Kempinski Hotels has tapped former Silversea Cruises chief executive Barbara Muckermann as CEO.
Muckermann is the first woman to lead Kempinski in the group’s 127-year history.
Muckermann departed Silversea in April, saying she was embracing a “new challenge.”
She succeeds Bernold Schroeder, who had served as Kempinski’s interim CEO since late 2020, after the company parted ways with Martin Smura.
A 14-year Silversea veteran, Muckermann had previously been chief commercial officer and chief marketing officer before being named Silversea president and CEO in early 2023.
In addition to Silversea, she has held positions with MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line as well as luxury fashion label Loro Piana.
Muckermann’s appointment comes as Kempinski is poised for growth, with the company planning to add 34 hotels and residences to its current portfolio of 82 properties across 36 countries.