Yoo Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Grossniklaus as Head of Operations and Development, effective March 2019, to lead the Yoo Collection and Yoo2 growth and operations strategy.
Based in Yoo’s London head office, Mr. Grossniklaus will focus on Yoo’s opportunity pipeline as well as manage the relationships with the hotel group’s partners to secure new developments and conversion opportunities globally. Yoo Hotels & Resorts operates the successful yoo2 Rio de Janeiro and currently has four hotels under development, with two more properties set to launch in the next 18 months.
Jagdish Johal, Managing Partner of Yoo, commented: ”David has an extraordinary wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and he will be a real asset to the team. David joins Yoo Hotels at an exciting time of growth as we are expanding our hotel portfolio internationally. With four hotels under development, we are keen to pursue further development and management opportunities globally to expand our hotel offering. This expansion in key markets will ensure even more travellers can experience our unique designs and guest experiences.”
On his appointment, Mr. Grossniklaus said, “I am thrilled to be joining Yoo Hotels & Resorts, leading the hotel expansion of extraordinary design hotels, working with our partners, owners and investors globally to deliver exciting lifestyle experiences with both the Yoo Collection and Yoo2 brands. Expanding on our Yoo2 property in Rio de Janeiro, which perfectly showcases our concept of creating a unique collection of lifestyle experiences paired with operations that reflect the local soul of each destination, will be an exciting opportunity.”
Mr. Grossniklaus had a number of varied roles in hotel operation and hotel development, most recently with Belmond in Dubai as Senior Director Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, amongst others, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Dubai working across the GCC and Africa, Deloitte/STR Global, Swissotel and Istithmar/Nakheel Hotels. With more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including operation, acquisitions and development, asset management and strategy, Mr. Grossniklaus is a graduate from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and an MBA graduate from Cass Business School in London.
Mr. Grossniklaus is a Swiss national fluent in French and English, he enjoys wildlife photography, diving and skiing.
