Industry Expert to Lead Strategic Direction and Pandemic Recovery for European Market
NEW YORK, NY— (September 20 2020) -The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd (LHW)  has appointed Dean Bannon to the position of Managing Director, Europe. Mr. Bannon assumed the position on August 17, 2020 and will be based in London, England.
Europe is a critically important market for LHW and its members. Nearly two thirds of LHW’s portfolio of more than 400 hotels are located in Europe, and the European market represents nearly 30 percent of LHW’s business.
Mr. Bannon will be responsible for mapping the strategic direction for the organization in Europe and navigating the team through a successful COVID-19 recovery. Additionally he will oversee the corporate, leisure and MICE segments across the region.
Mr. Bannon is a seasoned hospitality professional. He most recently served as the Commercial Director of the Grand Hôtel Stockholm, a member of LHW. At the property he led commercial strategy and revenue generation. He also managed a cross functional team including, revenue management, sales, PR, marketing, and reservations to ensure alignment across all functions. His deep understanding of the industry and specifically the independent, luxury hospitality market makes Mr. Bannon well positioned for success at LHW.
Prior to Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Mr. Bannon served as the Director of Sales Sweden for First Hotels in Sweden. There he was responsible for 30 hotels in the country and a team of 20 sales representatives. This position was proceeded by various roles with Starwood in Europe for a span of ten years. Before that, Mr. Bannon co-founded a successful South African DMC.
“Dean brings a wealth of industry experience and LHW knowledge to the role,” said Chris Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, The Leading Hotels of the World. “Dean has worked with LHW at the hotel level for almost eight years and served as a member of the LHW Marketing Advisory Committee and the Sales Advisory Board. As COVID-19 cases begin to stabilize in Europe and travel restrictions across the EU ease, we are pleased to have a strategic leader in Dean to drive LHW’s recovery in the region and work with our executive team to build a successful future for our 92-year-old Company.”
Mr. Bannon holds an M.B.A. degree from Stockholm University and a B.A. (HONS) degree in Business and Tourism Management from the University of North London.
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About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (Leading Hotels)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is a collection of uncommon luxury hotels. Rooted in the locations in which they are found, members embody the very essence of their destination. Through varied styles of architecture and design and distinct cultural experiences enhanced by passionate people, the collection is for the curious traveler looking for their next discovery. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable, authentic travel experiences. The company selects only hotels that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness, resulting in a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that make them different. Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive tiered guest loyalty program, consisting of like-minded travelers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The program provides its members with personalized service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world. For more information visit:
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