Topic HR

News & Stories

Newcomer: Helen Princess of Oettingen-Wallerstein, Interior Designer 
Staying authentic, at home and in the hotel
5.9.2008

Fremdingen Country estates, hunting and holiday homes have up to now dominated her resume, only recently has she begun to venture into the world of hotels: Helen, Princess of Oettingen-Wallerstein from Fremdingen near Stuttgart, has created a representative interior for the Graeflicher Park Hotel & Spa in Bad Driburg. In Norway, she created one of the first boutique hotels and recently she's been awarded a further project for a German stately hotel. Her noble descent has opened many a door and with her individualist style, she's not only made friends. "I would like to de-stereotype," she exclaims, "as only hotels with unique characteristics will survive! Worldwide." Her focus, the authentic restoration of historic buildings, has moulded such thoughts, yet she's equally open to working on new buildings.

Study: coincidence and not talent is decisive for entering tourism industry
Discouraging working hours
5.9.2008

Alpbach. Austria's growing resort hotel business is complaining about the shortage of experts and assistants more than ever. An Austrian study shows impressively why the drive for the hotel business has been so low. A core message that applies not only to the Austrian hotel industry - which is characterised by medium-sized businesses - but also to all German-speaking countries: very often, the decision to take over a hotel or a restaurant occurs through coincidence, not talent.

Employer rankings stand high, only the hotel industry fails
"We all slept through it until now"
22.8.2008

Munich. The best, most popular and most attractive companies - employer rankings are meanwhile like coals in Newcastle. More and more companies are taking advantage of the ranking lists in the battle to attract the most talented employees. Only the hotel industry has failed to recognise the opportunity. All the same, hoteliers are advised to consider carefully what competition they enter.

Heads of Personell meet youngsters
15.8.2008

Dusseldorf. Getting to know new companies, finding potential new employers... And the other way round, hotel companies presenting themselves to potential employees. The career fairs organised by "Your Careergroup plc" have set dates in Dusseldorf.

Internet: Now employees can evaluate their employers as well
Severe words, helpless hotels
15.8.2008

Munich. After the introduction of hotel evaluations in the Internet, there are now platforms which enable employees to evaluate their employers anonymously. Hotels often do badly in this respect, and they are helpless in dealing with the partly severe evaluations. There are only a handful of companies like Accor that implement strategic tools for internal communication with employees. Lawyers of employers warn employees, while the Internet portals defend themselves against the accusation of being nothing other than a platform for the frustrated or a means of agitation.

Singapore is booming, just like the rest of Asia - Cornell on the staff
There is a shortage of staff, not managers
8.8.2008

Singapore. By 2015, the number of visitors to Singapore is expected to double to 17 million; the  income from tourism is expected to triple to 30 billion Singapore dollars and it is estimated that more than a quarter of a million people will be working in the tourism sector. But Singapore is only a small piece in the large Asian puzzle. According to the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management, China and India alone are in need of more than two million workers each in the hotel industry. In this challenging, dynamic environment, the first "ITB Asia" starts on October 22 and human resources will also be an issue for discussion. Judy Siguaw, Dean at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute, a branch of the renowned Cornell University in the US, has been observing the construction boom as well as the staff development in Asia.

Cornell offers a Master's degree for the hotel industry in Asia as well
Global studies: opportunity for Europeans too
8.8.2008

Singapore. Since 2006, the Cornell University has been offering a Master's course for the hotel industry as part of a joint venture with the Nanyang Business School in Singapore. The classes are still small, but due to the enormous growth in Asia, the course of study will become increasingly interesting for Americans and Europeans too. The new programme addresses employees who want to speed up their careers or aspire to change careers.

NEWCOMER: Markus Semer, 32, Kempinski Board Member
Reto`s translator
25.7.2008

Geneva. Young, dynamic, successful - this zippy cliché is simply unavoidable in the face of the flowing blazer of this 1.94-metre tall and slim man approaching the coffee table in the lobby of the Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Munich. Markus Semer has arrived. Or better: he is present, apparent, and perceptible. In the polished-up lobby of the grand hotel, he clarifies what Kempinski does not want to be like in future: slow and antiquated. On May 1, 2008, at the age of 31, he advanced to Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs & Strategic Planning in the Managing Board of Directors of Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. Chairman Reto Witwer will celebrate his 60th birthday this year, and Semer could be his son. The unspoken question behind this statement makes Markus Semer roll his eyes reluctantly, but he smartly answers: "You can view it like that: two generations sitting at one table!" A newcomer chats about himself, the industry, Kempinski and strategies.

Majority on call on holiday
25.7.2008

Eschborn. A worldwide survey of almost 12,000 participants conducted by an online career portal has revealed that almost two thirds of all employees can also be reached by colleagues or customers whilst on holiday. Above all the Spanish and the French are real workaholics.

Summer courses for Hospitality Real Estate Management
16.5.2008

Bad Honnef/Bonn. With twelve students, the first "Hospitality Real Estate Professional" study course has been launched at the International University of Applied Sciences in Bad Honnef near Bonn. This summer's course, hold in English language will already welcome students from Asia and Eastern Europe. The course, which will conclude with a certificate, is unique in German speaking Europe.

