Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Amsterdam Appoints Emmy Stoel as New General Manager

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Emmy Stoel as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam, effective 1 September, bringing more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience back to one of her most familiar destinations.

Stoel returns to Amsterdam following her tenure as General Manager of InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest. Her appointment comes as Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam enters its next phase following the successful introduction of the Mandarin Oriental brand at the property.

Known for her people-focused leadership, operational expertise and commitment to guest experience, Stoel will lead the Amsterdam hotel with a focus on strengthening its luxury positioning while deepening its relationship with the city and its communities.

Why is Emmy Stoel returning to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has been an important part of Stoel’s hospitality career, having previously led Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam and Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

During those leadership positions, she developed high-performing teams, supported business growth and strengthened the hotels’ relationships with Amsterdam’s local community and wider hospitality ecosystem.

Her return therefore brings an experienced Amsterdam hotel leader back to the city, this time at one of the capital’s established luxury properties under the Mandarin Oriental brand.

What experience does Emmy Stoel bring to Mandarin Oriental?

Stoel brings more than 30 years of international hospitality experience, with a career focused on luxury hotel operations, leadership, talent development and guest experience.

Her leadership has been recognised at industry level. In 2023, she was named European Hotel Manager of the Year by the European Hotel Managers Association.

The recognition reflected her leadership and her work across areas including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and talent development.

Her professional background combines operational management with a strong emphasis on people, making team development and employee engagement important components of her leadership approach.

Stoel is also an alumna of Hotel Management School Maastricht, Class of 1988.

What will Emmy Stoel focus on at Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium?

In her new position, Stoel will focus on developing the hotel’s next chapter while building on the foundations established since the Mandarin Oriental brand was introduced at the property.

Her priorities will include elevating culinary and wellness experiences, attracting and developing hospitality talent and strengthening the hotel’s connections with Amsterdam’s cultural community.

The approach reflects Mandarin Oriental’s positioning as a luxury hospitality brand that combines international service standards with a strong sense of place.

For the Amsterdam property, this means maintaining its international appeal while continuing to serve local residents and communities.

How will Stoel build on the hotel’s recent development?

Stoel joins Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium following a significant period in the property’s history, during which Susanne Hatje led the successful introduction of the Mandarin Oriental brand.

Stoel will build on that foundation as the hotel moves into its next phase.

Her experience managing major Amsterdam hotels provides a strong understanding of the city’s luxury hospitality landscape, while her international career adds experience from operating in different markets.

The combination is expected to support the property’s continued development as a destination for international travellers and Amsterdam residents.

Why is the Amsterdam community important to the hotel?

Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium has positioned itself as a luxury destination not only for visitors but also for people living in Amsterdam.

Stoel’s previous leadership roles in the city have included a focus on strengthening connections between hotels and their surrounding communities.

That experience will be relevant as she works to deepen the property’s relationship with Amsterdam’s cultural, culinary and hospitality scene.

Her focus on local engagement also complements the hotel’s objective of creating experiences that reflect the destination rather than operating solely as an international luxury hotel.

What does the appointment mean for Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium?

The appointment places an experienced luxury hotel leader at the helm of the Amsterdam property at an important stage of its development.

Stoel’s background in Amsterdam, combined with her international general management experience, provides a leadership profile closely aligned with the hotel’s next phase.

Her priorities around culinary experiences, wellness, talent and community connections are also central to maintaining the hotel’s relevance among both international luxury travellers and local guests.

The appointment further reinforces Mandarin Oriental’s focus on experienced leadership across its European portfolio.

How large is Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group?

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has grown from its Asian roots into a global luxury hospitality group operating hotels, resorts and residences across international markets.

According to the supplied company information, the group operates 33 hotels and seven residences across 23 countries and territories, while its broader development pipeline includes 44 hotels representing close to 11,000 rooms across 25 countries.

Its portfolio spans Asia, the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam therefore forms part of a wider international network while retaining a strong connection to its local destination.