Grand Metropolitan Hotels is bolstering its Supervisory Board with a distinguished addition. Dr. Philipp Rösler will actively support the management of the international hotel group and play a key role in shaping its global growth strategy. For company founder Martin R. Smura, this appointment marks a pivotal moment in the development of Grand Metropolitan Hotels.
Dr. Philipp Rösler, a former German Federal Minister of Economics and a member of the Board of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland, brings international expertise and strong connections to the Asian market. His support will be especially instrumental in Vietnam, one of Grand Metropolitan Hotels’ future focus markets.
With Dr. Philipp Rösler’s strategic network, Grand Metropolitan Hotels is well-positioned to sustainably expand its presence in the region. In addition to his role on the Supervisory Board, Rösler will also represent the company externally. This appointment underscores the hotel group’s commitment to further penetrating international markets and solidifying its brand position in the global hospitality industry.
Dr. Philipp Rösler is a German politician and former Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. A trained medical doctor, he began his political career with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), serving as Federal Minister of Health, Federal Minister of Economics, and Vice Chancellor. As Federal Chairman of the FDP, Rösler played a significant role in shaping the party’s direction, championing economic liberal reforms. After retiring from active politics, Dr. Rösler successfully transitioned into the global business arena, leveraging his extensive contacts in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, to strengthen international relations.
Last September, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris welcomed Thibaut Drege back as General Manager, marking his return to Paris after two years at the helm of Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.
A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Thibaut Drege has nearly two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry both in France and internationally. His love affair with the George V began in 2018 when he joined the iconic palace as Hotel Manager, marking the beginning of his career with Four Seasons.
Within this legendary Parisian palace, Thibaut Drege quickly earned the respect and admiration of a 600-strong team. Guided by his passion and unwavering dedication to this global icon of hospitality, he infused the Hotel with dynamic energy, devoting nearly five years to crafting unique experiences for guests.
After playing a pivotal role in the Hotel's success in meeting several challenges, including the global health crisis, Thibaut Drege relocated to Budapest in 2022 to assume the role of General Manager at Four Seasons Gresham Palace. In this iconic European setting - an architectural gem along the banks of the Danube - he instilled a renewed energy and guided the property on a path to excellence, before returning to the French capital to the Hotel that holds a special place in his heart.
As General Manager, Thibaut Drege aims to further reinforce the principles that have established the Hotel's international reputation, while infusing his vision, experience, and energy into every initiative. He is also committed to fostering a culture of kindness and empathy in his approach to team management.
B&B Hotels has appointed Katja Jenne as the new Head of Marketing & Communications for Central and Northern Europe, effective November 1, 2024. Jenne succeeds Patrizio Iaquinandi, who is moving on to new professional opportunities.
Katja Jenne has been with B&B Hotels since 2022, previously serving as Team Lead for Brand Marketing, where she gained extensive experience in the company's marketing efforts.
In her new role, Jenne will report directly to Frank Seedorff, Chief Digital Officer, and manage a team of 13 professionals. Her responsibilities will include further developing the brand strategy, overseeing the implementation of marketing campaigns, and coordinating the associated public relations activities to support the company's objectives in the region.
Jenne's appointment reflects her proven track record within B&B Hotels and her ability to contribute to the growth and development of the brand. As the company continues to expand its footprint in the budget hotel sector, her role will be key in delivering strategic marketing initiatives that resonate with the target audience and strengthen the brand's presence in Central and Northern Europe.
VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts proudly announces the appointment of Pierre-Alex Maillard as Area General Manager. Pierre-Alex will lead the team at VERANÓ San Juan, which is the first of three new luxury lifestyle hotels slated for Puerto Rico by VERANÓ.
With a rich heritage in luxury and lifestyle hotels in some of the world’s most celebrated destinations, including St Barths, The Hamptons, and Miami, Pierre-Alex brings twenty years of leadership in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational success. His most recent role as general manager of Hyde Midtown Miami, where he guided the hotel to its No. 1 ranking on TripAdvisor, is part of his repertoire to lead the opening of VERANÓ San Juan. Pierre-Alex brings a deep familiarity with Puerto Rico’s luxury hospitality landscape, having previously held the role of General Manager at Serafina Beach Hotel, now Condado Beach Hotel, where he played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the property. His leadership helped position the hotel as a standout destination in San Juan.
“The high-caliber hotelier that Pierre-Alex brings to VERANÓ is incredibly beneficial to us, the entire hotel team, and importantly – our guests,” said VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts managing director, John Sears. “His talent for luxury hospitality and his commitment to delivering elevated experiences for guests will be instrumental as we introduce VERANÓ San Juan to the world. We’re confident that his leadership will add to the new standard for hospitality in Puerto Rico.”
VERANÓ San Juan features design-forward social venues complimented with luxurious guest rooms, including signature Ó suites, which showcase contemporary elegance and comfort. Guests will enjoy a variety of high-end amenities tailored for modern business travelers, including City House rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views of San Juan’s skyline, a sunset bar overlooking the Miramar district, and an exclusive private club membership that provides curated events and unique community experiences through each of VERANÓ’s hotel locations.
