EHL Group names new chief executive
EHL Group, a hospitality management and business education group, has appointed Dr Achim Schmitt as its next CEO, effective January 1, 2027. Schmitt will succeed current CEO Dr Markus Venzin, who will remain in the role until the end of the year.
Schmitt brings extensive international academic leadership experience and has been instrumental in strengthening EHL’s academic foundations. As the next CEO, his mission will be to place EHL’s educational mandate at the center of the Group’s activities, while ensuring academic rigor and operational excellence.
Under Venzin’s leadership, the institution sharpened its strategic direction, reinforcing its Swiss and international presence and achieving major quality recognitions with the AACSB accreditation and BCorp certification. Dr Carole Ackermann, Chairwoman of the Board of EHL Group, praised Venzin’s leadership, saying he has helped position EHL for long-term success.
Ackermann expressed the Board’s gratitude for Venzin’s outstanding leadership and contributions. The Board believes that EHL is entering a new phase of development, with strong student demand, campuses in Switzerland and Asia, solid financial performance, and a strengthened international reputation.
New CEO Appointed
The Board has selected Schmitt as the next CEO of EHL Group due to his academic excellence, international leadership experience, and collaborative leadership style. Ackermann noted that the world is experiencing profound geopolitical, societal, and technological change, and in this environment, the focus must remain clear: education.
Venzin commented on the transition, saying that the time is right to activate the succession plan and support the next generation of leadership. He expressed confidence that Schmitt and the entire team will successfully lead EHL into its next chapter.
Schmitt commented that his priority will be to continue to place the schools and students at the heart of everything EHL does. He will work closely with the leadership team and the Board to prepare the next strategic cycle and ensure a seamless transition.
Venzin will continue to support EHL as Vice President in the International Advisory Board after his departure as CEO. Schmitt will assume his new role on January 1, 2027, and will lead the group’s activities, focusing on practical arts and human-centered leadership that prepares students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Global Leadership Position
With 3 campuses in Switzerland and Singapore, and a student body of 4,000 from more than 120 nationalities, EHL Group is well-positioned to maintain its global leadership position as a hospitality and business education institution.
Dr Achim Schmitt is the new CEO.
EHL Group has a strong presence globally.
Future Direction Unveiled
The appointment of Schmitt as the next CEO of EHL Group marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the hospitality and business education system. As a seasoned academic leader, Schmitt is well-equipped to work through the complexities of the industry and drive EHL’s continued success. His experience in strengthening EHL’s academic foundations will be invaluable in shaping the institution’s future direction and ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Under Schmitt’s leadership, EHL is expected to build on its existing strengths, including its commitment to practical arts and human-centered leadership. The institution’s focus on delivering high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges of the industry will remain a top priority, with Schmitt working closely with the leadership team and the Board to drive innovation and excellence. As EHL continues to grow and expand its global presence, Schmitt’s international leadership experience will be essential in guiding the institution’s strategic direction and supporting strong relationships with industry partners and stakeholders.
The transition from Venzin to Schmitt is expected to be seamless, with Venzin remaining in the role until the end of the year and continuing to support EHL as Vice President in the International Advisory Board. This ensures continuity and stability, allowing Schmitt to hit the ground running when he assumes his new role on January 1, 2027. With a strong foundation in place, EHL is poised for continued success under Schmitt’s leadership, and the institution is well-positioned to maintain its global leadership position as a hospitality and business education institution.
