Kempinski Hotels welcomes new chief development officer

Kempinski Hotels has named Frank Veenstra as its new chief development officer as the hospitality brand aims to “move into the ultra-luxury segment”.

 

His role will involve selecting hotel assets for investment and leading management agreements to “ensure the brand’s growth keeps pace with the changing expectations of global luxury”.

 

The hotel group currently operates 75 properties across 33 countries, with 25 further developments in progress.

 

Veenstra has experience in senior roles steering development projects at brands including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, NH Hotels and Corinthia Hotels.

 

Barbara Muckermann, Kempinski Hotels’ chief executive, said: “The luxury hospitality sector is undergoing some important changes in terms of guest expectations and demand for genuine local connections, and Veenstra understands exactly how to translate those shifts into opportunities.

 

“With deep experience in luxury hospitality and strategic growth, he will work closely with our committed development teams and senior leadership to refine our global development strategy, elevate our project pipeline and strengthen our development organisation.”

 

Veenstra added: “Kempinski stands for timeless luxury, but the definition of luxury is evolving. Our ambition is to deliver a higher level of refinement – personalised, culturally and contextually relevant, and forward-looking – for a new generation of travellers.”