HVS announces four key new appointments in Asia-Pacific Region

Stephen Rushmore Jr, President and CEO of HVS, a hospitality consulting firm, recently announced four significant promotions in the Asia Pacific region. Emphasising the tremendous potential this geographical market holds for the firm, Rushmore said, “With demand for international tourism the strongest in Asia Pacific in 2013 and the industry showing considerable resilience amidst the global slowdown, the region remains a major focus for us with nine HVS offices located here.” He further added, “Our recent organisational changes in Asia Pacific enable us to capitalise on the multitude of opportunities and demonstrate our continued commitment towards delivering the best leading advice and services to the industry for which HVS is renowned. With this team of seasoned, proven leaders, HVS Asia can propel the value of our clients in the region to the next level.”

The newly appointed promotions are as follows:

Manav Thadani, Chairman of HVS South Asia since 2010 and company’s first employee in Asia more than 17 years ago, has been tapped to lead the larger region in the capacity of Chairman, Asia Pacific. A pioneering entrepreneur and an effective leader, Thadani has been a trusted advisor to various industry stakeholders with his candid views being highly sought and respected in the field of hospitality in this part of the world. In his new role Thadani will provide the team direction and ensure that the HVS offices in the region operate cohesively and effectively. He will specifically focus on HVS’ three regional, annual conferences: China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC), Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) and Tourism Hospitality Investment Networking Conference (THINC), previously known as Indonesian Hotel Conference (IHC). Thadani will also continue to serve on the HVS Board of Directors.

Kaushik Vardharajan, a global veteran at HVS with 13 years in the firm, has been promoted as Partner and Managing Director, HVS Asia Pacific from Managing Director, HVS South Asia. During his tenure, Vardharajan performed more than 1,500 market studies, feasibility analyses and valuations in North America and South Asia, with a specific focus on large mixed-use projects and portfolio valuations. Vardharajan will oversee HVS’s growth in Southeast Asia and China from the Singapore office. He is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and sits on its Valuation Board for the region, which is responsible for establishing professional standards for property valuations.

Dan Voellm, Managing Partner of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Shenzhen, will now become Managing Partner, HVS Asia Pacific. Working with Thadani and Vardharajan, Voellm will continue to assist HVS in the overall growth of the region. Having spent nine years with HVS, Voellm has considerable on-the-ground knowledge of Asian countries, having performed assignments in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Guam. Prior to moving to Asia, Dan was a Vice President at HVS’ New York office, where he delivered a wide range of appraisals, market studies and underwriting due diligence services throughout the United States.

Achin Khanna, Director, HVS Consulting Valuation team’s New Delhi office, has been promoted to Managing Director, HVS South Asia. Khanna, an integral member of the India team for the past seven years, has completed hundreds of market studies, economic feasibility analyses, and large scale portfolio valuations, varying from limited-service properties to upscale and luxury hotels. Additionally, he spearheads the Transaction Advisory Services for HVS South Asia. As a part of this vertical, he specialises in undertaking exclusive buy/sell mandates for hospitality/mixed-use assets. Prior to joining HVS, Khanna spent a decade in the United States affiliated with Hilton, Homestead Studio Suites and Wyndham Hotel Group, spanning various roles including hotel operations, revenue management, franchise relations and business development. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Widener University, Chester, PA and a Masters in Business Administration degree from The University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

HVS announces four key new appointments in Asia-Pacific Region