Belmond appoints new chief executive

Belmond’s chief operating officer will become the brand’s new chief executive on July 1.

Dan Ruff succeeds Roeland Vos, who has been at the helm of the company for the past eight years.

A statement from Belmond said Vos would continue his role as chairman of the board of Belmond Ltd and will provide support to the organisation on specific projects and advisory topics.

Ruff has been chief operating officer at Belmond since 2018, leading the company’s strategic focus on operational, commercial and property excellence and guiding the teams through the pandemic.

Ruff has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and prior to joining Belmond held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group across operations, asset management and mergers and acquisitions. He also served on the Supervisory Board of Design Hotels AG.

Ruff began his career at Credit Suisse First Boston in the investment banking division.

"I'm very pleased to hand over the reins of the company to Dan,” Vos said.

“I have known him for a very long time. He will provide continuity in the journey for excellence that Belmond is on whilst pushing boundaries. I am convinced that he will succeed in taking the team and the brand to the next level."

Ruff added: "I'm truly honoured to become chief executive of this extraordinary company, with its passionate and genuine people, and legendary properties. Together, we will continue to strive to offer incomparable travel experiences to our guests, and become the world's most desirable luxury travel brand."

Ruff will report directly to Stéphane Rinderknech, chairman and chief executive of LVMH Hospitality Excellence. He will continue to be based in London.