Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Chema Basterrechea to the role of chief operating officer.

Basterrechea had been chief operating officer at NH Hotel Group, prior to his appointment with Rezidor, and follows former NH chief executive Federico González-Tejera to the company.

He has worked for NH Hotels for more than 23 years, as chief operating officer, managing director of different business units, senior vice president food and beverage, director of integration, and as a general manager.

As an expert in operational excellence especially during mergers and acquisitions, Basterrechea spearheaded a complete integration of all the different acquisitions: Benelux largest hotel chain, Golden Tulip Hotels, as well as Germany’s Astron Hotels and the Italian Hotel Chains - Jolly Hotels and Framon - into NH Hotel Group. 

As Rezidor’s chief operating officer, Basterrechea will be responsible for all operational matters including brand standards implementation, operating procedures, review of operating models and organizational efficiency to improve the company’s profitability and brand awareness.

He will also identify new market segments and help expand the existing customer base of Rezidor and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Federico González-Tejera, the new president of Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “I am proud to welcome another highly experienced international profile to Rezidor’s executive committee.

“Chema Basterrechea is a highly innovative, dynamic and results-driven leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organisations.

“He is known to utilise keen analysis and insights, and a team approach to drive organisational improvements and implementation of best practices.”

Basterrechea will be based at Rezidor’s Brussels corporate office.