Barbara Muckermann has been appointed as the new CEO of Kempinski Hotels, making her the first woman to lead Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Muckermann previously served as the CEO of Silversea, a luxury and expedition cruise line, where she oversaw significant expansions in sales, profitability, and guest experience enhancements. Kempinski operates 82 hotels in various countries and plans to add 34 more hotels and residences in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa in the coming years. The company has reported record profits and is debt-free, positioning Muckermann to bring about a new era of opulence and innovation at Kempinski.
Rene Nijhof, Chair of Kempinski Hotels’ board of directors, expressed confidence in Muckermann’s ability to enhance the guest experience and drive profitability for the brand. Muckermann’s background in luxury and travel brands such as Loro Piana, MSC Cruises, and NCL makes her an ideal choice to lead Kempinski Hotels. She is succeeding Bernold Schroeder, the previous CEO of Kempinski, who stepped down in the spring. Kempinski Hotels is a major shareholder in the Global Hotel Alliance, a loyalty group that represents approximately 40 independent premium hotel brands. Muckermann stated that she is excited to be a part of the iconic brand’s next chapter while honoring its rich history.
The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) tracks the performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the index. The ST200 includes publicly traded companies from global markets, such as international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares. The index provides a snapshot of the overall financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies with a combined value of over a trillion dollars. Investors and industry analysts can use this information to analyze the financial health and trends within the accommodations sector, encompassing a wide range of hospitality businesses and real estate investment trusts.
As the new CEO of Kempinski Hotels, Barbara Muckermann brings a wealth of experience in luxury travel and hospitality to the position. Her successful track record at Silversea and other renowned brands makes her well-suited to lead and grow the historic luxury hotel group. With plans to expand Kempinski’s presence in key markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Muckermann’s leadership is expected to drive further profitability and enhance the guest experience. Additionally, her role in the Global Hotel Alliance positions her as a key player in the industry, shaping the future of premium independent hotel brands.
The appointment of Barbara Muckermann as the first female CEO of Kempinski Hotels marks a significant milestone for the luxury hotel group and the hospitality industry as a whole. Muckermann’s innovative approach to guest experience and revenue generation aligns with Kempinski’s vision for growth and excellence in the luxury segment. As she takes the helm of the iconic brand, Muckermann aims to build upon its rich history while ushering in a new era of opulence and sophistication. Investors and stakeholders will be closely monitoring her leadership and the financial performance of Kempinski Hotels under her guidance to assess the company’s trajectory in the competitive accommodations sector.
