Thomas Willms & Matthias Heck — Photo by H World International

Thomas Willms announced in Frankfurt today that he will step down from his position as CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG and of Deutsche Hospitality with effect from 30 September 2020. "Over the past three years, working in conjunction with the Supervisory Board, my esteemed Executive Board colleague Matthias Heck and together with the associates of Deutsche Hospitality in particular, I have had the privilege of writing a new chapter in the history of Deutsche Hospitality," said Thomas Willms. "My task has now been completed. I am looking forward to seeing the vision, perfection and passion of the DH Family as it continues to shape this transformation process."

A new brand environment

Under the leadership of Thomas Willms, Deutsche Hospitality has established coverage of every segment of the travel market by expanding its number of brands to five. This has included the launching of MAXX by Steigenberger and the successful acquisition of the Danish economy brand Zleep Hotels which is currently being rolled out at locations right across Europe. Thomas Willms took highly effective charge of Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and also went on to steer the IntercityHotel and Jaz in the City brands to both national and international success. With Thomas Willms at the helm, the company has won regular awards and accolades for innovation and customer satisfaction.

Thomas Willms: "The introduction of our new cross-brand loyalty programme H Rewards is a sure sign that the Deutsche Hospitality brands have become a brand family. It's now time for me to move on and seek new challenges."

"Thomas Willms has been a hotelier of high international repute for several decades," stated André Witschi, Chair of the Supervisory Board. "He has also guided and further developed Deutsche Hospitality's brands and hotels over the past three years. We fully respect his decision to leave the company. We will be deciding on a successor over the course of the next few weeks. In order to secure a smooth transition, our Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources Matthias Heck will also assume the responsibilities of CEO for the time being. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas Willms for everything he has achieved for Deutsche Hospitality during the last three years."

About H World International

H World International combines the strengths of seasoned brands with international hotel expertise. The company is represented in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region, and is advancing expansion with a balanced blend of lease, management, and franchise hotels. Nine unique brands are united under the umbrella of H Rewards – the consumer-focused and simple booking platform and unique loyalty program with more than 218 million members worldwide. H World International is part of H World, one of the world's largest and fastest growing hotel groups. Further information is available at int.hworld.com.

Steigenberger Icons are extraordinary hotels that combine unique historical value with modern concepts. Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels combine the distinctive Porsche Design Lifestyle with hospitality and service. At Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, guests enjoy an unforgettable and top-class hotel experience. Jaz in the City is a lifestyle brand concentrating on music: always in sync, lively, and unique. House of Beats supports local heroes and is an innovative brand with an uncompromising community approach. IntercityHotel is synonymous with flexible mobility and central locations and offers high standards for design and comfort. Maxx stands for what is most important in the mid-scale range of the market. Zleep Hotels offer Danish design, quality, and Scandinavian simplicity at an affordable price. Ji Hotel serves guests with a reserved eastern aesthetic, well-designed technology, and plenty of room for individuality. Book your stay at hrewards.com.

Sven Hirschler
+49 696 656 4422
H World International