The Leading Hotels of the World named Andrea Scherz as chairman of its Executive Committee
NEW YORK, NY, 2022-Jan-28 — /Travel PR News/ — The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) has named Mr. Andrea Scherz the chairman of its Executive Committee, effective January 1, 2022. Scherz is the proprietor and general manager of Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and has served on LHW’s Executive Committee for the past 11 years, most recently as vice chairman.
“Andrea is a highly respected and collaborative leader within our community,” said Shannon Knapp, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Leading Hotels of the World. “I have personally experienced his steadfast commitment to our Company and his exemplary leadership abilities during his time as vice chairman, especially over these last two unprecedented years. As a third-generation owner of one of the most iconic family-led hotels in the world he has both the invaluable knowledge and deep personal relationships necessary to successfully lead our community of 400 independent, luxury hotels. I look forward to working even more closely with him in his new role as chairman to empower the success of LHW’s members and ensure the vitality of this remarkable segment of hospitality.”
LHW is owned by its members – created for hoteliers, by hoteliers in 1928. Now, nine decades later Scherz will serve as the sixth esteemed chairman in the Company’s history. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Ernst Andrea Scherz, who also served as LHW chairman. In his role, Scherz will be at the helm of LHW’s Executive Committee which is comprised of seven hoteliers that represent the 60+ shareholder members of LHW. Together with LHW’s management team and employees they will continue their mission to connect and empower hoteliers to stay independent.
“Since a young age, LHW has always been very present in my life and close to my heart. This started in my childhood through my father. My family’s hotel, Gstaad Palace, has been a member of LHW for more than 60 years and my relationship with the Company grew even deeper when my father held the position of chairman for 15 years,” said Scherz. “Today I am deeply honored to serve as the chairman. Even during the pandemic LHW did not stand still. We developed an array of new initiatives and services to ensure the success and strong positioning of our members within the market. In the years ahead, demand for independent, luxury hotels will only increase, and our community is ready to meet this moment with our outstanding curated collection. I am enthusiastic to continue on this successful path together with the strong management team of LHW and my skilled colleagues on the board. Together we will ensure that LHW is the only choice for independent luxury hotels and travelers far into the future.”
Scherz grew up in the hotel business at Gstaad Palace and studied at École Hôtelière de Lausanne. However, before returning to Gstaad, he worked for various hotels in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy and the United States, including the Beau-Rivage, Savoy, and InterContinental. He returned home in 1996 assuming the position of general manager in 2001. In addition to his role at LHW he holds a board seat with Swiss Deluxe Hotels and the Gstaad-Saanenland Airport Association.
“Having served as chairman for the past ten years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Andrea on the Executive Committee. I have witnessed his exceptional leadership qualities and have every confidence that he will be a great success in his new role,” said Andrea Kracht, proprietor of Baur au Lac and previous chairman of The Leading Hotels of the World. “He is assuming this position at a critical time for LHW, as our company has not been immune to the challenges of the pandemic over the past two years. Andrea will be able to rely on the exceptional management team at LHW, and the unwavering dedication and talent from each and every member of staff. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to lead this group of the finest hoteliers in the world. I know I leave them in the most capable hands.”
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld.
Contact:
Gina Anderson
Senior Manager, Communications
press@LHW.com
Source: Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
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