Marriott Appoints Kiran Andicot as Senior VP for South Asian Region

Marriott International has appointed Kiran Andicot as senior vice president for the South Asian region, following Ranju Alex's departure to Accor Hotels. Andicot has 30 years of experience in hospitality and has secured over 220 hotel signings for the region during his tenure. He will lead Marriott's growth momentum in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Marriott International has elevated Kiran Andicot to the position of senior vice president for South Asia, following the departure of Ranju Alex to Accor Hotels. This appointment underscores Marriott's commitment to strengthening its leadership and expanding its footprint in the region. Andicot, with 30 years of experience in hospitality, will oversee both development and operations across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Andicot's promotion comes on the heels of Marriott's recent acquisitions and strategic moves. In May, the company acquired a minority stake in Concept Hospitality, which operates The Fern Hotels and Resorts [1]. This move is part of Marriott's strategy to target secondary and tertiary markets with its new 'India-first' Series brand, which aims to offer affordable, essentials-focused stays. The Series brand is helping Marriott move beyond major cities into tier II and III markets such as Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg.

Marriott's South Asia portfolio includes around 220 hotels, with the company signing more than 220 hotels across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, including a record 42 deals in India alone in 2024 [1]. Prior to joining Marriott, Andicot spent four years in real estate and hospitality consultancy with EY and HVS, and seven years in hotel operations with IHCL and Oberoi Group at various locations across India.

Ranju Alex, the former regional director, joined Accor as CEO for South Asia, marking a significant shift in leadership for Marriott. However, Andicot's extensive experience and deep understanding of the South Asian markets are expected to position Marriott well for continued growth in the region.

According to hospitality consultancy Horwath HTL, India's branded room supply is expected to rise from 200,000 to 300,000 by 2030 [1]. Marriott currently has over 24,000 rooms in the country, including those of ITC Hotels listed on its loyalty programme, Bonvoy.

Marriott's strategic moves, including the appointment of Andicot and the launch of the Series brand, reflect its ambition to capitalize on the growing hospitality market in South Asia.

References:
[1] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/marriott-elevates-kiran-andicot-as-svp-for-south-asia-11757043552711.html