Hotel operator hires first CEO in 10+ years amid expansion plans

Amsterdam-based Cycas Hospitality has hired Matt Luscombe as the company’s first CEO since its founding in 2008 by Eduard Elias and John Wagner.

In his newly created role, Luscombe will be responsible for the firm’s next phase, which will see the business triple in size and boost its presence across Western Europe. He will join the firm in March.

The appointment follows significant expansion for Cycas, hiring three new brands in 2018 and doubling its portfolio in the process. In the last year, Cycas has expanded into Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, and announced six new senior hires to support its ambitious European growth plans to have 10,000 rooms across Europe by 2022.

Previously, Luscombe worked at InterContinental Hotels Group for 10 years. During his IHG career, Luscombe held several senior leadership positions, most recently as chief commercial officer for Europe where he was responsible for building the company’s hotel and loyalty bra