Rezidor appoints Chema Basterrechea as EVP and COO

The Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Chema Basterrechea as executive vice president & chief operating officer (COO).

Basterrechea was the chief operating officer at NH Hotel Group, prior to his appointment with Rezidor. Basterrechea worked for NHHG for more than 23 years in a variety of roles, including COO, managing director of different business units, senior vice president food & beverage, director of integration, merger integration officer and general manager.

He has spearheaded a complete integration of different acquisitions: Benelux largest hotel chain, Golden Tulip Hotels, as well as Germany’s Astron Hotels and the Italian hotel chains - Jolly Hotels and Framon into NH Hotel Group.  

As Rezidor’s COO, Basterrechea will be responsible for all operational matters including brand standards implementation, operating procedures, review of operating models and organisational efficiency to improve the company’s profitability and brand awareness. He will also identify new market segments and help expand the existing customer base of Rezidor and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Rezidor’s five senior area vice presidents across Europe, the Middle East and Africa; leaders of franchise services, safety & security and food & drink will report to Basterrechea. 

Basterrechea, who will be based at Rezidor's Brussels corporate office, is a Business Administration and International Finance graduate of London Business School, IESE Business School, University of Wisconsin and University of Oviedo. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. He loves to ski, and practices mountain biking, running and riding motorbikes in his spare time.