Kempinski’s CEO and Four Other Executives Are Out

Luxury hotel group Kempinski is losing much of its leadership at once. Skift reports, citing multiple sources, that Group CEO Barbara Muckermann is leaving after nearly two and a half years, alongside CFO Gordon Drake, Chief Human Resources Officer Karin Raguin, Chief Development Officer Frank Veenstra and Chief Brand Officer Barbara Biffi.

A sixth executive, Chief Commercial Officer Massimo Brancaleoni, has resigned, though it was unclear whether he has actually left. Replacements are already named in two roles: Noel Attard as Chief Development Officer and Andrea Vanni as CFO. Chairman René Nijhof has been speculated to step in as interim CEO, though that is not confirmed.

The shake-up lands at a delicate moment. Kempinski is controlled by Bahraini owners who, sources said, have been seeking a financial buyer, and some prospective buyers balked at the asking price. Muckermann had also been talking to bankers and capital providers about financing further hotel acquisitions, a plan that now looks uncertain.

The group counted 74 hotels and residences in 33 countries as of a September 30 announcement, most of them managed for independent owners. Its 2024 consolidated revenue fell to €164.6 million from €174.9 million, though net profit rose to €17.6 million. For guests, nothing changes immediately, but owners and loyalty members will be watching who takes the helm.

Sources: Skift