Descripción de la compañía

Andrea Scherz is the third-generation proprietor and general manager of one of the most iconic family-led hotels in the world, Gstaad Palace. The Swiss property has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. for more than 60 years.

Mr. Scherz served on the Executive Committee since 2011, most recently as Vice Chairman since 2019. He was appointed to the position of Chairman in November 2021, effective January 2022. Mr. Scherz follows in the footsteps of his father, Ernst Andrea Scherz, who also served as chairman of Leading Hotels for 15 years.

In his role, Mr. Scherz sits at the helm of the Executive Committee which is comprised of seven hoteliers that represent over 60 shareholder members of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. His mission with the executive committee and Leading Hotels’ management team is to connect and empower hoteliers to stay independent.

Mr. Scherz grew up in the hotel business at Gstaad Palace and studied at École Hôtelière de Lausanne. Before returning to Gstaad, he worked for various hotels in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy and the United States, including the Beau-Rivage, Savoy, and InterContinental. He returned home in 1996 assuming the position of general manager in 2001. In addition to his role at LHW he holds a board seat with Swiss Deluxe Hotels and the Gstaad-Saanenland Airport Association.

Shannon Knapp became the president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in 2019. She is a results-driven, visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience and has been instrumental in spearheading the transformation and growth of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.

For more than a decade, Ms. Knapp has been a driver of innovation at The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Her leadership has contributed to the Company achieving historic revenue milestones, exceeding $1 billion in both 2022 and 2023. She guides 200 global employees to empower the commercial success of  more than 400 of the world’s most exceptional independent, luxury hotels. Her dedication to excellence and a relentless commitment to independent hotels have firmly established her as a trailblazer within the travel industry. 

Assuming the position of president and chief executive officer just six months prior to the global pandemic, Ms. Knapp exemplified resilience, humanity and confidence in navigating one of the most devastating disruptions to the travel sector. Under her leadership, Leading Hotels’ members emerged from the crisis stronger than ever, and the Company achieved record-setting revenue in consecutive years, 2022 and 2023.

During this pivotal period, she collaborated with her management team to overhaul the Company’s business model, better aligning it with the dynamic needs of independent hotels. The strategic shift extends beyond revenue generation and guest acquisition, and encompasses comprehensive hotel operations, IT support, cost saving initiatives, and customer and market insights. Ms. Knapp’s vision enables hoteliers to thrive in the rapidly evolving industry landscape, ensuring their sustained success.

Prior to serving as president and chief executive officer at The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp held the position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for over five years. In the role she created breakthrough brand and data-driven marketing strategies, transformed the customer experience, and accelerated brand loyalty for the more than 90-year-old company. She oversaw the various marketing divisions and was responsible for the redesign and 2018 relaunch of Leading Hotels’ loyalty ecosystem, Leaders Club. Additionally, she built the marketing analytics and customer insights organization to drive a paradigm shift in the use of data to inform marketing strategy, resulting in an increase of marketing efficiency and millions of dollars in incremental revenue for member hotels.

Prior to joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp spent 15 years at American Express,  where she served as vice president of marketing for American Express Travel and director of premium cardmember marketing. In her vice president role, she was responsible for leading U.S. customer acquisition and loyalty marketing, branding and public relations strategies, with global oversight of communications and compliance programs for the multi-billion-dollar global travel organization. She transformed the marketing approach to accelerate lead generation for all distribution channels, delivering an increase in the acquisition of new customers. She also led the strategic marketing programs which supported luxury travel partners.

Ms. Knapp received her Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Colgate University where she studied abroad for a semester in Geneva, Switzerland.

Chris Walker was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in June 2021. Mr. Walker brings more than two decades of hospitality, sales and marketing expertise to the Company, where he started in 2014 as Senior Vice President of Sales – Americas and later was appointed to Senior Vice President, Global Sales.

As Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Walker is focused on maximizing membership experience and sales impact for the Company. He oversees the strategic management of Leading Hotels’ worldwide sales team across more than 20 international offices from New York to Paris to Shanghai, responsible for almost half of the $1.25B in revenue delivered to member hotels in 2023. Additionally, he leads the curation and management of the member portfolio, and is focused on elevating Leading Hotels’ member value proposition. Mr. Walker is working with his team to deliver an enhanced experience for the portfolio’s more than 400 existing members, while expanding Leading Hotels’ presence in key growth markets, with recent additions such as Villa Mara Carmel (California, United States), The Imperial (New Delhi, India) and The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu (Kyoto, Japan).

In his position as Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Mr. Walker was responsible for leading the global sales organization and strategy across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He brought greater alignment across the more than 20 sales locations throughout the world to drive maximum impact for Leading Hotels’ members and the company’s global client base. As Senior Vice President, Sales-Americas, Mr. Walker streamlined sales efforts while driving double digit annual hotel revenue growth within some of the company’s largest offices. He oversaw technology implementations to increase sales efficiency and process redesign to enhance relationships with hoteliers and critical sales accounts.

Mr. Walker spent more than 10 years with Hyatt Hotels where he held such positions as Director of Partner Marketing and Vice President of Brand Experience for four of Hyatt’s brands. He was responsible for the brand development and management of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, two of Hyatt Hotels' fastest growing brands worldwide, as well as the launch of all-inclusive brands Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara. Mr. Walker also held positions at American Express including in their Consumer Travel Network leading Fine Hotels & Resorts, American Express' Luxury Hotel program for Premium Card members.

Mr. Walker earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. degree in Geomatics Engineering from the University of Calgary.

Daniel Neumann fue promovido a la posición de Vicepresidente Senior y Director Financiero de The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. en diciembre de 2008. Supervisa todos los aspectos contables de la compañía, los servicios de las oficinas, administración corporativa así como también el crecimiento y desarrollo empresarial. El Sr. Neumann se unió a la compañía en octubre de 1998 y fue nombrado como Vicepresidente Senior de Finanzas en septiembre de 2002.

Antes de unirse a The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., el Sr. Neumann era Controller Corporativo para el Hotel Lowell de Nueva York y L’Ermitage de Beverly Hills, donde supervisó una renovación de 40 millones de dólares en esta última propiedad, así como el mantenimiento de todos los aspectos financieros de ambos hoteles. Comenzó su carrera en Pannell Kerr Forster, una empresa contable internacional y firma de consultoría, de la que partió en julio de 1994 como Gerente Senior.

El Sr. Neumann cuenta con un Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting de la Universidad de Villanova. También obtuvo su CPA en noviembre de 1987.

Phil Koserowski was appointed vice president digital product development and marketing for the organization in September 2011. He is responsible for the development of LHW’s customer facing digital touchpoints including LHW.com and supporting language sites, LHW’s mobile initiatives, online customer acquisition and engagement via email, display, search, social media and emerging channels. Additionally, Mr. Koserowski oversees the digital product and marketing solutions LHW provides to member hotels to maximize their customer acquisition and engagement efforts. In this role, Mr. Koserowski has spearheaded recent initiatives incorporating new capabilities into LHW’s digital ecosystem including Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Search and Predictive Intelligence.

Mr. Koserowski brings more than 23 years of experience in digital to his current role. Prior to joining LHW, he served as a partner and interactive marketing director with Ogilvy & Mather. He was also vice president interactive marketing at Sotheby’s International Realty where he was responsible for building the interactive marketing department for the global luxury real estate franchise network.

He received his Bachelors Degree in both marketing and computer applications from the University of Notre Dame.

Lauren Alba was promoted to the position of vice president, global marketing and communications for The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in 2021. Ms. Alba brings over 15 years of experience in developing customer-centric marketing campaigns and communication strategies for global businesses.

In her position she leads global B2C marketing communications as well as B2B and hotel member marketing and communications. Additionally, she oversees The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. brand management, creative services, public relations and social media efforts.