VIP News

Expanding new competences

HI+Expanding new competences

Augsburg. Marriott made its previous interim team Tony Capuano and Stephanie Linnartz the chain's management duo this week. Belmond appoints a new VP Global Development. Georg Schlegel leaves Choice Hotels. Sébastien Mariette is responsible for two Kempinski hotels in Egypt. Colliers hires a technology expert. Christie & Co expands its German team and Stefan Bezold joins Sabre after many years at Infor.

Breaking News: Marriott announces new CEO and President

HI+Breaking News: Marriott announces new CEO and President

Bethesda. Marriott International's Board of Directors announced today that Anthony "Tony" Capuano has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and has joined the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. He was previously Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services. Stephanie Linnartz, previously Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, has been appointed President, effective immediately.

Mourning and the next generation

HI+Mourning and the next generation

Augsburg. Around the world, colleagues and business friends mourned the death of Marriott CEO Arne M. Sorenson this week. Kai Winkler takes over his first job in Russia with the Fairmont Moscow. Three hotel managers still have their careers ahead of them at Premier Inn in Heidelberg, Saarbrücken and Freiburg, as do Intercity Hotels three new GMs for the hotels in Darmstadt, Nuremberg and Hanover. Fleming's continues to expand its leisure team. And HEDNA elected its Board of Directours 2021.

Arne M. Sorenson passed away

HI+Arne M. Sorenson passed away

Arne M. Sorenson.Photo: Marriott International

Bethesda. "It is with profound sadness that Marriott International announces that Arne M. Sorenson, President and CEO, unexpectedly passed away on February 15, 2021," Marriott International told a few minutes ago. In May 2019, the company announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Marriott shared the news that Arne Sorenson would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer.

He became the third CEO in Marriott's history in 2012, and the first without the Marriott surname. A visionary leader, he put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the $13-billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, Arne Sorenson was tireless in driving the company's progress, creating opportunities for associates, growth for owners and franchisees and results for the company’s shareholders. Known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, he  steered Marriott to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.

"Arne was an exceptional executive – but more than that – he was an exceptional human being," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "Arne loved every aspect of this business and relished time spent touring our hotels and meeting associates around the world. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry was headed and position Marriott for growth. But the roles he relished the most were as husband, father, brother and friend. On behalf of the Board and Marriott's hundreds of thousands of associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne’s wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Arne deeply."

There will surely be hardly anyone in the industry who does not share the grief of J.W. Marriott, Jr. / kn

 

Looking ahead

HI+Looking ahead

Wiesbaden. Arne Sorenson remains CEO of Marriott, but hands over to two younger employees during his recovery. At the Italian Baglioni Hotels, there was a farewell and a new start in marketing. In Germany, the Amano Group continues to expand with Zeèv Rosenberg. Travel Charme handed over new properties to two experienced managers, and an experienced employee returned to the Lindenhof Lifestyle DolceVita Resort in South Tyrol.

New managers and new structures

HI+New managers and new structures

Wiesbaden. Franck Gervais moved from Accor to Pierre & Vacances, Georg Schmickler now heads the hotel division at DER Touristik. Florian Daniel took over a new position at Deutsche Hospitality. Luc Boschmans is now a hotel expert at Tristan Capital, Rami Z. Sayess Regional VP for Four Seasons in Bahrain, Denis Martin GM of Maslina Resort in Hvar and Markos E. Tzamalis COO at Phaea in Crete. Lisa Edelmann moves to Me & All Hannover. HBI is strengthening its residential and serviced apartment team.

New year, new challenges

HI+New year, new challenges

Wiesbaden. Exciting changes at the end of the year: Among others, André Meier moved up at Dolder Hotel AG, Dietmar Gunz said goodbye to FTI's operations and handed over to Ralph Schiller and Constantin von Bülow. Alexander Doerr moved to Vela Hotels, Connor Ryterski now heads prizeotel alone and Sandra Diaz moved from Event to Signo Hospitality. But there was also sad news: Gordon Butch Stewart, founder of Sandals Hotels passed away.

New responsibilities

HI+New responsibilities

Augsburg.Robert Herr has left the Bürgenstock Resort near Lucerne and handed it over to a new GM. Mandarin Oriental appoints new Director of Marketing & Commerce, BNP Paribas Real Estate strengthens its management board with two new seats, Susanne von Moltke joins the board of Relais & Châteaux. The Base establishes an advisory board, the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry BTW elected a new presidium, Carsten Colmorgen manages the Dorint Kurfürstendamm and the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a new director and a new deputy.

New leaders

HI+New leaders

Augsburg. The Base appoints a Vice President Real Estate, Andreas Magnus manages two new swiss Kempinski hotels, Karl J. Pojer leaves Hapag Lloyd Cruises and the Hotel Association Germany has elected its board.

New CEO Europe for Choice Hotels

HI+New CEO Europe for Choice Hotels

Augsburg. Choice Hotels strengthens the importance of the European portfolio. To this end, two new positions are joining the management team: a new CEO Europe and a Finance Director for Europe.

