Matias Ranieri has joined the Miami and Buenos Aires-based firm as vice president, operations and development and Liz Speichinger has become vice president, brand development and strategic sales.
Seasoned professional
Ranieri, a seasoned hospitality professional with more than 17 years of experience, will lead operations, development, and owner relationship for the company.
During his most recent time with experiential brands such as Selina and Habitas, he oversaw the creation of guest journeys and product pillars and drove the company to conceive brand wellness programming, with successful openings throughout Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East and Africa.
North American leader
Speichinger, a hospitality sales leader with expertise in luxury sales and partnerships will lead the North American sales expansion and brand partnerships.
She will bring experience from her tenure from Auberge Resorts and Four Seasons, with capabilities in brand positioning, uncovering new market growth opportunities, and integrating leadership and asset ownership to top-tier clientele.
Start-up mindset
Luis Gallotti, co-founder and co-CEO of Amek Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Liz and Matias into our growing Aken family. Both bring their expertise and start-up mindset to our growing portfolio.
“At Aken we see the future of hospitality from a disruptive space. Liz and Matias tenure in brand development from operations lead to artful reflections of their destinations and strategic sales positioning that tells the story.”
Growth projection
Gallotti continued: “Our growth projection continues to surpass our expectations. We are looking to achieve 40 properties by the end of 2023 including new countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Caribbean and North America.”
Lisandro León Liguori, the group’s other co-founder and co-CEO, added: “Flexibility is what today’s hotel owners are looking for, and we are incredibly excited to have Matias Ranieri and Liz Speichinger continue Aken’s expansion and elevation in our innovative brand.”
Latin American focus
Aken offers carefully-selected properties the opportunity to expand their potential through its services. Launched in November 2021, the brand’s current portfolio includes a total of 18 properties in Latin America distributed in seven different countries, including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico.
One of the latest announcements is Destino Mio by Aken Soul, an Aken experience located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.
