15. Robert Kunkler, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotel Group
Forging new paths, Kunkler has inked deals for hotels in new territories, while reporting healthy profits
Minor Hotel Group added just one property to its portfolio in the last 12 months, but more importantly, the Thai operator has been busy inking new agreements to operate future properties. Under Robert Kunkler’s supervision, the group went from three hotels in the pipeline to nine.
Kunkler has also signed properties where Minor did not have a presence before: Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Salalah and Jabal Al Akhdar (Oman). Its Avani brand debuted earlier this year when it took over Movenpick Deira. Overall the group is targeting a portfolio of 197 hotels and resorts by 2019 and Minor’s five year plan is to have 250 properties within the next half decade.
Financially, Minor reported a net profit growth of 82% YoY in Q1 2016, primarily due to improved operational performance, increased residential sales and a revaluation surplus relating to the acquisition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts (which was completed in February 2016). Net profits rose by 10% year on year, RevPar (excluding new hotels) grew by 6% year on year in Q1 2016.
Amongst all its brands, Avani is set to carry the baton of development for the next few years, with the group having entered into agreements with Dubai and Abu Dhabi-based developers Nakheel and Dhabi respectively to develop
new properties.
By the numbers
2.5 Number of years in role
4.5 Number of years with company
11 Number of Middle East operating hotels
9 Number of Middle East pipeline hotels
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