Hakan Ozel to lead three Shangri-La hotels in Europe

Hakan Ozel has been appointed Vice President, Operations at Shangri-La Group, with responsibility for Shangri-La The Shard, London; Shangri-La Paris; and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.

His remit covers operational performance, commercial results and the guest experience across the three hotels. The appointment brings a long-serving Shangri-La leader to a portfolio spanning three distinct European destinations.

Hakan Ozel’s new European remit

Ozel brings more than 28 years of international hospitality experience, including over two decades with Shangri-La. He most recently served as Vice President, Operations for the Middle East alongside his position as General Manager of Shangri-La Dubai.

According to the appointment announcement, his work in Dubai included developing the hotel’s market positioning, operational performance and service standards. His wider career includes senior leadership roles across Asia and the Middle East.

Discussing his priorities for the new role, Ozel highlighted the strengths of the hotel teams, memorable guest experiences and encouraging more guests to join the Shangri-La Circle community. The announcement did not specify an effective date.

A career across international markets

The move follows earlier regional responsibilities within the group. In 2023, Ozel was promoted to Area General Manager, Operations across the Middle East, Europe, India and Americas while continuing to lead Shangri-La Dubai. His previous remit therefore already included European hotels.

Before Dubai, he was General Manager of China World Summit Wing in Beijing. His career with Shangri-La has also taken him to Dalian, Shenzhen, Wenzhou and Tianjin in China, as well as Muscat and Jakarta.

That background combines property leadership with oversight across multiple markets. The latest appointment concentrates his responsibilities on the group’s hotels in London, Paris and Istanbul.

Three hotels with distinct identities

Shangri-La The Shard, London begins on level 34 of the landmark tower, overlooking the River Thames. The hotel places guests close to Borough Market and the wider South Bank.

Shangri-La Paris occupies the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte in the 16th arrondissement. The property holds Palace distinction and Monument Historique status, with views towards the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.

In Istanbul, Shangri-La Bosphorus is housed in a historic 1930s building in Beşiktaş, on the European shore of the Bosphorus near Dolmabahçe Palace.

Across the three properties, Ozel’s stated priorities combine commercial performance with Shangri-La’s approach to Asian hospitality. The task will be to work with each hotel’s team while maintaining the character of its destination.

For more leadership moves, read WINC Wire’s coverage of Michelle Walder’s operations role at Iconic Hotels & Resorts and Antoine Gizardin’s regional commercial appointment at Accor.

Sources

Red Bird Travel News LinkedIn announcement; Red Bird Travel News appointment report; Hospitality Net appointment announcement; Hospitality Net career background; Shangri-La London; Shangri-La Paris; Shangri-La Istanbul.