EVT Hotels & Resorts has appointed hospitality veteran Harry Thaliwal as executive vice-president for Asia, a move that signals the group’s intent to accelerate its footprint across the region. Thaliwal, based in Bangkok, will oversee EVT’s Asia strategy, focusing on development opportunities, strengthening owner and partner relationships, and expanding the group’s portfolio in key markets.
Thaliwal joins the expanded development function led by Brett Forer, who heads EVT’s Asia Pacific efforts. Norman Arundel, EVT director of hotels and resorts, commented: “Harry’s appointment, under the guidance of Brett Forer’s strategic leadership, gives us exactly the right foundation to unlock opportunities and accelerate our growth across Asia. This is a significant step forward for EVT Hotels & Resorts.”
Deep Regional Experience
Thaliwal brings more than two decades of experience in the hospitality sector across Asia. Prior to EVT, he served as chief executive of Cross Hotels & Resorts, where he led a business transformation that delivered strong commercial performance and accelerated network growth. That effort positioned the company for a premium acquisition. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at Centara Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he built a reputation for driving brand growth, operational excellence, and sustainable stakeholder value.
His appointment comes as EVT looks to build on its existing presence in Australia and New Zealand and push deeper into Asian markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan. The group operates brands including Rydges, QT Hotels, Atura, and Lylo, and has been actively seeking management and franchise opportunities in the region.
Industry observers note that Thaliwal’s track record in owner relations and strategic expansion aligns well with EVT’s ambitions. The group has been steadily increasing its development pipeline and is expected to target both urban and resort properties across Southeast Asia and beyond.
For travel professionals, this appointment underscores a broader trend of Australian and New Zealand hospitality groups scaling their Asian operations. Similar moves have been seen from groups like Accor, which recently outlined its 2026 hospitality trends focusing on AI, loyalty, and strategic partnerships at its Global Leadership Council. Accor’s Global Leadership Council Maps 2026 Hospitality Trends: AI, Loyalty, and Strategic Partnerships highlights the industry’s shift toward technology-driven growth.
Thaliwal’s appointment also reflects the increasing importance of Bangkok as a regional hub for hospitality leadership. The city has become a base for several international hotel groups seeking to manage expansion across Asia. As EVT strengthens its team, the group is likely to compete more directly with established players such as Minor Hotels, Dusit International, and ONYX Hospitality Group for management contracts and new-build projects.
For hoteliers and investors, the move signals that EVT is serious about scaling its presence in Asia. The group’s ability to leverage Thaliwal’s operational expertise and network will be key to securing new properties and partnerships. As the region’s travel recovery continues, demand for branded hotels in gateway cities and leisure destinations remains strong.
In related hospitality education news, partnerships are emerging to train the next generation of industry leaders. Dnyaan Prasad Global University and Singapore's Nanyang Institute Partner to Elevate Hospitality Education underscores the growing focus on developing talent to support regional expansion.
EVT’s move also aligns with broader investment trends in Thailand’s hospitality sector. JLL's Jon Cannon: Strategic Investment Key to Thailand's Next Hospitality Era notes that strategic capital deployment is critical for the next phase of growth in the region.
With Thaliwal now on board, EVT Hotels & Resorts is positioned to accelerate its Asian development pipeline and strengthen its brand presence in one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets.
