The Executive Leadership Team
Christian Clerc
President & Chief Executive Officer
Christian is a dynamic luxury hospitality leader with more than three decades of operations and management experience at some of the most esteemed global luxury hotel brands. Christian previously served as Global President at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a position he held between 2016 and 2022, leading the strategic direction for their global business across 47 countries. After leaving Four Seasons in 2022, Christian engaged in a variety of projects, including serving on the board of Artemis Real Estate Partners, assuming the position of Chairman of the Board of duPont Registry Group, a luxury automotive and motorsport ecosystem, and advising on global luxury development projects. Born in Montreux, Switzerland, Christian attended the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and is a member of the Advisory Board.
Richard Arnold
Chief Development Officer
Richard brings extensive acquisition and development experience as he leads the Auberge Resorts Collection overall growth strategy. Richard oversees a team that identifies, negotiates, and secures all growth opportunities including new development, acquisitions, and corporate transactions. Prior to joining Auberge, Richard was a Partner and Managing Director at Kadenwood Partners, a London based real-estate investment, capital advisory, and asset management firm focused on the luxury hotel, residential, and mixed-use property sectors. Prior to Kadenwood, Richard served as Vice President, Worldwide Development at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where he was responsible for sourcing and securing new growth opportunities on a global basis. In addition, he focused on strategic transactions, special situations, and identifying development capital. Richard has previously held roles with PKF Consulting and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel and Food Administration with a focus on Real Estate Finance from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He currently serves on the Hospitality Investment Roundtable of the American Hotel and Lodging Association and has previously served on the Hotel Development Counsel at the Urban Land Institute.
Amy Brandt
Chief Financial Officer
Amy is directly responsible for all financial activities, including financial reporting and management, treasury and balance sheet financing, insurance and risk management, tax planning, as well as information systems and technology. Amy was previously at Belmond, where she was Vice President, Corporate Finance & Investor Relations based out of the London and New York offices. Prior to Belmond, Amy worked for Kerzner International in a number of financial capacities, most recently serving as Kerzner’s Vice President, Treasury. Amy holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting degrees from Wake Forest University.
Kemper Hyers
Chief Creative Officer
Kemper oversees creative direction for the brand and all aspects of design with a goal to further strengthen Auberge Resorts Collection's position as the leading portfolio of boutique luxury hotels in the world. Previously, Kemper was Head of Design at Starwood Capital Group, a global private equity firm, where he was a leader in all aspects of design with a focus on the creation of new hotel brands including the recently launched 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotels. Prior experience includes Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Martha Stewart Omnimedia.
Robert Mellwig
Executive Vice President, Talent & Culture
Robert brings more than 27 years of human resources experience within the hospitality field. His deep familiarity in recruitment, corporate culture, and organizational relations, specifically within the world of hospitality, makes him a key asset to Auberge. Before his current role, Robert served as the Senior Vice President of Talent & Culture at Accor, overseeing North & Central America. On a global level, he helped set the culture by leading the human resources function for sbe Lifestyle Hospitality.
Mike Minchin
Chief Marketing Officer
With more than 30 years of experience leading global teams for major brands in the hotel, residential, restaurant, spirits and automotive industries, Mike brings extensive marketing, brand management and sales expertise to Auberge. Before joining Auberge, he spent 11 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, most recently as Senior Vice President of Marketing. There, he was responsible for the global marketing, distribution and revenue management efforts that contributed to the company's sales growth across a portfolio of almost 100 hotels in over 40 countries. Prior to joining Auberge Resorts Collection, Mike was Director of Marketing at CARA Operations Ltd., Toronto, the number-one casual dining restaurant company in Canada. As Vice President of Marketing for Corby Distilleries Ltd., he helped to grow market share and create some of the fastest- growing spirits brands in Canada. At Allied Domecq Spirits & Wines in the U.K.,Mike developed the global brand strategies that grew premium brands, including Maker's Mark Bourbon and Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch. Earlier in his career, Mike led the U.S. automotive advertising accounts for Acura as Vice President, Management Supervisor at Ketchum, Los Angeles. Mike has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University.