An arrival at a time of transition
Maria Strati took up her role as Chief Commercial Officer of Shedir Collection on 1 October 2026, as she announced on LinkedIn. She joins the Roman hotel group founded by Eduardo Safdie a few weeks after the appointment of Simone Giorgi as CEO and Executive Asset Manager of Shedir Collection.
In her message, she highlighted the context of her arrival: “Joining Shedir at such an important moment in its evolution makes this opportunity particularly meaningful to me. With Simone Giorgi as CEO, a new chapter begins, bringing new perspectives, new energy and a clear ambition for the continued growth and development of the Collection.”
She intends to contribute to this new phase “by building on the strength and identity of the portfolio, creating new opportunities and strengthening its commercial vision”.
Our analysis – The resulting partnership pairs an executive with an asset management background and a professional rooted in operations and sales. It reflects a clear intention to align asset performance more closely with the commercial positioning of the portfolio.
Six years with J.K. Place
Maria Strati joins from J.K. Place, where she started in March 2020 as General Manager of J.K. Place Capri, during the first pandemic season. The hotel achieved an occupancy rate of 70%, against a forecast of 45%.
In October 2020, she became General Manager of J.K. Place Roma, leading a team of 50. Her remit covered operations, human resources and budgeting, together with a strong commercial responsibility, including representing the group at international trade shows.
Over this period, J.K. Place Roma recorded a 40% increase in revenue, an 89% rise in average daily rate (ADR) and a 144% increase in EBIT. The property was awarded two Michelin Keys in 2024 and was ranked the favourite city hotel in Italy and in Rome, and fifth in Europe, in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
In February 2025, she was entrusted with the opening and first months of operation of Casa J.K. Place Roma, the brand’s residential concept set in an 18th-century palazzo, a position she held until July 2026. That same year, she was among the nominees for Hotelier of the Year at the Duco Travel Summit.
A career spanning Italy, Greece and France
A graduate of the University of Surrey in International Hospitality and Tourism Management, and holder of a master’s degree in Hospitality Administration from Cornell University, Maria Strati began her career in 2001 at the Rome Cavalieri (Waldorf Astoria Collection). There she completed Hilton’s management training programme before taking on roles in the executive lounge, guest relations and press relations.
In 2006, she joined the King George Palace in Athens, then became head of public relations for the 17 properties of the Classical Hotels brand, the urban segment of Grecotel. She subsequently worked in France as project manager for the Eze Hermitage Hotel in Èze, before being appointed Director of Development for the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and the Middle East at Luxury Hotel Partners.
Her first general management roles were in Greece. From its phased opening in 2012, she oversaw Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel + Spa in Kos, a 52-room member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, before leading the 53-room Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Spetses from 2015 to 2020. At the head of a 70-strong team, she raised occupancy from 45% to 70% between 2015 and 2019, and increased revenue by 40%.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Maria Strati joins Shedir Collection as Chief Commercial Officer
Effective 1 October 2026, at the Rome-based luxury hotel group
Joins as Simone Giorgi leads the group as CEO and Executive Asset Manager
Former GM of J.K. Place Roma (2020-2025) and Casa J.K. Place Roma (2025-2026)
At J.K. Place Roma: +40% revenue, +89% ADR, +144% EBIT, 2 Michelin Keys in 2024
Career in luxury hospitality since 2001 across Italy, Greece and France; trained at the University of Surrey and Cornell
