Capella Hotel Group has appointed Roland Fasel as president, effective 6 April, bringing in a seasoned luxury hospitality executive with more than 30 years of international experience to chart the company’s ambitious growth across key global markets.
Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts aims to double the current portfolio by 2030.
The group has only one hotel in Australia, Capella Sydney, near Circular Quay which opened in March 2023. With 192 rooms and suites Capella Sydney occupies a restored heritage sandstone building that was formerly the NSW Department of Education headquarters. It features several restaurants and bars, plus a wellness spa, indoor pool, and event spaces.
It was also named Best City Hotel in Australia and New Zealand in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards last year and was ranked No.12 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, the highest-placed Australian property.
Fasel brings a track record of leading operations at some of the world’s most distinguished luxury hotel brands. Most recently, as Group chief operating 0fficer at Maybourne Hotel Group, Fasel oversaw an iconic portfolio including Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and The Maybourne Riviera.
Prior to Maybourne, Fasel spent six years as COO at Aman Resorts (2017–2023), where he managed global operations during a period of significant expansion. He oversaw the opening of properties including Amanyangyun in China, Aman Kyoto in Japan, and the landmark Aman New York.
Fasel also served as general manager at Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, where he led an US$80 million repositioning that returned the property to profitability and market leadership. He was instrumental to the launch of the Dorchester Collection, serving nine years as General Manager of The Dorchester and Regional Director UK overseeing Coworth Park and 45 Park Lane as well.
He started his career journey with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in the United States before holding progressive leadership roles across Southeast Asia, culminating into his first General Manager assignment with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.
“Roland brings the rare combination of strategic vision and operational expertise to lead Capella Hotel Group through its next chapter of growth,” Capella Hotel Group vice chairman, Evan Kwee, said.
“He has transformed iconic properties by elevating both culture and performance, proving that excellence in luxury hospitality is both an art and a discipline. As we expand globally, we need a leader who can strengthen our competitive position while deepening the culture that differentiates us.”
