Lifetime Achievement Award for Reto Wittwer, President & CEO of Kempinski

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) based in New York has awarded this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of Kempinski. Joseph Cinque, President and CEO of AAHS, praised Wittwer’s vision and commitment in all areas of international luxury hospitality.

In particular, Cinque highlighted Kempinski’s success in positioning more than 50 hotels as individual brands. Kempinski’s respect and conservation of each hotel’s unique personality sets the group apart from other international hotel operators. The group’s expansion in new, up-and-coming markets and destinations is also to Wittwer’s credit. The award ceremony took place during the ITB fair at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin.

In July 1995 Reto Wittwer was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the renowned Kempinski Hotel Group, the oldest Hotel Management Company in the world. Over the past 30 years he has gathered extensive experience in the international hotel industry and is considered one of the Leaders in luxury hospitality. Wittwer previously held the position of President and C.E.O. of Ciga S.p.A. and prior to that, he was President and CEO of Swissair Nestlé Swissôtel Ltd.

Reto Wittwer was born in Switzerland. He is a graduate of the renowned Swiss Hotel Management School in Lausanne. After his successful studies he started his hotel career at the Palace Hotel in Madrid. The following six years he worked for Inter-Continental Hotels in Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva and Teheran. In 1976 he was appointed to Director of Food & Beverage of the Mandarin Singapore International. Two years later Wittwer moved to the Peninsula Group in Hong Kong as Resident Manager. In March 1979 Wittwer joined Hyatt International in the capacity of General Manager and as such, worked consequently in Canada, Mexico and Indonesia.

In 1982 Wittwer returned to Paris as General Manager of the Le Meridien Montparnasse. Five years later he changed to the Swissair Nestlé Swissôtel Ltd as Vice President Asia. During his five years with Swissôtel he was promoted to Senior Vice President Operations and then appointed President and C.E.O. In 1992 Wittwer joined CIGA S.p.A. as President & Chief Executive Officer.

Wittwer has received many honours for his contribution to the Hotel and Tourism Industry, including the “Knight of the National Order of Agricultural Merit of France and Ruby Medal of the City of Paris”. Reto Wittwer summarises the Kempinski philosophy as a “clear commitment in luxury hospitality with a strong quality and service standard, which has been based on over 100 Years of Hospitality”. It is Wittwer's aim to expand on Kempinski’s European heritage as the industry leader in luxury hotel markets and profitability. His goal is for each hotel to be in a position of market leadership, by positioning hotels as strongly individual both in product and in management and this sets Kempinski apart from any other luxury hotel Group

Founded in Germany over a hundred years ago, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, it represents the highest standards wherever they are found. Located in many of the world's most well known cities and resorts, the Kempinski collection includes hotels in the grand manner, pace-setting modern establishments and older hotels of individual charm. All blend gracefully into their surroundings and offer luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and unrivalled facilities - complemented by impeccable service. For leisure and business guests alike, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, nobility and efficiency. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning individual. In addition to operating many of the finest city hotels in the world Kempinski is a name that can now be found in many exciting resort locations, each combining local flair and ambience with the international standards of service and luxury that Kempinski guests have come to expect.