Zo World, the parent company of the popular hostel brand Zostel, has appointed Aviral Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Meanwhile, co-founder Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, who previously served as CEO, will now take on the role of Chairman.
This change in leadership comes as the company plans to expand across India and Southeast Asia. Zo World is also working on new technology and lifestyle products, including platforms built around creator-led communities.
Zo World New Leadership
Aviral Gupta has been part of Zo World since 2014, starting as a project manager. Over the years, he has held key roles such as Chief Strategy Officer and Head of HR.
He has contributed to several areas including hostel operations, product development, technology integration, and financial planning. His deep involvement over the years has shaped the company’s path.
Vision for the Future
Speaking about his new role, Gupta said Zo World is not just about locations—it’s about meaningful connections through travel and shared experiences.
He added that the company is entering a high-growth phase where the goal is to redefine what modern travel and community-building means.
Co-founder Broader View
Dharamveer Chouhan, who co-founded Zostel in 2013, led the company for more than 10 years. Now, as Chairman, he will shift focus to long-term strategy and global growth.
He stated that it’s time to “zoom out” and work on the bigger picture. He expressed complete trust in Gupta’s ability to lead the company forward.
Focus After Legal Battle
The leadership change comes shortly after a major legal decision. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear Zostel’s appeal in its dispute with hospitality giant OYO.
The case was about a failed 2015 acquisition deal involving ZO Rooms. Courts have ruled that the deal was non-binding, ending a long-running legal conflict.
Community Vision
Zo World says it is now focused on expanding community-based experiences and improving its business model. The aim is to build stronger revenue streams and engage digital-first users in India and abroad.
With Gupta as CEO and Chouhan guiding from the top, the company believes it’s well-positioned for its next chapter of growth.
What is Zo World?
Zo World is a travel and community platform best known for its hostel brand, Zostel. The company helps young travelers explore the world while staying connected through shared spaces and cultural experiences.
Now evolving into a broader platform, Zo World is moving into tech, lifestyle, and creator communities—bringing people together beyond just travel.
