The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the promotion of Ranjit Phillipose to area director of the UAE and Africa.

Phillipose will continue his role as general manager Taj Dubai, whilst taking on the new position.

He will be responsible for the three existing hotels in the area including Taj Dubai – UAE, Taj Cape Town – South Africa and Taj Pamodzi – Zambia, in addition to the highly anticipated upcoming properties in Jumeirah Lake Towers and Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

An Indian-born British national, Phillipose started his journey in 1993 with the Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris in Chennai (India). Quickly rising through the ranks, Phillipose moved to St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London where he worked for six years.

Phillipose subsequently moved to the United States to work with Taj Hotels in New York and Boston where he took charge as director of rooms and hotel manager respectively, and also had the opening of Taj Campton Place, San Francisco under his purview.

Ranjit’s achievements include overseeing eight hotel openings and rebranding projects including three hotels in the United States, 51 Buckingham Gate London, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa Mauritius, Taj Dennis Island Seychelles, Taj Wellington Mews Mumbai and the $50m+ restoration project of the Taj Group’s fourth Heritage Palace Taj Falaknuma Palace. His expertise lies in blending the essence of the Taj brand and India’s rich heritage with the local destination to appeal to an international audience.