New Delhi: BurdaLuxury has announced the appointment of Meher Bajwa as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, effective 28 January 2026. Bajwa will report to Christoph Pagel, Chief Operating Officer, BurdaLuxury.
In her new role, Bajwa will lead the brand’s strategic and editorial evolution, steering it towards a discovery-led, culture-first approach, with a sharper focus on video-first storytelling and curated experiential formats. The appointment underscores BurdaLuxury’s intent to strengthen Travel + Leisure’s position as a trusted authority on travel and community in the region.
Bajwa brings over 11 years of experience at BurdaLuxury, having held multiple senior editorial and digital leadership roles across Asia. She began her career with the company at Maxim as Associate Editor and later served as Deputy Editor, where she led editorial direction, cover shoots, and long-form features. Most recently, she was Deputy Regional Director – Digital Operations, overseeing digital editorial, SEO, audience growth, and collaborating closely with product and technology teams to enhance UI/UX.
“Indian travellers are among the most curious and influential globally, and the way they engage with travel content is rapidly evolving,” said Pagel. “Meher brings a culturally rooted, data-driven editorial vision that will help deepen our connection with audiences and partners. In 2026, she will lead the creation of new intellectual properties and a credible, experience-led review system for the brand.”
Commenting on her appointment, Bajwa said, “Travel + Leisure India and South Asia stands for trust, taste, and editorial authority. My focus is on building strategies around that core—developing franchises that work seamlessly across formats, from video series to signature events, and stories that reflect how people in this region actually travel.”
Bajwa succeeds Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, who has stepped down to focus on her family business. During her tenure, Bhanj Deo launched several editorial and experiential IPs, including Editors’ Roundtables, Insider Guides, Vanity Stamps, and T+L Impact.
Reflecting on her time at the brand, Bhanj Deo said she was proud of the platform’s growth and wished Bajwa success in her new role.
