Kempinski Hotels has announced key executive leadership team appointments tasked with “developing and repositioning Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group” according to the company.
Under the stewardship of Kempinski’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Muckermann, two key senior leadership positions have been appointed, with Gordon Drake as Chief Financial Officer and Rasha Lababidi as Chief Product Officer.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Gordon and Rasha to the senior leadership team at Kempinski Hotels,” Muckermann said.
“Now is a pivotal time for the company as we usher in a new era of the brand’s 127-year journey in the luxury hospitality space.
“We are at the precipice of transformational change and with these strategic appointments, I am excited for what’s to come. Gordon and Rasha represent the best in their fields, and I look forward to working closely with them to define the next chapter for this iconic brand,” she said.
A noted leader in the real estate and hospitality industry, Drake joins Kempinski with over 30 years of global experience in corporate capital markets, asset management, risk management as well as the development and implementation of operational and financial strategy.
He most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer for The Doyle Collection, leading the company out of COVID, overseeing a revamped structure in sales and marketing, driving improved operational standards and loyalty programme participation and investing in the company’s people and culture.
Prior to The Doyle Collection, Gordon held various C-Suite and Board positions, including at Kingdom Hotel Investments, Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas, Westmont Hospitality, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts and The Savoy Hotel.
Lababidi has been appointed as the new Chief Product Officer for Kempinski Hotels and in this newly created role, she will lead product innovation, design and guest experience across the brand’s luxury global portfolio.
She previously held the position of Senior Director of Marketing at Emaar and Head of Marketing at Al Maabar International Investments (currently Eagle Hills).