IHM Hotels & Resorts Announces Key Leadership Moves
Ajay Shinde, elevated to Group Director, and Lokesh Balaji, appointed General Manager, will lead the next phase of growth and operational excellence at Goa Villagio Resort & Spa.
By SOH Edit Team
Goa Villagio Resort & Spa, a unit of IHM Hotels & Resorts, has announced two key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening operations and supporting the group’s next phase of growth.
Ajay Shinde has been elevated from Executive Director, IHM Group of Hotels, to Group Director, while Lokesh Balaji has been appointed General Manager of the resort.
From transformation to expansion
Shinde’s elevation follows three years of significant transformation under his leadership. During his tenure, IHM expanded its presence across key hospitality markets, introduced stronger process-driven systems, developed high-performing teams and raised service standards across its operations.
In his expanded role, Shinde will take on a broader mandate across Maharashtra and Goa, overseeing business operations, driving strategic synergies and identifying new avenues for growth. His appointment reflects the group’s confidence in his ability to translate operational transformation into sustained business momentum.
Ajay Shinde, Group Director, Goa Villagio Resort & Spa, a unit of IHM.
Balaji joins as General Manager
Joining the leadership team as General Manager, Lokesh Balaji brings extensive operational experience from hotels in India and international markets. His career has been defined by a focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction and team development.
Balaji’s approach to hospitality centres on building strong teams, delivering consistent service and creating memorable guest experiences. At Goa Villagio Resort & Spa, he will focus on strengthening operational performance while fostering a culture of quality, people development and sustainable growth.
Together, the appointments mark a strategic strengthening of the resort’s leadership as IHM Hotels & Resorts looks to build scale, consistency and long-term value across its Maharashtra and Goa portfolio.
Lokesh Balaji, General Manager, Goa Villagio Resort & Spa, a unit of IHM.
