Kempinski makes history

It’s always exciting to see a female CEO appointment, especially when it involves a legacy brand such as Kempinski. The 127-year-old luxury hotel company has named Barbara Muckermann, former chief executive of Silversea Cruises, as its first female CEO. It marks a significant step in the company’s growth plan with Muckermann now responsible for overseeing the addition of 34 hotels and residences in EMEA and Asia in the coming years.

Kempinski currently has 82 hotels in its global portfolio, and Muckermann’s experience managing large-scale cruise operations translates well to overseeing a network of hotels. Whilst both cruise lines and hotels prioritise customer service and guest experience, it’s a challenging task to lead expansion plans when navigating the complexities of a new industry. Muckermann’s 25 years of hospitality experience will serve her well in the role, and hiring a CEO from outside the industry will invite a fresh perspective within the hotel sector.