As Area General Manager, Pierre-Alex will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, ensuring the property’s seamless opening and day-to-day management while delivering on VERANÓ’s mission of gracious living. His role will be pivotal in establishing VERANÓ San Juan as a premier destination for both travelers and locals alike. Being an enthusiast of the world’s finest dining experiences, Pierre-Alex looks forward to the team delivering new elements of exceptional restaurant experiences and culture to the vibrant gastronomy offerings in San Juan.
“I’m honored to join VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts and lead the opening of VERANÓ San Juan,” said Pierre-Alex. “This project is incredibly special, not just for the brand but for the future of luxury hospitality in Puerto Rico. I look forward to welcoming guests to a hotel that blends timeless elegance and contemporary luxury with the vibrant energy of San Juan.”
VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts is committed to developing world-class hospitality destinations that offer elevated guest experiences and create lasting memories. Each VERANÓ property is distinguished by its dedication to gracious living, combining impeccable service, exceptional culinary offerings, curated entertainment, and a refined yet inviting atmosphere. VERANÓ San Juan will embody these values, soon to be joined by the forthcoming VERANÓ Caimito in a serene rainforest setting and VERANÓ Cabo Rojo on a tranquil stretch of coveted beachfront, each designed to deliver their own distinctive, unforgettable experiences while maintaining the brand’s signature level of excellence.
With over 15 years of international experience in leadership HR roles, Laura Moreno Salinas brings valuable expertise in talent acquisition, employee development, and cultural transformation to MEININGER Hotels.
Having started her career in hospitality, she has significant experience in the sector, including managing human resources for several Azimut Hotels across Europe and Hilton Hotels in London.
Before joining MEININGER, she held key roles in global technology companies in Berlin, where she implemented innovative strategies to optimize HR processes.
With the appointment of Laura Moreno Salinas as Senior Director People, MEININGER Hotels underscores its commitment to the sustainable advancement of its HR strategy, aiming to future-proof the company in light of the ongoing skills shortage.
Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator redefining the world of hotels and short-term rentals, has today announced the appointment of Hervé Deligny to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
With over 25 years experience in financial leadership and scaling global businesses, Deligny brings with him a wealth of expertise across the hospitality and real estate industries.
At Bob W, Delingy will be tasked with spearheading Bob W’s continued growth across Europe and beyond.
Delingy started his career with PwC and spent more than 15 years at AccorHotels in Paris and London, working across finance and real estate divisions. He has since held CFO positions at notable hospitality brands such as Generator, Safestay, and Onefinestay.
Hervé Delningy, CFO at Bob W said: “Bob W’s ambitious growth plans and fresh approach to blending the worlds of hotels and short-term rentals mean it is well on its way to completely redefining the hospitality sector."
“The fast-growing European aparthotel market presents a wealth of opportunities, and I am eager to help drive Bob W’s tech-powered, sustainable model further forward. The demand for experiences that combine the consistency of a hotel with the flexibility of short-term rentals is only set to grow further, and Bob W is perfectly positioned to lead the way across Europe.”
Niko Karstikko, Co-founder & CEO of Bob W said: “Hervé’s extensive financial expertise in both hospitality and real estate will be critical as we continue our rapid expansion across Europe. The aparthotel sector is growing at lightning speed making it a highly lucrative opportunity for property developers and hospitality operators alike. Bob W continues to build on its reputation as a reliable, consistent household name for the modern traveler.”
Hervé’s appointment comes after a new joint venture between Bob W and Osborne+Co Investment Management (OCIM) launched a £120 million equity raise to acquire and repurpose hotel and office assets into high-quality short-term serviced apartments.
The joint venture plans to transform between 20 and 25 buildings across core European markets into 1,500 to 2,000 modern apartments and is targeting a GDV of £400 million for its initial development pipeline.
The Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort has announced the appointment of Pedro Moreira as the resort’s new General Manager. With over 10 years of experience under his belt in the hotel industry, Moreira is returning to the Minor Hotels Group for the next stage of his career.
Pedro Moreira’s career started in 2013 and has seen him work for big names in the hotel industry, such as the Ritz Four Seasons, The Parisian (Macau), THE 13 (Macau), Vila Vita Parc, and São Lourenço do Barrocal.
He has held roles such as General Operations Manager, Accommodation Manager, and Front Office Manager, among others. Between 2020 and 2023, he was part of the Minor Hotels team as Accommodation Manager at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, and in 2021 he was recognised as the Best Accommodation Manager in Portugal in the Xénios Awards, organised by the Portuguese Hotel Managers Association (ADHP).
He holds a degree in European Studies from the University of Coimbra and two Postgraduate degrees: one in Hotel Management from Universidade Europeia, and another in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University.
Stephanie Greger began her career with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2018 as Director of Marketing and Commerce at Mandarin Oriental, Milan and was promoted to Hotel Manager in September 2021. During her tenure, Stephanie has led the hotel team to new heights, ensuring that the property remains positioned as a leading luxury hotel in the heart of Milan's social and business centre.
