British hotel chain Yotel, known for its design and technology-oriented approach to modern travel, has appointed Phil Andreopoulos, a veteran of Marriott International, as its new CEO, who will lead the next phase of the brand’s global expansion and strengthen its competitive advantage.
Mr. Andreopoulos’ appointment as CEO comes after the news that YOTEL’s majority shareholder, the Arab Al-Bahar Group, acquired an additional 30% stake in the company, increasing its stake in YOTEL to more than 95%.
This investment is a sign of the Group’s confidence in the future of YOTEL and marks a bold new path for the brand as the company aims to double its global hotel portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030.
Mr. Andreopoulos spent the last two decades at Marriott International, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), overseeing sales, marketing and brand development across 78 countries.
Former CEO Hubert Viriot, who led the company since 2014, will remain as Vice President.
Talal Al Bahar, Chairman of YOTEL and Al-Bahar Group, comments: “YOTEL’s success over the past 15 years has been exemplary, from the initial concept to the global company it is today with an extensive portfolio of properties in prime locations.
Now, it is time to further elevate the brand. Phil Andreopoulos brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience and under his leadership, YOTEL will strengthen its distribution, direct business contribution and loyalty program position. He will also lead the expansion of both managed and franchised businesses in key markets.”
The company currently operates 23 hotels in 16 major cities and airports around the world including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, Miami, Tokyo, Singapore, Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, Porto, Geneva, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris and Istanbul.
In addition, it has 11 hotel projects under construction that are expected to open in the next 24 months in Lisbon, London, Belfast, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, New York, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Perth.
“I am thrilled to join YOTEL at such a pivotal time in its development,” said Mr. Andreopoulos. “Its innovative concept and global footprint mean that YOTEL’s global recognition outweighs its size and this, combined with the flexibility of its independence, creates a unique opportunity to scale rapidly and provide owners, investors and franchisees with the speed and innovation they desire in the industry.”
The announcement follows the appointment, earlier this year, of Yvonne Thomsen as Chief Financial Officer. Yvonne joined YOTEL on a transfer from IHG, where she held the role of Vice President Finance Europe and Chief Financial Officer for Six Senses Hotels.
