Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Philipp Knuepfer as the new Chief Operating Officer of Sunset Hotels & Resorts. With over 20 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Philipp will play a key role in supporting the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts and overseeing global operations, solidifying SHG’s reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry.

The strategic hire follows SHG’s recent announcement of the new Sunset Hotels & Resorts and an ambitious expansion plan to develop, open, and operate 20 new hotels by the end of 2025. The beginning of 2024 saw SHG accelerate its hotel portfolio expansion by acquiring the renowned Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona, which is set to be renovated in time for its 100-year anniversary in 2025. Sunset Hotels & Resorts currently operates a portfolio of five hotels, with a strong pipeline of projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Philipp joins SHG from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he served as Area Vice President and General Manager, successfully managing the group’s portfolio across Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. His tenure with Mandarin Oriental included senior management positions in Hawaii, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Washington D.C., and Boston. Philipp's strategic capabilities and commercial expertise in both developed and developing markets will be essential in contributing to SHG’s growth and long-term success.

A German national, Philipp holds a Hotel Management degree from the International School for Hotel Business in Germany and an MBA from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He is a graduate of the Cornell Hotel School in Ithaca, New York, and has completed advanced leadership education at the London Business School and Columbia University.

Assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer, Philipp will be based out of SHG’s Singapore office, adding value for the Group’s investors and stakeholders in Asia. SHG has already established a solid presence in South Asia with homegrown brands like Attiko, Azure Beach, and Hanu coming soon to Vietnam, and the highly acclaimed hotspot SUSHISAMBA set to open in the Capital Tower building in Singapore in July. Asia is a key market for SHG, promising an exciting pipeline of extraordinary lifestyle hospitality experiences in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Philipp Knuepfer, COO of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, SHG, expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, “I’m excited to be joining a talented team in a company with such an impressive global footprint and an enviable reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry. My focus is to support the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, further cementing its reputation as one of the leading luxury hotel providers committed to delivering pioneering hotel concepts and extraordinary lifestyle hospitality experiences around the world. I can’t wait to continue and develop the incredible work that SHG has been doing.”

Jaime Buxo Clos, CEO of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, SHG, welcomed Philipp on board, saying, “It’s my pleasure to have Philipp join our growing team. He is a values-driven business leader with a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivering results in the hospitality industry. Our new COO will play a fundamental role in driving the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, while further elevating the Group’s presence in Asia.”

About Sunset Hospitality Group:

Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) was founded in 2011 with a vision to create unique hospitality experiences around the world, ranging from resorts and beach clubs to restaurants and nightlife venues. Since then, the group has grown to become a leading hospitality investment and management company developing new and pioneering concepts and acclaimed multinational brands. SHG has a presence in 17 countries with a proven record in delivering high-quality services at exceptional locations. SHG’s portfolio includes renowned concepts such as METT Hotels & Resorts, Azure Beach, Ammos, Drift Beach Club, AURA, SUSHISAMBA, DREAM, L’Amo Bistro del Mare, Mott 32, Black Tap, Lola Taberna Española, Goldfish, Isola, Raise Fitness & Wellness, and many more.

2023 saw the opening of Azure Beach Marbella, Isola Marbella, Bar de Lola Marbella, Mott 32 Dubai, Signor Sassi Dubai, METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, Yalikavak Marina Hotel Bodrum, Mood Jordan, Raise Marbella, and Santana Bali. For more information, visit Sunset Hospitality Group.

For press enquiries, please contact:

Sara Barrow at sara.barrow@sunsethospitality.com or +971529254615