New Chapter in Luxury Hospitality: Hoda Tahoun Joins Kempinski as Chief Talent Officer

(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of Hoda Tahoun as the new Chief Talent Officer, effective from 14 April 2025. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Hoda will spearhead the global talent strategy aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier professionals, which is critical for the sustainable growth and continued transformation of the 127‑year‑old brand. Under the leadership of CEO Barbara Muckermann, the company is focused on gaining a competitive advantage in a challenging recruitment landscape while reinforcing its reputation for excellence in luxury hospitality. Hoda brings over 27 years of experience in talent management across diverse sectors, including high‑level roles in executive search, investment banking, and corporate leadership. Her appointment is a strategic move to support Kempinski’s ambitious human capital initiatives, enhance organizational capabilities, and foster a culture that values creativity, growth, and exceptional guest service. The move complements Kempinski’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive and dynamic work environment, as evidenced by its recurring recognition as an Exceptional Workplace.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 2025-Apr-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Hoda Tahoun as its new Chief Talent Officer, effective 14 April 2025. In her role, Hoda will be responsible for shaping and overseeing the Group’s global talent strategy, reinforcing Kempinski’s commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent. This strategic hire supports the ongoing transformation and thoughtful growth of the iconic 127‑year‑old brand, guided by the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer Barbara Muckermann.

“I am thrilled to welcome Hoda to the senior leadership team at Kempinski Hotels,” said Barbara Muckermann, CEO of the Kempinski Group. “Her extensive expertise and insightful, collaborative approach will be invaluable in today’s competitive recruiting landscape. With worker supply at a premium, we must secure a competitive advantage by attracting and nurturing exceptional talent across our organisation. Hoda will play a pivotal role in driving strategic human capital decisions that will underpin our sustainable growth.”

Reporting to Chief Human Resources Officer Karin Raguin, Hoda will lead initiatives in executive talent strategy, recruitment, development, and organizational design. Her mandate includes optimizing recruitment processes, establishing robust candidate pipelines, and developing comprehensive succession planning to ensure that Kempinski Hotels continues to achieve its business objectives.

“At Kempinski, our people are the heartbeat of our timeless legacy—champions of excellence who bring every guest experience to life,” said Karin Raguin, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Hoda’s visionary approach to talent strategy will be crucial as we deepen our presence in the ultra‑luxury segment. I am excited to collaborate with her in fostering a culture of belonging, mastery, and growth, where every individual is empowered to flourish and contribute meaningfully to our extraordinary heritage.”

Hoda Tahoun joins Kempinski with over 27 years of industry experience. Prior to this role, she led the Leisure & Hospitality Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates, recruiting dynamic C‑suite talent for global hospitality, travel, and leisure companies. Her diverse background also includes leadership roles at a boutique executive search firm, an investment banking stint at SHUAA Capital in Dubai, and positions at American Express, Bank of America, and Citi. Hoda holds a BS in Finance from Rutgers University and an MBA in International Business and Finance from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

“I feel privileged to join Kempinski Hotels during this exciting period of transformation and growth,” said Hoda Tahoun. “The company’s unwavering dedication to excellence, craftsmanship, and a people‑centric culture is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with our teams to cultivate a workplace that not only attracts the best talent in the industry, but also empowers them to innovate and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.”

Kempinski Hotels, celebrated for its exceptional workplace culture and the recipient of its fourth consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, is well‑positioned to further its commitment to a dynamic and inclusive environment with Hoda’s leadership in talent strategy.

Media contact:
pr.corporate@kempinski.com

SOURCE: Kempinski Hotels