Sarova Hotels names Jimi Kariuki as new boss after Vohra's death

What you need to know:

He was previously the marketing and sales director.
Mr Kariuki joined Sarova Hotels in 1992 as the marketing manager.

The Sarova Group of Hotels has appointed a new managing director following the tragic death of Jaideep (JS) Vohra in a road accident last year.

READ: Sarova Hotels MD passes on

The Group has appointed Jimi Kariuki, who was previously the marketing and sales director at the hotel, to head the chain of hotels.

“This is a very exciting challenge for me and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and with our great team to continue with the delivery of our vision and of our promise to our Customers,” said Mr Kariuki in a statement Tuesday.

He joined Sarova Hotels in 1992 as the marketing manager before taking over the role of marketing and sales director in 1996. He is also currently a member of the company’s board of directors.

READ: BIKO INTERVIEW: Why family comes first for Jimi Kariuki

The hospitality group which consists of hotels, resorts and game lodges. They include the Sarova Stanley and the Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa and Sarova Mara Camp in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Sarova is owned by the family of the late businessman G.S. Vohra and John Ngata Kariuki, a former Kirinyaga Central MP and brother of former spymaster the late James Kanyotu.

Sarova Hotels MD Jaideep Vohra passed on last year. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NMG

Mr Vohra, a racing enthusiast, died after his car rolled around Amboseli Lodge while going to watch the East African Safari Classic Rally in November.