The fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality brand in Europe expands executive leadership team with industry veteran Christophe Thomas
Zug, Switzerland | September 23, 2024 – Aethos, the next-generation experience-led boutique hotel & member club brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christophe Thomas as the new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. With a wealth of international experience and a track record of leading luxury hospitality properties, Thomas will be instrumental in driving the strategic direction and operational excellence of the Aethos Hotels brand.
In his new role, Christophe Thomas, who will report directly to Benjamin Habbel, CEO and Co-founder of Aethos, will be responsible for providing strategic direction and overseeing the daily operations of Aethos to ensure seamless functioning across all departments and locations. His extensive experience in the hospitality industry will be crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the brand’s portfolio, maintaining high standards of service, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Benjamin Habbel expresses his enthusiasm for Thomas’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Christophe to the Aethos family. His exceptional leadership skills, deep understanding of the luxury hospitality sector, and proven track record in driving operational excellence make him the perfect fit for our team. We are confident that Christophe will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success.”
Prior to joining Aethos, Thomas served as General Manager of several prestigious properties across the United States, including the iconic Palace Hotel in San Francisco, where he led the hotel’s successful repositioning as part of “The Luxury Collection.” His tenure at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills was marked by a comprehensive renovation and the opening of Somni, a restaurant that quickly earned two Michelin stars, further solidifying Thomas’s reputation for excellence in hospitality management.
Most recently, Thomas curated experiential travel adventures around the world after serving as the General Manager of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, where he successfully navigated the challenges posed by the global pause in travel and hospitality. Under his leadership, the hotel reopened with renewed vigor, unveiling the acclaimed Il Carpaccio restaurant and reinforcing its status as a leading luxury destination in Paris.
Reflecting on his new role, Christophe Thomas says, “I am excited to join Aethos and look forward to working closely with our talented teams to enhance our operational efficiencies, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and drive the brand’s growth and success in the global hospitality market.”