Mandarin Oriental, Munich Names Barbara Göttling as New General Manager

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced Barbara Göttling as the new General Manager for its Munich property, effective May 1, 2026. She succeeds Marc Epper in this role.

Göttling's background spans more than 20 years in luxury hospitality, with her most recent post as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Prague. During her tenure there, she was credited with elevating the hotel's international standing and local identity, according to Hospitality Net.

Her career includes senior leadership positions across sales, marketing, and operations with notable groups like Hyatt and Accor. Hospitality Net highlights her approach as a blend of operational rigor and strategic insight, combined with an "intuitive understanding of people" and a "deep commitment to distinguished hospitality." She also dedicates time to mentoring and supporting women in the industry.

In her new capacity, Göttling is tasked with continuing the strategic development of Mandarin Oriental, Munich. Her focus areas include crafting personalized guest experiences, fostering authentic connections to the city, and cultivating a service culture characterized by "mindfulness, precision, and timeless elegance."

Our take: The appointment of Barbara Göttling signals Mandarin Oriental's clear intent to maintain, and likely elevate, the Munich property's status within Europe's luxury hotel landscape. Her proven track record in Prague and extensive operational background position her well to lead a hotel that is already a benchmark for refined Bavarian hospitality. We'll be watching for how her emphasis on "highly personalized guest experiences" translates on the ground.