Co-founder Dharamveer Singh Chouhan takes role of Chairman, leadership shift to power Zo World’s next phase of global expansion, says Chouhan
Zo World, India’s largest travel community platform, has announced a major leadership transition as it embarks on its next phase of global growth. Aviral Gupta, a founding member of Zo World and core team member at Zostel, has taken over as Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, co-founder Dharamveer Singh Chouhan has stepped into the role of Chairman of the Zo World Group.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the hospitality-tech-community ecosystem as Zo World accelerates its expansion across India and Southeast Asia. Chouhan, who has been instrumental in shaping India’s travel culture over the last decade, will now focus on long-term strategy, global partnerships, and institutionalising the Zo philosophy.
“This change is more than symbolic,” said Chouhan. “Aviral has been the invisible engine behind Zo for years. It’s time for me to zoom out and focus on expanding our mission of building a world without borders.”
Gupta’s elevation is the result of a planned succession developed over three years. He has been integral to Zo World’s growth—from launching hostels and designing digital products to developing financial and operational strategies. Under his leadership, the brand’s ecosystem has grown into an interconnected universe of Zostels, Zo Trips, Zo Villas, Zo Houses, and the AI-powered platform Zo Digital.
“Zo World has never just been about places—it’s about people, philosophy, and finding meaning in movement,” said Gupta. “We’re entering a phase of hyperscale and deep impact.”
By FY26, the group aims to operate 10,000 beds across 100+ Zostels, scale Zo Trips to Rs 1,500 crore annual GMV, and roll out over 300 Zo Villas. Zo Houses will cater to digital nomads and creatives, while Zo Digital will drive personalisation, monetisation, and community engagement.
Founded in 2013, Zostel remains at the heart of Zo World, operating across 85+ locations in India and Nepal. Now, as the group positions itself as a global, tech-enabled lifestyle ecosystem, its core ethos—rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—remains unchanged.
