We are proud to announce that Ivan Artolli, one of the most respected figures in European luxury hospitality, will join HOW Festival 2025 as a keynote speaker.
With a remarkable career spanning over 46 years, Ivan Artolli brings unparalleled insight into the evolution and future of luxury hospitality. Known for his visionary leadership and operational excellence, Mr. Artolli has held top executive roles in some of the most iconic hotels across Europe, shaping them into world-class destinations.
A Career at the Heart of European Hospitality
Born in Padova, Italy, Ivan has dedicated his professional life to the hotel and restaurant industry, gaining experience in Germany, the UK, France, Monaco, Belgium, and Italy. His early years included roles at the prestigious Brenner’s Park Hotel, Claridge’s London, and The Ritz Paris—foundations that set the stage for a lifelong contribution to excellence in hospitality.
Most recently, Ivan served as Managing Director of the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, where he led a €300 million refurbishment that repositioned the property as one of Europe’s top luxury hotels.
Prior to this, he spent 17 years at Rocco Forte Hotels, where he:
- Reopened and repositioned Hotel Savoy in Florence
- Oversaw the relaunch of Hotel Amigo in Brussels
- Led operations at The Balmoral in Edinburgh
- Directed performance across seven Northern European properties
He also served as Managing Director of Verdura Resort while remaining a key figure on the Rocco Forte Company Executive Committee.
Recognised Leadership & Global Accolades
Ivan’s contributions have earned him multiple nominations for the industry’s highest honours:
- Virtuoso Best of the Best Hotelier of the Year (2019 nominee)
- HOTELS Magazine Independent Hotelier of the World (2021 nominee)
- Leading Legend Award (2022 recipient from Leading Hotels of the World)
What to Expect at HOW Festival 2025
Ivan Artolli will share insights drawn from nearly five decades of leadership in luxury hospitality, including his approach to hotel repositioning, guest experience, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.
This keynote promises to deliver practical wisdom, global perspective, and strategic foresight—a must-attend session for hoteliers, executives, and anyone passionate about the art of hospitality.
Stay tuned for the full programme announcement and make sure to book your tickets and your accommodation on time to be part of this year’s landmark edition.