YOTEL announces 2026 senior leadership promotions

YOTEL announces a series of senior leadership promotions at a pivotal moment as the company enters a major growth phase with upcoming openings in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Athens and Belfast, alongside new ventures. With 23 operating hotels across 16 cities and airports today, 11 additional properties set to open in the next 24 months, and a long-term strategy to more than triple the portfolio to 100 hotels globally by 2031, YOTEL continues to accelerate its global expansion across key urban and transport hub destinations.

“Since joining YOTEL three months ago, one of the first things that struck me was the exceptional talent already within the organisation. I wanted to build a culture that recognises and elevates the expertise of our own teams. With our strengthened senior leadership team now in place, we are well positioned to deliver on our long-term ambitions,” said Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL. “These promotions ensure our leadership team is empowered to drive growth and accelerate the expansion needed to achieve this goal.”

Since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in September 2025, Phil Andreopoulos has sharpened YOTEL’s focus on strategic growth and international scale. The expanded leadership roles underscore the company’s commitment to putting the right expertise in place to support its next chapter of global growth across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Who is being promoted in YOTEL’s leadership team? 

Rohan Thakkar – Chief Development & Strategy Officer

In his expanded role as Chief Development & Strategy Officer, Rohan will continue to lead YOTEL’s global growth strategy and oversee the development pipeline, feasibility and commercial evaluation, and design and construction efforts as the brand progresses toward 100 hotels. His remit now broadens to include enterprise-wide strategic leadership, acting as a key strategic partner to the CEO and Board.

In addition, Rohan will shape YOTEL’s long-term commercial and development strategy, align initiatives across PR, marketing, and new ventures, and drive coordination across teams to support a scalable, globally consistent growth platform.

Since joining YOTEL in 2014, Rohan has held several senior leadership roles. His expanded remit formalises his oversight of core strategic initiatives alongside the continued growth and evolution of the portfolio and its design and construction.

Mark Henderson – Senior Vice President, Design & Construction 

As YOTEL’s global portfolio expands, Mark will now assume responsibility for Capital Expenditure and Renovations, signalling increased investment in existing assets alongside new development. He will lead the continued evolution of YOTEL’s room product to ensure it aligns with guest expectations, owner feedback, and future brand extensions, while also supporting the company’s new-venture ambitions and emerging product lines for long-term growth.

Since joining in 2018 as Feasibility Architect, Mark has progressed through leadership roles, taking charge of Design & Construction in 2022 when it was consolidated under Global Development. He has built an integrated team across Design Feasibility, Interior Design, and Project Management, supporting both business development and owners.

Olivia Donnan – Senior Vice President, Brand, Culture & Growth

Olivia’s new role reflects YOTEL’s strategy to align brand performance, guest loyalty, partner engagement, and company culture as the business scales globally. Olivia will strengthen brand advocacy, shape the evolution of YOTEL’s guest experience, and ensure performance, culture, and brand perception advance together. Her remit brings together Brand, Communications, People Experience, and Development Marketing under one brand-led vision that supports YOTEL’s long-term growth.

Since joining YOTEL in 2022, Olivia has strengthened the brand and communications strategy, elevated global awareness, and enhanced the company’s reputation.

Further announcements related to YOTEL’s growth pipeline, new ventures and strategic partnerships are expected to be announced soon.

Main image credit: YOTEL