Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of Hoda Tahoun as its new Chief Talent Officer, effective from April 14, 2025. In this role, Hoda will oversee the company’s global talent strategy, with a focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent to support Kempinski’s growth and transformation under the leadership of Barbara Muckermann, the Group’s CEO.

Strengthening Kempinski’s talent strategy and organizational development 

Hoda Tahoun’s appointment is part of Kempinski’s strategic efforts to enhance its talent management processes and develop its leadership pipeline. Reporting to Chief Human Resources Officer Karin Raguin, Hoda will be responsible for shaping the company’s recruitment, development, and organizational design strategies. 

She will also work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to build strong relationships for candidate pipelining, succession planning, and long-term staffing solutions. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Hoda to the senior leadership team at Kempinski Hotels. Her broad skill set and insightful, collaborative perspective will be invaluable to our company. In a highly competitive recruiting landscape with insufficient worker supply, our priority is to gain a competitive advantage in attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent across the organisation. Hoda will be instrumental in leading these initiatives and making strategic human capital decisions impacting our business and sustainable growth.” - Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Group

A visionary approach to talent strategy 

Hoda Tahoun brings more than 27 years of experience in talent management and human resources to Kempinski. Before joining the company, she was the Global Leader of the Leisure & Hospitality Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates, where she specialized in recruiting C-suite leaders for global hospitality, travel, and leisure companies. 

Her background also includes executive roles in a boutique search firm and positions at SHUAA Capital, American Express, Bank of America, and Citi.

“At Kempinski, our people are the heartbeat of our timeless legacy - champions of excellence and the soul behind every enchanting guest experience. Hoda brings a wealth of expertise and a visionary approach to talent strategy that will be instrumental as we deepen our presence in the ultra-luxury space. I am excited to partner with her in nurturing a culture of belonging, mastery, and growth - one where every individual feels empowered to flourish, contribute meaningfully, and bring our extraordinary heritage to life.” -  Karin Raguin, Chief Human Resources Officer at Kempinski

A promising future for Kempinski Hotels’ talent management

Kempinski Hotels has consistently been recognized for its exceptional workplace culture, receiving its fourth consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. 

With Hoda Tahoun's leadership in talent management, the company is well-positioned to continue fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative environment that attracts and nurtures the best talent in the luxury hospitality sector. 

“I feel privileged to join Kempinski Hotels at such an exciting time of transformation and growth. The company’s dedication to excellence, craftsmanship, and people-centric culture is truly inspiring. I look forward to working closely with our teams to cultivate an exceptional workplace culture, one that not only attracts the best talent in the industry but also empowers them to thrive, innovate, and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.” - Hoda Tahoun, new Chief Talent Officer at Kempinski