Marco Novella to leave the Lanesborough

Marco Novella is leaving his role as managing director of the Lanesborough in London to take up the same role at Belmond’s Cipriani hotel in Venice from 28 June.

It is understood that a replacement is yet to be appointed. Novella is leaving the Lanesborough after three years, having succeeded Geoffrey Gelardi, who stepped down from the five-red-AA-star, 93-bedroom hotel in 2018 after 28 years, which made him London's longest serving managing director of a luxury property.

Hailing from Milan, Novella previously worked with Belmond at Villa San Michelle in Florence for four years as general manager. Before joining the Lanesborough, he was managing director of Brown's Hotel London for nearly two years.

He said: “Coming back to Venice after all these years feels like going home. The love and respect I feel for this unique city are extremely motivational.

"Coming back as the new managing director of Cipriani – especially during the year of Venice’s 1600th anniversary – fills me with pride. I am sure that Cipriani will be the protagonist of a great rebirth of the city, in the visionary spirit of the Belmond Group.”

Robert Koren, Belmond’s senior vice president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, added: “We are extremely glad to welcome back Marco Novella to the Belmond family, especially in Venice, a city that Marco knows very well. With his brilliant experience in managing some of the best hotels in Italy and abroad, he will certainly be able to bring a breath of fresh air and creativity to Cipriani without jeopardizing its renowned value and cultural heritage.

"I’m sure that his approach strongly oriented towards the creation of unique experiences will find a breeding ground at our iconic property in Venice.”