Cornerstone Internationale Gruppe eröffnet neues Büro in Frankfurt
This post originally appeared on Hunt Scanlon
Internationale Eckpfeiler-Gruppe has opened a new office in Frankfurt and appointed of Florian Kittler as global sector head—hospitality, travel & leisure. “The expansion reflects increasing demand from hospitality, travel, and lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach with deep sector expertise, as the industry navigates international growth, digital transformation, and evolving client expectations,” the firm said. Cornerstone operates more than 60 offices across over 40 countries, advising boards, owners, and senior leadership teams on executive search, executive coaching, leadership development, and talent strategy. The Frankfurt office marks the firm’s second location in Germany, following Düsseldorf.
“Hospitality is fundamentally a people business, yet it is facing unprecedented complexity,” said Simon Wan, chairman and CEO of Cornerstone International Group. “By appointing Florian Kittler to head our Frankfurt office as managing partner while leading our global hospitality, travel & leisure practice, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering sector-specific, globally integrated leadership solutions that help clients grow without losing their human core.”
“Frankfurt is one of Europe’s most internationally connected and economically influential cities,” said Dan Heiman, global president of Cornerstone International Group. “It provides a strong base from which we can support our international clientele operating across regions, while further strengthening Cornerstone’s European presence. We are also pleased to welcome YK Hospitality Consulting, founded in 2020, into the Cornerstone International Group.”
The Frankfurt office will focus on hospitality & leisure, travel & tourism, consumer services, restaurants, lifestyle brands, and adjacent sectors, providing clients with full access to Cornerstone’s integrated global talent platform.
Germany is the largest national economy in Europe, and the fourth-largest by nominal GDP in the world. The country’s service sector makes up 70 percent of its GDP and nearly 40 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies are headquartered here. But Germany is facing severe economic prospects, as the country comes to grips with a growing immigration and migrant crisis which is expected to challenge every corner of its society, from education and healthcare infrastructure to jobs.
Well-known companies in the country include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAP, Siemens, Volkswagen, Adidas, Audi, Allianz, Porsche, Bayer, BASF, Bosch, and Nivea. As such, it is an important base of operations for search firms, including Egon Zehnder, Spencer Stuart, Boyden, Russell Reynolds Associates, Heidrick & Struggles, DHR International and Korn Ferry.
Mr. Kittler brings over three decades of international experience across luxury hospitality, executive search, and leadership advisory, having worked closely with owners, operators, and investors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As an ICF-certified executive coach, he integrates executive coaching directly into senior leadership search, succession, and transition mandates. Most recently, Mr. Kittler is the managing director of HVS Executive Search for Europe & Asia Pacific. Based out of London and Frankfurt, he oversaw expansion in Singapore and Germany.
Related: Cornerstone International Group Opens Office in Seoul
“As hospitality organizations expand globally, leaders must balance new demands with the service DNA that defines the industry,” said Mr. Kittler. “Our role is to help boards and executives build leadership teams that perform across markets — and sustain performance over time.”
Cornerstone International Group provides executive search and leadership development services to global roster of clients. Both before (with psychometric assessment) and after (onboarding) its search process, the firm looks to ensure the highest possible chance of success in filling talent needs, the firm said. Cornerstone has 66 experienced member firms in both developed and emerging markets worldwide.
New Office in Rio de Janeiro
This past summer, Cornerstone International Group opened an office in Rio de Janeiro. The office is led by Fabio Fonseca, country head of Brazil, the Rio office enhances Cornerstone’s local capabilities in executive search, talent management, and career services. “We congratulate Fabio and his team,” said Mr. Wan. “Rio’s energy, infrastructure, and services sectors align perfectly with our mission to connect exceptional talent with transformative opportunities in Latin America.”
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“With Rio’s economic influence and rising global relevance, this is a vital next step in our regional strategy,” said Mr. Heiman.
“This new phase reflects our long-term commitment to the development of people and organizations across Brazil,” said Mr. Fonseca. “We are excited to bring tailored talent solutions to Rio’s fast-growing industries.”
Co-founder of Havik, Mr. Fonseca is responsible for insurance and healthcare practices. He has more than 15 years of experience in insurance, banking and human capital consultancy. Prior to joining Havik, Mr. Fonseca served in executive positions at Bradesco Seguros, BankBoston and Aon Hewitt.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media