The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Chema Basterrechea as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO).

Basterrechea has been chief operating officer at NH Hotel Group, prior to his appointment with Rezidor. He has worked for NHHG for more than 23 years, as chief operating officer, managing director of different Business Units, senior vice president food and beverage, director of Integration, Merger Integration Officer and general manager.

As an expert in operational excellence especially during mergers and acquisitions, Basterrechea spearheaded a complete integration of all the different acquisitions: Benelux largest hotel chain, Golden Tulip Hotels, as well as Germany’s Astron Hotels and the Italian Hotel Chains - Jolly Hotels and Framon into NH Hotel Group.  

As Rezidor’s COO, Basterrechea will be responsible for all operational matters including brand standards implementation, operating procedures, review of operating models and organizational efficiency to improve the company’s profitability and brand awareness. He will also identify new market segments and help expand the existing customer base of Rezidor and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Rezidor’s five senior area vice presidents across Europe, the Middle East and Africa; leaders of Franchise Services, Safety & Security and Food & Drink will report to Basterrechea.

Federico González-Tejera, the new president and CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “I am proud to welcome another highly experienced international profile to Rezidor’s Executive Committee. Chema Basterrechea is a highly innovative, dynamic and results-driven leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organizations. He is known to utilise keen analysis and insights, and a team approach to drive organizational improvements and implementation of best practices. Together with the company’s business leadership team, I am looking forward to taking the best of Chema’s vast experience in European hospitality and dynamic leadership to further build on Rezidor’s iconic heritage.”

“I am honored to join one of the world’s most ethical hotel companies as its COO,” said Chema Basterrechea. “With the support of our president and CEO, and the Global Steering Committee, I am looking forward to bringing further organisational advantages to the group’s EMEA portfolio, identifying portfolio, people and profitability development opportunities in new markets, and building synergies with our global operations team.”

Basterrechea is a Business Administration and International Finance graduate of London Business School, IESE Business School, University of Wisconsin and University of Oviedo and is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.

Basterrechea will be based at Rezidor’s Brussels Corporate Office. - TradeArabia News Service