Ms. Alba joined the Company in 2014 as the director, global public relations and media partnerships where she oversaw the global public relations strategy for 12 regions and led the development and onsite management of the company's annual hotel member event. She was later appointed senior director, marketing communications in 2016. In this role she led development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies for guests and member hotels through brand strategy and management, content strategy and development, creative design services, public relations, social media and events.

Prior to joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Alba spent time at both American Express and Coyne PR. At American Express she held the position of senior manager of brand digital and social media marketing where she oversaw digital media partnerships and the creation of brand content across social media channels. During her time, Ms. Alba led the digital content creation for the launch of the American Express Everyday credit card, managing agencies and a multi-million dollar budget to create support assets for the launch.

Ms. Alba received her bachelor’s degree in communication from George Mason University.

Susan Ziluca ha sido nombrada Vice Presidente y Consejera General de The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. En Diciembre 2013. La Sra. Ziluca se unió a la compañía como consejera general en Julio de 2007. Ella es responsable de la supervisión de todos los asuntos legales, incluyendo los contratos de la organización.

La Sra. Ziluca cuenta con más de 25 años de experiencia legal. Ha trabajado tanto en la práctica privada y como abogada en la empresa con una amplia experiencia en negociación , contrato general y asuntos corporativos.

Se graduó de la Universidad de Pennsylvania con una licenciatura en artes y una maestría magna cum laude y suma cum laude respectivamente y recibió su titulo de abogada con honores de la Facultad de Derecho de Rutgers, Newark.

Elizabeth Schirick was appointed Senior Director, Global People Strategy and Operations for The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in April 2024. She joined the company in 2021 as Director of Talent & Culture and was promoted to lead the global human resources function. In her role, she oversees the global HR team and spearheads initiatives exploring how LHW can further support HR strategies for its member hotels.

Ms. Schirick brings over 20 years of experience in developing employee experiences and company cultures that align with a company’s mission, enable its strategies, and achieve its vision. Prior to joining LHW, she spent her career in higher education at Babson College. She began as an administrative coordinator on the organizational development team and advanced to lead the department. In this capacity, she served as an organizational and talent management strategist, a trusted coach and advisor to executives and managers, and a relentless advocate for creating a compelling employee experience. She also developed holistic, engaging learning and working experiences to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to perform at their best.

Ms. Schirick holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology from Boston University and a master’s degree in organizational development from Bowling Green State University.

Dean Bannon was appointed to the position of Vice President, Member Success & Development at The Leading Hotels of the World in January 2026. In this role, Mr. Bannon leads the company’s global member relationship management teams, overseeing Member Success and Membership Development across Leading Hotels’ worldwide portfolio of more than 425 independent luxury hotels.

Mr. Bannon brings more than two decades of senior cross-functional leadership experience in luxury hospitality, commercial strategy, revenue generation, and strategic market growth. He most recently served as Managing Director, EMEA for The Leading Hotels of the World, where he guided the organization’s strategic direction and commercial performance across all segments. In the role he oversaw the sales team across the EMEA regions. He played a key role in regional recovery efforts, all while strengthening partnerships with member hotels.

As Vice President, Member Success & Development, Mr. Bannon is focused on elevating the member experience and strengthening value delivery across the portfolio. He oversees global member engagement, supports hotel performance, and leads thoughtful portfolio growth aligned with Leading Hotels’ commitment to remarkable quality, remarkable individuals, and uncommon experiences. He works closely with global leadership to ensure strong alignment between commercial strategy, membership development, and long-term brand stewardship.

A former hotelier, Mr. Bannon brings a practical, on-property perspective to his work, grounded in a deep understanding of owner and operator needs. Prior to joining Leading Hotels, Mr. Bannon held senior commercial leadership roles across Europe, including Commercial Director at Grand Hôtel Stockholm and Director of Sales for First Hotels Sweden. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe.

Mr. Bannon holds an MBA from Stockholm University and a BA (Hons) in Business and Tourism Management from the University of North London.

