On 1 October 2020, Philipp Estermann (38) took over operational responsibility as Director of Operations for the 46 sites owned by Swiss Youth Hostels. In this newly created position, his duties include further development of these sites, as well as the management of new hostels, such as the one in Laax, scheduled to open in December 2020, or in Schaan-Vaduz opening in April 2021. “With Philipp Estermann, we are delighted to have on board a professional with international experience who will be able to help our hostels move forward in today's challenging times,” comments Janine Bunte, CEO of Swiss Youth Hostels. Philipp Estermann simultaneously acts as deputy CEO.

Philipp Estermann laid the foundations for his career at Hotel Management School Thun and subsequently held a number of different positions at various establishments, finally working his way up to General Manager. These sites not only included city and mountain hotels in Switzerland but also holiday resorts overseas. In his home country, this hotel industry specialist from Central Switzerland was employed at the Dolder Grand in Zurich, the Giardino Mountain Hotel in Champfèr/St. Moritz and at The Chedi in Andermatt. He acquired international experience at The Setai in Miami Beach, Soho House Amsterdam and, most recently, at the Alila Hotel Seminyak in Bali. “I’m greatly looking forward to my new challenge at Swiss Youth Hostels. The company has enjoyed dynamic growth in recent years, but will continue to stand for authentic encounters and long-lasting holiday memories. Quality isn’t a question of stars, and we're set to build on this further in coming years,” says Estermann.

Press release (PDF)