Kempinski Hotels appoints Barbara Muckermann as CEO

Kempinski Hotels on Tuesday (May 21) announced the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as chief executive officer.

Muckermann was previously responsible for leading Silversea Cruises (part of Royal Caribbean Group). She joins the iconic global luxury hospitality brand with 82 hotels in 36 countries at an important time as Kempinski prepares for growth in new regions worldwide.

The luxury hotel brand says it intends to add another 34 hotels and residences to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa in the coming years.

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand,” said Muckermann in a statement. “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.”

René Nijhof, chairman of the board of directors Kempinski Hotels S.A., added that “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.”

“Her dynamic, forward-thinking approach will be vital as we continue to usher in a new era of luxury for our brand. As Barbara takes the helm, she will be the first woman in the company’s 127 years of history to lead this iconic brand,” Nijhof said.

During her more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Muckermann 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, Kempinski noted.

A German native, having lived in Italy, France and the United States, 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.

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