Speakers

Kurt Macher is an internationally acclaimed hotelier with over 34 years of 360-degree expertise in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector. He currently serves as Area General Manager of Operations for London and Paris for Shangri-La Group and General Manager of Shangri-La The Shard, London, where he leads a team of more than 600 employees with distinction. In addition, he holds the strategic title of Innovation and Luxury Customer Experience Lead for the MEIA region (Middle East, India, and Africa), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of service excellence and brand differentiation across key global markets.

Over the course of his career, Kurt has held senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Peninsula Group, and Swire Hotels. His global footprint spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and now the United Kingdom, giving him a rare depth of cultural fluency and operational insight that consistently sets him apart in the international hospitality landscape.

A true visionary, Kurt is celebrated for redefining the guest journey through innovative, emotionally resonant experiences - from large-scale seasonal activations to storytelling-led engagement strategies. His creative approach continues to elevate brand presence and transform traditional hospitality into unforgettable, high-impact moments.

Passionately committed to inclusion and representation, Kurt was honoured with the “OutThere Champion” award in 2024 for his advocacy of LGBTQ+ visibility in luxury travel and his enduring work in creating welcoming, diverse spaces. He also extends his leadership beyond the hotel industry, serving on the Board of Non-Executive Directors for Team London Bridge, where he contributes to the ongoing cultural, economic, and community development of the area.