The Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of more than 425 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries, names Dean Bannon as vice president, member success and development. Formerly managing director, EMEA, Bannon will relocate from London to New York and assume expanded global responsibilities.
In this newly-elevated role, Bannon will lead LHW’s global member relationship management teams, overseeing member success and membership development across the portfolio. He will focus on strengthening partnerships with member hotels worldwide, supporting hotel performance, and guiding thoughtful portfolio growth aligned with LHW’s commitment to remarkable quality, remarkable individuals and uncommon experiences.
Bannon has more than two decades of senior leadership experience across luxury hospitality, commercial strategy, revenue generation and strategic market growth. Since joining LHW, he has played a pivotal role in advancing commercial performance across the EMEA region while cultivating trusted, long-term relationships with member hotels.
A former hotelier, Bannon brings a practical, on-property perspective grounded in a deep understanding of owner and operator needs. Prior to joining LHW, he held senior commercial leadership roles across Europe, including commercial director at Grand Hôtel Stockholm and director of sales for First Hotels Sweden. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe.
“As an organization proudly owned and led by its member hoteliers since 1928, LHW is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for independent luxury hospitality. Dean’s proven leadership at one of our member hotels and within LHW make him well positioned to further elevate the member experience,” Chris Walker, SVP and chief commercial officer, said in a statement. “This promotion allows us to build on the strong momentum he has helped create across our global portfolio, while continuing to thoughtfully develop our membership and drive meaningful value for our hotels worldwide.”
Bannon will report to Walker, who will also continue to lead LHW’s Global Sales organization, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment across key commercial functions.
As part of this evolution, Craig Adamson succeeds Bannon as managing director, EMEA sales and will relocate from Sydney to London. Additionally, Fiza Han expands her responsibilities as interim managing director, APAC Sales, while Armanda Santangeli continues to lead Americas sales.