Germany: Oliver Bonke has joined Steigenberger Hotels AG as CEO, with professor Wilhelm Bender elected as chairman.
Bonke has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Previous roles include CEO at Shangri-La Group of the Middle East, Europe, India and Americas. Prior to this the served as CCO at Loews Hotels & Co., and held the same role at InterContinental Hotels Group for North and South America.
Speaking about his appointment, Bonke said: “Deutsche Hospitality today is a well-respected, relevant player in the market. It will be an honour to work with Huazhu and the global team to realise the full potential of this remarkable company and its brands.”
Huazhu Group Limited acquired Deutsche Hospitality in 2020. Originating from China, Huazhu operates over 7,800 hotels across 17 countries. Its brands include Hi Inn, HanTing Hotel, Starway Hotel, Orange Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, Manxin Hotel, Madison Hotel, Joya Hotel, Blossom House, Ni Hao Hotel and CitiGO Hotel.
Jihong He, CEO of international business at Huazhu Group, said: “Oliver Bonke is a distinguished expert of the global hotel industry. He has proven his ability to build and grow business on three continents. I got to know Oliver as an inspirational leader who is constantly pushing innovation on all fronts, and I am sure he will make our brands shine brightly.”
Bender has served as chairman of the executive board of Fraport AG for seventeen years. He said: “Since my Frankfurt childhood days I am familiar with Steigenberger, and I have been close to the company for my whole career. I feel privileged to serve as chairman of the supervisory board of Steigenberger Hotels AG. Mutual trust and respect will be my guiding principles as we kick off our joint mission with the owner Huazhu Group, the executive board and the entire supervisory board.”
André Witschi has recently resigned from his chairman position at Steigenberger, and Marcus Bernhardt the former CEO has also left the company.
Deutsche Hospitality operates eight hotel brands, including Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, IntercityHotel, Jaz in the City, MAXX by Deutsche Hospitality, and Zleep Hotels.
