Tag: Hotel Industry

Business

Kuok Hui Kwong Takes Over as CEO of Shangri-La Asia, Starting August 1

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In a significant leadership reshuffle, Kuok Hui Kwong has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Asia, effective August 1. A prominent name in Asian business circles and the daughter of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok, she brings a wealth of experience, academic pedigree, and family legacy to the iconic hospitality brand.

Having joined the company in 2014, Kuok Hui Kwong has been deeply involved in strategic decisions, serving as executive director and chairman since 2017. Her appointment as CEO marks a consolidation of leadership roles that is expected to enhance strategic alignment and operational efficiency across the group.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and has served in leadership roles at SCMP Group and Bangkok Post, strengthening her profile in media and management before fully committing to the family’s hospitality empire.

Her employment contract includes a monthly base salary of USD 73,000, along with a discretionary bonus and pension, underlining the high stakes and expectations tied to her new role.

Her father, Robert Kuok, is known as Malaysia’s richest man, with a net worth of USD 12.4 billion (as of July 2023). He founded Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 1971, and the group has since grown into a major force in luxury hospitality.

Despite a modest 2% revenue increase in 2024, reaching USD 2.19 billion, Shangri-La Asia’s net profit declined by 12.3% to USD 161.4 million, highlighting the competitive and shifting landscape the new CEO must navigate.

Kuok Hui Kwong’s leadership is anticipated to inject renewed vision and execution strength into the company. As someone deeply familiar with both the operational and familial heritage of the business, she is well-positioned to steer Shangri-La into a new era of global relevance and resilience.

Business

TAJ IS INDIA’S STRONGEST BRAND 2025, MARKING FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS As Per Brand Finance’s ‘India 100 2025’ report

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MUMBAI, JUNE 26, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announces that its iconic brand Taj is once again India’s Strongest Brand across sectors on Brand Finance’s coveted ‘India 100 2025’ report. This marks the fourth consecutive year the brand has achieved this distinction.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “We are honoured that Taj is India’s Strongest Brand across sectors, for the fifth time and four years in succession. This recognition reaffirms the deep trust and emotional connect Taj has with its stakeholders including our guests, partners and its dedicated team delivering the quintessential Tajness.”

He added, “Guided by its purpose of pioneering responsible change, creating value and shaping the future, Taj remains committed to unlocking India’s tourism potential and showcasing Indian hospitality to the world.”

As per Brand Finance’s ‘India 100 2025’ report, Taj’s brand value up by 22% to USD664 million has retained its position as India’s strongest brand ranked for the fourth consecutive year, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.2/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. Brand Finance’s market research highlights its exceptional familiarity and appeal, with most respondents from its home market naming it their preferred hotel brand, underscoring Taj’s enduring trust and influence in the market. The brand’s continued growth is underpinned by domestic asset light increased footprint across hospitality segments, strategic international expansion, with new properties launched or currently in development across Saudi Arabia, London, and the Maldives.

Mr. Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India said, “Taj’s recognition as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors—now for the fourth time—reflects the timeless power of its legacy, its deep emotional resonance with consumers and its unwavering commitment to excellence. Its focused, asset-light and segmented expansion strategy coupled with powerful brand strength continues to accelerate brand value creation too. Taj continues to be a shining example of how heritage and innovation can together create lasting brand strength – a true flag bearer of Indian pride.”
The iconic brand Taj has a portfolio of over 130 hotels across 14 countries offering varied experiences from grand palace, landmark city hotels, wildlife safari lodges, resorts and luxury serviced residences.