SAMHI has announced the appointment of Priyanka Ahluwalia as Cluster General Manager for its portfolio of Holiday Inn Express hotels, effective January 2026. In this role, she will oversee operations across 12 Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) hotels owned by SAMHI in India.
A hospitality leader with 25+ years of experience
Priyanka is a senior hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience spanning hotels, tourism boards, and golf resorts. She has led large, multi-location businesses and has previously handled responsibilities across sales, marketing, operations, and revenue strategy in India, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
Strong track record at The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group
Before joining SAMHI, Priyanka spent 12 years with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group. In her most recent role as General Manager – Sales & Operations, she managed a diverse portfolio across India and the UK. During this tenure, she held revenue responsibility for over 2,200 keys and partnered closely with unit heads to drive operational excellence and improved service levels.
Leadership commentary on the appointment
Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of SAMHI Hotels, said Priyanka’s appointment comes at a defining moment as SAMHI continues to scale its Holiday Inn Express portfolio and sharpen its operational edge. He added that the company is confident her leadership will strengthen the portfolio and help deliver the right guest experience.
Focus on people-first excellence and SOP-driven operations
Priyanka is known for her strategic acumen and collaborative leadership style, with a strong focus on building high-performing teams. Her expertise in setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs) and managing owner relationships is expected to add strong value to SAMHI’s Holiday Inn Express operations.
Priyanka Ahluwalia on driving smart, efficient hospitality
Speaking on her appointment, Priyanka said she is delighted to join the team and lead the Holiday Inn Express portfolio. She added that her approach is anchored in driving operational excellence through a people-first lens, and that she looks forward to collaborating across all 12 hotels to refine service delivery and provide smart, efficient hospitality that resonates emotionally with guests.
Education and alignment with IHG’s “Room to Belong” ethos
Priyanka holds an Executive MBA from Venkateshwara Open University and has been recognised throughout her career for exceeding business targets and driving growth across diverse international markets.
With this appointment, Holiday Inn Express reinforces its commitment to inclusive, people-centric leadership aligned with IHG’s “Room to Belong” ethos—supporting a culture where professionals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
