Yotel promotes senior leaders as it targets 100 hotels by 2031

Yotel has promoted three senior executives as the hospitality group sets a target of reaching 100 hotels open and signed worldwide by 2031.

The appointments come as the company enters a new phase of expansion, with planned openings in cities including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Athens and Belfast. 

The group currently operates 23 hotels across 16 cities and airports, with a further 11 properties due to open over the next two years.

The group said the leadership changes were designed to support its long-term strategy to more than triple its global portfolio, with a focus on major urban centres and transport hubs across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Rohan Thakkar has been promoted to chief development and strategy officer, expanding his remit beyond global development to include enterprise-wide strategic leadership. He will continue to oversee the development pipeline, feasibility and commercial evaluation, as well as design and construction, while also acting as a key strategic partner to the chief executive and board.

Thakkar joined Yotel in 2014 and has held a number of senior roles. The company said his expanded position formalises his oversight of long-term commercial and development strategy as it scales internationally.

Mark Henderson has been appointed senior vice president, design and construction, with additional responsibility for capital expenditure and renovations across the existing estate. His role includes leading the evolution of Yotel’s room product and supporting new ventures and future brand extensions.

Henderson joined the business in 2018 as feasibility architect and took charge of design and construction in 2022. He has since built a global team covering design feasibility, interior design and project management.

Olivia Donnan has been promoted to senior vice president, brand, culture and growth, bringing together brand, communications, people experience and development marketing. The role is intended to align brand performance, guest experience and company culture as the group grows.

Donnan joined Yotel in 2022 and has overseen changes to brand and communications strategy aimed at increasing global awareness and partner engagement.

Phil Andreopoulos, who was appointed chief executive in September 2025, said: “With our strengthened senior leadership team now in place, we are well positioned to deliver on our long-term ambitions.”