In order to support its ambitious development strategy Steigenberger Hotels operates under a new leadership, which includes Wilhelm Bender and Oliver Bonke.

Professor Wilhelm Bender has been elected Chairman during the supervisory board meeting of March 31, 2022. He succeeds André Witschi who had recently resigned from his Chairman position. The company also welcomes Oliver Benke as its new CEO. Marcus Bernhardt announced at the same time that he was leaving Steigenberger Hotels AG.

Wilhelm Bender was the CEO of Fraport AG, the operating company of Frankfurt Airport, from 1993 to 2009. In 2001, he made Frankfurt Airport public. He has led the FrankfurtRheinMain business initiative since 2003. From 2010 to 2015, Wilhelm Bender was chairman of the supervisory board of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG. 

Since my Frankfurt childhood days I am familiar with Steigenberger, and I have been close to the company for my whole career. I feel privileged to serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG as of today. Mutual trust and respect will be my guiding principles as we kick off our joint mission with the owner Huazhu Group, the executive board and the entire supervisory board. 

Wilhelm Bender, Chairman of Supervisory Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG 

I am pleased to welcome Wilhelm Bender, an internationally highly recognized manager and supervisory board member. His experience in managing complex transformation processes will be essential as we take off again after a challenging period in the market.

Jihong He, CEO International Business of Huazhu Group

Oliver Bonke has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He was CEO Middle East, Europe, India, Americas of Shangri-La Group. Before that he acted as Chief Commercial Officer of the U.S. based luxury hotel chain Loews Hotels & Co. Oliver Bonke was also Chief Commercial Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group in North and South America as well as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing EMEA and before that Asia Pacific of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. 

Deutsche Hospitality today is a well-respected, relevant player in the market. It will be an honour to work with Huazhu and the global team to realise the full potential of this remarkable company and its brands. 

Oliver Bonke, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG

Oliver Bonke is a distinguished expert of the global hotel industry. He has proven his ability to build and grow business on three continents. I got to know Oliver as an inspirational leader who is constantly pushing innovation on all fronts, and I am sure he will make our brands shine brightly. 

Jihong He, CEO International Business of Huazhu Group