Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan Appoints Karthi VK as General Manager, Championing Award-Winning Leadership and People-First Hospitality.

Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Karthi VK as its new General Manager, marking an exciting new chapter for the hotel’s growth and guest experience strategy in the heart of Dhaka’s premier business district.

With over 18 years of rich experience across leading hotel brands such as The Oberoi, Trident, and Crowne Plaza, Karthi VK is a seasoned hotelier renowned for delivering operational excellence, stakeholder value, and people-centric leadership. A key member of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) since 2018, Karthi is known not just for driving market-leading financial performance, but also for his signature approach: “He leads with Heart.” This reflects his unwavering belief that true leadership begins with listening, and that people-first cultures create exceptional guest experiences.

Most recently, Karthi spearheaded the pre-opening and successful launch of Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal, reintroducing the IHG brand to Nepal after a three-year hiatus. Under his strategic leadership, the property earned multiple accolades including the Best New Hotel Opening of 2024 across IHG’s India, Middle East, and Africa network, the Best New Business Hotel in Nepal, and he was recognized as the Best New General Manager at the 19th Hospitality International Tourism and Travel Awards. These achievements underscore his visionary leadership, as the hotel rapidly outperformed established competitors in market penetration, guest satisfaction, and revenue performance, all within just a few months of operation.

Karthi’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that “hospitality is all about small little things.” Whether it’s curating memorable guest moments or fostering employee growth, his commitment to excellence translates into loyal guests, engaged teams, and vibrant communities. His tenure in Nepal delivered not only high guest satisfaction and low staff attrition but also impactful community initiatives, including fundraising efforts for child welfare programs.

Now entrusted with the leadership of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, Karthi VK is poised to redefine service excellence and drive sustainable growth in a competitive urban landscape. With 149 contemporary rooms, sophisticated dining concepts, a rooftop pool, and comprehensive meeting and event spaces, the hotel is ideally positioned to cater to discerning business and leisure travelers alike.

“I am excited to lead this iconic property and further strengthen its position as a preferred destination for guests in Dhaka,” said Karthi. “At the core of our journey will be genuine connections, driving innovation, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and focusing on the small details that matter most to our guests and colleagues.”