Frankfurt, Germany — January 5, 2026 — Cornerstone International Group today announced the official opening of its Frankfurt office, as a strategic European hub alongside the appointment of Florian Kittler as Global Sector Head—Hospitality, Travel & Leisure.
The expansion reflects increasing demand from Hospitality, Travel, and Lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach with deep sector expertise, as the industry navigates international growth, digital transformation, and evolving client expectations.
Cornerstone operates more than 60 offices across over 40 countries, advising boards, owners, and senior leadership teams on executive search, executive coaching, leadership development, and talent strategy. The Frankfurt office marks the firm’s second location in Germany, following Düsseldorf, strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver globally integrated, culturally attuned leadership solutions across Europe and beyond.
“Hospitality is fundamentally a people business, yet it is facing unprecedented complexity,” said Simon Wan, Chairman and CEO of Cornerstone International Group. “By appointing Florian Kittler to head our Frankfurt office as Managing Partner while leading our Global Hospitality, Travel & Leisure practice, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering sector-specific, globally integrated leadership solutions that help clients grow without losing their human core.”
The Frankfurt office will focus on Hospitality & Leisure, Travel & Tourism, Consumer Services, Restaurants, Lifestyle Brands, and adjacent sectors, providing clients with full access to Cornerstone’s integrated global talent platform.
Dan Heiman, Global President of Cornerstone International Group, added, “Frankfurt is one of Europe’s most internationally connected and economically influential cities. It provides a strong base from which we can support our international clientele operating across regions, while further strengthening Cornerstone’s European presence. We are also pleased to welcome YK Hospitality Consulting, founded in 2020, into the Cornerstone International Group.”
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Florian Kittler brings over three decades of international experience across luxury hospitality, executive search, and leadership advisory, having worked closely with owners, operators, and investors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As an ICF-certified Executive Coach, he integrates executive coaching directly into senior leadership search, succession, and transition mandates.
“As hospitality organizations expand globally, leaders must balance new demands with the service DNA that defines the industry,” said Kittler. “Our role is to help boards and executives build leadership teams that perform across markets — and sustain performance over time.”
From Shanghai to Frankfurt—Cornerstone is deeply embedded in local business culture, and committed to global excellence: global standards, local relationships.
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