Hyatt Hotels has appointed Jeff Semenchuk as its first chief innovation officer. Semenchuk will be based at Hyatt headquarters in Chicago, and will report to both John Wallis, global head of marketing and brand strategy and chief marketing officer, and to Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer.

Published: 09 Aug 2011

Hyatt Hotels has appointed Jeff Semenchuk as its first chief innovation officer. Semenchuk will be based at Hyatt headquarters in Chicago, and will report to both John Wallis, global head of marketing and brand strategy and chief marketing officer, and to Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer.

In his new role at Hyatt, Semenchuk will lead the company’s enterprise-wide, cross-functional efforts to establish a process of innovation that yields new experiences, offerings, and ways of operating that are expected to generate significant value for guests and owners.

The company says the appointment show its determination to differentiate its brands by developing “new, relevant ways of providing great guest experiences and delivering authentic hospitality”.

“The most meaningful innovation is derived from deep understanding of customer needs and market opportunities,” said Semenchuk. “Given its strong entrepreneurial culture and the investments the company has made in guest insights and analytics, I believe Hyatt has the opportunity to take a leadership position for its brands.”

Semenchuk has played key strategic roles for companies in industries ranging from financial services to pharmaceuticals, most recently serving as a founder and managing director of Citigroup’s global Growth Ventures & Innovation unit.