Kempinski Hotels names Hoda Tahoun as new Chief Talent Officer

Kempinski Hotels has appointed Hoda Tahoun as its new Chief Talent Officer, effective 14 April 2025, marking a pivotal move to sharpen its global talent strategy amid intensifying competition for skilled hospitality professionals. The newly created role signals Kempinski’s workforce-first approach under CEO Barbara Muckermann’s leadership, as the company embarks on a transformation journey to reposition its 127-year-old brand in the ultra-luxury market.

Reporting to Chief Human Resources Officer Karin Raguin, Tahoun will lead recruitment, succession planning, and organisational design efforts, while driving initiatives that enhance talent development and retention across Kempinski’s international operations. Her mandate includes aligning executive talent pipelines with long-term business goals and strengthening the employer brand in a constrained talent market.

With more than 27 years of experience in human capital leadership, Tahoun brings deep expertise from her tenure at Russell Reynolds Associates, where she advised global hospitality firms on executive hiring and leadership development. She has also held roles at SHUAA Capital, American Express, Bank of America, and Citi.

CEO Muckermann underscored Tahoun’s role in delivering competitive workforce strategies, stating, “In a highly competitive recruiting landscape, Hoda will be instrumental in leading initiatives that impact business and sustainable growth.”

Kempinski’s appointment of Tahoun follows its fourth consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, reinforcing its commitment to creating a high-performing, inclusive workplace culture that empowers employees to thrive in the hospitality space.