With more than 20 years’ experience, Stijn has built a respected career in the hospitality industry, working with some of the world’s most well-known brands, including Relais & Châteaux, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, and W Hotels.

Stijn started his hospitality career in the kitchens as a chef for the two Michelin-starred restaurant in Belgium, which informed his agile, forward-thinking, and people-centric leadership style. Since then, Stijn has held numerous roles in hotel operations across the globe—from Warsaw to Stockholm, London to Barcelona—for some of the most iconic properties in the Marriott International portfolio. 

During his five-year tenure at the famed W Barcelona, Stijn was awarded the prestigious General Manager of the Year award at the 2019 European Hotel Awards, which recognized him for his exceptional leadership and business acumen. Most recently, Stijn was Complex General Manager for three Marriott International properties in Mallorca: The St. Regis Mardavall Resort, Castillo Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel; and Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel.

Now, as Managing Director of Design Hotels, Stijn oversees the performance and growth of Design Hotels—spearheading its vision for the future and ensuring it remains at the forefront of travel and culture.

In his spare time, Stijn continues to cook up a storm in the kitchen, mostly for his wife and two daughters; enjoys putting his five languages into practice by traveling extensively, and exploring his new hometown of Berlin.