The Baur au Lac has announced two significant leadership changes with the ushering in of the seventh-generation family ownership along with the arrival of a new general manager.
Throughout its 178-year history, the Baur au Lac has been in the hands of the Baur-Kracht family who continue to run the property with a keen sense of innovation and understanding of tradition. This summer will see the hotel move into its seventh generation of family ownership, as Marguita Kracht joins her father, Andrea Kracht, in the management and strategic direction of the Baur au Lac.
After studying at Boston University, Marguita completed the general manager program at New York’s Cornell University. Kracht then joined the luxury goods group LVMH, followed by hospitality experience at properties including the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, the Lanesborough in London, Aman Resorts and the project team of The Peninsula London. Kracht looks forward to applying her international expertise to this new chapter at Baur au Lac.
Since its inception in 1844, just four general managers have led Baur au Lac’s management alongside the Kracht family. This month, the hotel introduces its fifth general manager, Christian von Rechenberg.
Since 2013, Wilhelm Luxem has been working with the Kracht family as general manager. Under his guidance, the hotel has undergone extensive renovations. After nine years, Luxem is retiring and handing over the reins to von Rechenberg.
Von Rechenberg reportedly fell in love with the Baur au Lac and hospitality industry as an intern over 20 years ago. After growing up on Lake Zurich, he attended the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. Following this, von Rechenberg worked at hotels in London, New York and Hong Kong and returned to the Baur au Lac, where he has held managerial positions in the F&B team. He became Luxem’s second-in-command as deputy director of the hotel in 2018. After working across three continents, von Rechenberg brings his passion and knowledge for understanding international clients and their cultural needs to Zurich.
In their new roles, both Kracht and von Rechenberg will focus on driving innovations in digitalization and sustainability; and enhancing guest and employee experiences.
Related Articles
Daring Design Capitals of Europe
Hôtel Beau Rivage Palace: Grande Dame of the Swiss Riviera
Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz Reveals Guestroom Renovation
Opernhaus Zürich Partners With Zürich Tourism For Guided Tours