Vice President of Business Development

About Aethos Hotels

Aethos Hotels is redefining modern hospitality by creating immersive experiences in exceptional destinations for a discerning global audience. With a growing portfolio of design-forward, lifestyle-driven hotels across Europe, and an expanding footprint into new markets, Aethos is at a pivotal growth stage. We are building a global community of members and guests who value authenticity, sustainability, and connection.

We are now seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic Vice President of Business Development to join our leadership team and play a central role in our continued expansion.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Business Development will be instrumental in driving Aethos Hotels' growth by identifying, negotiating, and closing Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and partnerships with property owners, developers, and investors. Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior leader will ensure the company’s pipeline aligns with its strategic goals and brand ethos, securing projects in key markets worldwide.

This role demands a visionary leader with a robust network in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sectors, entrepreneurial agility, and a track record of executing development deals.

• 1. Development Strategy:
• Develop and execute a global development strategy to expand Aethos Hotels into high-priority markets.
• Identifytarget regions, cities, and projects aligned with Aethos’ ethos and brand positioning.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and investment opportunities.

• 2. Pipeline Growth:
• Identify and approach potential partners, developers, and property owners.
• Secure Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and joint ventures that meet financial and strategic benchmarks.
• Manage all phases of deal structuring and negotiation, including legal and financial aspects.

• 3. Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and nurture relationships with key industry stakeholders, including developers, investors, and local governments.
• Represent Aethos Hotels at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to elevate the brand’s visibility and attractiveness to partners.

• 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner closely with design, operations, and finance teams to ensure alignment between development deals and brand standards.
• Work with legal and finance teams to assess deal feasibility and manage risk.

• 5. Leadership & Vision:
• Champion Aethos Hotels’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability, community, and authenticity.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company as a key member of the leadership team.

• Professional Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of experience in hotel development, real estate, or related fields, with a proven track record of signing HMAs and securing large-scale partnerships.
• Deep expertise in the lifestyle and luxury hospitality sector; prior experience with brands like Rosewood, Aman, Ennismore, or similar is a strong advantage.
• Established global network of developers, investors, and stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

• Entrepreneurial Drive:
• Ability to thrive in a growth-stage, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proven experience scaling a brand or business through innovative strategies and partnerships.
• Self-starter with exceptional initiative and ownership of results.

• Skills & Attributes:
• Exceptional negotiation and deal-structuring skills.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling, ROI analysis, and feasibility assessments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Deep passion for lifestyle, design, and authentic hospitality.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel extensively.

Why Join Aethos?

At Aethos, we believe in creating more than just hotels—we create meaningful spaces and experiences that inspire connection and belonging. Joining us means being part of an ambitious and fast-growing company where your contributions will directly shape our trajectory. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside a team of visionary leaders and pioneers in the hospitality industry who share a passion for innovation and excellence.