MAM
Ibis hotels bolsters sales leadership with key appointments in India
Mumbai: Ibis hotels has strengthened its sales leadership team, appointing three dynamic directors of sales in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, to drive market growth and solidify client relationships. These strategic appointments aim to bolster Ibis hotels’ presence in India, aligning with the brand’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable growth.
Najma Varghese, now multi hotel director of sales for ibis Bengaluru Hebbal, ibis Bengaluru City Center, and ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, brings over 15 years of expertise in sales management. Known for expanding client networks, she expressed, “I am thrilled to join the ibis family and embrace this new opportunity. My goal is to support ibis Hotels’ vision by fostering dynamic client partnerships and driving impactful business growth.” Najma will lead strategic account management to elevate ibis Bengaluru’s market presence.
In Mumbai, Divya Bhagat steps into the role of multi hotel director of sales for ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, ibis Navi Mumbai, and ibis Thane. With a history of success at The Oberoi Group and Pullman Gurgaon, Divya stated, “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation here by bringing fresh sales strategies that foster client relationships and drive growth” Divya remarked. She is poised to position ibis Hotels in Mumbai as leaders in quality and service, catering to the region’s evolving hospitality demands.
In Hyderabad, Rajesh Dudi takes charge as director of sales at ibis Hyderabad, Hitec City. With an 18-year tenure in hospitality at brands like The Westin Hyderabad, Rajesh aims to enhance the ibis brand’s presence. “I am excited to collaborate with our team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and grow the ibis brand in Hyderabad” His focus will be on strengthening ibis Hyderabad’s competitive edge and fostering meaningful client partnerships” he stated.
Ibis & ibis Styles India, head of commercial, Animesh Kumar commented on the appointments, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Najma, Divya, and Rajesh to our ibis family. Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will be invaluable in driving our vision for growth and market leadership. Their expertise in relationship-building and strategic sales aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled value and experiences to our guests across India.”
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
