March 2026

MRG Group has announced the appointment of Sujata Gowda as its new Group General Manager – Marketing & Communications. Bringing over 19 years of cross-industry expertise, Gowda is set to drive brand growth, strategic communication, and large-scale expansion initiatives for the conglomerate's diverse portfolio.

A Wealth of Experience

Gowda is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning the hospitality, aviation, real estate, and media sectors. Her extensive background includes leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent names:

Hospitality: Taj Hotels, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Aviation: Sahara Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines.
Media & Tech: Most recently, she served as the Regional Head – Brand & Partnership at Times Internet Limited, where she managed high-impact collaborations, including a prestigious partnership with ICICI Bank.

Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for excellence in brand building, media planning, corporate communications, and digital strategy. Her experience also includes managing complex pre-opening phases for major hotels in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Strategic Vision for MRG Group

In her new role, Gowda will oversee marketing and communications for MRG Group's extensive assets, which include the Goldfinch Hotels chain, fine-dining brands like Sana-di-ge and Kabab Studio, and international partnerships with brands such as DoubleTree by Hilton and Marriott.

"A fresh start is always nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time," said Sujata Gowda on her appointment. "Marketing and communication in today’s day and age is a pivotal role. I couldn’t have joined MRG Group at a better time as this is going to be the year of expansion, dynamic changes, and accelerated growth."

Personal Interests

Beyond her professional accolades, Gowda is a passionate "plant parent" and shares a keen interest in interior design and writing. She is a multi-linguist, fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada.

MRG Group has announced the appointment of Sujata Gowda as its new Group General Manager of Marketing & Communications. This strategic hire comes as the Bengaluru-headquartered hospitality and real estate major prepares for a significant year of expansion and dynamic growth.

A Veteran with Cross-Industry Expertise

Sujata Gowda brings over 19 years of distinguished experience to the role, with a career that spans several competitive sectors, including:

Hospitality: Previous roles with global giants such as Taj Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Marriott International.
Aviation: Experience with Sahara Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines.
Media & Digital: Most recently served as the Regional Head of Brand & Partnership at Times Internet Limited, where she managed high-impact collaborations, including the Times Group’s co-branded card with ICICI Bank.

Core Focus and Strategic Role

In her new capacity at MRG Group, Gowda will be responsible for driving brand growth, strategic communication, and market reach. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum, including:

Brand building and innovative marketing strategies.
Media planning and corporate communications.
Digital presence and website management.
Fostering collaborations across the group's diverse portfolio.

Leadership Perspective

Upon her appointment, Sujata Gowda expressed her enthusiasm for the group's trajectory:

"Marketing and communication in today’s day and age is a pivotal role. I couldn’t have joined MRG Group at a better time, as this is going to be the year of expansion, dynamic changes, and accelerated growth. I am extremely excited to collate my 19 years of expertise with fostering collaborations with existing teams."

The appointment is seen as a key move for MRG Group as it looks to strengthen its brand presence in major hubs like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, where Gowda has previously led successful pre-opening hotel projects.