A&O Hostels appoints new chief investment officer

Hostel chain A&O Hostels has appointed Julien Mattei as its new chief investment officer to drive its expansion across Europe.

Previously serving as investment director at The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) and in investment management at Norges Bank Investment Management, Mattei brings 15 years of experience in real estate investment and development across Europe.

In his new role, he will work with A&O’s team of real estate and finance experts.

The hostel chain opened four new sites since the summer of 2024. Its property ownership also increased through acquisitions and A&O currently operates 42 properties in 11 European countries, 19 of them owned by A&O which accounts for 45% of the total portfolio.

With the backing of its owners, StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners, A&O has approximately €500m (£419.82m) available to invest in the construction, renovation, and modernisation of existing and new properties by 2030 across Europe

Mattei said: “We are continuing our expansion in Europe and see highly attractive opportunities in prime locations, particularly in hotel and office conversions.

“I am excited to contribute to A&O’s further growth in Europe alongside founder Oliver Winter and our partners at StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners. Rising costs, the increasing need for sustainability awareness, and global social and economic shifts bring new expectations and demands for the tourism industry, and we remain well positioned to successfully navigate these.”

Oliver Winter, CEO of A&O Hostels, added: “Julien Mattei is our top choice and the perfect fit for a&o. He is a strategic expert with a keen eye for detail and brings an extensive network that will be immensely beneficial for our European expansion. There are several highly exciting opportunities in the pipeline across Europe.”