The Fern Hotels Boosts Leadership with Key Promotions

The Fern Hotels has announced a series of strategic leadership promotions aimed at strengthening key verticals such as Business Development & Feasibility, Operations (North India), and Sales & Marketing (Western India and Maharashtra).

Basant Sabu – Vice President – Business Development & Feasibility

Basant Sabu has been promoted to Vice President – Business Development & Feasibility at Concept Hospitality, the management company behind brands like The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Fern Habitat, Zinc Journey by The Fern, and Beacon Hotels.
He has played an instrumental role in scaling the group from 23 operational hotels with 1,300 rooms in 2015 to over 100 hotels with 6,500+ rooms today. Under his leadership, The Fern Hotels & Resorts achieved a major milestone in 2024, surpassing 150 signed properties and 10,000 rooms.

Devraj Halder – Associate Vice President – Operations (North India)

Devraj Halder has been elevated to Associate Vice President – Operations (North India) at The Fern Hotels & Resorts. With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, his career includes key roles at Mahindra & Mahindra (as part of the founding team of Club Mahindra), Renaissance, IHG, and Royal Orchid.
Known for his operational acumen and expertise in food and beverage, Devraj is recognised for fostering strong team synergy, forward-thinking strategies, and innovation. He continues to play a significant role in enhancing operational excellence across the northern portfolio.

Kevin Ashley Martis – Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (Western India)

Kevin Ashley Martis has been promoted to Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (Western India) at The Fern Hotels & Resorts. With over two decades of experience in hospitality sales, he has been integral to the brand’s revenue growth and market presence.
His career includes leadership stints at Meluha The Fern, RODAS – An Ecotel Hotel, VITS Hotels & Resorts, Sahara Star, and the Bawa Group of Hotels. Kevin currently leads the Mumbai and Gujarat Regional Sales Offices, managing sales and marketing for hotels in Mumbai, Gujarat, and Goa. He is known for his strong industry relationships, customer-first mindset, and strategic insight, which continue to fuel the brand’s growth in Western India.

Vinod Cougnery – Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (Maharashtra)

Vinod Cougnery has been elevated to Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (Maharashtra) at The Fern Hotels & Resorts. A hospitality veteran with over 23 years of experience, he plays a key role in expanding the brand’s presence in Maharashtra. He oversees the Pune Regional Sales Office and leads sales efforts for properties across the state.
Vinod’s career includes leadership roles with The Orchid Group of Hotels, Regus Plc, Hotel Parc Estique, and Concept Hospitality. Before rejoining the company, he served as Director of Sales at The O Hotel, Pune, overseeing corporate sales and strategic alliances.
He was honoured with ‘The Most Successful General Manager – Sales & Marketing of the Year’ at the 6th Hospitality India Travel Awards 2023. Known for his analytical, data-driven approach combined with a collaborative leadership style, Vinod continues to champion The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ eco-conscious ethos and guest-centric values.