Pia Djupmark and Crescenzo Gargano Named to The Leading Hotels of the World Executive Committee

 The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) proudly welcomes two distinguished hoteliers to its Executive Committee: Pia Djupmark, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Grand Hôtel Stockholm, and Crescenzo Gargano, Co-Owner of Hotel Santa Caterina. Both bring strong industry expertise, strategic vision, and a commitment to independent, luxury hospitality.

LHW is owned by its members – created for hoteliers, by hoteliers in 1928. The Executive Committee is comprised of seven hoteliers and a senior global business leader who represent the 60+ shareholder members of LHW. Together with LHW’s management team and employees, the Executive Committee will continue their mission to empower independent luxury hoteliers in the company's 97th year, and beyond.

Pia Djupmark, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Grand Hôtel Stockholm, and Chief Executive Officer of Grand Group AB, is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. As CEO of Grand Group AB since 2013, she oversees Grand Hôtel Stockholm in Sweden, along with two additional hotels and two acclaimed restaurants. Djupmark leads a team of 450 full-time employees, guiding the direction and development of these prestigious hospitality entities.

Her extensive career includes leadership roles as General Manager of the Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel and Regional Director for Radisson Group’s Swedish portfolio. Additionally, Djupmark’s expertise spans financial management, operational leadership, and talent development. She also actively contributes to the industry through her roles as Chairman of VISITA’s Election Board and a board member of the Swedish Business Association’s Election Committee.

“Pia is a highly respected and collaborative leader within our community,” said Andrea Scherz, chairman of LHW’s Executive Committee and proprietor and general manager of Gstaad Palace. “Her proven leadership and strategic vision will help advance our mission of supporting independent luxury hotels.”

Crescenzo Gargano, Co-Owner of Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi, Italy is a fourth-generation hotelier. He is renowned as a creative leader in the hospitality industry in Italy and internationally. Born and raised in Amalfi, Gargano embodies a rich legacy of hospitality, deeply rooted in his lineage and passion for the industry.

He has been instrumental in transforming Hotel Santa Caterina into a luxury destination, recognized globally for its timeless elegance and guest experiences. Since joining the family business in 1999, he has led the hotel’s evolution, keeping its proud “family-style” ethos while enhancing his family's business and establishing a benchmark in the luxury hospitality sector. He has expanded its Food & Beverage offerings to include four celebrated restaurants, one of which holds a Michelin Star, and recently led the acquisition and development of Hotel Santa Caterina's Villa della Marchesa, a luxurious five-bedroom villa near the hotel. His achievements have earned international acclaim, with accolades from Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Michelin.

“Crescenzo’s passion for independent hospitality and his forward-thinking leadership make him an exceptional addition to our Executive Committee,” said Scherz. “His ability to balance tradition and innovation, and his generations-deep understanding of family-led hospitality will be instrumental in guiding LHW’s future.”

A Vision for the Future of Independent Luxury Hospitality: The addition of Pia Djupmark and Crescenzo Gargano to LHW’s Executive Committee reflects LHW’s ongoing commitment to industry leadership and excellence. Their extensive knowledge and dedication will support the Company's mission to champion the success of independent, luxury hotels worldwide.

The Leading Hotels of the World Executive Committee Members:

• Andrea Scherz, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Proprietor and General Manager of Gstaad Palace
• Ruth Jones, Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
• Pia Djupmark, Managing Director and CEO of Grand Hôtel Stockholm
• Crescenzo Gargano, Co-Owner of Hotel Santa Caterina
• Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace
• Peter Shaindlin, COO of Halekulani Corporation
• Matthias Winkler, CEO of Sacher Hotels
• Lynne Biggar, Senior Advisor with Boston Consulting Group and former CMO at Visa