INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Kempinski Hotels S.A. has named a new chairman and interim CEO, while two other hospitality companies have added new directors. Here’s a look:
Schroeder Appointed Kempinski Chairman/Interim CEO
Kempinski Hotels S.A. in Geneva has appointed Bernold Schroeder as chairman of the management board and CEO ad interim. The news follows the decision of the Kempinski supervisory board to part ways with former CEO Martin R. Smura.
In his new tenure, Schroeder will seek additional opportunities to achieve improved profitability, sustainable company performance and growth in the long run. Together with the members of the management board, he will enhance the company’s strategy to deliver the brand promise to Kempinski guests, owners and employees and propel the company to further success.
With this news, the supervisory board also reaffirms its long-term commitment to strengthening Kempinski positioning as an independent international hotel luxury brand as well as strong and trusted business partner. The company is now well positioned to consolidate its strategy, and to pursue its long-term growth plans through new routes, always putting Kempinski core values of trust, business ethics and integrity at the forefront, the company reports.
WorldHotels Names Brown Regional Director of Hotel Development in North America
WorldHotels has appointed Melissa Brown as regional director of hotel development in North America.
Brown oversees development efforts in North America with a focus on WorldHotels’ newly launched Crafted Collection and the Luxury Collection. Brown will also be looking at small independent hotels groups that want to boost their brand with the domestic and global power of WorldHotels.
Brown is well-positioned to lead WorldHotels and its hoteliers towards further successes in 2021 with her extensive hospitality experience and deep luxury knowledge. Most recently, Brown spearheaded hotel development for Luxe Hotels in North America, where she led luxury and lifestyle sales, marketing, brand development and distribution for the brand. Brown has also held positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ W Hotels and St. Regis Hotels brands.
Taranto Appointed Director of Operations at Ovolo Group
Wayne Taranto has been appointed as the director of operations for Ovolo Group in Australia.
He is responsible for all operations for the Australia Hotels. He joins the Ovolo with 26 years of experience as a leader in the Australian hospitality industry.
Taranto’s areas of expertise are in the inception and execution of luxury brand operations and innovative culinary and beverage conceptual development and delivery, extremely valuable as Ovolo expands in Australia, with Ovolo South Yarra opening 2021. With proven success in the strategic roll out of past brands, his ability to foster a thriving team environment with a focus on pride, consistency and attention to detail is welcome, cementing the growth and success of this award-winning collection, according to the company.
With an extensive background in hospitality, he honed his skills at Event Hospitality & Entertainment managing various Rydges Hotels & Resorts properties on the east coast of Australia. He furthered his culinary expertise as F&B director for the Australian Accor Hotels network, whilst managing hotels in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, Circular Quay and Sydney’s first five-star hotel, The Sofitel Wentworth. In recent years, he was responsible for establishing Crown Group’s hotel division, Sjkye Hotel & Suites and managing d’Albora, Australia’s largest marina group as CEO.