BurdaLuxury Appoints Akshita M. Bhanj Deo as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia

BurdaLuxury Appoints Akshita M. Bhanj Deo as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia
  • 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 former 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.  

Akshita M. Bhanj Deo
Samreen Tungekar
Neelangana Vasudeva

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. 

Sign up for our newsletters to have the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox every week.

Piradej Monga

Regional Corporate Communications & Branding Manager

Piradej Monga
Recommended For You
BurdaLuxury Hosts Thought Leadership Fireside Chat at Soho House Bangkok

BurdaLuxury Hosts Thought Leadership Fireside Chat at Soho House Bangkok

On the evening of 10 September 2025, BurdaLuxury hosted an intimate thought leadership fireside chat, presented under Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau at Soho House Bangkok. Following the unveiling of the brand’s inaugural white paper in June – Christoph Pagel, COO, BurdaLuxury alongside Jeninne Lee-St.John, Editor-in-Chief, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, […]

PIN Prestige Singapore Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Echoes of Depth Gala

PIN Prestige Singapore Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Echoes of Depth Gala

On the evening of 5 September 2025, PIN Prestige Singapore celebrated its 12th anniversary with its Echoes of Depth-themed Gala at the newly opened Singapore Oceanarium, in partnership with Hennessy, Omega, and Resorts World Sentosa – bringing together nearly 300 distinguished guests for an unforgettable evening. Guests were transported into a dreamlike underwater world, surrounded […]

HELLO! Thailand Introduces Best of Beauty & Wellness 2025

HELLO! Thailand Introduces Best of Beauty & Wellness 2025

On the evening of 21 August 2025, HELLO! Magazine Thailand hosted its 8th annual celebration of the nation’s beauty industry at RARIN Bangkok Riverside Venue, in partnership with Aestec Pharma, Her Name is Nala, and Italasia Group. Previously known as the HELLO! Beauty Awards – for its 2025 edition, HELLO! Thailand rebranded the celebration as […]