Jens Gmiat returns to Ruby Group as Chief Operating Officer

Ruby Group is pleased to announce the return of Jens Gmiat as Chief Operating Officer. Gmiat played a pivotal role in the Group’s early years, helping to build the foundation for its operational and commercial functions. Now, he rejoins the company to support its next phase of strategic growth, particularly following Ruby Group’s recently announced partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. In his new role, Gmiat will oversee all operational, commercial, and people & culture functions. Also, during the maternity leave of Daniella Boeken, Senior Vice President Commercial, the commercial teams will report directly to him.

With more than 30 years of experience in international hospitality, Gmiat brings deep operational and commercial expertise to Ruby Group. His career includes senior leadership roles at renowned European hotel groups such as Soho House and Zoku, and most recently at HotelCo51, one of Marriott’s largest franchise partners, where he oversaw a portfolio of more than 40 hotels. Prior to rejoining Ruby Group, Gmiat served as Head of Operations at Criterion Hospitality in London, managing both the company’s proprietary Zedwell Hotels brand and its IHG franchise operations.

Michael Struck, Founder and CEO of Ruby, commented: "We’re thrilled to welcome Jens back to Ruby Group in this phase of strong growth. His deep operational and commercial expertise and first-hand knowledge of Ruby’s DNA make him uniquely suited to help lead Ruby Group through its next chapter of international expansion. With his proven leadership skills and commercial acumen, Jens will be instrumental in scaling our Lean Luxury model across new markets while continuing to strengthen our culture and operational excellence.

With now twenty legal entities across ten countries and counting, the Group is parallely also expanding its senior leadership structure. Alongside Gmiat, Fabian Zellinger, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer (CGIO), and Martin Zilkens, Senior Vice President Finance & Controlling, will join Michael Struck, as managing directors of the group.

Michael Struck said: “As our group structures expand, strengthening our managing directors’ level will help us keep our focus on growing responsibly and sustainably. Fabian, Martin and Jens have all helped shape and grow Ruby Group for many years. I am grateful and proud to have them at my side as MDs to steer us through this next phase of Ruby Group’s development.”

Under Struck’s leadership, Ruby Group continues to redefine the modern hotel experience through its Lean Luxury philosophy - combining contemporary design, high-quality service, and prime city locations with a lean, tech-driven organisational model.

About Ruby Hotels

The Ruby Group under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Struck is breaking new ground with its Lean Luxury philosophy. With a lean organisational structure and concentration on the essentials, Ruby succeeds in creating a contemporary, affordable form of luxury for modern, cost and style-conscious customers.

Founded in 2013, the group operates 20 Ruby hotels across Europe, with an additional 14 hotels currently under construction or in the planning phase. Ruby also offers Ruby Workspaces – perfectly equipped workplaces and a creative atmosphere with access to an inspiring office community.

Financially strong shareholders support Ruby’s expansion: Cura, the family office of the German Otto family; the Austrian Soravia Group; Franger Investment, a German family office; Ocean Link, a private equity fund; the investor Michael Hehn; and Michael Struck jointly hold the company shares.