, and community empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and equality.

Suryagarh Jaisalmer is rich in history and heritage and offers a variety of curated trails and experiences in and around the hotel such as The Silk Route Exploration which is inspired by the southern route taken by the tradesmen in the 16th century through India and Pakistan over the Pamir of Central Asia heading towards the Indian hinterland. The merchants took shelter in the city of Jaisalmer as they came to trade or barter their exotic goods. Thus, Suryagarh remembers this journey with its interpretation of the Silk Route trade. Adding on to the explorations at the boutique hotel, Suryagarh Jaisalmer has thoughtfully curated some special F&B experiences such as Thar Dinner at Celebration Garden, Dinner on the Dunes, and Sundowners etc.

Narendra Bhawan Bikaner in its new avatar retells the story of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner, His Highness Narendra Singh Ji (1948 -2003). Born on the cusp of a New India when the old order had not entirely been replaced by the new, the young Narendra Singh Ji was coming into his own fashioned by the flavours and privileges around him. Keeping in mind the historical aspect, the hotel has a dining room known as P&C, a timeless and elegant place of dining that captures the charm of the lady of the house.

Mary Budden Estate is located within the beautiful Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by wonderland filled with wildlife, birds, incredible flora and fauna and whispering woods, this nature retreat is an excellent place to unwind, relax and get in tune with yourself as you experience nature in complete seclusion amidst the rolling wooded hills balanced well with luxuries, keeping your peace and comfort in check.