Marcus van der Wal moving to German property
Budapest’s newest five-star hotel general manager is a Dutchman who has arrived from a stint in China and lists love of the arts and cigars among his interests.
Emile Bootsma took over at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest last week from Marcus van der Wal, who spent four years at the helm and will continue his career as general manager at the Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich.
History with company
Bootsma spent two years in the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, managing the 526-room property and almost 900 permanent employees. Before that he managed another important Kempinski property, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, Germany. He also worked for the Arabella Sheraton in Munich and in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was responsible for food and beverage operations.
Well rounded
He holds a degree in hospitality and a European Master of Business Administration, which he completed at Reims Management School. Bootsma is married and describes himself as an avid arts lover and cigar aficionado. He is looking forward to making Budapest his home.
“I am delighted to have arrived in Budapest and am looking forward very much to explore its rich cultural heritage,” Bootsma said. “I want to further develop the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest to new heights along with the experienced and truly warm-hearted people in my team.”
“I want to further develop the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest to new heights along with the experienced and truly warm-hearted people in my team.”
– Emile Bootsma
