a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest hostel chain, has announced the appointment of Julien Mattei, 36, as its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO). With over 15 years of experience in real estate investment and development across Europe, Mattei brings valuable expertise from his previous roles as Investment Director at The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) and in investment management at Norges Bank Investment Management, which handles Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.
Mattei’s appointment comes at a crucial time as a&o continues to expand across Europe. “We are continuing our expansion in Europe and see highly attractive opportunities and in prime locations, particularly in hotel and office conversions,” Mattei shared.
Oliver Winter, CEO of a&o Hostels, emphasized the strategic value Mattei brings to the company. “Julien Mattei is our top choice and the perfect fit for a&o,” he said. “He is a strategic expert with a keen eye for detail and brings an extensive network that will be immensely beneficial for our European expansion.”
Since the summer of 2024, a&o has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, with four new openings. The company now operates 42 properties in 11 European countries, with 19 of them owned by a&o, representing 45% of its portfolio. Supported by major investors, StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners, a&o has around €500 million to fuel further expansion.
Mattei expressed his excitement about working with a&o’s leadership and partners. “I am excited to contribute to a&o’s further growth in Europe alongside founder Oliver Winter and our partners at StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners,” Mattei commented.
In terms of the company’s strategic approach, Mattei highlighted that a&o’s flexibility, prime locations, and cost-conscious strategy have always set it apart. “a&o has always stood for exceptional flexibility, a high standard for both product and location, and a strong cost-conscious approach – this combination will continue to provide a strong competitive edge and ensure healthy, sustainable, and long-term growth,” he added.
Mattei also acknowledged the challenges the tourism industry faces, such as rising costs and the increasing demand for sustainability. “Rising costs, the increasing need for sustainability awareness, and global social and economic shifts bring new expectations and demands for the tourism industry, and we remain well positioned to successfully navigate these,” he concluded.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
