Biography
CHRIS K. FRANZEN
Managing Director, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Chris K. Franzen, an accomplished international hotelier, was appointed Managing Director of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne on 1st April 2024. Shortly after stepping into his new role, Franzen played a crucial role in organizing the historic Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held at the resort in June 2024. This landmark diplomatic event, the largest in Switzerland’s history, brought together 1,000 international VIPs, including 57 heads of state and delegations from over 100 countries Franzen’s leadership during the summit was instrumental in ensuring its success, despite the immense logistical challenges and short lead time for planning.
Originally from Zermatt, Switzerland, Franzen is a third-generation hotelier whose career began with culinary training, followed by further education at the Australian International Hotel School in Canberra and the prestigious Cornell University. His career took off when he joined Hyatt in 1999, where he spent 23 years working in various high-profile roles across the Gulf States and India. He held positions such as General Manager at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, Area Vice President for Qatar and Oman, and later for Western India, handling Hyatt’s largest portfolio outside the US.
Before joining the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Franzen most recently opened and managed the Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail Resort, which boasts 267 rooms and suites, 150 luxury apartments and villas, diverse dining options, numerous meeting and conference spaces, and extensive spa and relaxation facilities. Alongside his role at the Waldorf Astoria, Franzen served as CEO of Aureus Advisors LLC, a luxury hospitality consultancy.
Franzen’s leadership style emphasizes guest engagement, excellent service, and a collaborative work environment with a flat communication hierarchy. He is committed to fostering a motivating and inclusive team atmosphere while maintaining the highest standards of luxury service. His hands-on approach was evident during the Peace Summit, where he personally greeted the global leaders upon their arrival. “Usually for an event like this, you’d have at least a year,” Franzen commented. “But this is the diaries of global leaders, and of course there are political events. So they had to do it just after the G7 Summit in June.” Despite the short timeline, Franzen and his team executed the event flawlessly, further solidifying Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne’s reputation as a premier venue for high-level international gatherings.
In addition to his operational roles, Franzen is actively involved in various community and consultancies. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Della Leaders Club’s Hospitality & Travel Committee in India and is a member of the Alumni Board of the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Franzen is also a tourism ambassador for Zermatt and a consultant for Guidepoint Advisors. As of November 2024, he is also on the board of the Swiss Deluxe Hotels. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition on the General Manager’s Power List Middle East 2023 by Hotelier Middle East and Newcomer of the Year 2024 in Karl Wild’s Hotel Rating in Switzerland.
Chris Franzen’s extensive international experience, coupled with his critical leadership role in hosting the Peace Summit, positions him to continue leading the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne to new heights, ensuring it remains a premier destination for global diplomatic events and luxury hospitality experiences.