CEO (Hospitality)

Our client is looking to recruit a CEO to join their venture. The chosen candidate will:

• Identify, approach, and acquire new franchise partners, with a focus on existing independent hotels
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of franchise opportunities across target markets
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with hotel owners and operators through to contract execution
• Develop and maintain relationships with hotel owners, operators, brokers, consultants, and other industry stakeholders
• Drive market expansion initiatives to increase the footprint of the franchise platform
• Oversee the onboarding and integration of new franchise hotels into the system
• Ensure implementation of all operational processes, systems, standards, and reporting structures
• Work closely with hotel owners and management teams to align hotel operations with the framework
• Monitor and enforce operational, service, and brand standards across all franchise partners
• Coordinate with internal departments to support successful hotel openings and transitions
• Represent at industry conferences, trade fairs, networking events, and business meetings
• Develop and execute lead-generation initiatives to support franchise growth
• Strengthen brand visibility and market presence within the hospitality sector
• Identify strategic partnerships and business opportunities that support long-term expansion
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, corporate, tax, and regulatory obligations
• Coordinate with external advisors including legal counsel, accountants, auditors, and tax consultants
• Oversee administrative, organizational, and governance functions of the Malta entity
• Lead and manage the Malta-based central support team, including marketing, onboarding, finance, and administration
• Execute company strategies, systems, and operational standards as defined by the Founder
• Ensure consistent implementation of business processes across the franchise network
• Maintain close communication and strategic alignment with the Founder on all major developments and initiatives
• Support the continuous development and scaling of the franchise platform

Requirements

• Strong commercial negotiation and relationship management skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong execution capabilities
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills

Education and Experience

• Proven experience in hospitality, hotel franchising, hotel operations, or business development
• Experience working with hotel owners, operators, or franchise models is highly desirable
• Ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with company leadership
• Familiarity with international hospitality operations and compliance structures is an advantage

Job Reference: ET622