Kempinski Hotels has named Frank Veenstra as Chief Development Officer, tasking him with helping shape the brand’s next phase as it aims to move into the ultra-luxury segment.

Veenstra will focus on curating Kempinski’s portfolio “in ways that resonate with a new generation of high-end travellers while honouring Kempinski’s legacy as Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group.” He will also, according to Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer, Kempinski Group, “work closely with our committed development teams and senior leadership to refine our global development strategy, elevate our project pipeline, and strengthen our development organisation.”

Veenstra, who has overseen major development projects worldwide in senior roles at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, NH Hotels and Corinthia Hotels. He takes over for Christophe Piffaretti, who has served in the role since 2019.

Said Muckermann: “The luxury hospitality sector is undergoing some important changes in terms of guest expectations and demand for genuine local connections, and Frank understands exactly how to translate those shifts into opportunities.”

New Leadership, Renovations and More

Since her own appointment in 2024, Muckermann has steered efforts to transform Kempinski Hotels’ portfolio of properties, collaborating with owners to maximise the guest experience and announcing more plans for refurbishments in one year than in the last decade combined.

Kempinski currently operates 75 properties in 33 countries around the world, with more than 25 projects under development. Veenstra’s appointment is to ensure the brand’s growth keeps pace with the changing expectations of global luxury and further diversifies the perspectives and expertise of Kempinski’s Executive Leadership Team, which has seen a series of strategic appointments over the last 12 months.