The latest wave of change in leadership has just wafted across Indonesia’s hotel scene. Several major properties have announced new general managers, each bringing their own unique background, experience and fresh perspectives to their roles. All ready and eager to turn the tides for excellence.
Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
Jakarta’s luxury hotel scene welcomes a new face, as Christian Wildhaber, a Swiss hotelier with deep personal and professional ties to Indonesia, has been appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, effective August 2025. Wildhaber arrives from Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, where he spent six years transforming the historic Swiss property into a flagship luxury destination. His career with Mandarin Oriental began in 2016 in Guangzhou, following decades of experience across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Starting out as an executive chef before moving into senior operational leadership, Wildhaber’s CV spans Hong Kong, Sydney, Shenzhen, and Indonesia, including earlier stints in Jakarta and Bali. Fluent in French, English, and German, he brings not only global expertise but also a strong appreciation for local culture. “Indonesia holds a very special place in my life,” he said. “It is a true honour to lead this iconic hotel and continue delivering the legendary service that defines the Mandarin Oriental experience.”
Situated in Jakarta’s financial and diplomatic district, Mandarin Oriental remains one of the city’s most recognised luxury addresses, with 272 rooms, six award-winning dining venues, and a reputation for hosting both business leaders and discerning travellers. Wildhaber’s appointment signals a renewed focus on maintaining the property’s position as a benchmark for hospitality in the capital.
Jalan M.H. Thamrin | +62 21 2993 8888 | mandarinoriental.com/jakarta
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
For nearly six decades. Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta has stood proudly as one of the city’s iconic hotels with its silhouette watching over the legendary roundabout ‘Welcome’ fountain, where Jakarta pulses every day and night. Now, the property turns a new chapter as it welcomes back Petra Baumann as General Manager in a homecoming that blends experience, ambition, and a touch of sentiment.
Baumann is a seasoned hotelier whose 23-year tenure at Kempinski Hotels makes her no stranger to Jakarta. Her journey with the luxury hotel group began in 2002 at the renowned Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, leading to senior roles in Frankfurt, Chad, Guangzhou, and most recently as Cluster General Manager at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi and Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara in Kenya. But it was in December 2015, when she first joined Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta as Hotel Manager, that her deep connection with the city began to flourish.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to return to Jakarta after six years,” Baumann said. “The city has transformed so much, from the impressive improvements in public transport to the vibrant rise of shopping malls, diverse dining, and cultural hubs. It’s not only easier for our guests to access and depart from the hotel, but there’s now so much more for them to explore. And personally, I’m overjoyed to see so many familiar faces among the hotel team. Together, we will continue to uphold the legacy of Hotel Indonesia Kempinski as an iconic landmark and a benchmark of hospitality in this dynamic city.”
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No 1, Jakarta | @hotelindonesia_kempinski | kempinski.com/en/hotel-indonesia
The Westin Jakarta
The Westin Jakarta announces the appointment of Thomas Glaser as its new General Manager, where he will oversee all executive and operational aspects of one of Jakarta’s highest five-star hotels, ensuring the elevated standards of service and guest experience. With over 20 years of extensive hospitality experience to The Westin Jakarta, he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Bandung for four years, where he successfully repositioned the hotel, enhanced operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Glaser’s previous roles include Commercial Director and Director of Operations at Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Residences from 2016 to 2020 – where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in both business development and operational excellence – and key positions at renowned hotels like Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg, Sheraton Essen Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. Thanks to his diverse background, he is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences. Outside of his professional life, Glaser enjoys traveling, sports like golf and fitness, reading, cooking and travel photography.
The Westin Jakarta | Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. C-22 Jakarta, Indonesia 12940 | T: +62 21 2788 7788 | westin.com/jakarta
Hilton Bandung
In a decisive move to elevate its stature in Bandung’s hospitality scene, Hilton Bandung has announced the appointments of Adel Mojarrad as General Manager. Fresh from his success in leading the pre-opening of Curio Collection by Hilton in Nairobi—a property celebrated as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places to Stay in 2024—steps into his role with over 15 years of global hospitality expertise.
Mojarrad’s leadership brings a wealth of experience and vision of growth, promising to enhance operational excellence and deliver personalised guest experiences that define Hilton’s reputation for world-class service. “I am thrilled to join the Hilton Bandung team and look forward to building innovative experiences that resonate with our guests,” Adel shared with enthusiasm, showing his determination to set the stage for a new era at this 186-room property. This new appointment signifies Hilton’s commitment to blend local hospitality warmth with international standards, reaffirming its position as a premiere destination in the region.
Hilton Bandung | Jl. HOS. Cokroaminoto No.41-43, Arjuna, Kec. Cicendo, Kota Bandung | hilton.com
