A handover within the founding family
The Board of Directors of H10 Hotels has appointed Jordi Espelt as the group’s new Chairman. He succeeds his father, Josep Espelt, founder of the chain, who becomes Honorary Chairman at the close of a career spanning more than 50 years in tourism.
According to group sources quoted by Europa Press, Jordi Espelt, who has been with H10 Hotels for three decades, takes the chair of the Board of Directors while retaining his current role as CEO. He thus combines the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive.
Josep Espelt: more than half a century in hospitality
Josep Espelt’s hotel career began in 1969, when he became a shareholder in the Delfín Park hotel in Salou, in the province of Tarragona. The property remains part of the group’s portfolio and now operates as H10 Delfín.
His new title of Honorary Chairman recognises the role of the man who, starting out on the Costa Daurada, built one of Spain’s most internationally established family-owned hotel groups.
70 hotels in nine countries
H10 Hotels currently operates 70 hotels in nine countries: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
In recent months, the group has stepped up its move upmarket. In France, it entered the Paris market with the opening of The One Alma Paris, under its luxury brand The One by H10 Hotels. In Portugal, it took over the Monumental Palace in Porto, sold by Centaurus Hospitality Management. In the Caribbean, its resort brand has been repositioned with the launch of Ocean Signature Resorts and a first adults-only concept.
Tighter governance
Analysis – By entrusting the chairmanship to its CEO, H10 Hotels keeps governance firmly in the hands of the founding family, just as the group strengthens its presence in the upscale segment. This continuity model is common among Spain’s large family-owned hotel groups. The roles of Chairman and CEO are now combined in a single, long-serving executive.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
H10 Hotels: Jordi Espelt appointed Chairman
Jordi Espelt succeeds his father and group founder Josep Espelt as Chairman of the Board
He retains his role as CEO, after three decades with the company
Josep Espelt becomes Honorary Chairman after more than 50 years in the hotel industry
Portfolio: 70 hotels across nine countries in Europe and the Caribbean
