Ace Hotel Group appoints new development head for EMEA expansion push

Atelier Ace has appointed Ilana Edelman as vice president of development for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In the newly created role, Edelman will lead the brand’s strategic growth, mergers and acquisitions, and investment efforts across the region. Based in London, she will report directly to chief executive Chris Penn.

Edelman joins the firm following a 15-year career in hospitality and travel technology. She most recently spent several years at Google, where she led new product development for travel verticals.

Prior to her role at Google, Edelman worked in senior development and investment positions at Hyatt Hotels, Schulte European Group, Starwood Hotels, and Pebblebrook Hotel Trust.

The appointment follows the company’s stated objective to establish new locations in London and other major European cities, backed by its parent company Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide. The parent company aims to expand its global portfolio to 250 hotels by 2035.

Chief executive of Atelier Ace Chris Penn said: “Ilana’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for our development team as we look toward a new chapter of growth in Europe. We have made no secret of our desire to be back in London, and are laser-focused on a number of European cities that we feel have great potential as Ace locations.

“With Seibu’s support and now Ilana’s appointment, we are well-positioned for expansion in the region.”

Chief executive of Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Yoshiki Kaneda added: “We believe that Ilana will make a significant contribution to the expansion of the Ace Hotel brand, and we’re confident that the continued growth of Ace will accelerate our long-term goal of expanding to 250 hotels globally by 2035.”

Edelman said: “I am thrilled to join Ace at such a dynamic time for the brand. My goal is to leverage my background in both traditional hospitality investment and tech-driven consumer insights to bring Ace to more cities across Europe.”