Morand was born in Fribourg, Switzerland, is married and has a ten-year-old son. He takes over from his predecessor Kurt Straub, who is leaving Zurich after eight successful years to take on a new challenge for Hyatt in Mexico City.
Swiss-born Morand graduated from the renowned hotel management school in Lausanne and began his career with Hyatt Hotels Corporation in 1990 as General Manager in Casablanca. From 1992 to 1995 he was Hotel Director at Hyatt Regency Istanbul, followed by further responsibilities as Regional Director in Morocco and Rabat.
In the following years, Morand gained additional valuable experience as Regional Director and was stationed at Hyatt Regency Belgrade. In September 1999 his career path took him to Switzerland, where he was appointed Finance Director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). In April 2001 he returned to Hyatt Regency Istanbul as General Manager and Area Vice President.
His last post was at Hyatt Regency Belgrade, which he managed together with the region for three years, successfully and with a great deal of passion. He returened to Switzerland for his new assignment: "Zurich is an unbelievably beautiful and attractive city. I am pleased to be able to look after the well-being of our guests with the utmost care and passion, and to discover Switzerland again."