Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & Bangkok, Thailand –
• In an expansion to its editorial leadership team, Travel + Leisure India and South Asia announce the appointment of Samreen Tungekar as Managing Editor
• Neelangana Vasudeva joins as Fashion Editor for both Travel + Leisure India and South Asia and Lifestyle Asia India
BurdaLuxury, Asia’s leading media company, today announced the appointment of Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, effective 15th July 2024. In this role, she will lead the editorial team for the brand, along with defining the editorial strategy and developing new campaigns.
Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, a former TEDx speaker, and previous manager at Dasra, has led numerous events to influence philanthropic perspectives and foster community building among HNI and UHNI families. Deo brings a global perspective to the brand, having lived and worked in Singapore, New York, and India.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in marketing and luxury brand experience to further enhance Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s editorial presence and continue to inspire readers with the best of travel and hospitality,” said Deo. “In my new role, I want to shine a light on unique travel experiences through storytelling that resonates with our diverse, vibrant community of readers.”
Travel + Leisure India & South Asia has seen substantial growth in recent years, with the addition of new intellectual properties such as the publication’s Delicious Dining Awards contributing to the brand’s success. To facilitate this growth, in addition to Akshita M. Bhanj Deo’s appointment, the brand will also welcome Samreen Tungekar as Managing Editor and Neelangana Vasudeva as Fashion Editor for both Travel + Leisure India & South Asia as well as Lifestyle Asia India, another key brand in BurdaLuxury’s portfolio.
“These leadership appointments are crucial to our growth and strategic vision,” said Björn Rettig, CEO of BurdaLuxury. “Akshita’s experience within the tourism sector, as well as her outstanding editorial vision, both align perfectly with our mission in travel journalism to inspire and guide travelers worldwide and provide access to unique experiences. Additionally, with Samreen joining as Managing Editor and Neelangana as Fashion Editor, we look forward to enhancing the brand’s appeal whilst maintaining our editorial excellence.”
Samreen Tungekar who previously held the title of Managing Editor at Grazia India, joins as the new Managing Editor for the brand. Tungekar brings her editorial expertise which ensures the highest quality content for readers.
Joining as Fashion Editor for both Travel and Leisure India and South Asia and Lifestyle Asia India, Neelangana Vasudeva, formerly the Deputy Manager of Fashion Content and Styling at Ajio.com has had the experience of collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the industry, including Gucci, Lexus, Asics, and Hyundai, to name a few.
The appointment follows the recent announcement of Annesha Sanyal as Country Director, Brand Solutions & Marketing for BurdaLuxury India, underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team to drive regional growth.
About Travel + Leisure India and South Asia
Travel + Leisure India and South Asia is the Indian edition of the American luxury travel and lifestyle magazine and your go-to source of travel inspiration. Published by BurdaLuxury, a Hubert Burda Media company, the magazine comprises an audience of luxury travellers, high net worth individuals, CEOs, entrepreneurs. Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau is published across digital and print, offers bespoke events and awards and has a strong following on social media platforms. Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau explores destinations, ideas, and trends and celebrates people who create authentic luxury experiences. Travel + Leisure globally and in Asia enjoys a remarkable history of credibility and is the bible of luxury travel in Asia and abroad.
About BurdaLuxury
BurdaLuxury is one of Asia’s most vibrant and progressive media houses. Our portfolio includes a variety of successful regional publishing brands in lifestyle and luxury markets across Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our portfolio of brands includes Prestige, Lifestyle Asia, PIN Prestige, AUGUSTMAN, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, HELLO! Magazine Thailand, and Architecture + Design. BurdaLuxury is part of the Hubert Burda Media family, one of the largest media companies in Germany. Burda is active in 14 countries, employs around 11,000 people, and publishes over 500 products.
