Radisson Hotel Group has promoted Sandra Kneubuhler to Managing Director for Sub Sahara Africa after she previously served as Country Director of Sales and District Director for South Africa.

Sandra, who is based in Johannesburg, will oversee the Group’s operations in English-speaking African countries and continues to build on its strong presence and success.

Radisson Hotel Group says since joining the company in February 2019 she has exhibited extraordinary leadership qualities and has also exhibited commitment to excellence.

According to the Group, she played a pivotal role in developing and leading its Cluster Sales Team in South Africa to propel the international hotel group as a regional hospitality leader.

Radisson indicated that she guided the group to realise an impressive growth, which included an 11 per cent increase in corporate revenue during her first year in office.

The group indicated that Sandra also steered the commercial and operational teams in South Africa with an aim of delivering long-term and strategic value for all stakeholders.

She is also credited with the group’s strong showing across all key performance indicators including market share, profitability, guest satisfaction as well as employee engagement.

The appointment is part of Radisson Hotel Group’s strategic plan to invest in regional talent and enhance its footprint across Africa, which is one of the company’s key growth markets.

Sandra boasts of vast experience in African hospitality with proficiency in strategic revenue growth, team development, and operational excellence to grow the Group’s regional forays.

Radisson Hotel Group Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa and South East Asia Pacific, Tim Cordon lauded Sandra for taking up her new vital role as the MD for Africa.

“Her leadership and achievements within South Africa have set a new benchmark, and we are confident that she will continue to bring success to our wider operations in Africa,” said Cordon.

He added: “Sandra’s extensive knowledge of the African market and her dedication to operational excellence make her the ideal candidate to drive excellence across the continent.”

Prior to joining Radisson Hotel Group, Sandra enjoyed an illustrious career in hospitality spanning more than two decades, with vast experience at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

At Hyatt, her roles included Global Sales Director for Africa, where she successfully launched new global sales offices, generating a 30 per cent revenue surge within two years.

She also held leadership positions in Qatar and South Africa, including Acting General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing, with her insight growing profits significantly.

“I am honored to take on this new role and to lead our talented teams across Africa,” said Sandra.

She added, “Radisson Hotel Group’s dedication to innovation and excellence resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to driving continued growth and success across our markets in Africa.”

Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, which operates in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,430 hotels currently in operation and under development in more than 95 countries.