EasyHotel appoints Karim Malak as CEO
EasyHotel added that he has a wealth of hospitality experience especially in optimising revenue, developing innovative hospitality concepts, and managing fast-expanding networks
The board of EasyHotel and its stakeholders ICAMAP, Ivanhoé Cambridge and easyGroup, has announced the appointment of Karim Malak as CEO.
The company said his appointment “marks a key milestone” in the development of EasyHotel as a leader in the budget hotel segment. Malak is expected to join in December 2021.
He joins easyHotel from Aparthotels Adagio where, as chief executive, he has overseen a “highly successful” strategic growth plan and led the internationalisation of the business, which today operates a network of 121 aparthotels across 13 countries.
EasyHotel added that he has a wealth of hospitality experience especially in optimising revenue, developing innovative hospitality concepts, and managing fast-expanding networks as well as a strong background in technology and digital solutions. In addition to tenures at both Accenture and The Boston Consulting Group in his earlier career, he also founded revenue management and pricing consultancy Mereo.
Harm Meijer, chairman of EasyHotel, said: “On behalf of the board and our stakeholders ICAMAP, Ivanhoé Cambridge and easyGroup, I would like to welcome Karim to the company.
“Karim brings with him a breadth of industry expertise, combining a strong background in data analytics and nimble hotel operations with a proven track-record in strategic growth delivery, having overseen an impressive transformation of the Adagio business in recent years.”
He added: “His customer-centric approach to product development will be invaluable as we continue to develop and expand the easyHotel brand and I look forward to working together to build on the exciting opportunities ahead for the group.
“I would also like to thank Nicolas Castanet who, following the tragic death of our former chief executive François Bacchetta, has excellently taken on the additional responsibilities of interim chief executive as well as his current and ongoing duties as chief financial officer.”
Malak said: “A recognised leader in the affordable and sustainable accommodation sector, EasyHotel is ideally positioned to capitalise on the strong underlying structural drivers across its markets.
“I’m delighted to be joining the group at this exciting time and look forward to working with this ambitious team to continue to develop the brand and deliver further growth.”
