Prior to joining SBC Travel Group, Mr Shankar Kotha served as Group Director, Revenue Management and Online Distribution for Minor Hotels – an international hotel owner, operator and investor with over 500 hotels in operation.
SBC Travel Group, a key player in the travel technology, digital payments and rewards industry, announced the appointment of Mr Shankar Kotha as the company’s new Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately.
A respected travel industry leader with global experience across distribution, sales, revenue management and commercial operations, Mr Kotha will direct all aspects of SBC Travel Group’s commercial function, as it continues to deliver a new era of disruptive, travel benefit solutions.
A strong strategic leader and revenue strategist, Mr Kotha brings 20 years experience to SBC Travel Group, having worked with some of the world’s leading tourism and hospitality brands in Australia, Asia and North America.
Prior to joining SBC Travel Group, Mr Kotha served as Group Director, Revenue Management and Online Distribution for Minor Hotels – an international hotel owner, operator and investor with over 500 hotels in operation.
In this role, he spearheaded the Group’s entire revenue management and distribution operation for its Australian and New Zealand property cluster, where he was responsible for over $400million in revenue.
Other notable achievements during Mr Kotha’s most recent tenure included setting up the revenue management and distribution function in Australia, as well as centralising call centre operations in the Philippines.
He was also integral to developing the Group’s foothold in China, establishing and overseeing a lucrative collaboration with Ctrip – China’s largest online travel agency, and second largest in the world.
Mr Kotha has also previously held key roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Universal Resorts, and Radisson, and brings this extensive industry experience to SBC Travel Group.
SBC Travel Group is a multinational fintech company, headquartered in Singapore, delivering integrated payment, technology and distribution solutions for the travel and hospitality industry. SBC Travel is made up of five companies, including Global Direct, Cloud Stays, Dream Holidays Planner, Lets Dream Vacation Club and Planet Holiday Media.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kotha said: “I am delighted to join SBC Travel Group and be a part of the strategic go-forward vision of the company. From low cost distribution solutions to improved payments, SBC Travel Group has developed an innovative suite of products to remedy some of the key issues facing the travel industry. These will not only greatly benefit hotel and tourism operators, but also provide an efficient, cost saving solution that will result in improved distribution and profits. It’s an exciting time as we look to expand our platforms and products on a global scale, and I’m looking forward to playing a part in the company’s continued success,” he said.
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