Yoo Hotels & Resorts appoints new head of operations and development

Yoo Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Grossniklaus as head of operations and development, effective March 2019, to lead the Yoo Collection and Yoo2 growth and operations strategy.

Based in Yoo’s London head office, Grossniklaus will focus on Yoo’s opportunity pipeline as well as manage the relationships with the hotel group’s partners to secure new developments and conversion opportunities globally.

Yoo Hotels & Resorts operates the Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro and currently has four hotels under development, with two more properties set to launch in the next 18 months.

Jagdish Johal, managing partner of Yoo, said: ”David has an extraordinary wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and he will be a real asset to the team. David joins Yoo Hotels at an exciting time of growth as we are expanding our hotel portfolio internationally.

“With four hotels under development, we are keen to pursue further development and management opportunities globally to expand our hotel offering. This expansion in key markets will ensure even more travellers can experience our unique designs and guest experiences.”

On his appointment, Grossniklaus added: “I am thrilled to be joining Yoo Hotels & Resorts, leading the hotel expansion of extraordinary design hotels, working with our partners, owners and investors globally to deliver exciting lifestyle experiences with both the Yoo Collection and Yoo2 brands.

“Expanding on our Yoo2 property in Rio de Janeiro, which perfectly showcases our concept of creating a unique collection of lifestyle experiences paired with operations that reflect the local soul of each destination, will be an exciting opportunity.”

Grossniklaus has held a number of varied roles in hotel operation and hotel development, most recently with Belmond in Dubai as senior director development for the Middle East, Africa and India.