Kempinski Hotels, a renowned name in luxury hospitality, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Massimo Brancaleoni as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective from November 1, 2024. This appointment marks a significant step forward for the group as it continues to elevate its standards of opulence and service. Brancaleoni’s appointment follows Amanda Elder’s decision to step down to explore new professional ventures. Amanda Elder’s departure comes after a period of remarkable leadership, during which she played a key role in Kempinski’s growth and enhanced its prestige.
As Elder embarks on her next chapter, Kempinski Hotels is confident that Brancaleoni’s extensive expertise and vision will further strengthen its esteemed reputation and drive future success in the luxury hospitality sector.
Massimo Brancaleoni, a highly accomplished Italian professional, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With over 25 years of experience in the commercial sector, Brancaleoni is a valuable addition to the luxury hospitality group. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Revenues at Silversea Cruises, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing large teams and developing profitable global sales strategies.
Prior to his time at Silversea Cruises, Brancaleoni dedicated two decades to Costa Crociere, a leading cruise ship company. His career there started as Pricing & Revenue Management Director and progressed through several key positions, including Vice President of Asia Pacific Operations, Vice President of Worldwide Sales Services, and ultimately Senior Vice President of Global Sales. These roles took him to major global cities like Paris, Genoa, Hong Kong, Madrid, Miami, and Monaco, showcasing his adaptability and international expertise.
Brancaleoni’s educational background includes studies at the University of Economics in Genoa and advanced business training at the IESE Business School in Barcelona. This solid foundation in economics and business management has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s dynamics and trends.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brancaleoni has also made valuable contributions to the academic world as a guest lecturer. Since 2022, he has been sharing his knowledge on the Economics of Cruise, Ferry, and Yachting Industries at the Università degli Studi di Genova, further demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of the industry.
Brancaleoni’s transition to Kempinski Hotels marks a new chapter in his career, where his proven skills in driving revenue growth and team leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the luxury hospitality sector. The expertise he brings promises to enhance the group’s strategic direction and solidify its position as a leader in the industry.
As Brancaleoni steps into this new role, the legacy of Amanda Elder, who has chosen to pursue new opportunities, marks a transition that reflects the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. With Brancaleoni at the helm, Kempinski Hotels is poised for continued excellence and innovation in delivering unparalleled luxury experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Massimo, a seasoned tourism leader with an international background and immense strategic expertise. With his in-depth knowledge in Pricing & Revenue Management, Commercial Planning and Operations as well as in Digital Transformation, he will be a great asset to Kempinski in shaping the growth and success as we move into a new era,” states Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group. “At the same time, we thank Amanda Elder for her incredible commitment to our company over the past nine years and her outstanding motivational and inspiring leadership. We wish her only the best of success for her future and look forward to welcoming her again as a guest in one of our hotels around the globe.”
“I am very honoured to join Kempinski Hotels at this exciting point in time”, says Massimo Brancaleoni on his appointment. “As the company is working on a new global strategy and will be reviving the brand over the coming years, I am more than happy to be part of this journey and to shape the future of this iconic luxury hotel group as we move forward.”
