Phil Andreopoulos has been appointed chief executive officer of the Yotel brand. His appointment follows the news that Yotel's majority shareholder, the Al-Bahar Group, acquired an additional 30 percent stake in the company earlier this year, increasing the group's holding in Yotel to more than 95 percent. The company is looking to double its global hotel portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030.
“Yotel's success over the last 15 years has been exemplary, from start-up concept into the global company it is today with an expansive portfolio of properties in prime locations,” Talal Al Bahar, chairman of Yotel and Al-Bahar Group, said in a statement. “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.”
The New CEO
Andreopoulos joins Yotel following a career at Marriott International, where he held multiple senior leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“I’m thrilled to join Yotel at such a pivotal moment in its growth," Andreopoulos said. "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 travelers around the world.”
Most recently, Andreopoulos was 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.
Before this role, Andreopoulos was chief operating officer for owner & franchise services EMEA and Sub-Saharan Africa, where he oversaw the growth and development of franchise operations as well as systems and sales engines.
The announcement follows the appointment earlier in the year of Yvonne Thomsen as chief financial officer. Thomsen joined Yotel from IHG, where she was VP finance europe and chief financial officer for Six Senses Hotels.