"Shannon is a strong, effective and values-driven leader who has been a driving force of strategy and innovation at the company since she joined in 2013," Andrea Kracht, chairman of The Leading Hotels of the World’s executive committee, said in a statement "Having held executive positions at LHW for over six years, Shannon has a deep understanding of our business. She also has extensive experience in the broader luxury travel landscape. The executive committee is highly confident that under her direction, LHW will continue to lead the independent luxury hospitality industry."
In her role as SVP/chief marketing officer, Knapp led brand and data-driven marketing strategies, accelerated brand loyalty and oversaw the redesign and 2018 relaunch of the company’s loyalty program. Additionally, she built up the company’s marketing analytics and customer insights organizations to shift how it uses data to inform marketing strategy, resulting in an increase of marketing efficiency and millions of dollars in incremental revenue.
Before joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Knapp spent 15 years at American Express, where she worked in both the corporate and leisure travel divisions. During her time there, she managed luxury travel programs, partners and benefits for Platinum and Centurion Card members and travel consortia business.
"Shannon's strong marketing and customer experience background will enable LHW to further leverage its strength of connecting curious travelers who cherish unordinary story worthy travel moments with hoteliers who live to craft them," said Kracht. "The appointment of Shannon will introduce a fresh perspective on our business that will redefine the role of LHW in empowering the success of its members."
The Leading Hotels of the World, established more than 90 years ago, now comprises more than 400 hotels in more than 80 countries.