SHANGRI-LA APPOINTS HAKAN OZEL TO LEAD FLAGSHIP EUROPEAN OPERATIONS

Shangri-La Group has appointed seasoned hospitality leader Hakan Ozel as Vice President, Operations, overseeing its flagship properties in London, Paris and Istanbul. With over 28 years of international experience, Ozel will drive operational excellence, elevate guest experiences and strengthen commercial performance across three of the brand’s most iconic European destinations.  

Shangri-La Group has announced the appointment of Hakan Ozel as Vice President, Operations, with responsibility for three of its flagship European properties: Shangri-La The Shard, London; Shangri-La Paris; and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. The move underscores the Group’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Europe and enhancing its distinctive brand of Asian hospitality across key international destinations.  

Ozel, a seasoned hospitality leader with more than 28 years of international experience, brings a wealth of expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic leadership and guest experience management. Having spent over two decades with Shangri-La Group, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s reputation for service excellence across diverse markets. His most recent role as Vice President, Operations for the Middle East and General Manager of Shangri-La Dubai saw him successfully strengthen the hotel’s market positioning, operational performance and reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences. His career also includes senior leadership positions across Asia and the Middle East, reflecting his deep understanding of global hospitality dynamics.  

Commenting on his new appointment, Ozel said: “Having the opportunity to lead three of Shangri-La’s flagship properties in Europe is both a privilege and an exciting new chapter. London, Paris and Istanbul are extraordinary destinations, each with its own unique character and opportunities. My focus will be on building on the strengths of our teams, creating truly memorable guest experiences and welcoming more guests into our Shangri-La Circle community. Through the art and joy of Asian hospitality, we want every guest to feel a genuine sense of belonging, discover meaningful connections and ultimately find their own Shangri-La.”  

In his new role, Ozel will focus on driving operational excellence, strengthening commercial performance and further elevating Shangri-La’s distinctive hospitality experience across these three iconic European destinations. His appointment reflects the Group’s strategic emphasis on leadership continuity and its ambition to deliver world-class service in markets where luxury hospitality is both competitive and evolving.  

Shangri-La, the flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, is renowned for placing heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality. Through imaginative design, culinary innovation and authentic service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La. Today, the brand’s presence spans more than 90 deluxe hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and North America, offering guests inspiring experiences in some of the world’s most celebrated destinations.  

The Group’s contemporary travel lifestyle platform, Shangri-La Circle, further enhances the guest journey by offering members exclusive benefits across over 100 properties worldwide. From dining and wellness to family experiences, Shangri-La Circle embodies the brand’s philosophy that life should be fun, limitless and full of possibilities.  

Ozel’s appointment signals a renewed focus on Europe for Shangri-La, reinforcing its ambition to blend the art of Asian hospitality with the cultural richness of London, Paris and Istanbul. With his proven leadership and passion for service excellence, he is set to play a defining role in shaping the next chapter of Shangri-La’s journey in the region.