Cycas appoints Matt Luscombe as company's first CEO

Matt Luscombe has been appointed the first chief executive of hotel management company Cycas Hospitality.

A former chief commercial officer for Europe at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Luscombe joins the company to support its aim to triple its European portfolio to 10,000 rooms by 2022.

He is set to join the business from 1 March and will be based from the hotel management company's head office in Amsterdam. Cycas Hospitality was co-founded by Eduard Elias and John Wagner in 2008, when they introduced the branded extended-stay concept in the UK with the opening of Staybridge Suites Liverpool.

Luscombe will work closely with the co-founders and Cycas's executive leadership team to strengthen the company's operations across the UK and mainland Europe. Elias and Wagner will remain active in the company's strategic leadership through positions on its board, alongside investor Huakee.

The new CEO has nearly 20 years of hospitality and consumer experience, including 10 years with IHG. Prior to chief commercial officer he spent five years heading up IHG's franchise business across Europe and Africa, working with Cycas Hospitality. He joins Cycas from Australian retailer Coles Group where he was general manager.

Luscombe said: "To join at such a pivotal moment in the company's inspirational journey is a privilege and, as CEO, I look forward to helping Cycas roll out its award-winning concept further."

In the last year Cycas has expanded into Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands; with Hyatt, IHG and Marriott brands joining the portfolio.

Elias said: "Cycas has come a long way since we pioneered the branded extended-stay concept in the UK in 2008 and opened London's first double-decker hotel in 2012. This is an exciting time for us and the right opportunity to enhance the way Cycas operates."

Wagner added: "Matt is no stranger to Cycas, having worked closely with us throughout his time at IHG. Critically, we know that he is a great culture fit for the business, sharing our values, passion and belief that hospitality success is underpinned by distinctive and memorable service."

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