A deliberate strategic continuity
Kempinski Group has entrusted Noel Attard with leading its global development, a move the group has presented as a natural evolution rather than a break with the past. Attard previously held the role of Chief Transformation Officer, a position he had occupied since early 2025 and in which he shaped the development strategy he is now tasked with delivering.
This internal appointment reflects an emphasis on operational continuity. Noel Attard will be responsible for converting growth opportunities identified in priority and emerging markets into results, through targeted acquisitions, management contracts, branded residence programmes and new hotel openings.
Two decades with the Swiss group
Noel Attard‘s career at Kempinski spans two decades, marked by the management of operating entities, group-level strategic planning and the oversight of landmark hotel openings, including the Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square in Vilnius, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo and the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in Croatia.
For more than ten years, he also led Kempinski Trading DMCC in Dubai as Chief Executive Officer, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer and then Managing Director within the group. This cross-functional trajectory across finance, operations and corporate governance forms the basis for his appointment.
An operations-led approach
The group is emphasising a development approach that prioritises the operational reality of its assets over transactional logic alone. Noel Attard, quoted in the group’s statement, said that the priority was to execute this plan in full accordance with the group’s core values, in order to deliver the results for which it is recognised.
René Nijhof, Chairman of Kempinski S.A., for his part underlined the legitimacy of the appointment given Attard’s role in shaping the strategy. He said that as the author of the group’s development strategy, Attard was ideally placed to oversee its execution end-to-end, continuing his efforts to strengthen Kempinski’s luxury positioning through disciplined growth, also praising Attard’s long-standing relationship with the group’s owners and investors.
A portfolio being reinforced
Kempinski currently operates 73 properties in 33 countries, with more than 21 projects under development. The group has stepped up its strategic announcements in recent months, including Kempinski Grace Bay, the signing of a management agreement for a luxury hotel and residences in Xiong’an, China, and its newly announced entry into Douala, Cameroon.
At a Glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Kempinski Group names Noel Attard Chief Development Officer
Internal promotion effective immediately, announced in Dubai on 17 September 2026
Attard previously served as Chief Transformation Officer since early 2025
Two decades of internal experience spanning finance, operations and corporate leadership
Mandate covers acquisitions, management contracts, branded residences and new market entries
Kempinski currently operates 73 properties in 33 countries, with 21+ projects under development
