APPOINTMENT : HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS APPOINTS INDUSTRY VETERAN PRIYANKA AHLUWALIA AS CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER

APPOINTMENT : HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS APPOINTS INDUSTRY VETERAN PRIYANKA AHLUWALIA AS CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 22 JANUARY 2026

SAMHI is delighted to announce the appointment of Priyanka Ahluwalia as Cluster General Manager for its portfolio of Holiday Inn Express hotels, effective January 2026. In this leadership role, she will oversee the operations of the 12 Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) hotels across India owned by SAMHI.

Priyanka is a senior hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience spanning hotels, tourism boards, and golf resorts. She has a proven track record of leading large, multi-location businesses, with previous responsibilities covering sales, marketing, operations, and revenue strategy across India, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

Prior to this role, she spent 12 years with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group. Her most recent role was General Manager – Sales & Operations, where she oversaw a diverse portfolio of hotels in India and the UK. During her tenure, she held revenue responsibility for over 2,200 keys and worked closely with unit heads to drive operational excellence and improved service levels.

Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of SAMHI Hotels, commented on the appointment, “Priyanka’s appointment comes at a defining moment as we continue to scale our Holiday Inn Express portfolio and sharpen our operational edge. We are confident that her leadership will strengthen our portfolio and help us deliver the right guest experience.”

Priyanka is known for her strategic acumen and a collaborative leadership style that focuses on building high-performing teams. Her expertise in setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs) and managing owner relationships will be a significant asset to the Holiday Inn Express portfolio.

Speaking on her appointment, Priyanka Ahluwalia said, “I am delighted to join the team and lead the Holiday Inn Express portfolio. My focus has always been on driving operational excellence through a people-first approach. I look forward to collaborating with the teams across these 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels to refine our service delivery and ensure we continue to provide smart, efficient hospitality that resonates emotionally with our guests.”

Priyanka holds an Executive MBA from Venkateshwara Open University. Throughout her career, she has been recognised for her ability to exceed business targets and drive growth in diverse international markets.

By welcoming leaders with extensive experience and a strong commitment to people-centric leadership, Holiday Inn Express reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment aligned with IHG’s “Room to Belong” ethos. This philosophy ensures that every professional has the space to bring their authentic expertise to the table, nurturing a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and shared success, where colleagues feel valued, supported and truly at home.

About Holiday Inn Express:

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand, removing barriers to travel. The brand champions simple, smart travel and was created in 1991 to challenge convention in the travel industry. The brand caters to smart, savvy travellers who are on the move and two steps ahead who need a hotel to serve as a no-fuss basecamp where they can rest, relax and recharge before making their next connection. Holiday Inn Express is committed to delivering more where it matters most through a consistent experience, thoughtful design and value-rich essentials.