News from Berlin

Christian Hirt returns as Managing Director to the iconic luxury hotel by the Brandenburg Gate

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin has appointed Christian Hirt as the new Managing Director of the famous property overlooking the Brandenburg Gate, starting 1 January 2026. Hirt returns to a special place in his career, where from 2007 to 2008 he served as Director of Food & Beverage at Hotel Adlon. After 18 years in senior leadership roles around the world, the German native now returns to Germany and Berlin for the first time since his earlier tenure. 

“It’s a great honour to join the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin again - a place where history, elegance, and heartfelt hospitality come together so beautifully,” says Christian Hirt. “The Adlon has always stood for excellence and genuine connection, values that deeply resonate with me. I’m truly excited to work alongside such a passionate team to continue creating meaningful experiences for our guests and to write the next chapter in this remarkable hotel’s story.”

With his extensive experience in global luxury hospitality, Hirt brings strategic vision, refined leadership, and a deep passion for excellence in guest experience, brand positioning, and service quality. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, where he successfully positioned the property among Europe’s premier luxury and gourmet destinations. 

Previously, he led the pre-opening phase of Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha in Qatar, overseeing the positioning of both landmark hotels and playing a key role during the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Qatar Economic Forum 2023. His distinguished career has also taken him to Istanbul, Sydney, St. Petersburg, Chicago, and New Orleans, where he held senior leadership roles with Raffles, Swissôtel, Kempinski, and Le Méridien. 

With his international perspective, entrepreneurial mindset, and dedication to excellence, Hirt is set to lead the Adlon into a new era – one defined by innovation, authenticity, and a deep commitment to guests and colleagues alike. The accomplished hotelier holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from NEOMA Business School in Reims, France, and a Bachelor in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from the Hotel Management Academy in Koblenz, Germany. 

Christian succeeds Karina Ansos, who, after more than three years of dedication, inspiration, and visionary leadership, is stepping down at her own request to pursue new opportunities in the private hospitality sector. A valued member of the Kempinski family for over two decades, she has successfully led the famous grand hotel at Brandenburg Gate with passion and exceptional expertise, further strengthening its standing as a top address in international luxury hospitality.

“We are delighted to welcome Christian Hirt as the new Managing Director of the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. Christian brings a wealth of experience, a passion for excellence, and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality that align perfectly with the Adlon’s tradition of world-class service. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to uphold and elevate the Adlon’s legacy as one of the world’s most iconic hotels,” states Paul Lonergan, Chief Operating and Asset Management Officer, Kempinski Hotels. “At the same time, we would like to sincerely thank Karina Ansos for her leadership, passion and dedication throughout her twenty years with Kempinski Hotels. Karina is a true leader in her field who has exemplified the Kempinski spirit and serves as an inspiration to all who have been lucky enough to work with her. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

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About Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin:
The iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is situated in the heart of Berlin, right next to the famous Brandenburg Gate. Its unique location, legendary history, opulent furnishings and décor, as well as a service that goes above and beyond impeccable, make the Hotel Adlon Kempinski ideal for leisure travellers and the perfect venue for social and corporate events. The hotel has 307 luxurious guest rooms, 78 exquisite suites, three restaurants and a magnificent spa and wellness area designed to attract the most elite guests from all over the world.

About Kempinski:
Established in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 75 hotels and residences in 33 countries, with more than 25 prestigious projects currently under development worldwide. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com • www.ghadiscovery.com

Media Contact:
Sabina Held • Director of Public Relations
Tanja Freytag • Public Relations Executive
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Unter den Linden 77 • 10117 Berlin • Germany
T +49 30 2261 1703 • M +49 172 6526102 • kempinski.com/adlon
[email protected] • [email protected]