Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Muckermann as New CEO

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 25, 2024

Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, is excited to announce the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as their new Chief Executive Officer. With an impressive background in the luxury travel industry, Muckermann brings over 25 years of experience to this prestigious role. She previously led Silversea Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, which is renowned as the world's largest ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line.

Muckermann joins Kempinski at a pivotal time. The iconic hospitality brand, with its 127-year tradition of excellence, is preparing for significant global expansion. Currently operating 82 hotels in 36 countries, Kempinski aims to add 34 more properties to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa over the next few years. This strategic growth is intended to further cement Kempinski's reputation for providing unparalleled luxury and exceptional service.

René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kempinski Hotels S.A., expressed his confidence in Muckermann's leadership. "Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury. Her proven ability to elevate the guest experience while maximizing 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."

Muckermann is the first woman to lead Kempinski Hotels in its 127-year history. She expressed her excitement about joining the company, stating, "I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand. I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honoring its rich history. I look forward to working with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury."

Throughout her career, Muckermann has significantly enhanced sales and profitability while upgrading customer experiences for global luxury brands such as Loro Piana, MSC Cruises, and NCL. Her extensive international experience, having lived in Italy, France, and the USA, and her proficiency in five languages, underscore her global perspective and capability. Additionally, she holds a Doctorate in Political Sciences and Economics and an MBA from both Columbia and London Business School.

Kempinski Hotels is known for its unique and legendary properties, each reflecting the cultural traditions of their locations while maintaining the high standards expected of the brand. As the company looks forward to expanding its presence, Muckermann's leadership is expected to guide Kempinski through this exciting phase, reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

With this new appointment, Kempinski Hotels continues to build on its rich heritage, combining tradition with innovation to offer the finest experiences in the world of luxury hospitality.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 12, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Milan Rawal as its new Human Resources Manager. Bringing over nine years of experience in hospitality human resources, Milan joins the hotel with a strong background in people management and HR operations.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with several hospitality organisations including Foodlink F&B Holdings Ltd., Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Hampi and Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt. Ltd., gaining experience across various aspects of human resource management.

In her new role, Milan will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's overall HR function. Her responsibilities will include talent acquisition, payroll management, employee relations, workforce planning and budgeting, employee engagement initiatives, learning and development programmes, as well as ensuring compliance with HR policies and labour laws.

Milan holds a PGDM from MIT University and a Master of Commerce degree from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.

Outside her professional commitments, she enjoys playing badminton, travelling and spending time with her family.

Commenting on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said, "We are delighted to welcome Milan to our leadership team. Her strong HR expertise and people-centric approach will play a key role in strengthening our workplace culture and supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Sharing her thoughts on joining the hotel, Milan Rawal said, "I am excited to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to contributing towards building a positive and engaging work environment while supporting the team's growth and success."


Astera Ventures Appoints Prashant Hoskoté as Non-Executive Director

Astera Ventures Appoints Prashant Hoskoté as Non-Executive Director

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 12, 2026

Astera Ventures, an India-based advisory firm that supports high-growth emerging companies through strategic consulting and investments, has announced the appointment of Prashant Hoskoté as a Non-Executive Director on its Board.

With over 35 years of experience in customer experience and quality leadership, Hoskoté joins the board at a key stage in Astera Ventures' growth journey. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the company's leadership and governance as it continues to expand its role in the global hospitality sector.

Astera Ventures is a key shareholder in Sunday Proptech, a hospitality owning and operating platform focused on developing and scaling hotels under PRISM, the parent company of OYO, Townhouse, SUNDAY and other hospitality brands worldwide. Sunday Proptech currently owns and operates 38 hotels across the United States and is actively pursuing expansion opportunities across the US, India and Europe. The platform brings together hospitality operations, real estate partnerships and brand-led growth to deliver quality guest experiences at scale.

Speaking about his new role, Prashant Hoskoté said, "I look forward to enabling strong governance and providing the right steer as Astera Ventures grows its portfolio and its key investment Sunday Proptech builds its next phase of growth in global hospitality. Astera Ventures plays an important role in this journey, and I am excited to contribute at the board level."

Hoskoté currently serves as the CEO of PH Factor, a board advisory and organisational excellence consulting practice based in Delhi NCR. Prior to this, he was President – Global Engagements at Striking Ideas. Over the course of his career, he has held several leadership positions, including Senior Director – Quality, Service Excellence, and Innovation at Max India Group, along with key roles at Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and the Taj Group of Hotels.

He started his professional journey with Qimpro Consultants, the Indian affiliate of Juran Institute Inc., USA.

Beyond his corporate leadership experience, Hoskoté has contributed significantly to the quality and excellence ecosystem. He has served on the National Board for Quality Promotion at the Quality Council of India, held the position of Vice-Chair of ASQ's Quality Management Division – Global (Asia and Australia), and chaired ASQ's Organizational Excellence Technical Committee. In 2014, he was recognised among the "50 Most Talented Quality Professionals" at the World Quality Congress. He is also a published author and an international speaker.


Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 Appoints Milan Rawal as Human Resources Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 has announced the appointment of Milan Rawal as its new Human Resources Manager.

Milan brings over nine years of progressive experience in hospitality human resources, having worked with reputed organisations such as Foodlink F&B Holdings Ltd., Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Hampi, and Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt. Ltd.

In her new role, she will oversee the hotel’s entire human resources function, including talent acquisition, payroll management, employee relations, workforce planning and budgeting, employee engagement, learning and development, as well as compliance with HR policies and labour laws.

Academically, she holds a PGDM from MIT University and a Master of Commerce degree from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.

Speaking on the appointment, Rishabh Jain, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, said, “We are delighted to welcome Milan to our leadership team. Her strong HR expertise and people-centric approach will play a key role in strengthening our workplace culture and supporting the hotel’s continued growth.”

Milan Rawal shared, “I am excited to join Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 and look forward to contributing towards building a positive and engaging work environment while supporting the team’s growth and success.”

Outside of work, she enjoys playing badminton, travelling, and spending time with her family

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