Frank Veenstra Chief Development Officer at Kempinski Hotels in Geneva, Switzerland
Kempinski Hotels has named Frank Veenstra as Chief Development Officer, a move that underscores the group's ambitions to accelerate its push into the ultra-luxury hospitality segment.
Veenstra will take charge of shaping Kempinski's global development strategy, balancing the heritage of Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand with the evolving expectations of a new generation of high-end travellers. His remit includes overseeing growth through management agreements, selectively identifying assets for investment, and building out the development team to support the company's long-term vision.
"The luxury hospitality sector is undergoing important changes in terms of guest expectations and demand for genuine local connections, and Frank understands exactly how to translate those shifts into opportunities," said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group. "With deep experience in luxury hospitality and strategic growth, Frank will refine our development strategy, elevate our project pipeline, and strengthen our organisation."
Muckermann also paid tribute to outgoing development head Christophe Piffaretti, praising his "visionary leadership and unwavering dedication" and noting his lasting contribution to the company.
Since assuming the CEO role in 2024, Muckermann has launched a sweeping transformation of Kempinski's portfolio, including a record number of refurbishment projects announced within a single year.
Veenstra brings to the role senior-level experience at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, NH Hotels and Corinthia Hotels, where he oversaw major international development projects. "Kempinski stands for timeless luxury, but the definition of luxury is evolving," he said. "Our ambition is to deliver a higher level of refinement - personalised, culturally and contextually relevant, and forward-looking - for a new generation of travellers."
Kempinski currently operates 75 properties in 33 countries, with more than 25 projects under development. Veenstra's appointment adds to a string of recent leadership changes aimed at reinforcing the group's executive bench strength as it positions itself for sustained growth in the ultra-luxury space.
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