Dalata Hotel Group has appointed Kathrin Jung-Reinhard as its head of development strategy for northern Europe as its seeks to expand its presence across the continent.
Jung-Reinhard will target locations in large European cities with strong corporate and leisure demand to support Dalata's growth in new and existing markets.
The Irish hotel operator opened its first hotel in mainland Europe in 2022 with the acquisition of the Hotel Niko in Düsseldorf before purchasing the Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam the following year. Both hotels are now operating under the group's Clayton Hotel brand.
Jung-Reinhard joins Dalata from Universal Investment, a Frankfurt-based fund company managing €35bn in real estate assets, where she was head of real estate portfolio management.
She has also held senior roles with CBRE Germany and Deka where she was involved on Dalata's acquisitions of Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Maldron Hotel Smithfield, Clayton Hotel Birmingham, and the Gibson Hotel Dublin.
“Kathrin’s appointment is an important milestone for Dalata and a testament to our strategic vision for expansion," said Shane Casserly, corporate development director at Dalata.
"Kathrin’s expertise in the European hotel market and her extensive relationships across Europe will be crucial as we seek to source more opportunities for our brands in key locations.
"Kathrin has always been a passionate advocate for the growth potential of Dalata in continental Europe and we look forward to working with her as we deliver on our strategy”.
Jung-Reinhard started work in July and will be based in Frankfurt.
Commenting on her appointment, she said she was thrilled to be joining Dalata's acquisitions and development team.
"With two hotels already in continental Europe, we have a strong foundation to continue our expansion across mainland Europe," Jung-Reinhard added.
"Having worked with Dalata on a number of previous transactions, I know the strength and commitment of the team and I look forward to delivering on the strategy together.
"It's an exciting time and I am eager to contribute to the continued success and growth of the company.”
Dalata has €1.7bn in freehold and long leasehold assets in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The group has 12,094 rooms across Clayton and Maldron hotels and a pipeline of 871 rooms.
Revenues at Dalata rose 18% to €607.7m last year while pre-tax profit fell 4% to €105.5m.
Photo: Kathrin Jung-Reinhard. (Pic: Supplied)
