Vice President Design

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.

Global VP Information Technology

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.

Chief Executive Officer

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.

Global EVP Development

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.

UK Managing Director

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.

Chief Executive Officer

Client background:

US based investment firm focusing on credit and value investing strategies founded 1993 that today manages more than USD 11 billion on behalf of a global investor base

Their investment activities are global in scope with significant resources and exposure in Europe. The European division currently has over 60 employees located across Europe. The firm has invested and managed over USD 20 billion in Europe since its inception.

At the time of our appointment, our client was in the final stages of taking control of an  upper-upscale European hotel chain with a portfolio of hotels located across gateway cities in Europe. Whilst still being profitable, the company had been in a state of financial duress, translating to under-investment and under-management.  Our client was confident that under the stewardship of an international CEO with expertise in the upscale lodging sector, the group had significant potential for value creation.

Success:

We were delighted to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to take responsibility for this European Group in late 2017.  Working alongside our client’s investment team, this well-known luxury hotel CEO has repositioned the business, launching a new luxury hotel brand  reinventing the offering to cater for the shifting demands of its millennial minded guests.

In addition to this, he is currently assembling a new executive team to prepare for the next phase of implementation, whilst planning the capital investment across the portfolio of properties. The ultimate goal will be to deliver a unique and contemporary experience to its guests.

Briefing: Global business in the face of uncertainty

According to a report from Markit and CIPS, the UK services economy rebounded in August with The Business Activity Index up to 52.9 in August, from 47.4 in July. But we live in a global world and work in an international industry so global forecasts and upsets are always in mind. Markit and CIPS also state that Eurozone economic growth is at a 20-month low in September. FocusEconomics panelists see GDP in China rising 6.6% this year with a slow down to 6.3% next year. This is still positive but reflects a change from recent years.

This week our hospitality experts discuss market uncertainty and global business:

The month-on-month gain in the UK business activity index, at 5.5 points, was the largest observed over the 20-year survey history, following a record drop of 4.9 points in July. This goes to show how changeable today’s economy is.

Markit’s Eurozone PMI® Composite Output Index suggests that the economy is losing, rather than gaining, momentum  as the average index reading over the third quarter (52.9) is below that of quarter two (53.1).

According to FocusEconomics there is suggestion that things are looking in Russia up as GDP fell just 0.6% annually in Q2, the smallest decrease since Q1 2015.

As our experts discuss above long term confidence is difficult with so many factors possibly affecting business. But all business that embrace the international perspective are more expectant of these changes and better equipped to perform in all weathers.

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.tv for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Growth and opportunities in Russia

Russia’s hospitality market is young compared to other European destinations. It is growing as a destination and the number of outbound Russian travellers is also increasing. It is a unique market covering a vast space and has highly populated cities. Supply at the premium end of the market in the main cities has met demand. It is now the regional markets and midscale market that hold the opportunities.

In this briefing experts outline how they see the Russian economy, and what challenges Russia holds. Comment from:

  • Scott Antel, Partner, DLA Piper Rus Ltd  on the regional Russian markets

  • Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer – Europe, InterContinental Hotels Group on why it’s worth a visit to RHIC

  • Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on Russia growing as a destination and a source market

  • Aron Libinson, VP Development – Russia, CIS & Georgia, InterContinental Hotels Group on the opportunity for growth in Russia

 

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: The recession has taught the industry about good deal making

There is optimism in the industry. Conferences are once again full of positive talk about growth and development. But while deals are flowing again, it is important not to take a growing economy for granted. So what should companies be thinking about when putting together deals? How has the industry adapted? What upsets might lie down the road?

In this briefing four experts discuss the post-recession environment. Comment from:

  • Clive Hillier, Chief Executive Officer, Vision Hospitality Asset Management on why deal-makers are avoiding risky gearing post-recession

  • David Fenton, Senior Economist, RBS on business never being easy

  • Gabriel Petersen, Managing Director, The Blackstone Group on Europe learning a valuable lesson from the economic downturn

  • Andrew Sangster, Editorial Director, hotelanalyst on the industry bouncing back and flushing out bad deals

 

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Industry Disruptors Part 2- A focus on Airbnb

Airbnb is an immensely successful hospitality player with products across 190 countries. It has housed 15 million guests in just six years of existence, is already one of the largest market players and has recently updated its look to emphasise its brand concept of ‘belonging’. The business model is an extension of the B&B idea. It is a digital platform that allows people to rent all or part of their houses to other travellers.

Should the hotel industry feel threatened by the sharing economy? What will be the impact of regulation? And what can the industry learn from Airbnb? Answering these questions are:

  • Stephan Balzer, Chief Executive Officer, Red Onion GmbH on a shift in the market that could see hotels close

  • Russell Kett, Chairman – London Office, HVS on the need for careful regulation of new hospitality products

  • Steve Lowy, CEO & Founder, umi Digital on using Airbnb to make purchases

  • Shaun Hinds, Managing Director – International Operations, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality on why Airbnb isn’t a great threat

 

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

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