Europe's largest hostel chain a&o is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Gernot Porcher as its new Senior Vice President of Construction. In this role, the 56-year-old qualified architect and real estate economist (ebs) is responsible for the design, construction delivery, and long-term value preservation of existing assets and new-build projects. Porcher currently heads a ten-strong team, with further recruitment planned in the near future.
Prior to joining a&o, the Hesse-born executive held the position of Vice President of Real Estate at Deutsche Hospitality (formerly Steigenberger, now H World International). Until 2015, he led the project and risk management division at audit firm Ernst & Young (EY). Oliver Winter, Chief Executive Officer and founder of a&o, highlighted Porcher's extensive expertise across the property life cycle and described him as a solution-oriented driver for the company's upcoming growth targets.
European expansion with six new properties by 2028
The appointment comes against the backdrop of ambitious growth plans. By the end of 2028, the Berlin-based company plans to open six new properties across Europe, four of them during the course of 2027. Following acquisitions and conversions in locations such as Manchester, London, Milan, Florence, and Brussels over the past two years, confirmed openings for 2027 include a&o Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, the group's fourth site in the federal capital, and a&o Heidelberg. Two further properties are scheduled to follow by the end of 2027, with two additional assets slated by the end of 2028.
Porcher defined his key objective as the further development and unlocking of new growth potential through adaptable properties. He noted that the operational phase following completion is decisive for long-term success, with the company relying on a balanced mix of cost awareness, durability, and flexibility to satisfy market requirements.
Growing importance as an institutional asset class
Founded in 2000, the company currently operates 46 properties with around 31,600 beds across 32 European cities. Over the past two years alone, the portfolio expanded by approximately 11,500 beds. In 2025, a&o registered nearly three million guests and around 6.6 million overnight stays. Backed by sustained market momentum and demographic shifts, the segment is increasingly establishing itself as an institutional asset class.
- —Financing: Recently completed EUR 874 million refinancing with investor Apollo (NYSE: APO).
- —Ownership structure: Stepstone Group and Proprium Capital Partners have owned the company since late 2023.
- —Target group: Affordable accommodation for families, young travellers, and groups in European metropolises.
- —Outlook: Potential to double the existing portfolio over the medium term.