Crescenzo Gargano is the co-owner of Hotel Santa Caterina, which has been known for exceptional hospitality since opening with six rooms in 1904. Crescenzo is renowned as a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry in Italy and internationally. Born and raised in Amalfi, Crescenzo embodies a rich legacy of hospitality as a fourth-generation hotelier, deeply rooted in his lineage and passion for the industry. His impactful career has been underpinned by broad hospitality experience and a constant commitment to creativity and excellence.

Crescenzo joined his family's hotel business in 1999, where he immersed himself in every aspect of operations. His expertise spans Food & Beverage, Sales & Marketing, operational supervision, and business development.

Under Crescenzo's strategic and creative vision, the family hotel was transformed into a five-star luxury establishment. It earned membership with The Leading Hotels of the World and garnered numerous accolades from Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Michelin (Stars & Keys), and other prominent media outlets around the world.

Crescenzo's innovative approach to the Food & Beverage department led to opening four distinct restaurants on the property, one of which achieved a Michelin Star in 2019 and has retained this esteemed recognition annually.

His vision also extends from hospitality to real estate. He recently led the acquisition and development of Hotel Santa Caterina's Villa della Marchesa, a luxurious five-bedroom villa near the hotel. In addition, he is the proprietor of Hotel Marina Riviera, his family's nearby hotel in Amalfi. His recent acquisition of a central building in the town underscores his ongoing commitment to expanding and enhancing his hospitality ventures.

Crescenzo received his Bachelor of Economics and Commerce from the University Parthenope in Naples. He spent time in New York during an internship at the Plaza Hotel and attended the JPM Program at Cornell University.

Married to Annalisa, he is the proud father of two teenagers who are attending university in London: Anna Chiara (20) and Antonio (17). In his leisure time, he enjoys painting and reading, and a number of his artworks are displayed throughout the hotel.

Crescenzo has maintained Hotel Santa Caterina's proud "family-style" ethos while enhancing his family's business and establishing a benchmark in the luxury hospitality sector. His career is a testament to his dedication to hospitality, continuous pursuit of excellence, and ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Pia Djupmark is a seasoned hospitality executive with over three decades of extensive experience in the industry. Born in Sweden, Pia has developed a profound passion for enhancing the guest experience, developing talent, driving business growth, and delivering exceptional results.

Since 2013, Pia has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Grand Group AB – a prominent privately owned hotel group comprised of Grand Hôtel, Lydmar Hotel, and The Sparrow Hotel, as well as two renewed restaurants in collaboration with chef Mathias Dahlgren. In her role, Pia leads a team of 450 full-time employees, overseeing these prestigious establishments' operations, development, and strategic direction. She has also served as Chief Executive Officer at FAM Förvaltning AB since April 2019.

Previously, Pia served as the General Manager of Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel from 2006 to 2013. From 2007 to 2012, she held the position of Regional Director, overseeing 10 Radisson Group hotels in Sweden that were owned, leased, and managed in conjunction with her General Manager responsibilities at the Royal Viking Hotel.

Pia's expertise in finance management began early in her career, with roles including Financial Controller at SAS Hotels AB, Assistant Controller at SAS Arlandia Hotel, and Financial Controller at Royal Viking Hotel AB. She also gained valuable experience in sales and finance during her employment with Projekthuset, Recuperator Energy AB, Focus Design AB, Pol Transport AB, and UC AB.

In addition to her professional achievements, Pia is actively involved in various industry associations. She serves as Chairman of VISITA's Election Board and is a board member of the Swedish Business Association's Election Committee. Pia is also a Veckans Affärer's CEO Network member and holds advisory roles with the British-Swedish Chamber of Commerce.

Pia holds a Business Administration and Finance degree from Uppsala University and has completed numerous leadership and management courses, including the Grand Academy in Grand Hôtel and the Management School in the Radisson Hotel Group.

Pia enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and engaging in sports, such as downhill skiing, tennis, yoga, and running. She resides in Stockholm, Sweden, with her husband Björn, and they have two grown-up children, Evelina (27) and Rikard (24).