Florian co-founded Hotelhero, a successful hotel tech startup that was eventually purchased by Apaleo. He is an industry thought leader, advocating for the importance of technology in the hospitality sector and providing innovative solutions to complex problems. He has been a panelist and keynote speaker at leading industry conferences including HITEC 2018 and IHIF 2019, guest lecturer at various hotel schools like EHL and The Hague, a member of several Technology expert groups including HSMA Technology Expert Circle and Fraunhofer IAO Future Hotel, as well as co-founder and host of Smack hospitality podcast.
Ulrich Pillau, Co-Founder and CEO of Apaleo said, “Florian has been a key player in the Apaleo leadership team since he joined and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic and operational decisions. His expert input is highly valued and sought after by his colleagues. As VP of Business Development, Florian heads the commercial strategy and team at Apaleo, and has been a driving force behind the company’s rapid growth to over 900+ hotels in 15 countries.”
ISHC’s CEO Andrea Belfanti commented, “Florian’s career as an entrepreneur and rising hospitality leader is an inspiration and a great example of someone who is passionate about the hospitality industry and already making an incredible impact. ISHC is proud to continue this partnership with IHIF to recognize and encourage the future leaders or our industry.”
“Our theme for IHIF this year was ‘Fortune Favours the Bold’ and never has a winner embodied the theme in such a fantastic way. Florian clearly made some bold decisions, and demonstrated admirable leadership and strategic qualities when he began his startup company and is continuing to demonstrate his influence as part of Apaleo’s leadership team. He is one to watch and a highly deserved winner of this year’s ISHC Young Leader Award. Questex is delighted to continue our work with the ISHC in recognizing young talent in the wonderful industry that is hospitality.” commented Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Travel and Hospitality, Questex.
The Young Leader Award was established by ISHC and IHIF in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry.
Candidates must meet the following criteria and be nominated by someone they work with:
- 35 years of age or younger. Born on or after 23 May 1988
- Currently works for or directly within the hotel sector
- Is recognized by peers and industry members as an emerging leader in the hotel industry
- Whose contributions are already making an impact on the hotel industry
Respected CEOs from across the hotel industry reviewed a shortlist of nomination forms of outstanding candidates before voting on the winner.
Tags: International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), Ulrich Pillau, Apaleo
