Gonzalo Aguilar to Become Europe & Americas CEO, Minor Hotels
Aguilar, joining Minor Hotels from Marriott, will spearhead the group’s growth strategy for Europe and the Americas.
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 hospitality group operating over 550 hotels, resorts and residences in 56 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfils the needs and desires of today’s global travellers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026.
Related Articles
Visionaries: Kelly Hoppen CBE reflects on a career at the forefront of design
Posted in People
Her neutral palettes redefined contemporary interiors. Now, in conversation with SPACE magazine, K...
Read more
HBA San Francisco Reimagines Luxury Cabin Experience at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the Canadian Rockies
Posted in News, sticky-news
Modern interiors immersed in the breathtaking landscape of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Against ...
Read more
Anthology by Style Library Contract
Testimonials
“SPACE has excellently researched, well-rounded, and informative editorial, presented in a stylish glossy layout, which is ideally suited to the calibre of our clients. The team, both editorial and advertising, are knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. Working with them is always a pleasure.”
Karen Brooks, Esprit Media Ltd
“Working closely with Space magazine, means that Barlow Tyrie products are seen by the right target audience and relative to premiere outdoor garden spaces.”
Steven Still, Barlow Tyrie
"Armourcoat has partnered with Space Magazine since launch in 2015, and is now regarded as an essential part of our international marketing strategy. Recognising the scale of subscribers and quality of content, we truly value the opportunity the platform (both in print and digital) presents."
Daniel Nevitt, Armourcoat
"We have partnered with SPACE Magazine since it’s launch and SPACE have now become one of our most influential media partners. Their readership of senior hoteliers and interior designers are exactly the audience we invite to attend the Independent Hotel Show and SPACE delivers on helping us position our brand in front of them. Not only does SPACE have the readership we want but they also work with us to tailor content they think is right which when time poor is much needed. I couldn’t recommend SPACE enough."
Sam Chance, Fresh Montgomery




