MAY 13, 2008. Consistently ranked among the top luxury hotels of the world, The Lowell, New York is centrally located on 63rd Street between Madison and Park Avenues in Manhattan, just steps from the city's world-class museums and designer boutiques. It offers 47 suites and 23 deluxe rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated with exquisite antique furnishings. Many of the guestrooms, including the recently renovated Penthouse Suite, Garden Suite, and Lowell Suites, feature private terraces as well as wood burning fireplaces. Mr. Verma will be responsible for all operations for this exquisite landmark property known for its residential ambience.

“I am elated about my new position and the opportunity to maintain and enhance The Lowell’s already strong reputation for excellence as one of the world’s most premier hotel properties,” said Verma. “I look forward to working with the team and continuing to set the hotel apart amid an ever increasingly competitive marketplace,” he continued.

Verma comes to The Lowell from the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, where he successfully led post-Katrina recovery efforts that enabled the property to become one of the first hotels to re-open in New Orleans after the devastating hurricane.

In addition to leading the revival and rebound of Windsor Court Hotel, Verma was instrumental in the gradual recovery of tourism during historically the most challenging times in New Orleans. He was involved in various capacities in the Industry and Civic causes. Verma was elected president of Greater New Orleans Hotels and Lodging Association, Served as board member of New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation, Arts Council, and Horizon Initiative. Verma was active in leading volunteering activities thru collaborative initiatives with Habitat for Humanity, local schools and organizations. Verma's numerous recognitions by the City of New Orleans included '40 under 40' citizens award in 2006 and 'Best Dressed' in 2007 by New Orleans magazine.

Born in The Punjab, India, Verma received a B.A. with honors in Political Science and Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India, a graduate degree in Hospitality Administration from The Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi, India and a Master of Business Administration from IMHI Cornell-Essec, Paris, France.

Verma's illustrious career in hospitality includes various positions with Oberoi Hotels International, Hyatt International Corporation, Millennium Hotels & Resorts and Orient Express Hotels in Asia, Europe and North America, in cities such as Paris, New Delhi, New Orleans and New York. An avid sports fan, Ashish Verma was a cricketer and captain of a university tennis team. Verma is a keen traveler, reader and speaks seven languages.