Kenya: Park Inn Radisson announces opening with appointment of new boss

By Seth Green

Park Inn Radisson, Minneapolis-based, hotel chain owned by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will soon open doors to its first property in Westlands Nairobi.

The new hotel will be run by its newly appointed General Manager, Carsten Wappler. This marks the opening of the second property in Nairobi by The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world.

Drawing on more than two decades of hotel industry experience, Wappler will be responsible for the pre-opening and all operations at the property, which is owned by AMS Properties and set as a landmark in Westlands.

Park Inn by Radisson Nairobi Westlands is the fifth address that Wappler has worked at, since joining Rezidor in 2010. He arrived from Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka in Zambia, where he formed part of the pre-opening team in 2012 as Executive Assistant Manager. Wappler also served as Acting General Manager for the Park Inn Tete in Mozambique in 2014 and was a part of the pre-opening team for the Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos in Nigeria and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Split in Croatia.

Commenting on his appointment, Carsten Wappler said, “It is such an honor to have been selected for this great role and property. I am truly thrilled and look forward to work with the phenomenal team and partners to further our footprint and customer satisfaction in the region.”

Prior to joining Rezidor, he was based in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and China, having risen from Food and Beverage Manager to Executive Chef and thereafter Hotel Manager within various international hotel companies. Born in Germany, Wappler graduated in Hospitality Management Administration at the HOGA Dresden in 2003.

The hotel has also appointed Charles Gachomo as the hotels Executive Chef. The UK trained chef brings on board a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years in the hotel industry, having risen through the ranks from a head chef in Scotland in 2003.

He has been awarded the coveted one AA rosette food accolade, His meticulous attention to detail and conversant with the latest market trends in the industry has seen him hold various senior positions within the industry in the United Kingdom.

“Charles’ exemplary record of devising exciting and innovative menus, expertly overseeing the preparation and presentation of food to the highest standards will delight guests and ensure an unrivalled experience. We are thrilled to have such a talent form part of our team,” said Wappler.

The new hotel is expected to be vibrant, friendly and uncomplicated brand designed for the modern traveller. The brand add colour to life through flexible and functional spaces, staff and energy at any of its 140+ hotels across the globe.

Park Inn by Radisson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza® and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM.

Rezidor Hotel Group manages 1,370 hotels in more than 110 countries, is building 35 outlets in Africa.