In his role, Mr Morales will ensure the Group’s long-term financial health, and that sufficient funding is in place to execute these plans while complying with all international accounting and tax requirements.
EHL is currently implementing an ambitious development strategy. At a local level in Switzerland, this includes the development of the new campus in Lausanne estimated at more than CHF 200 mio. In addition, at an international level, there are plans to establish new facilities in Asia and partnerships to further expand the Group’s offering. This is where Mr Morales’ solid international experience and extensive hospitality expertise will be extremely beneficial.
Immediately prior to moving to EHL, Mr Morales was the Global Chief Financial Officer for Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, a Tour operator. Prior to this, Mr Morales spent sixteen years at Hyatt Hotels Corporation (HHC) in various Finance leadership roles, most recently heading the Finance function of HHC Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia business unit. Beforehand, Mr Morales worked for 10 years at KPMG in Switzerland, where he worked in audit and advisory services, supporting clients in various industries and in the public sector.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Morales says: “I’m very excited to be joining EHL Group at such a dynamic time, on the eve of the university’s 125th anniversary. With so many projects under development, EHL Group shows very promising growth projections and an exciting roadmap for the next years”.
Mr Morales holds a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Neuchâtel and a Swiss Certified Accountant Diploma from EXPERTsuisse in Zurich.
About this new appointment, Group CEO, Michel Rochat said that “hospitality is changing and EHL is evolving into a leading multinational institution. With this in mind, Mr Morales’ experience over the last 20 years will be very valuable, enabling him to draw on his international and multifunction expertise and knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him and wish him great success in his new role”.
