The tradition-steeped SCHLOSS Fleesensee in the Mecklenburg Lake District is under new operational leadership. Carsten Willenbockel has been responsible for the further development of the established castle hotel as General Manager since September 2026. With his appointment, the owning company is drawing on extensive industry experience in upmarket resort hospitality to further expand the expansive estate's positioning within the national market.
The hotelier, who hails from the Lüneburg Heath, looks back on varied roles at renowned hotel and tourism brands. Prior to his move to the Mecklenburg Lake District, Willenbockel worked for ROBINSON Club, Arabella Starwood, A-ROSA and AIDA, among others. Most recently, he managed the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa in Heringsdorf on Usedom as General Manager for more than ten years. Alongside his operational role, the hotel manager is active in regional industry policy, including serving on the executive board of the DEHOGA Mecklenburg-Vorpommern hotel and restaurant association.
Strategic sharpening of the resort profile
The new management is focusing on linking the resort's various facets into a cohesive offering. The historic main building serves as a venue for high-end events and private celebrations. The property is complemented by extensive spa areas, directly adjacent golf and sports facilities, and a regional culinary concept based on produce from the resort's own Fleesensee agriculture and products from its in-house coffee roastery.
Upon taking office, Willenbockel emphasised that the unique appeal of the location should be visibly cultivated together with the team. For the new director, high service quality, team orientation and sustainable economic viability form the foundation for consistently unlocking the development potential of the estate amidst the North German countryside.
Expansion plans of the operating company
For Five E Group, the operating company behind the hotel complex, the personnel decision marks a significant step towards strengthening its market presence. The group employs more than 600 people and brings together various operations in the hotel, gastronomy, sports and agriculture sectors in north-eastern Germany. The company's goal is to target the further development of existing locations and consolidate its tourism portfolio.
Gunnar Gust, Managing Director of Five E Group, explained that in Willenbockel, the company had secured an executive whose industry roots and operational experience would provide vital impetus. Under his leadership, the strategic profile of the property is to be sharpened further in order to showcase the assets of the expansive castle estate to best advantage in the leisure segment.
