APPOITMENT: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS APPOINTS JAGANNATH ROUT AS PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ENGINEERING

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 6 OCTOBER 2026

Holiday Inn Express is delighted to announce Jagannath Rout’ appointment as Portfolio Manager, Engineering. In this role, he will oversee the Engineering division across SAMHI’s 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels in India.

Jagannath brings over 25 years of experience across hospitality engineering and facility management, with expertise in maintaining reliable operations and leading technical teams across hotels and other complex properties. His career includes engineering leadership roles at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, The Westin Guwahati, DLF, The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Lodhi, Crowne Plaza and Radisson. Most recently, he served as Corporate Manager – Administration & Facility at Bharti Enterprises, where he led engineering and facility operations across premium residential, farmhouse and commercial assets, managing a team of over 80 personnel.

His expertise also spans MEP, HVAC and BMS, fire and life safety, preventive maintenance, vendor management, budgeting, statutory compliance and pre-opening projects. In his new role, he will work closely with property teams to strengthen engineering operations, safety systems and asset reliability across the portfolio.

Commenting on the appointment, Ms Priyanka Ahluwalia – Cluster General Manager, Holiday Inn Express SAMHI Portfolio said, “Jagannath brings with him over two decades of rich experience in hospitality engineering and facility management. His strong expertise in engineering operations, safety, preventive maintenance and compliance will be instrumental in strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring our hotels remain safe, reliable and guest-ready.”

Commenting on his new role, Jagannath Rout said: “I am delighted to join the Holiday Inn Express – SAMHI Portfolio and contribute to a brand built around the promise of simple, smart travel. I look forward to working closely with the team to strengthen engineering practices, preventive maintenance and operational efficiency, ensuring our hotels remain safe, reliable and guest-ready every day.”

This appointment also reflects Holiday Inn Express’ “Room to Belong” philosophy, which focuses on fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

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, and 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.