Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor currently with a portfolio of 540 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has announced the appointment of Lokesh Kumar as Vice President of Development for the Middle East. Lokesh brings over 23 years of strategic business leadership experience and a proven track record in managing owner and key government relationships whilst executing strategic public-private partnerships to maximise revenues and optimise costs.
Lokesh joins Minor Hotels from his most recent management consulting role, where he demonstrated his prowess in developing tourism offerings along the 1,600 km Coral Highway from Jezan to NEOM, whilst creating futuristic hotel concepts for the tourism authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also offered feasibility and development strategies for mixed-use city development projects across multiple asset classes, including hospitality, commercial, residential and education. Additionally, Lokesh provided advisory services for operator selection and joint venture evaluation for a sovereign fund entity in KSA that aimed to develop 4,000 hotel rooms in key cities.
His exceptional track record in managing key responsibilities of development, asset management and commercial with hospitality companies, including Movenpick, Unison Hotels and The Oberoi Group, puts him in an ideal position to drive Minor Hotels’ future growth initiatives and expansion in the Middle East.
In his new role, Kumar will oversee development strategies and management of assets across Minor Hotels’ portfolio of hotels, including the Anantara, Avani, NH Hotels, NH Collection, Oaks and Tivoli brands. His expertise in business process enhancement will also contribute to commercial effectiveness across all the brands’ projects.
“We are delighted to welcome Lokesh to Minor Hotels,” remarked Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President of Middle East, Africa and India for Minor Hotels. “His sterling reputation in developing and managing strategic business operations across the GCC and India aligns seamlessly with Minor Hotels’ vision for our future. Lokesh’s astute thinking and expertise in the market will be invaluable as we move forward with our plans for the future.”
Kumar added, “I am indeed privileged to join Minor Hotels. It’s an exciting time for the company, which has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. I’m eager to contribute to its continued success with new openings across the Middle East. The entrepreneurial approach of the company aligns with my professional goals and I look forward to working with the team to further accentuate growth.”
Lokesh holds an MBA from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in India after completing hotel school at the Institute of Hotel Management, Goa.
The group currently operates 25 hotels and resorts across five brands in the Middle East and has a strong pipeline of properties in multiple countries. Minor Hotels is committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences to its guests and is focused on sustainable development and social responsibility.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 57 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Contact details
-
Download vCard
- Natasha Rhymes
-
VP PR & Communications
Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, Anantara & Avani - nrhymes@minor.com
-
Download vCard
- Hana Fuchs
-
Regional Director of Marketing & Communications
Minor Hotels Middle East - hfuchs@minor.com
Related topics
Related news
Minor Hotels Announces Leadership Appointments for Northern Thailand Resorts
Arnaud Béril named Cluster General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle and Anantara Chiang Mai, Jean-Marc Pougnet becomes General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle.
Minor Hotels Powers Through Low Season to Lift Revenue and EBITDA in 1Q 2025
Resilient start to the year sees group shrug off seasonal softness to post a year-on-year increase in revenue and EBITDA on back of strength in Europe.
Minor Hotels Strengthens Asia Operations with Appointment of Nicholas Smith as Vice President
Nicholas Smith joins Minor Hotels as Vice President of Operations for Asia, bringing over 25 years of experience to accelerate the group’s Asian growth strategy.
Minor Hotels Enhances Dubai Portfolio with Palm West Beach Addition
Minor Hotels has signed a strategic hotel management agreement for a prominent beachfront property on Dubai’s iconic Palm West Beach in collaboration with valued partners, Seven Tides.
Avani Barbarons Seychelles to Relaunch Following Major Transformation, Elevated to Avani+
The reimagined resort is set to launch on 16th June 2025, marking the next chapter for one of Seychelles’ most notable beachfront escapes.
Minor Hotels Announces Leadership Appointments for Northern Thailand Resorts
Arnaud Béril named Cluster General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle and Anantara Chiang Mai, Jean-Marc Pougnet becomes General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle.
Minor Hotels Powers Through Low Season to Lift Revenue and EBITDA in 1Q 2025
Resilient start to the year sees group shrug off seasonal softness to post a year-on-year increase in revenue and EBITDA on back of strength in Europe.
Minor Hotels Strengthens Asia Operations with Appointment of Nicholas Smith as Vice President
Nicholas Smith joins Minor Hotels as Vice President of Operations for Asia, bringing over 25 years of experience to accelerate the group’s Asian growth strategy.
Minor Hotels Enhances Dubai Portfolio with Palm West Beach Addition
Minor Hotels has signed a strategic hotel management agreement for a prominent beachfront property on Dubai’s iconic Palm West Beach in collaboration with valued partners, Seven Tides.
Avani Barbarons Seychelles to Relaunch Following Major Transformation, Elevated to Avani+
The reimagined resort is set to launch on 16th June 2025, marking the next chapter for one of Seychelles’ most notable beachfront escapes.
Minor Hotels Announces Leadership Appointments for Northern Thailand Resorts
Arnaud Béril named Cluster General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle and Anantara Chiang Mai, Jean-Marc Pougnet becomes General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle.
Minor Hotels Powers Through Low Season to Lift Revenue and EBITDA in 1Q 2025
Resilient start to the year sees group shrug off seasonal softness to post a year-on-year increase in revenue and EBITDA on back of strength in Europe.
Minor Hotels Strengthens Asia Operations with Appointment of Nicholas Smith as Vice President
Nicholas Smith joins Minor Hotels as Vice President of Operations for Asia, bringing over 25 years of experience to accelerate the group’s Asian growth strategy.