Europe-based luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels has unveiled the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as CEO.
Muckermann, who was most recently heading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line Silversea,
joins the iconic global luxury hospitality brand with 82 hotels in 36
countries at an exciting time, as Kempinski prepares for impressive
growth in new regions worldwide and more spectacular properties on the
horizon.
The 127-year hotel group is poised to add another 34 hotels and
residences to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa
in the coming years and to further secure Kempinski’s legendary global
position and standing.
Commenting on her appointment, Muckermann said, “I am delighted to
play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter
while honouring its rich history, and very much look forward to working
in tandem with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the
Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury.”
“Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury, and her proven
ability to elevate the guest experience while simultaneously maximising
profitability for leading travel brands made her the ideal choice to
lead Kempinski Hotels,” said René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of
Directors Kempinski Hotels S.A. “As Barbara takes the helm, she will be
the first woman in the company’s 127 years of history to lead this
iconic brand.”
With a hospitality career spanning more than 25 years, she has
successfully expanded sales and profitability as well as significantly
upgraded the guest and customer experience for leading global brands in
luxury and travel including Loro Piana, MSC Cruises and NCL.
A German native, having lived in Italy, France and the US, Muckermann
is fluent in five languages and is a Doctor in Political Sciences and
Economics and holds a joint MBA from Columbia and London Business
School.