In an industry defined by constant change, evolving guest expectations, and increasing pressure to balance performance with purpose, strong leadership has never been more critical. Among Europe’s hospitality leaders shaping the future of the sector, Mario Gierl, Cluster General Manager at Precise Hotels and Resorts, stands out for his depth of experience, operational insight, and forward-looking vision.
Founded in 2005 by Ron Ben Haim, Precise Hotels and Resorts has built a reputation for distinctive properties set in exceptional locations across Germany, Italy, and Spain. Today, under leaders like Gierl, the brand continues to strengthen its positioning through sustainability, digital innovation, and people-centric hospitality.
A Journey Built from the Ground Up
Mario Gierl’s professional journey is a testament to the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning. His career began in a small family-run hospitality business, where he trained as a hotel manager. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the industry from every perspective, he subsequently pursued formal chef training, completing it in 2003.
This dual foundation in hotel operations and culinary craftsmanship proved invaluable. Gierl went on to gain experience at well-known hospitality brands such as Renaissance, Courtyard in Bochum, Steigenberger Hotels in Germany, and Holiday Inn in England. Each role refined his understanding of service quality, guest satisfaction, and international standards.
Between 2008 and 2018, Gierl took a bold entrepreneurial leap, operating several restaurants and castle hotels in northern Germany. Managing operations with more than 1,200 employees, he honed his leadership abilities under real business pressure, gaining firsthand experience in financial performance, workforce management, and brand-building.
His career path later took an international turn. From 2018 to 2023, Gierl worked in Portugal as manager of a customer service provider for the travel industry, expanding his exposure to global markets and digital service structures. At the end of 2023, he returned to Germany to take on the role of Deputy General Manager at Pierre & Vacances, before being offered a new challenge at Precise Hotels and Resorts in mid-2024.
Starting as General Manager in Rheinsberg, he quickly rose to Cluster General Manager, overseeing Precise Resort Marina Wolfsbruch, Precise Resort Hafendorf, and Precise Resort Schwielowsee, a testament to both his performance and leadership credibility.
Why Precise Hotels and Resorts
For Gierl, joining Precise Hotels and Resorts was a natural alignment of professional values and personal vision. The group’s portfolio of architecturally striking properties in prime locations immediately resonated with him.
“What attracted me most was the way Precise blends tradition with sophistication,” Gierl explains. “These are places where guests and staff alike can experience something truly memorable.”
Equally important were the growth opportunities. The organization’s openness to innovation and internal development convinced him that Precise Hotels and Resorts offered not just a role, but a long-term platform to create impact.
Balancing Guest Satisfaction and Financial Performance
In hospitality, guest satisfaction and profitability are often seen as opposing forces. Gierl strongly disagrees. In his view, they are inherently linked.
“Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction is essential to achieving financial success,” he notes. “Satisfied guests return, recommend, and contribute to long-term stability.”
His approach combines consistent staff training, clear service standards, and efficient operational processes. By continuously optimizing workflows and removing friction points, teams are able to focus on personalized guest experiences rather than administrative burdens. Sustainability also plays a key role, not only as an ethical responsibility, but as a driver of efficiency and cost control.
Leading Under Pressure
Hospitality is a fast-paced environment, particularly during peak seasons. Gierl believes motivation under pressure starts with clarity.
Clear communication, well-defined goals, and transparent expectations help teams remain focused during demanding periods. Just as important is recognition. Celebrating both individual and team successes, even during stressful times, reinforces morale and commitment.
He also places emphasis on autonomy, empowering employees to take ownership of their roles and decisions. Team-building initiatives further reduce tension and strengthen collaboration, creating a workplace culture built on trust and mutual respect.
A Culture of Improvement and Innovation
For Gierl, continuous improvement is not a formal program—it is a mindset. Encouraging open dialogue, learning from challenges, and supporting proactive ideas allow innovation to emerge organically within teams.
By fostering a flexible corporate culture where change is welcomed rather than feared, Precise Hotels and Resorts can adapt quickly to new market realities while maintaining high service standards.
Hospitality Trends Shaping the Next Five Years
Looking ahead, Gierl identifies sustainability and environmental responsibility as the most impactful forces in the coming years. Guests are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly practices, and hospitality brands must respond authentically.
Technological integration, particularly artificial intelligence, will also play a transformative role. From smarter operations to AI-enhanced guest personalization, technology will redefine efficiency and engagement. Changing travel patterns and the growing demand for tailored experiences require hotels to be agile, data-driven, and guest-focused.
Staying Adaptable in a Dynamic Industry
Adaptability, according to Gierl, begins with lifelong learning. Staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and guest behaviors allows leaders to anticipate change rather than react to it.
At an organizational level, adaptability requires building a flexible, innovation-oriented culture. By encouraging experimentation and proactive decision-making, hotels can navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Technology as a Catalyst for Excellence
At Precise Hotels and Resorts, recent technological innovations have already delivered measurable benefits. The introduction of an intelligent, all-in-one hotel management system has automated key processes including reservations, housekeeping coordination, and guest communication.
This automation has reduced errors, improved accuracy, and freed staff to focus on personalized service. Mobile check-in and check-out systems further enhance guest convenience by minimizing waiting times and streamlining arrival and departure experiences.
Sustainability-driven technology has also been implemented through smart thermostats and energy management systems. These initiatives reduce operational costs while meeting guests’ growing expectations for environmentally responsible accommodations.
Vision for the Future
Gierl’s vision for Precise Hotels and Resorts centers on delivering unique, unforgettable guest experiences while expanding the brand’s footprint. Continuous improvements in service quality, thoughtful adoption of new technologies, and a strong commitment to sustainability form the pillars of this vision.
Emerging growth opportunities lie in sustainable tourism, digital transformation, enhanced customer experiences, and health and wellness travel segments. By aligning offerings with these trends, Precise Hotels and Resorts is well positioned for future expansion.
The Evolving Role of Leadership
Leadership in hospitality is changing rapidly. Digital transformation, shifting consumer expectations, and sustainability demands require leaders to be agile, resilient, and people-focused.
According to Gierl, successful leaders must balance technological innovation with human connection, ensuring that progress enhances rather than replaces authentic hospitality.
Advice to Aspiring Hospitality Leaders
To those looking to build a successful career in hospitality leadership, Gierl emphasizes the importance of customer-centric thinking, interpersonal skills, and diversified experience.
“Stay curious, seek mentorship, and never stop learning,” he advises. “Leadership is built through experience, accountability, and a service-oriented mindset.”
By combining practical exposure, ongoing education, and genuine care for people, aspiring leaders can navigate challenges and build meaningful, lasting careers within this dynamic industry.
