Former Silversea CEO Takes the Reins at Kempinski Hotels

Kempinski Hotels has named former Silversea CEO and CCO Barbara Muckermann as its new CEO effective immediately.

Muckermann has more than 25 years of travel industry experience. She departed Silversea this April after serving as CEO and president since January 2023. She first joined the cruise line in November 2016 as chief marketing officer and served in that role through the pandemic. Before that, she also spent time at Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, Loro Piana, and more. 

In her new role, Muckermann will be tasked with continuing Kempinski’s growth, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, regions where Kempinski intends to add another 354 hotels and residences to its portfolio. The group, which opened the Kempinski Hotel Cancun late in 2023, is also committed to growing in Mexico and the Caribbean. 

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand,” Muckermann said in a statement. “I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honoring its rich history, and very much look forward to working in tandem with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury.”