#309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar

What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.

The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy 
•  The company's expansion plans for North America 
•  How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs 
•  The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets 
•  Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadership

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOo

Links:
Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/
Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/en

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.