Minor Hotels has appointed Gonzalo Aguilar as CEO for its Europe & Americas operations, effective from 1 January 2025.

Aguilar joined the company in October 2024 and will succeed Ramón Aragonés, who retired at 2024-end but remains active as a member of the board of directors and non-executive vice-president.

In the new role, Aguilar’s focus will be on bolstering the company’s brand presence, accelerating the opening of new properties, and expanding in key markets, particularly in the resort and luxury segments.

These efforts will align with Minor Hotels’ ‘asset right’ strategy, which emphasises sustainable growth through a balanced approach to ownership, management, and franchising.

Minor Hotels CEO and Minor Hotels Europe & Americas chairman Dillip Rajakarier said: “Gonzalo’s expertise, leadership, and deep knowledge of the multi-brand, asset-light hotel landscape make him the ideal choice to guide Minor Hotels Europe & Americas through our next phase of strategic growth in this high-value region.”

Aguilar brings more than three decades of experience in the hospitality sector. He most recently served for Marriott International Europe as chief operating officer, during which he led the integration of the AC Hotels brand into Marriot.

His appointment is set to be formalised at the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, scheduled to take place before 30 June.

Commenting on the new role, Aguilar said: “With our globally recognised brand portfolio and ambitious expansion plans, we are well-positioned to achieve continued success in the most profitable segments of the market.”

Minor Hotels operates a global portfolio of more than 560 properties across 57 countries, including brands such as Anantara, Avani, Tivoli, NH Hotels, and Oaks.

Last month, Minor Hotels announced the opening of the NH Collection Samui Peace Resort in Surat Thani, marking the NH Collection brand’s debut in Thailand.

The company aims to expand its portfolio by adding more than 200 hotels by the end of next year.