Restaurant India News: ibis Appoints New Sales Directors for Kochi and Coimbatore Hotels

ibis Hotels India has announced key leadership appointments at its Kochi and Coimbatore properties as the hospitality brand sharpens its commercial strategy across South India’s growing urban travel markets.

The hospitality chain appointed Vijayalakshmi P V as Director of Sales at ibis Kochi City Centre and Rathiesh Krishnan as Director of Sales at ibis Coimbatore. The appointments are aimed at strengthening sales operations, expanding corporate market engagement, and driving revenue growth across both cities.

Industry observers note that hospitality brands are increasingly investing in regional sales leadership as competition intensifies across business travel and corporate hospitality segments in emerging Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities.

At ibis Kochi City Centre, Vijayalakshmi P V returns to the property after previously being part of its pre-opening team as Sales Manager. She brings over 12 years of professional experience, including more than 8 years in hospitality sales. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Director of Sales at Kochi Marriott Hotel and has also worked with Novotel Kochi Infopark and Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. Her background also includes experience at Ernst & Young as Senior Consultant and recognition as a Presidents Club-winning SaaS Senior Account Manager. She is an Executive MBA graduate from IIM Kozhikode.

At ibis Coimbatore, Rathiesh Krishnan joins as Director of Sales with over 17 years of hospitality industry experience focused on southern India markets. He has previously worked with brands including Hyatt Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Ramada by Wyndham, ITC Hotels, Savera, and Rain Tree Hotels. In his most recent role at Hyatt as Senior Sales Manager, he handled corporate accounts, revenue growth initiatives, and client partnerships. His experience includes corporate sales, group business, revenue planning, and event management.

Vijayalakshmi P V, Director of Sales, ibis Kochi City Centre, said, “I am delighted to return to ibis Kochi City Centre, having been part of its pre-opening journey. This opportunity allows me to build on that foundation and contribute to the hotel’s next phase of growth. I look forward to strengthening its market presence and driving focused, result-oriented sales strategies that support sustained business success.”

Rathiesh Krishnan, Director of Sales, ibis Coimbatore, said, “I am excited to join ibis Coimbatore and look forward to building strong and lasting client relationships that support the hotel’s business growth. I aim to leverage my experience in the Coimbatore market to strengthen key business segments and drive sustainable revenue growth through focused partnerships and effective execution.”

Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head, ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “These appointments reflect our continued focus on strengthening leadership across key markets. Both Vijayalakshmi and Rathiesh bring strong experience and market understanding that will support our growth strategy in the region. Their appointment further strengthens our commercial capabilities in South India and reinforces our focus on performance-driven growth.”

The appointments come as hospitality operators continue to focus on regional business hubs such as Kochi and Coimbatore, where increasing corporate travel, events, and commercial activity are driving demand for branded hotel accommodation and business hospitality services.