Taj Group has confirmed the promotion of Deepa Harris to the position of senior vice president, sales and marketing, a post formerly held by Ajoy Misra.

After 31 years with Taj Hotels, Misra is joining Tata Global Beverages, part of the hotel company’s Tata Group parent, as deputy chief executive director on the board.

“We are sorry to see Ajoy leave Taj Hotels after his many years of dedicated service,” Raymond Bickson, managing director, Taj Hotels.

“He led many key initiatives, including our recent brand architecture restructuring, and brilliantly supported our aggressive worldwide brand expansion.

“He is a tremendous leader, mentor and colleague.”
 
In her new role, Harris will report directly to Bickson and oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for Taj Hotels worldwide.

This includes 109 hotels around the globe under four brands: the Luxury brand of 27 hotels under Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces; 23 Vivanta hotels and ten premium properties within the higher upscale brand in India; 25 Gateway Hotels & Resorts; and 24 Gingers, India’s value brand.

Previously vice president of marketing, Harris has spent 28 years with Taj Hotels.

She is the only specialist to have served separately as vice president of sales and also of marketing before taking the lead job to oversee both functions.
 
She began her career as a features editor with India’s only fashion magazine of the time, where she spent two years shaping editorial coverage and trends.

She holds a postgraduate degree in English from Delhi University, one of India’s top colleges, along with a degree in Mass Communications.

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces was nominated earlier this year as Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards.