Month: February 2019

Client background:

One of the largest and fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, with more than 5,100 properties with over 838,000 rooms in 103 countries and territories. In nearly 100 years they have defined the hospitality industry and established a portfolio of 16 world-class brands.

Within the EMEA region the company has 456 properties in 57 countries with a total of 103,351 rooms. The future pipeline will add an additional 298 properties in 59 countries with an increase of 61,754 rooms.

With the planned growth within the region, the company sought to appoint a Vice President of Design take responsibility for establishing the agenda for design across EMEA hotels and elevate the quality of design for all company hotels entering the system, or under refurbishment.

Success:

A high profile hotel designer who was our client’s number one target was appointed to this role in 2018 and is now leading a large design team located across EMEA who oversees design activities for all new developments and renovation projects; including new build, conversion, adaptive re-use, company funded CapEx and Owner funded CapEx renovation projects.

Leading the team by example, the VP of Design drives team engagement whilst developing relationships within the Architecture Design and Construction team and its external design partners and agencies to deliver wonderfully designed hotels that surpass guests, development partners, and brand expectations.

Client background:

Our client is an iconic hotel and leisure company that operates luxury hotels, train services and river cruises around the world.

At the time of our appointment, the corporate office in London were seeking to appoint a senior executive as VP of Information Technology to act as a business partner to the senior leadership team in order to set the strategic vision and roadmap for the IT organization, and provide technical solutions to effectively support the overall strategy of the business. In addition to this, the VP of IT would support development growth initiatives with existing and emerging technology, including due diligence on targeted acquisitions, costing of IT solutions, and integration of new properties.

Success:

We were delighted to appoint this individual in 2018 who is now working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Chair of IT Steering Committee, the audit committee and executive board members. He drives a consistent and robust process to recruit, retain and develop associates in the IT organization to stay abreast of emerging technology, security, and resource trends to effectively translate into meaningful information for the broader organization in order to support the requirements of the business to drive profitable growth.

Client background:

Caribbean based Hospitality Company which both owns and operates luxurious resorts throughout the many islands of the Caribbean. The company also has a significant land-bank for further development.

Welcoming over 40,000 guests per annum with most guests staying for leisure purposes they welcome a geographic mix being 85% from North America, 13% UK/EUR and 2% ROW 2%.

Due to an internal restructure, our client wished to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer to work directly with the Chairman to drive the company’s development and guide it towards long-term success.

Success:

HPG were retained to lead a global search to identify a CEO to take responsibility for this well-known luxury resort company developing business strategies to accelerate growth of this award winning brand.

Our client was delighted to appoint an industry veteran as Chief Executive Officer to take responsibility for this group in 2018 who now oversees all business activities throught the group.

Client background:

One of the World’s leading international developers and operators of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels with three unique and World renowned brands.

With a view to expanding the portfolio, the company were seeking to appoint a Global EVP of Development to take ownership for leading their global expansion strategy and driving the end to end development process; from sourcing and screening potential projects, through to conducting the analysis, deal structuring/ negotiating contracts, and overseeing the process through to opening.

Success:

We were delighted to appoint a Global EVP of Development who has a wealth of experience within the industry to this position. He now works closely with the Chief Executive officer in spearheading the implementation of the strategic business plan in order to grow the company’s presence across the globe.

His role has subsequently expanded to that of  Chief Real Estate Officer to oversee Asset Management responsibilities and he has built a global development team to reach the company’s growth targets.

Client background:

US based company which operates hotels for owners under all major franchised lodging brands in North America and Europe. One of the largest third party management companies in the world, as well as the largest franchise partner of most of the main international brands.

We were mandated to lead the executive search to identify the MD of the  UK business unit which at the time had circa 60 operating hotels.

Success:

The Managing Director was appointed in 2016 and has grown the footprint in the UK, with the expected UK platform to grow to circa 100 properties by the end of 2019.

Due to his success, he was recently appointed to lead our client’s international platform as Executive Vice President.