Marriott International has announced a significant leadership move in its South Asia operations, appointing Kiran Andicot as Senior Vice President for the region. This development comes as the global hospitality chain accelerates expansion across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, reinforcing its position as the largest hotel company in South Asia.

A Strategic Appointment in Hospitality Growth

The appointment of Kiran Andicot marks a new phase in Marriott International’s growth journey across South Asia. With nearly three decades of experience in hospitality, Andicot will lead operations and development, ensuring the company’s ambitious expansion aligns with operational excellence. His responsibilities will include strengthening owner partnerships, overseeing conversions, driving new hotel signings, and fostering leadership development across the region.

Marriott International has relied heavily on Andicot’s expertise since he joined the company in 2006. Over 19 years, he has built a track record of delivering growth through strategic development and feasibility planning. His deep knowledge of the Indian and South Asian hospitality markets has already contributed to Marriott’s rise as the dominant player in the region.

Expansion Across South Asia

In recent years, Marriott International has signed more than 220 hotels across South Asia under Andicot’s leadership. These include landmark projects in India as well as in neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This growth reinforces Marriott’s commitment to capturing the increasing demand for branded hospitality in both established urban centres and emerging travel destinations.

India has been the focal point of this expansion. In 2024 alone, Andicot’s team signed a record 42 hotels, translating to over 7,000 rooms. This momentum has continued into 2025, marked by a landmark agreement with Concept Hospitality to affiliate The Fern portfolio of 115 properties with Series by Marriott. This deal is one of the most significant affiliations in the Indian hospitality sector, extending Marriott’s footprint into a wide network of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Focus on New Destinations and Diversification

Marriott’s expansion under Andicot is not limited to traditional metropolitan hubs. New signings include properties in rapidly growing cities such as Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg. These destinations highlight Marriott’s strategy of tapping into the rising demand for quality accommodations beyond gateway cities, ensuring travellers in secondary markets also have access to global hospitality standards.

Alongside hotel growth, Marriott is expanding into the residences segment, catering to evolving consumer demands for branded residential living. This diversification adds a new dimension to the company’s South Asia portfolio, broadening its appeal across different segments of the market.

A Veteran in Hospitality Leadership

Kiran Andicot brings nearly 30 years of multi-disciplinary experience to his new role. Before joining Marriott, he spent four years in hospitality consultancy with EY and HVS, working on real estate and feasibility projects. His earlier career included seven years in hotel operations with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and Oberoi Group, where he gained hands-on operational expertise across various properties in India.

This background has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of both the operational and developmental aspects of the hospitality business. Industry experts note that his steady leadership, strong relationships with owners, and business acumen have been key in driving Marriott’s dominance in South Asia.

Marriott’s Continued Leadership in South Asia

Marriott International’s latest appointment reflects its confidence in South Asia as a high-growth region for global hospitality. The company already commands the largest portfolio in India and continues to expand aggressively across the subcontinent. By combining new signings with conversions, Marriott is strengthening its leadership in an increasingly competitive market.

The appointment of Kiran Andicot as Senior Vice President underscores Marriott’s commitment to sustained growth, innovation, and market leadership. With his proven ability to balance expansion with operational performance, the company is poised to continue reshaping the hospitality landscape in South Asia.

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