As the Breton hotel group continues to expand in Europe and beyond, a number of new faces have been appointed to strategic management positions. Céline Vercollier has become the group's new Managing Director, while Damien Martin has been appointed CFO and Jan Grossmann COO for Central and Northern Europe.

B&B HOTELS has announced a strategic change in its governance with the separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Céline Vercollier has been appointed Managing Director, while Fabrice Collet retains the position of Group Chairman.

This decision is in line with the continuing ambitions for growth and international expansion of the brand, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

New management to support expansion

Céline Vercollier, who has held the position of Group CFO since 2017, has been a key player in the development of B&B HOTELS in recent years. Her promotion to General Manager marks an important step in the consolidation of the group as a leader in budget hotels.

In her new role, she will be tasked with strengthening the position of B&B HOTELS and supporting its growth momentum both on the European market and internationally with the group's expansion across the Atlantic.

 

A strategic role for Fabrice Collet

After serving as Chief Executive Officer since 2016 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2019, Fabrice Collet will now focus on the group's strategic diversification projects as Chairman.

His experience and vision will be essential in supporting the development of B&B HOTELS in new market segments.

A new CFO to support growth 

As part of this transition, Damien Martin joins B&B HOTELS as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With 25 years' experience in finance, including 10 years as CFO of the Babilou group, he will bring his expertise to support the group's strong international expansion.

Change at regional level

B&B Hotels has appointed Jan Grossmann as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Central and Northern Europe, reporting directly to CEO Arno Schwalie.

In his new role, Jan Grossmann will oversee operational processes, focusing on hotel openings, regional optimisation and talent development through the future launch of the B&B Hotels Academy. 

He already has extensive experience in multi-property management and human resources. Prior to this role, he was HR Director for Central and Northern Europe at B&B Hotels, where he played a key role in strengthening the company's employer brand and advancing its HR strategy.

He also held senior positions at Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof GmbH, where he was both department manager and regional HR director.

This appointment comes just a few weeks after Valerio Duchini's appointment as head of B&B HOTELS in Western Europe. This is a key appointment, as the new General Manager's mission is to strengthen the group's presence in this region, which is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. 

 

With this new organisation, B&B HOTELS is confirming its ambition to pursue its development on a global scale, while strengthening its position in the budget hotel market.

It's a development ambition that seems to have no limits, and we've taken a closer look at it in a feature dedicated to Breton hoteliers who have set out to conquer the world. Click here for chapter 4 on the B&B HOTELS success story.