Veteran hotelier Arthur Gillis is stepping down as CEO of Platinum Hospitality Holdings after 50 years in the hospitality industry with the next generation, Anton Gillis (currently COO), taking over the role.
Arthur has become Chairman focusing on long-term strategy, governance and mentoring the executive team.
The leadership change follows Arthur’s 12 years at the helm of the South African hotel ownership and management group. Its portfolio comprises 14 South African properties, including Kruger Gate Hotel and 13 Protea Hotels by Marriott.
He was previously MD of Protea Hotels for 26 years when the portfolio grew from four hotels to 116 properties across seven countries. He also negotiated the group’s R2 billion sale to Marriott International in 2014.
“50 years in this industry have taught me that great hospitality businesses are built on people, standards and trust and that the finest thing a leader can do is ensure those endure beyond him,” said Arthur. “I have every confidence that Anton is the right person to lead Platinum Hospitality Holdings into its next chapter and I look forward to supporting him and our exceptional team as Chairman.”
Anton’s appointment followed an independent Board process when Arthur recused himself. “In reaching its unanimous decision, the Board recognised Anton’s outstanding contribution to Kruger Gate Hotel, to the Platinum Hospitality hotel companies and, in particular, to Hospitality Asset Management Company together with the qualifications, experience and proven track record that made him the clear choice for the role,” Platinum Hospitality Holdings said in a statement.
No significant changes are planned for the group’s management team or operations.
Under the new leadership structure, it plans to pursue additional hotel management contracts and market opportunities while expanding its revenue management, digital marketing and commercial activities.
“We see significant opportunity in this next phase: in expanding the portfolio and in scaling the group’s revenue management service, which offers independent and managed hotels access to institutional-grade revenue optimisation. Under Anton’s leadership, we believe the group is exceptionally well placed to capture the growth on offer in South African tourism,” said David Kuming, Non-Executive Director of Platinum Hospitality Holdings and representative of Investec’s Investment Banking Origination division.
