About Us

Margarita Cruz, PhD, is a Professor at EHL, specializing in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on authenticity's impact on entrepreneurial outcomes, particularly in founding new organizations and introducing innovative products. Dr. Cruz brings state-of-the-art trends to her teaching, drawing from her experience as a business engineer in banking and chemical industries. She's dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial excellence in the hospitality and F&B sectors.

After several exciting years in the banking industry in both Switzerland and Dubai, Maya embarked on an academic journey. She has a passion for the subject that she teaches and a strong desire to share that enthusiasm with the younger generation.

Drawing from her background in finance, entrepreneurship, customer experience, and management, she makes sure her interactions with students are engaging. This helps students see how what they're learning can be applied in the real world, making the classroom experience more interesting and connecting it to the business world. 

Alessandro is an expert in digital marketing and digital communication with a great deal of customer experience design. Additionally, he also loves working on regenerative business models in the hospitality industry. 

Mr Damien Kobel has more than two decades of experience in advisory, training and operational roles for companies in the global air transport sector and tourism. Having launched his own start-up several years ago, his expertise at InnoHub is in helping start-ups on organizational aspects as well as by structuring and challenging their business ideas.

Innovation Business Manager and dedicated Acceleration Program Manager with a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships, conducting due diligence for startup investments, establishing procedures, and fostering community growth. Adept in events management, public speaking, and evaluating startups for innovation hubs. Her strong network will enable to reach to the key people.

Carlos is a professor of sustainability and innovation management, and his research focuses on sustainability innovation, including innovation management systems, sustainable business models, and practices. Carlos serves on the advisory board of three rapidly growing sustainability startups and acts as an advisor to various companies on sustainable innovation management programs.

Senior lecturer of information technology at EHL for 22 years, and coming from a hospitality family, Ian is designated CHTP (Certified Hospitality Technology Professional). Outside of EHL, Ian is the chair of the HITEC Europe advisory council, coordinator of the IHIF tech hub as well as being a member of the advisory council for the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF). A mentor to 5 hospitality technology start-ups he works to enhance technology usage in the hospitality industry. Ian was awarded the HFTP paragon award in 2020, a lifetime achievement award for services to hospitality technology. 

Rémy has a wide range of international consulting and multi-site management experience within the real estate and the hospitality industry. His expertise spans the whole hotel sector, ranging from 0 to 5-star properties, residences, resorts and restaurant chains. His expertise and network cover all aspect from feasibility, opening, operation, transaction, funding.

With a degree from EHL Hospitality Business School and specialized in innovation and product development, Antonin can help with the early stages of start-up development, particularly with business models, growth strategies, and project management. 

Marc, a former chef in Michelin-starred restaurants, is Associate Professor of Service Management. He is an internationally recognized expert in creativity, aesthetics, and sensory knowing and an experienced board professional both in the academic and business world. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Swiss Food and Nutrition Valley, and the Advisory Boards of the Fredman Group and Luqel Water.

With one master degree in Business Administration and one in Leadership, Sandra is expert in business analysis. Thanks to her background in digital and startups companies, she will be happy to advise you in tool & process improvement.

By leveraging my experience, startups can navigate the complexities of launching and scaling their ventures, identifying profitable avenues for sustainable growth, and attracting the right customers. 

Darren Allard, Lecturer in Practical Arts with a vast experience in F&B management and a focus on high culinary standards. Support could very well come in the form of consulting / analysis of various concepts and their implementation.