Steigenberger Hotels AG is shaping the future of hospitality under new leadership
- Wilhelm Bender elected Chairman of Supervisory Board
- Oliver Bonke will serve as new CEO
- André Witschi and Marcus Bernhardt leave Steigenberger Hotels AG
- Company targets to take off again after a challenging period in the market
- Realising full potential of Deutsche Hospitality brands is top priority
Steigenberger Hotels AG is shaping the future of hospitality under a new leadership. In today’s supervisory board meeting, Professor Wilhelm Bender has been elected Chairman. Oliver Benke joins the company and will serve as CEO.
Jihong He, CEO International Business of Huazhu Group, says: “I am pleased to welcome Wilhelm Bender, an internationally highly recognized manager and supervisory board member. His experience in managing complex transformation processes will be essential as we take off again after a challenging period in the market.”
Bender served as Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG for seventeen years. He is since then active in various supervisory boards and company advisory boards.
Professor Wilhelm Bender says: “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 as of today. 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.”
Oliver Bonke has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. At Shangri-La Group, he served as CEO Middle East, Europe, India, Americas, based in New York, and President & COO, based in Hong Kong. Prior to that he acted as Chief Commercial Officer of the U.S. based luxury hotel chain Loews Hotels & Co. Other career stations included the role of Chief Commercial Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group in North and South America as well as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing EMEA and before that Asia Pacific of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Jihong He states: “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.”
Oliver Bonke says: “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.”
André Witschi had recently resigned from his Chairman position. Also, Marcus Bernhardt leaves the company. “I would like to thank André Witschi and Marcus Bernhardt for their work and wish them all the best for their future endeavours,”, says Jihong He.
About Huazhu Group Limited
Originated in China, Huazhu Group Limited is a world-leading hotel group. As of December 31, 2021, Huazhu operated 7,830 hotels with 753,216 rooms in operation in 17 countries. Huazhu’s 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. Upon the completion of the acquisition of Deutsche Hospitality on January 2, 2020, Huazhu added new brands to its portfolio, including IntercityHotel, Jaz in the City, MAXX by Deutsche Hospitality, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and Zleep Hotels. In addition, Huazhu also has the rights as master franchisee for Ibis, Ibis Styles and Mercure, and co-development rights for Grand Mercure and Novotel, in the pan-China region.
About H World International
H World International combines the strengths of seasoned brands with international hotel expertise. The company is represented in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region, and is advancing expansion with a balanced blend of lease, management, and franchise hotels. Nine unique brands are united under the umbrella of H Rewards – the consumer-focused and simple booking platform and unique loyalty program with more than 218 million members worldwide. H World International is part of H World, one of the world's largest and fastest growing hotel groups. Further information is available at int.hworld.com.
Steigenberger Icons are extraordinary hotels that combine unique historical value with modern concepts. Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels combine the distinctive Porsche Design Lifestyle with hospitality and service. At Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, guests enjoy an unforgettable and top-class hotel experience. Jaz in the City is a lifestyle brand concentrating on music: always in sync, lively, and unique. House of Beats supports local heroes and is an innovative brand with an uncompromising community approach. IntercityHotel is synonymous with flexible mobility and central locations and offers high standards for design and comfort. Maxx stands for what is most important in the mid-scale range of the market. Zleep Hotels offer Danish design, quality, and Scandinavian simplicity at an affordable price. Ji Hotel serves guests with a reserved eastern aesthetic, well-designed technology, and plenty of room for individuality. Book your stay at hrewards.com.
