Riko van Santen is Chief Information Officer at Scenic Cruises International, where he leads the group’s technology strategy and digital transformation across its global cruise and travel operations.

A seasoned hospitality technology executive, van Santen previously served as Chief Information Officer and a member of the Management Board at Kempinski Hotels, overseeing global IT, distribution, guest intelligence and digital platforms. During more than a decade with Kempinski, he played a central role in shaping the company’s technology and data infrastructure, including its CRM, distribution, digital and business intelligence capabilities.

Earlier in his career, he was Vice President Distribution and E-Commerce at Louvre Hotels Group, with responsibility across a portfolio of more than 1,100 hotels and seven brands. He has also held roles spanning revenue management, distribution, IT and digital marketing with Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Pegasus Solutions, NH Hotels and Golden Tulip Hotels. Van Santen has been actively involved in the wider hospitality technology community, including leadership and advisory roles with HTNG and several hospitality technology organizations.

Riko is panel expert of the Information Technology and the Hotel Tech Leadership panels.