NOVUM Real Estate DET GmbH, as a shareholder of NOVUM Hospitality, has established an Advisory Board. This measure serves to enhance the hotel group's strategic capabilities. The appointment of experienced individuals from the fields of entrepreneurship, politics, international hotel management, real estate and project development, finance, and corporate governance aims to consolidate the company's long-term development. The creation of this body represents a step in NOVUM Hospitality's journey to becoming an owner-operator. The Hamburg-based company is pursuing a continuous evolution of its business model, combining its existing expertise in hotel operations and hotel development with a long-term owner and operator perspective.
The Advisory Board will support the shareholder and the group's management in strategic matters. The focus will be on the long-term development of the hotel and real estate portfolio, the further development of brand and growth strategy, financing and capital structure issues, as well as governance, transformation, and sustainable corporate development.
David Etmenan, shareholder of NOVUM Real Estate DET GmbH and CEO and Owner of NOVUM Hospitality, commented on the significance of this innovation. He emphasised that the evolution into a sustainably successful owner-operator is a central component of the long-term corporate strategy. This transformation requires not only operational excellence and entrepreneurial courage but also diverse perspectives and strong strategic guidance. The Advisory Board brings together individuals who contribute decades of experience from their respective fields. This supports the company in responsibly shaping its next phase of development. Mr. Etmenan expressed his delight at securing distinguished experts who will actively contribute to the company's path with their knowledge, network, and entrepreneurial experience.
Bundled Expertise in the Advisory Board
With the newly appointed Advisory Board, NOVUM Hospitality is pooling the expertise of seven specialists from various sectors. The spectrum includes international hotel management, real estate, entrepreneurship, finance, corporate governance, auditing, and strategic corporate development.
- —Ole von Beust was the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg from 2001 to 2010 and now works as an entrepreneur and consultant. His experience at the interface of politics, business, and society contributes to strategic issues, stakeholder management, and corporate governance.
- —Professor Dr. h.c. Stephan Gerhard is a hotel entrepreneur, investor, and consultant with extensive international hospitality experience, including through his role at Solutions Holding. He strengthens the Advisory Board's strategic competence with his expertise in hotel development, brand strategy, hospitality investments, and international expansion.
- —Andreas Grandt, Partner at BRL BOEGE ROHDE LUEBBEHUESEN, advises companies on complex structuring and transaction processes. His expertise in corporate structuring, transaction support, as well as tax and economic issues, expands the Advisory Board's range of competencies, particularly in structural decisions.
- —Dirk Jessen, Partner at Forvis Mazars, possesses many years of experience in auditing, accounting, compliance, and corporate governance. His knowledge of financial reporting, risk management, and regulatory matters will be integrated into the Advisory Board's strategic work.
- —Reiner Nittka brings many years of experience in real estate and project development, including as CEO of GBI Holding AG. His focus areas include the development and financing of hotel and serviced apartment projects, as well as the strategic management of real estate portfolios, thereby contributing a well-founded perspective from real estate and project development.
- —Marcus Vitt, former CEO of Donner & Reuschel AG, has leadership experience in the banking and finance sector. He contributes comprehensive knowledge of corporate finance, capital markets, and strategic banking relationships, as well as experience in corporate governance, to the Advisory Board's work.
- —Thomas Willms, formerly CEO of Deutsche Hospitality, is considered a leading figure in European hotel management. His experience in the leadership and strategic development of international hotel companies, particularly in hotel operations, brand development, portfolio management, and international growth, complements the Advisory Board's strategic perspective with operational expertise.
Strategic Direction and Future Topics
The key areas that the Advisory Board will address include long-term corporate strategy, sustainable growth, the further development of the hotel and brand portfolio, as well as real estate and project development. In addition, financing and capital structure, M&A and corporate structuring, corporate governance and compliance, and digitalisation and transformation will be at the forefront of strategic advice.
