Luxury, Redefined: Stephan Schupbach and The Evolution of The Chedi Legacy

In the world of luxury hospitality, few names resonate with the same gravitas as Stephan Schupbach. As Chief Executive Officer of Chedi Hospitality, Schupbach stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation — a leader redefining what modern luxury means through vision, precision, and purpose.

With over three decades of experience shaping elite hospitality brands across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Schupbach’s journey is marked by transformation and excellence. His leadership has guided globally recognized names such as Four Seasons, One&Only Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah Group, and Doğuş Group, where his strategic acumen and operational expertise have consistently delivered growth, value, and distinction.

A Global Career Forged in Excellence

Born and educated in Switzerland, Schupbach’s connection to hospitality began early, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the business. This early immersion instilled in him an intuitive understanding of service and an unwavering standard for quality. Over the years, that foundation evolved into a globally respected leadership career spanning nearly four decades.

He began his career on the front lines of operations, gaining invaluable insights into every facet of the guest experience. From those early days, he developed a reputation for an exceptional ability to blend operational efficiency with guest-centric innovation — a combination that would later define his leadership approach.

At the Regent Hotel Hong Kong, Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and One&Only Reethi Rah, Schupbach helped establish benchmarks for service and design excellence. His impact became even more visible during his tenure with Jumeirah Group, where he played a pivotal role in expanding and solidifying the brand’s flagship assets during a critical phase of its international growth.

Later, as part of Doğuş Group, Schupbach drove multi-billion-dollar value creation, repositioning high-value assets and scaling lifestyle brands that redefined the hospitality landscape. Under his guidance, restaurant concepts such as Zuma, Roka, LPM, and Nusr-Et evolved into global icons, strengthening the Group’s footprint across both hospitality and F&B.

At Wasl Hospitality & Leisure, Schupbach led a diverse portfolio that included Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and other landmark destinations. His strategic direction enhanced asset value, elevated operational performance, and aligned long-term growth with Dubai’s evolving hospitality and real estate landscape — a hallmark of his ability to bridge innovation with investment value.

Yet beyond the milestones and positions, Schupbach’s journey has also been shaped by the people who inspired, challenged, and supported him along the way. He often acknowledges the invaluable influence of mentors and the steadfast support of his family — both serving as anchors through decades of global leadership.

At One&Only, he drew inspiration from senior executives such as Olivier Luis, whose commitment to immersive, design-led hospitality helped sharpen Stephan’s vision for creating experiences that engage all the senses. Within Jumeirah, the guidance of Gerald Lawless reinforced his belief in brand expansion grounded in service excellence and cultural authenticity. Later, at Doğuş Group, working alongside Ferit Şahenk exposed him to a cross-sector view of hospitality — one that marries investment intelligence with the art of lifestyle and brand creation.

Equally influential has been the grounding presence of his family. His wife, an entrepreneur who leads her own travel business, offers him a unique lens into the evolving landscape of modern travelers, enriching his perspective with first-hand insights from the guest’s point of view. Their shared passion for discovery and design fosters meaningful dialogue about purpose and experience, while their children, each forging their own path with curiosity and ambition, reflect the same drive for excellence that defines their parents. Together, they embody the balance of ambition and groundedness that characterizes Stephan’s leadership: a blend of vision, humility, and connection.

The mentorship he has received and the family foundation he continues to nurture form the quiet architecture behind his success, shaped not only the leader he has become but also the kind of legacy he is building through Chedi Hospitality.

From Vision to Value: Leading Chedi Hospitality

Today, at the helm of Chedi Hospitality, Stephan Schupbach is guiding the brand through a new era of transformation. With its timeless brand essence, “A Voyage Unbound,” Chedi Hospitality embodies a philosophy of experiential luxury where every stay at Chedi hotels is an invitation to explore without limits, discovering new experiences, cultural insights and opportunities for personal growth.

Under his leadership, the group is expanding into private residences, lifestyle destinations, and new international markets, reaffirming its position among the world’s most respected names in luxury hospitality. His vision goes beyond traditional hospitality — it’s about curating spaces that inspire emotion and belonging, where every detail reflects artistry and purpose.

“Chedi has always represented understated elegance,” Schupbach has often emphasized. “Our goal is to continue that legacy — but with a renewed energy that speaks to modern lifestyles and the evolving expectations of global travelers.”

This transformation includes a series of strategic developments across the brand’s portfolio, showcasing a commitment to innovation, elevated service, and sustainable value creation. His focus on partnerships — from investors and developers to global lifestyle collaborators — reflects a forward-thinking approach that ensures Chedi’s legacy continues to flourish for generations to come.

Defining Leadership Through Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, Stephan Schupbach has become synonymous with leadership that unites creativity, commercial acumen, and cultural intelligence. His strategic ability to align operational performance with financial objectives has driven sustained success for owners and investors alike. He not only revitalizes brands — he redefines them.

As CEO of D-Hotels & Resorts, for instance, Schupbach successfully launched the Mytha Hotel Anthology brand and oversaw a portfolio of 38 hotels in operation or under development, proving his capability to lead complex, multi-market ventures with precision and purpose.

Beyond his professional achievements, he brings to every role the discipline and global perspective of a former Swiss Military Officer — a foundation that has shaped his leadership philosophy of resilience, focus, and accountability.

Beyond the boardrooms and brand strategies, Stephan Schupbach remains deeply grounded and combines his international expertise with a human touch that defines his leadership style. He has pursued executive education at Cornell University and the Institute of Directors in London, with a focus on governance, financial strategy, asset management, and leadership.

Redefining the Future of Luxury

Stephan Schupbach’s leadership journey is not just about managing assets or scaling portfolios — it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with meaning. His approach to luxury is rooted in authenticity and timelessness, bridging the heritage of craftsmanship with the innovation of modern living.

Under his stewardship and through his leadership, Chedi continues to represent not just luxury, but a way of life.