Director of Sales & Marketing

Kempinski Hotels S.A. is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. The group now has its head office in Geneva but was founded in Berlin in 1897 as the 'Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft'.

The Director of Sales & Marketing is responsible for crafting and implementing the annual commercial strategy and business plan for both hotel properties, focusing on increasing market share across various segments. This role involves close collaboration with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory, and distribution channels. The director will identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and feeder markets for both Nairobi and Masai Mara locations. Key duties include supervising the creation of the Sales & Marketing Plan, ensuring effective communication with Global Sales Offices, and owning the annual marketing and communication plan in line with Kempinski brand guidelines. The role also entails overseeing all brand, digital, and offline marketing efforts, working with regional/corporate agencies for media coverage, monitoring marketing ROI, and representing the hotels in industry forums. Adherence to Kempinski standards and accurate reporting are crucial. Candidates should possess significant experience (7-10+ years) in hotel Sales & Marketing, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership capacity within an international 5-star/luxury brand, demonstrating a proven track record of revenue growth and market share improvement. Excellent relationship-building, negotiation skills, and experience in managing high-performing teams are essential. A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or Marketing is required, with professional training in Sales, Marketing, or Revenue Management being a plus.

1. Develop and execute the annual commercial strategy and business plan for both properties.
2. Drive market share growth across key segments.
3. Collaborate with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory, and distribution.
4. Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and feeder markets for both Nairobi and Masai Mara.
5. Supervise the preparation and definition of the Sales & Marketing Plan and manual, participating in setting policies, procedures, and objectives.
6. Ensure regular and appropriate communication with Global Sales Offices to support team goals.
7. Own the annual marketing and communication plan for both properties, adhering to Kempinski brand guidelines.
8. Oversee all brand, digital, and offline marketing activities.
9. Work with regional/corporate marketing and PR agencies to secure strong media coverage and brand visibility.
10. Monitor the ROI of all marketing spend and optimize the channel mix.
11. Represent the hotels in local and international industry forums, tourism bodies, and community/CSR initiatives.
12. Ensure adherence to Kempinski sales and marketing standards, systems, and reporting requirements.
13. Oversee accurate and timely reporting, including forecasts, budgets, month-end commentary, pipeline, account production, and market intelligence.
14. Supervise the quotation of group, travel agency, and international corporate rates, ensuring Global Sales Offices are informed.

1. Significant experience (7-10+ years) in hotel Sales & Marketing, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role (Director of Sales, Director of Sales & Marketing, or equivalent) in an international 5-star/luxury brand.
2. Proven track record of delivering revenue growth and improving market share in a competitive environment.
3. Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills with corporate clients, travel trade, and partners.
4. Experience managing and developing high-performing sales and marketing teams.
5. Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
6. Professional training or certification in Sales, Marketing, or Revenue Management is a plus.