Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Sandra Kneubuhler as the new Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic push to strengthen its foothold across the African continent. Kneubuhler, based in Johannesburg, will be responsible for overseeing operations across English-speaking African countries. This appointment is seen as a commitment from Radisson to expand its presence in one of its most promising growth markets.
Since joining Radisson in 2019, Kneubuhler has demonstrated remarkable leadership, propelling the Group’s growth and establishing its dominance in South Africa. Her transition from Country Director of Sales and District Director of South Africa to her new role as Managing Director reflects her track record of operational excellence, strategic insight, and her role as a driving force behind Radisson’s success in the region. Her accomplishments in these roles helped pave the way for Radisson’s strategic growth, making her an ideal candidate to now lead the company’s vision across Africa.
Proven Leadership in South Africa
Kneubuhler’s impact on Radisson’s operations has been substantial. During her tenure as the Country Director of Sales and District Director, she played an instrumental role in developing and leading Radisson’s Cluster Sales Team in South Africa, positioning Radisson as a hospitality leader. Under her guidance, Radisson saw an 11% increase in corporate revenue in her first year. Her efforts have been credited for cultivating high-performing teams and implementing long-term, strategic value initiatives that have delivered substantial outcomes across all key performance indicators, including market share, profitability, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Kneubuhler’s comprehensive approach and innovative strategies have set her apart as a visionary leader. She led both commercial and operational teams with a consistent focus on sustainability and stakeholder value. Her holistic approach has created a well-rounded environment that prioritizes the guest experience while also addressing broader business objectives, helping Radisson maintain high standards in an increasingly competitive market.
Strategic Focus and Expertise
Kneubuhler’s new role will expand her influence to oversee Radisson’s operations across English-speaking markets in Africa. According to a statement from Radisson, her promotion is a testament to the Group’s dedication to investing in regional talent and expanding its operations across the African continent. Her extensive experience in the African hospitality sector, paired with her ability to drive revenue growth and team development, has uniquely prepared her for this role.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Kneubuhler brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her new position. Prior to joining Radisson, she held several senior roles at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she successfully launched new global sales offices as Global Sales Director for Africa, achieving a 30% revenue increase within two years. Her career has spanned roles in Qatar and South Africa, including Acting General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing. This background has equipped her with the financial acumen and strategic insight necessary to thrive in dynamic environments and guide her teams to new heights.
Vision for Radisson Hotel Group’s Future in Africa
Kneubuhler’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Radisson as it seeks to enhance its regional operations and capitalize on Africa’s growing hospitality market. Her leadership in South Africa has set a new standard within Radisson, and her familiarity with the unique dynamics of African markets positions her to further elevate the Group’s brand presence. Tim Cordon, Radisson’s Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia Pacific, expressed confidence in her leadership, stating, “Her leadership and achievements within South Africa have set a new benchmark, and we are confident that she will continue to bring success to our wider operations in Africa.”
In a statement, Kneubuhler expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and reiterated her commitment to advancing Radisson’s growth and service excellence across Africa. “I am honored to take on this new role and to lead our talented teams across Africa,” she said. “Radisson Hotel Group’s dedication to innovation and excellence resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to driving continued growth and success across our markets in Africa.”
Strengthening Radisson’s Commitment to Africa
Radisson’s emphasis on regional leadership underscores its commitment to empowering leaders with in-depth market knowledge. Kneubuhler’s appointment highlights the company’s strategy to localize its leadership and understand the specific needs of African guests. Her career achievements and innovative approach align with Radisson’s mission of delivering exceptional guest experiences, adapting to local cultures, and fostering sustainable growth in each market.
As Kneubuhler takes on this broader role, the hospitality industry will be watching closely to see how her strategic vision unfolds across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her proven ability to cultivate high-performing teams, drive revenue, and enhance operational efficiency has set the stage for an exciting era of growth for Radisson Hotel Group in Africa.
With Kneubuhler at the helm, Radisson Hotel Group is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of Africa’s hospitality sector, promising an enhanced guest experience and a strengthened market position across the continent.
