International hospitality and leisure advisory firm RLA Global, known for its industry reports on wellness property revenues, has appointed Henning Matthiesen as non-executive director.

Matthiesen has more than two decades of experience as a GM and MD at luxury hotels in Europe. His appointment is seen by RLA Global as a way to strengthen the company’s resort and hotel consulting practice.

Most recently, Matthiesen was managing director of Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany. He oversaw a significant redevelopment of the 150-year-old property, which involved meeting sustainability standards while protecting the structure’s heritage during ongoing operations.

Previously, his career has included roles such as GM at the Rocco Forte Collection property, The Augustine Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic; GM of Grand Hotel Heiligendamm in Germany; and managing director of Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne, Germany.

Roger Allen, group CEO of RLA Global, said: “What Henning brings to RLA Global is something genuinely rare: the perspective of a career hotelier who has led landmark properties through openings, major renovations and full-scale repositioning, from the inside out. 

“For our resort and hotel consulting work, this lived operational understanding is invaluable. Our clients need advisors who have stood in their shoes – and Henning has done so at the highest level.”

Matthiesen said: “I’m excited about this partnership with RLA Global because the firm has built exactly the kind of advisory practice the luxury hospitality sector needs – and a reputation that reflects it. I am proud to be part of that and look forward to contributing to the work.”