Thomas Willms
I hold an Executive MBA from the University of Applied Sciences from Chur, Switzerland, and Delaware, USA, which I earned in 2003, graduating with distinction. My academic background in Organizational Leadership has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style throughout my career in the hospitality industry.
I bring over three decades of experience in hospitality leadership, with a focus on both operational excellence and strategic growth. Currently, I serve as a Member of the Supervisory Board at NOVUM Hospitality, a role I have held since December 2022. In addition, I am the Senior Advisor and Consultant for my own firm, Thomas Willms Consulting (TWC), established in 2020. These roles allow me to apply my extensive knowledge in hospitality management to guide companies through industry challenges.
Previously, I was the CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Deutsche Hospitality and Steigenberger Hotels AG, where I led the organization through significant growth and transformation from 2017 to 2020. My experience at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (later Marriott Hotels) spanned over more than 25 years, during which I held various leadership roles, including Senior Vice President for East & Central Europe, overseeing multiple brands and regions.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to driving innovation, operational efficiency, and creating guest-centric experiences. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to help businesses excel and thrive in a competitive marketplace.