Success story: Board recruitment that elevates the leadership of the future.

As the hospitality industry evolves rapidly with advances in technology and shifting customer preferences, BWH Hotels has recognized the need for broader expertise on its board. Historically composed of hotel owners, the board is now expanding to include professionals with diverse backgrounds, particularly in digitalization and sustainability.

In this post, we talk to chairman of the election committee Birgirra Azizsson about the recent recruitment process, and to Johanna Schottenius, the chosen new member who brings extensive experience in business development. 

Q: Birgitta, could describe Best Western Hotel Svava (BWH) and the board assignment shortly.

BWH Hotels is a global hotel chain with over 4,000 properties worldwide. In Scandinavia, BWH Hotels boasts nearly 200 hotels scattered throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Each hotel within the chain is privately owned, a unique business model wherein the hotel owners themselves are the proprietors of the chain. While the individual hotel owners oversee hotel operations, the chain concentrates its efforts on collective commercial endeavors such as branding, distribution, sales, and marketing.

Q: Why did you look for new board competence? 

The hospitality industry is notably dynamic with significant shifts occurring in areas like technology, sustainability, customer preferences, distribution channels, and competitors.

Historically, BWH Hotels board consisted primarily of hotel owners who offer valuable operational expertise. However, there is a recognition among the owners that additional competencies are required to enhance the Board’s effectiveness. This move aims to ensure competitiveness and drive the chain forward in the right direction.

The current board is well-functioning and possesses extensive experience and broad expertise. All seven board members are owners or hold leading positions within their hotel companies. The board aims to expand its competence with experiences from other industries to further develop the hotel chain and has identified digitalization and sustainability as priority goals.

We are seeking board members with strategic and operational abilities, strong business acumen, and experience navigating a rapidly changing environment. You should be energetic and driven while also valuing structure and precision. In addition to the formal supervisory duties that fall on a board member of a limited company, the new board member is expected to contribute a commercial perspective and a good understanding of business development. We strive for diversity on the board and see room for a better mix of gender, age, ethnic background, etc.

Q: What did the recruitment process look like?

During our recruitment process, we started by reaching out to all hotel owners in BWH for candidate suggestions. I also contacted Hanna at deb. for help with candidates. I sent a profile description to BW hotel owners and Hanna. I received quite a few candidates, around 30. The nomination committee and I reviewed all the CVs, and together we selected 6 candidates whom I later interviewed. We have had several meetings in the nomination committee to finally arrive at our choice of 2 candidates whom we nominated for the general meeting.

Q: What was important for you in the process?

The important thing was to find candidates who have the right skills but above all the right personal qualities. It was important to us that the candidates have the right energy and that they work well with the rest of the board. For me, it was also important that the candidates we chose could provide good support to the company’s management team.

Q: Johanna, you were recently recruited to the BWH board, please give us a short introduction to yourself?

I have experience as a board member, entrepreneur, and business leader with a background in various boards and industries, ranging from publicly traded companies with global brands to early-stage tech startups. My board experience is complemented by strong operational expertise gained through roles such as CEO across different industries, global positions at IKEA, management consultant, and investor in early tech startups.

I am passionate about growth, innovation, and driven people, but above all, I am highly curious and committed to how we develop and take companies to the next level!

Q: Tell us more about the board that you have taken place in?

I was recently elected to the board of BWH Hotels, which operates nearly 200 hotels across Scandinavia. It’s a very strong board with extensive and solid expertise in the hotel industry, now complemented by experience from other sectors - all to ensure we remain as competitive as possible moving forward. Our goal is to keep on developing the hotel chain towards sustainable growth and ensure that we maintain our competitive edge in a rapidly changing world.

Q: What will be your primary contribution to their board?

My primary contribution will be my expertise in customer experience, digitalization and sustainability. However, I also hope that my analytical skills, strategic vision, and broad operational experience will positively impact many other discussions in the BWH Hotel’s boardroom. I’m very much looking forward to this journey that has just begun!

Q: How has the recruitment process been? 

The recruitment process has been thorough and insightful, with several interviews. It was clear that BWH Hotel places a high value on aligning their new board members with the company’s long-term vision and values, which I appreciate. All and all, it’s been a very good process.

Q: Finally, please share your favorite professional tip? 

Always stay curious and never stop learning. The business landscape is constantly changing, and adaptability is key to long-term success. Embrace new challenges as opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. And don’t forget to have fun along the way!