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Worldwide: Tech-led hospitality brand YOTEL has appointed Phil Andreopoulos as chief executive officer, succeeding Hubert Viriot who will remain as vice chair.
Most recently, Andreopoulos served as chief commercial officer for EMEA at Marriott International, where his responsibilities spanned brand management, marketing, e-commerce, sales, reservations, revenue management, loyalty, communications, and consumer insights across 78 countries and all Marriott brands.
Prior to this, Andreopoulos held the role of COO for owner and franchise services across EMEA and Sub-Saharan Africa. In total, he spent around 24 years with Marriott.
Andreopoulos’ appointment follows news that YOTEL’s majority shareholder, the Al-Bahar Group, acquired an additional 30 per cent stake in the company earlier this year. It increased Al-Bahar’s holding in YOTEL to more than 95 per cent.
Talal Al Bahar, chairman of YOTEL and Al-Bahar Group, said: “YOTEL’s success over the last 15 ears has been exemplary, from start-up concept into the global company it is today with an expansive portfolio of properties in prime locations. Now, it is time to scale the business further.
“Phil Andreopoulos brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience and under his leadership, YOTEL will enhance its distribution, direct business contribution and loyalty proposition. He will also drive expansion of both the managed and franchise businesses in key markets.
“I would like to personally thank Hubert Viriot for his instrumental role in driving YOTEL’s growth. We are delighted to welcome him as vice chairman, where his experience and vision will continue to add significant value to the company and its stakeholders.”
Andreopoulos said: “I’m thrilled to join YOTEL at such a pivotal moment in its growth. The pioneering concept and global footprint mean YOTEL’s global recognition supersedes its size and that, paired with the agility of being independent, creates a unique opportunity to scale quickly and offer owners, investors and franchisees the speed and innovation they crave in the industry. I look forward to working alongside the talented YOTEL team and the board to build on the company’s strong foundation, expand our global presence and continue delivering unforgettable experiences for travellers around the world.”
Additional leadership appointments include Yvonne Thomsen as chief financial officer, who joined YOTEL earlier this year. She previously held the role of VP finance Europe at IHG and chief financial officer for Six Senses Hotels.
With 23 operating hotels across 16 cities, YOTEL plans to double its global portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030. The company has 11 hotels in the pipeline due to open over the next 24 months.
Highlights:
• YOTEL has appointed former Marriott executive Phil Andreopoulos as CEO, with Hubert Viriot moving to vice chair.
• Andreopoulos brings 24 years of experience with Marriott including senior leadership in brand, commercial, and franchise operations.
• YOTEL’s majority shareholder Al-Bahar Group now owns more than 95 per cent of the company following a stake increase earlier this year.
• The brand aims to double its portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030, with 11 new hotels opening in the next two years.
• Additional leadership changes include Yvonne Thomsen joining as CFO, following senior finance roles at IHG and Six Senses.
