Kempinski Group has appointed Noel Attard as Chief Development Officer, following two decades with the company across operations, finance and corporate roles.
Attard most recently served as Chief Transformation Officer, a position he took up in early 2025. In that role, he led Kempinski’s business transformation strategy. He will now oversee the group’s global portfolio expansion, including targeted acquisitions, management contracts, branded residences and new brand launches in priority and emerging markets.
According to Kempinski, the internal appointment is intended to maintain continuity as the group pursues its development plans.
“As the author of our development strategy, Noel is uniquely positioned to step in and oversee its end-to-end execution, continuing his efforts to strengthen Kempinski’s luxury proposition through disciplined expansion,” commented René Nijhof, Chairman for Kempinski S.A. “His long-standing track record with the company, strong owner and investor relations, and deep understanding of the evolving global luxury hospitality landscape is invaluable to our progression, giving him the discernment and perspective needed to identify and pursue the right opportunities for our ongoing growth.”
Two decades with Kempinski
Attard’s 20-year career with Kempinski has included trading entity management, group-level strategic planning and hotel openings.
His hotel opening experience includes Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo and Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in Croatia.
His previous roles have also included Financial Controller and General Manager. For more than ten years, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Trading DMCC in Dubai.
The group said his operational background will inform his approach to property development, with a focus on asset operations alongside development activities.
“This next phase is about capturing immediate opportunities while ensuring seamless continuity with our brand heritage and portfolio of storied hotels across the world,” said Attard. “We have built a robust roadmap that is true both to Kempinski’s storied history and its growth-forward trajectory, and our priority is to execute that plan in full alignment with our core values to deliver the results we are known for.”
Kempinski development pipeline
Kempinski currently operates 73 properties in 33 countries, with more than 21 projects under development.
The group said Attard’s appointment will support the implementation of its development strategy as it continues to expand its portfolio across established and emerging markets.
Related Coverage
Kempinski Launches ‘Experience Real Access’ Hospitality Concept in Munich
Luxury Hospitality: Why More Isn’t Always Better
Centara Hotels & Resorts Appoints Andrew Shaw as Chief Development Officer
Capella Hotel Group Appoints Feisal Jaffer as Chief Development Officer to Drive Global Expansion
Hyatt Appoints Guido Fredrich to Lead Luxury and Lifestyle Development in EAME
IHG Names Joanna Kurowska VP of Middle East & Africa Development to Drive Growth
