Sophos Hotels is strengthening its development department with the arrival of Clara Muller as Senior Director of Development, effective 1 September 2026. Based in Lausanne, she will lead the department and support the growth of the group’s portfolio.
A development career built between Accor and Deutsche Hospitality
Clara Muller had held the role of Development Manager Central Europe for Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy brands, based in Zurich, since July 2023. In that role, she was responsible for development across these brand categories throughout Central Europe.
Before joining Accor, she spent more than six years at Deutsche Hospitality in Frankfurt, where she rose through the ranks to become Senior Manager Development, overseeing development in Switzerland, Spain and France. She had previously held the positions of Manager and then Senior Expert Business Development, having started her career at the group’s headquarters as Coordinator International Projects & Business Development, at a time when the company was led by Puneet Chhatwal.
Clara Muller began her career as an internal auditor at the headquarters of Adagio Aparthotels in Paris, a joint venture between Accor and Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs, while completing her MBA. She is a graduate of the École Hôtelière Savoie Léman and holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School, obtained through the Institut de Management Hôtelier International (IMHI).
Louis Finders Joins the Development Department at the Same Time
Clara Muller’s appointment comes at the same time as Sophos’s announcement of the promotion of Louis Finders to Director of Development & Feasibility, also effective from 1 September 2026. He had previously served as Hospitality Asset Manager & Analyst within the group, a role he had held since April 2024.
In his new role, Louis Finders will work closely with Clara Muller to support the group’s development activities and will oversee the qualitative and financial assessment of projects, while continuing his involvement in the projects he is already committed to. A graduate of the École hôtelière de Lausanne, he also holds the Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).
The dual move continues a broader strengthening of Sophos Hotels’ governance, following Christian Michel’s appointment to lead the group from Lausanne earlier this year.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Sophos Hotels strengthens its Development team
New hire: Clara Muller, Senior Director of Development, effective 1 September 2026
Promotion: Louis Finders, Director of Development & Feasibility, effective 1 September 2026
Clara Muller’s background: Accor (Central Europe), Deutsche Hospitality, Adagio Aparthotels
Louis Finders’ background: Sophos Hotels Asset Manager & Analyst, YAYS Group, Cushman & Wakefield
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
