Shangri-La Group has officially announced the appointment of Hakan Ozel as Vice President of Operations, a strategic leadership role in which he will oversee three of the hospitality conglomerate’s most prestigious and flagship European properties: Shangri-La The Shard, London; Shangri-La Paris; and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.
The appointment places one of the company’s most seasoned leaders at the helm of these iconic European hotels, reflecting Shangri-La’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its market presence, operational standards, and guest satisfaction across the continent. Ozel steps into this newly expanded portfolio bringing a wealth of international experience, having dedicated more than two decades of his professional career specifically to the Shangri-La Group.
A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 28 years of total international experience, Ozel has built a formidable reputation within the global luxury hotel sector. Over his extensive career, he has developed a deep expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic corporate leadership, and the art of delivering exceptional, personalized guest experiences across a diverse array of global markets. His long-standing tenure with Shangri-La has seen him navigate various facets of the luxury hospitality industry, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of both the operational intricacies and the cultural subtleties required to manage high-end properties successfully.
Prior to taking on this new European operations role, Ozel served as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East as well as General Manager of Shangri-La Dubai. During his tenure in the Middle East, he played an instrumental role in strengthening the hotel’s market positioning, optimizing its operational performance, and solidifying its reputation for unparalleled service excellence in a highly competitive regional market. Before his leadership in Dubai, his distinguished career included holding several senior leadership positions across various dynamic markets throughout Asia and the Middle East, further broadening his international perspective and leadership capabilities.
Reflecting on his new appointment and the responsibilities that lie ahead, Hakan Ozel shared his enthusiasm for leading the European division. Having the opportunity to lead three of Shangri-La’s flagship properties in Europe is both a profound privilege and an exciting new chapter in his career, he noted. Observing that London, Paris, and Istanbul are extraordinary destinations, each possessing its own unique character, cultural richness, and distinct market opportunities, Ozel outlined his primary managerial objectives. He emphasized that his immediate focus will be on building directly upon the existing strengths of the dedicated teams at each location, creating truly memorable and bespoke guest experiences, and welcoming even more travelers into the expanding Shangri-La Circle loyalty and community network.
Furthermore, Ozel highlighted the core philosophy that underpins the brand’s approach to hospitality, emphasizing that through the art and joy of signature Asian hospitality, the goal is to ensure every visitor feels a genuine sense of belonging. By fostering meaningful human connections, the properties aim to help guests ultimately find their own personal version of Shangri-La.
In his new capacity as Vice President of Operations for Europe, Ozel will concentrate his efforts on driving overall operational excellence across all three establishments. His mandate includes strengthening commercial performance in competitive urban markets and further elevating Shangri-La’s distinctive, high-end hospitality experience across these three iconic European destinations, ensuring they continue to set benchmarks for luxury accommodation, dining, and service in their respective cities.
