Aguilar, joining Minor Hotels from Marriott, will spearhead the group's growth strategy for Europe and the Americas
Aragonés will continue to sit on the Minor Hotels Europe & Americas Board of Directors and serve as Non-Executive Vice Chairman
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced the appointment of Gonzalo Aguilar as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas CEO from 1 January 2025. Aguilar will replace current CEO Ramón Aragonés, who will retire and leave his chief executive role at the end of this year. Aragonés will remain a member of its Board of Directors and serve as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. Aguilar joins Minor Hotels Europe & Americas on 1 October to begin a three-month handover period with Aragonés.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and President of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, said in response to Aragonés’ retirement, “Ramón has dedicated his entire career to the hotel sector. Since joining the group, then known as NH Hotel Group, in 2009, he has been instrumental in transforming it into one of the leading hospitality groups in Europe and the Americas. He has demonstrated inspirational leadership, vision and tireless dedication throughout his tenure. Today, as we celebrate his tremendous legacy, we also extend our gratitude for his exceptional contributions to Minor Hotels.”
Commenting on Aguilar’s appointment, Rajakarier said, “Gonzalo’s deep understanding of the hospitality industry and his proven leadership will be instrumental in guiding and executing Minor Hotels Europe & Americas’ strategic business plan. His invaluable insights into the multibrand and asset-light hotel space in Europe and the Americas will set Minor Hotels on the path of continued success.”
Aguilar brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Minor Hotels. He joins the group from Marriott, where he was Chief Operating Officer for EMEA and responsible for driving growth and record earnings in the region. Throughout his career at Marriott, Aguilar oversaw numerous milestones, including the successful integration of AC Hotels following its acquisition by Marriott. Aguilar also served as General Manager of Marriott properties throughout the Americas before moving into executive positions in Europe. He began his career at Marriott in the United States in 1994 as Restaurant Manager at the Denver Marriott Tech in Colorado.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 57 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.
Contact details
-
Download vCard
- Natasha Rhymes
-
VP PR & Communications
Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, Anantara & Avani - nrhymes@minor.com
Related topics
Related news
Minor Hotels Opens Its First Property in Peru: nhow Lima
Minor Hotels launches nhow Lima, its first property in Peru, featuring innovative design, culinary excellence, and vibrant culture in Miraflores district.
Minor Hotels Delivers Resilient Earnings Growth in 1H25 Amid Macro Pressures
Minor Hotels has reported a positive first-half financial performance in 2025, with core profit rising 34% on last year despite geopolitical disruptions and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Minor Hotels Breaks Ground on First Avani Hotel in Singapore
Minor Hotels breaks ground on its first Avani Hotel in Singapore, a 200-key lifestyle property in Tanjong Pagar, opening 2027, enhancing the city's dynamic hospitality scene.
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts Lands in the Sicilian Capital with the Opening of NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano
NH Collection Hotels opens Palermo Palazzo Sitano, its second 2025 launch in Italy. Experience Sicilian heritage, luxury stays, and authentic cuisine.
Minor Hotels Appoints Michael Robinson as General Manager of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Minor Hotels appoints Michael Robinson as General Manager at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, bringing global expertise to elevate luxury on Palm Jumeirah.