HSMAI Europe Appoints Kostas Ioannidis as Sales Advisory Board Chair for 2024

HSMAI Europe, the European arm of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable revenue growth globally, has appointed experienced hospitality professional, Kostas Ioannidis, as its Sales Advisory Board Chair for 2024.

Kostas, who currently serves as Sales Director, Global Sales Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts, brings a wealth of hospitality sector experience and expertise to the advisory board. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and a deep understanding of sales and marketing dynamics within the industry.

In his new capacity, Kostas will play a crucial role in guiding the HSMAI Sales Advisory Board initiatives, contributing to the development and implementation of strategies that promote excellence in sales within the hospitality sector. His proven track record of driving revenue growth and fostering innovative sales practices positions him as an invaluable asset to the advisory board.

“I am truly honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair for the HSMAI Europe Sales Advisory Board in 2024,” said Kostas Ioannidis. “The hospitality industry is undergoing dynamic changes and I look forward to collaborating with other industry leaders to address emerging challenges and capitalise on new opportunities. Together, we will strive to elevate sales practices, foster collaboration, and drive success for our member organisations.”

As Chair, Kostas is supported by a stellar line-up of HSMAI Sales Advisory Board members, including:

• Evert Schuele, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Hurtigruten
• Anant Vithlani, Vice President Sales at Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels)
• Kerstin Gibert, Regional Director of Sales Germany at Premier Inn
• Jostein Brustad, Vice President Sales at Thon Hotels
• Jane Griffiths, Global Sales Director at Clermont Hotel Group
• Annie Kristi Korsmo, Director of Sales at Nordic Hotels & Resorts

Kostas’ appointment not only reflects his individual accomplishments, but HSMAI’s commitment to leadership development within the organisation.

Congratulating him on this notable appointment, Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO, HSMAI Region Europe, said: “It is a privilege to have someone of Kostas’ calibre join the HSMAI Europe Sales Advisory Board as its new Chair, imparting his expertise for the benefit of the industry and its people. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on HSMAI initiatives throughout the year as he leverages the collective expertise of the advisory board’s exceptional hospitality sales talent.”

She added: “Evert Schuele is stepping down from his role as Chair but will continue as a valued member of the advisory board. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Evert for his valuable contribution over the past years and for his ongoing support.

HSMAI Europe provides practical tools, insights, and cutting-edge expertise to enable knowledge sharing and enhance professional development as well as fuel sales, inspire marketing, transform businesses digitally and optimise revenue. HSMAI’s advisory boards help facilitate this mission, providing the organisation’s members with insights in their areas of expertise.

The first Sales Advisory Board meeting of 2024 will take place in person in Stockholm on February 28.