The luxury hospitality group Kempinski Hotels is proud to announce the arrival of Massimo Brancaleoni as of 1 November 2024. Amanda Elder steps down to pursue other opportunities.
An Italian national, Massimo Brancaleoni, who most recently held the position of Senior Vice President Sales and Revenues at Silversea Cruises, brings over 25 years of commercial experience to his new role as Chief Commercial Officer. He has a proven track record of leading large teams and developing profitable global sales strategies. Massimo spent a significant part of his career, a total of 20 years, with the cruise ship company Costa Crociere. He began as Pricing & Revenue Management Director, and then progressed to become Vice President Asia Pacific Operations, Vice President Worldwide Sales Services and was later promoted to Senior Vice President Global Sales. Throughout his various positions, he worked in locations such as Paris, Genoa, Hong Kong, Madrid, Miami and Monaco.
Brancaleoni was educated at the University of Economics in Genoa and the IESE Business School in Barcelona. Since 2022, he has been a guest lecturer in the Economics of Cruise, Ferry and Yachting Industries at Università degli Studi di Genova.
“We are thrilled to welcome Massimo, a seasoned tourism leader with an international background and immense strategic expertise. With his in-depth knowledge in Pricing & Revenue Management, Commercial Planning and Operations as well as in Digital Transformation, he will be a great asset to Kempinski in shaping the growth and success as we move into a new era,” states Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group. “At the same time, we thank Amanda Elder for her incredible commitment to our company over the past nine years and her outstanding motivational and inspiring leadership. We wish her only the best of success for her future and look forward to welcoming her again as a guest in one of our hotels around the globe.”
“I am very honoured to join Kempinski Hotels at this exciting point in time”, says Massimo Brancaleoni on his appointment. “As the company is working on a new global strategy and will be reviving the brand over the coming years, I am more than happy to be part of this journey and to shape the future of this iconic luxury hotel group as we move forward.”
As General Manager at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha brings his wealth of luxury hospitality experience to the resort, with the goal to become one of Europe's most celebrated hotels. With previous experience at properties with exceptional service standards, Duarte holds a core belief in the inherent nobility of serving others, both his guests and the teams he integrates and leads.
Throughout his career, Duarte has worked at four Aman Resorts in Morocco, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Montenegro, as well as Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol. Most recently, he distinguished himself as General Manager for Discovery Hotel Management, leading the team at Octant Douro in Portugal for the past four years. Duarte holds degrees in Hotel Management and Strategic Marketing from Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
NOVUM Hospitality, has appointed Samira Said (born Etmenan) as the new Chief Executive Officer, sharing the role with her brother, David Etmenan, who is the current CEO and owner.
Samira Said’s new role as co-CEO builds on her extensive experience within the company. Previously, she served as Chief Brand Officer, where she was instrumental in developing the upper-midscale brand, the niu. Her work ensured that each hotel within the niu brand aligned with the company’s lifestyle-focused values. Additionally, Samira played a crucial role in the successful completion of NOVUM Hospitality’s partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a deal finalized in April 2024.
As co-CEO, Samira Said will focus on managing the changes required to integrate and implement the co-branding and rebranding initiatives related to this partnership. She will oversee onboarding and integration processes, particularly in relation to the co-branded Holiday Inn – the niu and the European launch of IHG’s Garner TM and Candlewood Suites® brands.
In her expanded role, Samira will take on a broader range of responsibilities, including the strategic management of hotel operations, the development of marketing strategies, and the coordination of projects. Her efforts will be directed towards optimizing daily operations at the hotel level, enhancing brand visibility, and increasing customer loyalty. Additionally, she will oversee the overall commercial strategy within the company’s cooperation network and ensure the efficiency of its operating facilities.
The introduction of dual leadership at NOVUM Hospitality is intended to improve efficiency in a complex and competitive market environment. The combined leadership of Samira Said and David Etmenan is expected to provide significant advantages as the company continues to establish new brands and integrate innovative processes. The leadership team is further supported by Christian Moll, Deputy CEO, and Dr. Stefan Gneuss, CFO, who will work closely with the co-CEOs.
Originally from Ovar, Northern Portugal, Pedro Pinto is a distinguished culinary professional and a passionate advocate for Portuguese gastronomy. His professional journey includes notable stints at AbaC Barcelona (3* Michelin), Vila Joya (2* Michelin), The Yeatman (2* Michelin), Areias do Seixo, Bela Vista (1* Michelin), Vila Vita Parc (where he worked for six years), and Pine Cliffs Resort (where he managed six outlets for two years).
Pedro's culinary philosophy is rooted in creativity, innovation, seasonality, and a profound respect for the product, producer, and Portuguese traditions. Pedro is an advocate of utilising local products and honouring cultural heritage.
As Executive Chef for Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Pedro believes that the project will become a landmark in the region. He envisions it as a breath of fresh air in the Algarve's hotel scene, offering an experience that promotes nature and modern luxury in a region predominantly known for its coastal dining destinations.