Change and cluster

HI+Change and cluster

Augsburg. Accor appointed a new Group Chief Commercial Officer, Fabio Datteroni has moved to Saturnia di Terme, Premier Inn is expanding its middle management with four Cluster Managers in Germany, Falk Bartels is responsible for the pre-opening at Leonardo Royal Nuremberg, and Christof Keller has been appointed Director at Rheinhotel Dreesen.

New and proven heads

HI+New and proven heads

Augsburg. Daniela Schade's comeback leads her to Deutsche Hospitality, Achat Hotels appointed a new head of procurement and the GNTB elected its board for the next three years.

New tasks, new positions

HI+New tasks, new positions

Augsburg. Marriott has promoted Satya Anand to the new President EMEA. Marcus Bernhardt and Ulrich Johannwille took up their position as CEO and CFO of Deutsche Hospitality on 1 November, Siegfried Nierhaus returns to Deutsche Hospitality as VP Middle East, Fotis Fakes is promoted to Senior Director Operations & Commercial Int. Resort Hotels. Fabio Leoni now manages the Hotel Le Massif in Valle d'Aosta, Ruby Hotels strengthens its entire HR team and Ruby Workspaces becomes a separate business unit, also in terms of personnel. Robert Petroviċ leaves The Ritz-Carlton Berlin.

New trust

HI+New trust

Augsburg. Jasper Muller, formerly citizenM, has thematically entered Serviced Apartments. Club Med has appointed a CEO for Europe and Africa and the Graf von Moltke Group has appointed a new CEO for all hotel activities.

Going for a new job or extension

HI+Going for a new job or extension

Augsburg. Dr. Peter Fiedler has been appointed CFO at Kempinski, Walter Marcheselli remains chairman of Best Western Italy, Peter Martin takes over the Steigenberger Bad Neuenahr and his colleague Thomas Swieca becomes the GM at the Steigenberger Inselhotel Konstanz. Sascha Wagner takes over the Intercity Wiesbaden and Sarah Bartel will run the me and all hotel in Ulm. Elections were held at Hotrec.

Welcome and Goodbye

HI+Welcome and Goodbye

Augsburg. TUI is restructuring its Group management. Leanne Harwood becomes IHG's COO for EMEA, her predecessor Pascal Gauvin retires and Simon Betty becomes CEO Europe at Adina. Willem van der Zee has left Event Hotels, Christoph Hager Zoku Wyndham appoints four new regional managers. Ruby Hotels promoted another two colleagues in Development. Consultant Michael Hirst leaves CBRE, Pogda Demircan is head of mrp hotels in Istanbul. There are further changes at RIU Dubai-Deira, InterCity and Vicotor's Erfurt.

Accor now has only two regions in Europe

HI+Accor now has only two regions in Europe

Paris. Accor is adapting to the new circumstances through Corona and its asset light strategy and is changing its organisational structure: Five regions in Europe so far will become two. In addition, Franck Gervais, CEO Accor Europe, officially left this week.

Mourning for Rudy Münster

HI+Mourning for Rudy Münster

Augsburg. The industry mourns the death of former Kempinski board member Rudy Münster. Anna Spjuth is appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Scandic, Daniella Boeken joins the management team at Ruby, Boris Simm is promoted to Group Vice President Operations at Ruby and Benjamin Dietsche has been promoted to Director of the German-speaking countries at Relais & Chateaux. Walter Pint takes over Arborea Marina in Neustadt, Eduard Singer left Novum Hospitality.

New responsibilities

HI+New responsibilities

Augsburg. Franck Arnold is Managing Director of The Savoy London and responsible for two Sofitel and the planned Fairmont Windsor. Soner Berke is Managing Director of Ospedia, Ksenia Muzykantova was appointed Group Manager Sales/Marketing at the Hospitality Collection in Italy. Gunther Hingsammer joined Soravia to strengthen investor relations.

Changes

HI+Changes

Augsburg. The newly founded UI Real Estate Digital appoints two managing directors, Dr. Ulrich Johannwille moves from Condor to Steigenberger as CFO, Ascan Kókai changes from the hotel operator NH to a retail specialist. Anees Shinnara is Director of the newly opened IntercityHotel in Oman, Claire Martin and Sven Flory support the Bürgenstock Resorts management, Kamil Madej becomes GM at the Lindner Prague Hotel and Aneta Antonucci again manages the spa of the Seehotel Niedernberg.

{"host":"hospitalityinside.com","user-agent":"Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)","accept":"*/*","accept-encoding":"gzip, br, zstd, deflate","x-forwarded-for":"216.73.216.63","x-forwarded-host":"hospitalityinside.com","x-forwarded-port":"443","x-forwarded-proto":"https","x-forwarded-server":"fce5cf4520c5","x-real-ip":"216.73.216.63"}REACT_APP_OVERWRITE_FRONTEND_HOST:hospitalityinside.com &&& REACT_APP_GRAPHQL_ENDPOINT:http://app/api/v1