Leonardo Hotel in London. Photo: AS photo family / Shutterstock.com Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is reorganizing its development department as it prepares for a large pipeline of new hotels, acquisitions and renovation projects across Europe.
The company expects to add 28 hotels to its portfolio in 2026, including around 20 properties acquired from the former Revo portfolio. Leonardo Hotels is also anticipating about 20 new acquisitions in 2027, while continuing to oversee roughly 30 projects from previous years involving conversions and renovations.
Germany remains a key focus. Leonardo Hotels Central Europe currently operates more than 130 hotels, with around 80 in Germany, and expects to add more properties there before the end of 2026.
The group is also preparing to expand into the Nordic region. Björn Anker Gullaksen has joined as Director of Development for the Nordics, with a focus on markets including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki and Reykjavik. Leonardo Hotels said it will consider both acquisitions and lease opportunities, particularly existing hotels that can be integrated into one of its seven brands.
Italy is another target for growth. Leonardo currently operates eight hotels and a master apartment building in the country. Niccolò Pravettoni has joined as Business Development Manager for Italy and will focus on opportunities in major cities, selected secondary destinations and key leisure markets.
The company also sees further potential in Czechia, Romania, Hungary and Poland. Leonardo currently has four hotels and a master apartment building in Poland and plans to pursue additional opportunities in markets including Slovakia and Slovenia. Locally based development managers are planned for several of these destinations.
France remains on the expansion list as well. Leonardo is looking for a development manager to increase activity in the market, with plans to grow beyond its existing properties and focus on Paris and other cities.
The company said its development strategy will continue to prioritize well-located city hotels, while also looking at leisure properties, new-build projects, conversions, existing hotels and turnkey opportunities.
Additional funding is expected from Partnership IV, which has a targeted investment volume of between €800 million and €1 billion.
Leonardo is also expanding its development leadership as well as structure and responsibilities.
The company said the new setup is designed to help manage the growing number of projects while supporting expansion in existing markets and selected new destinations.
Martin Stegner has joined as Development Director and Deputy VP for Development, overseeing Central Europe and focusing in part on expanding the Master serviced apartment brand.
Robert Ruschke, who joined the development team in 2021, has been appointed Deputy Development Director Central Europe, with responsibility for the wider region and a focus on Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.