Ace Group International Appoints New Executive Leaders to Drive Future Growth and Innovation

Image generated with Ai

Ace Group International has announced the appointment of new executive leaders aimed at enhancing the company’s growth trajectory and fortifying its leadership team as the brand continues to expand its global presence.

Chris Penn, former Managing Director of Ace Hotel London, is rejoining the company as Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Penn has managed a diverse range of hotels, specializing in the lifestyle sector. Notably, he played a pivotal role in launching Ace Hotel London in 2013, which became a cornerstone of both the hotel’s financial success and the broader cultural and business transformation of the Shoreditch area. In 2020, Penn founded Birch, a UK-based lifestyle brand that earned recognition as The Times and Sunday Times’ Hotel of the Year. Throughout his career, he has consulted for various hospitality projects, including urban hotels, eco-tourism, and extended stay accommodations. As CEO, Penn will oversee all business operations, focusing on growth and the long-term commercial success of the company’s expanding portfolio.

Mostafa Abdella, with a distinguished 25-year career in the hotel industry, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. Abdella’s career trajectory includes key leadership roles in finance before transitioning to senior management positions, including his previous role as Managing Director of Ace Hotel London following Penn’s initial tenure. He has also consulted on projects across several international markets, including the UK, Egypt, the UAE, Canada, and Greece. In his new role, Abdella will manage the company’s finance, operations, revenue, IT, HR, and food and beverage sectors. His focus will be on elevating guest experience while driving increased profitability across Ace’s global properties.

Managing Partner of Ace Group International / Atelier Ace Brad Wilson says, “Chris and Mostafa are both seasoned, highly regarded operators with global experience and an intimate understanding of the Ace brand. Their long history of successful partnership will be a major advantage as we continue to seek development opportunities both domestically and internationally. I look forward to combining our expertise and working hand-in-hand to deliver growth and commercial success to our development partners.”

Meriem Soliman has been appointed Chief Brand Officer. Soliman has been with Ace since 2012, initially serving as General Counsel, where she developed deep expertise across various business areas, from design to marketing, operations, and finance. In 2021, she expanded her role to President while maintaining her General Counsel duties. Soliman’s extensive background will enable her to continue shaping and expanding the Ace brand on a global scale.

Wilson says, “Meriem knows the Ace brand inside and out, and has been a key part of its evolution over the last decade. Her relationships across art and design, food and beverage, and cultural and non-profit institutions are unmatched and there’s no one that makes a more natural steward of the brand at this moment in time. This role shift will allow Meriem to apply her enormous amount of knowledge about the commercial side of the business to the brand side, developing strategies that will drive audience acquisition and market share.”

While Wilson will continue to lead Ace Group International, these appointments reflect the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while strategically expanding its footprint worldwide.