Joost van der Minne MBA

General Manager | Luxury Hospitality | Pre-opening, Repositioning & Commercial Leadership

Eindhoven Area

About

I am a General Manager with a strong focus on the development, positioning and performance of luxury hotels. My experience spans from operations to commercial leadership, with a particular interest in projects where concept, execution and market positioning come together. I have been closely involved in the (re)development of high-end hotel concepts, including pre-openings, repositioning trajectories and the alignment of product, brand and commercial strategy. These projects typically combine historic or unique real estate with contemporary design, strong F&B concepts and an international target market. My approach is pragmatic and result-driven, a great Hotel posses the following: - A clearly defined and differentiated concept - Strong F&B as a driver of identity and revenue - Consistent commercial strategy (sales, revenue, distribution) - Well-structured teams with a clear operational focus Experience includes the repositioning of Hotel Nassau Breda (Autograph Collection), where a significant uplift in performance was achieved, and I'm currently working on the development of Hotel Kasteel Gemert, a 5-star superior destination hotel combining heritage, design and high-end gastronomy. I enjoy working in environments where complexity, ambition and quality come together, and where both operational detail and strategic direction are equally important.

Experience

  • Pre-opening General Manager at Kasteel Gemert
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    Responsible for the development and pre-opening of this future 5-star superior destination hotel set within a historic castle estate, combining approximately 100 rooms, multiple F&B outlets, wellness and event facilities. The project involves the transformation of a historic site into a contemporary luxury hospitality concept, with a strong focus on positioning, design and high-end gastronomy. Key responsibilities include: - Development of the overall hotel concept, including positioning, target market and commercial strategy - Alignment of product, design (Studio Piet Boon) and operational structure - Definition and development of the F&B strategy, including a Michelin-level restaurant concept - Structuring of the commercial organisation (sales, marketing, revenue) - Coordination with ownership, designers, consultants and brand stakeholders - Preparation of the organisation for opening, including team structure and operational frameworks

  • General Manager at Hotel Nassau Breda, Autograph Collection by Marriott
    Oct 2021 - Jan 2025 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Led the repositioning and operational performance of a lifestyle hotel within the Autograph Collection, combining historic architecture with a contemporary hospitality concept. Focus on strengthening both the commercial performance and the overall guest experience, with particular attention to F&B and market positioning. Key achievements include: - Realisation of significant year-on-year revenue growth (+20%) - Repositioning of the hotel within its market segment - Further development of F&B concepts and outlets - Strengthening of the commercial structure (sales, pricing, distribution) - Building and leading a high-performing management team - Leading and steering the organization with all measure during COVID

  • SnowWorld (10 mos)
    • General Manager(temporary assignment)
      May 2021 - Oct 2021 · 6 mos

      Temporary assignment in charge of 2 indoor ski slope venues located in Amsterdam and Zoetermeer, with F&B facilities, ski-school, and longest indoor skislope of The Netherlands. Reopening of the property after covid closure and preparing for winter season.

    • General Manager
      Jan 2021 - Oct 2021 · 10 mos

      Responsible for two indoor ski resorts in Amsterdam and Zoetermeer including F&B, ski school and large visitor volumes. Key achievements: • Led the reopening after COVID closures. • Developed a new strategic focus on the core product. • Redesigned the F&B concept and guest journey. • Oversaw renovation of the main entrance and arrival experience(Zoetermeer).

  • Director Of Operations at Pulitzer Amsterdam
    Apr 2018 - Dec 2020 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    Responsible for operations of this iconic 5-star luxury property in the heart of Amsterdam with 225 keys, 4 F&B venues. Located in 27 canal house in the heart of the city. Structuring operations after renovation and becoming an independent property. Developing standards, growing quality and revenue resulting in: - 10% increase in guest satisfaction year-on-year - 10% increase in rooms revenue - 20% increase in F&B revenue - Increase in profit margin. - Full back of house renovation.

  • Director of Operations (multi-property) at Hotels van Oranje | Autograph Collection by Marriott
    Oct 2016 - Apr 2018 · 1 yr 7 mos

    In charge of operations of these 5-star and 4-star beach hotels with 278 keys, 7 F&B outlets, Beach club, Spa and Wellness and extensive conference facilities (up to 1000 delegates). - Implementation of the Autograph brand in operations - 12% increase in guest satisfaction - Design, launch and opening of a new restaurant concept.