H World, the shareholder of Deutsche Hospitality, is strengthening its international business division by appointing Oliver Bonke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deutsche Hospitality, as CEO of H World International. In his new role, Bonke will focus on the company’s growth and commercial success outside its core market China. He carries these responsibilities in addition to driving the further expansion of Deutsche Hospitality beyond its already strong footing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Further, Choon Wah Wong is appointed as Managing Director of Steigenberger Hotels GmbH/Deutsche Hospitality and SVP Finance of H World International. In his Managing Director role for Steigenberger Hotels GmbH, Wong will report to the Supervisory Board. His official start date is October 1, 2023.
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Bender, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Deutsche Hospitality: “As we navigate Deutsche Hospitality towards a successful future, we are fortunate to combine Oliver’s vast industry knowledge, leadership and intercultural capabilities with Choon Wah‘s sound international and strategic experience in investment, finance and asset management.”
Wong, a Singaporean national, joins the company from Shangri-La International Pte Ltd in London, where he spent the last five years and most recently as Co-Head for the Middle East, Europe, India & America region. This included responsibility for luxury hotel operations, all investment and asset management activities, and developing and implementing a business plan for growth.
“I am excited to round out our leadership team to drive the H World International growth strategy outside China. I have known Choon Wah for many years and have always respected his personal values and deep expertise. Being able to bring a leader of Choon Wah's caliber into the team is a great win for us. We are making large strides towards building an organization that leverages unique strengths to fulfill our ambitions. Digital leadership, engaging brands, operational excellence, win-win owner relationships, and the right team and values to make us stand out,” says Oliver Bonke, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality and H World International.
Wong spent the majority of his more than 20-year long career in the private equity real estate investment sector in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, holding senior roles with Standard Life Investments, Partners Group and APG Asset Management, amongst others. He holds an engineering degree from the University of Cambridge.
Wong is succeeding Dr. Ulrich Johannwille, Deutsche Hospitality’s former Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, who had decided to leave the company at the end of March.