Luxury hospitality group expands senior leadership responsibilities as it pursues selective hotel development and prepares to enter the branded residences market.
Oetker Hotels has strengthened its senior leadership team with a series of internal promotions designed to support the group’s next phase of growth, including the expansion of its hotel portfolio and the development of branded private residences.
The appointments come as the luxury hospitality group builds on its international presence while maintaining a selective approach to expansion. Its strategy focuses on developing distinctive properties in destinations that align with its established brand and guest expectations.
Simon Neggers has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, with responsibility for advancing the group’s commercial strategy and leading its move into branded residences. Having joined the business in 2020, Neggers has played a key role in shaping its brand positioning and commercial development.
The planned residences will extend the group’s hospitality concept beyond hotel stays, offering private homes shaped by its approach to service, design and guest experience. Oetker Hotels sees potential in the segment as demand grows for personalised, experience-led luxury, although the group has emphasised that future projects will be selected carefully.
The strategy is expected to prioritise exceptional locations and opportunities that reflect the brand’s identity, rather than pursuing growth purely to increase the size of its portfolio.
Duarte Bon de Sousa has been promoted from Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee hotel operations across the group and support the development of new properties. His appointment is intended to strengthen the connection between operational management and the delivery of future projects.
Virginie Saint-Laurent has been named Chief People & Culture Officer. After 15 years with the organisation, she will continue to lead its global people and culture strategy, with sustainability also included in her expanded responsibilities.
Olivier Bihel has additionally been promoted to Senior Vice President of Design & Project Development, reinforcing the group’s focus on the design and development of its hotel collection. His appointment was included in the company’s leadership announcement.
The changes follow a period of portfolio development for Oetker Hotels. The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach marked the group’s entry into the United States, while Le Mas Bellevue in Saint-Tropez is scheduled to join the collection in June 2027, according to the company’s announcement.
The group’s leadership maintains that future growth will be guided by its established values of family spirit, elegance and genuine kindness. The expanded responsibilities are intended to prepare the business for its next stage while preserving the individual character and service standards associated with its hotels.
For the luxury travel sector, the appointments signal a broader ambition: to develop the group’s hotel portfolio and explore branded residences without compromising its emphasis on distinctive properties and highly personalised hospitality.
