Sweet Inn, the next generation travel-tech startup has announced that founder Paul Besnainou has appointed industry veteran Javier Cedillo-Espin to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Besnainou will assume the role of Executive Chairman and key advisor to the CEO focusing on strategic partnerships.
Before joining Sweet Inn, Cedillo-Espin spent six years at AccorHotels in senior leadership roles including Chief Integration Officer for the integration of Fairmont Raffles into the company and as CEO of onefinestay, the company’s luxury private rental brand. During his time at onefinestay, Cedillo-Espin drove the creation of a truly global brand bringing the company from 2000 homes in 12 urban markets to over 10000 in 200 destinations. Prior to AccorHotels, Cedillo-Espin played key roles in distribution, world-class branding and global expansion at Starwood for 12 years.
“The appointment of Javier as CEO follows a series of key senior hires for the company to support Sweet Inn’s commitment to building a best-in-class organization and to invest in scalability and proprietary technology” said Besnainou. “Javier Cedillo-Espin, with his global experience at Starwood, AccorHotels and onefinestay will bring to our group a considerable knowledge of guests from key travel markets to better serve them in addition to technological skills.”
“My passion in work and in life is travel and as throughout my career I have continually worked on exciting, next generation projects while always looking for the next innovative concept that had the potential to truly transform the industry” said Cedillo-Espin. “I found this in Sweet Inn, whose model is truly unique. After years in the travel and hospitality industry I felt ready to pursue a more entrepreneurial path and help grow a business at this stage – I look forward to partnering with Paul, working with the team, and serving our guests to bring Sweet Inn’s vision to life.”
