Florian Kittler, ISHC
Studied at Cornell College
Works at Cornerstone International Group
Available tomorrow at 7:00 AM UTC
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About Florian
Florian Kittler is a Managing Partner & Executive Coach at Cornerstone International Group, a leading global leadership enhancement firm that offers executive recruitment, executive coaching, and career navigation solutions. With more than 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality, travel & leisure sector, and executive search, Florian developed a deep understanding by partnering closely with senior executives, owners, and organizations throughout Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. His coaching approach is both transformational and strengths-based. Florian supports leaders in uncovering their authentic leadership style, enabling them to lead with confidence and integrity. At the same time, he provides practical strategies and tools that equip them to thrive in dynamic, multicultural settings. This holistic approach ensures that leaders are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today's global business landscape. Originally from Berlin, Florian had the opportunity to live and work in nine different countries. This international exposure has fueled his passion for working with talent, fostered a genuine appreciation for cultural diversity, and reinforced his commitment to developing people and their careers.
Why do I coach?
I have been coaching and mentoring teams since my early career. Through my work in executive search, I am accustomed in having deeply personal conversations when the stakes are high. Through my coaching education, I have further enhanced this skill and put it to use with my clients. Changing people's lives as a recruiter requires an in-depth understanding as well as cutting-edge skills to provide the coaching service that is expected at senior level.
Work Experience
Managing Partner & Global Practice Leader Hospitality, Travel & Leisure
Cornerstone International Group
December 2025 - Present
• Launching Cornerstone’s office in Frankfurt as Managing Partner • Launching a Global Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Practice: Spearheading the development of Cornerstone’s Hospitality, Travel & Leisure practice across 4 continents. • Global Team Leadership & Collaboration: Building a team of executive search consultants and researchers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Regularly coordinating with regional partners to share talent insights and ensure uniform service quality worldwide. • Launching Executive Coaching Practice & Integrating Coaching Services: Introducing an initiative to bundle executive onboarding coaching with search mandates for hospitality clients. Hotel Executive Search, Hospitality Trends & Insights and +24 skills
Managing Director Europe & Asia Pacific
HVS
April 2019 - November 2025
• Expanded Regional Footprint: Grew HVS Executive Search’s presence across Europe & Asia Pacific by opening new offices and service lines. Oversaw the launch of HVS’ first German office in Frankfurt office and the re-launch of Hong Kong as well as led business development in emerging markets. • High-Impact Placements: Successfully executed executive search mandates during tenure, including C-Suite, and VP-level roles for major hotel chains, luxury resort groups, and owners. • Revenue & Team Leadership: Full P&L responsibility for HVS search operations in Europe & APAC. Built and led a diverse team of up to 5 consultants, researchers, and support staff across London, Frankfurt, and Hong Kong. • Client Relationship & Retention: Kept clients return rate and repeat business high, thanks to high satisfaction. Hotel Executive Search, Retained Executive Search and +3 skills
Managing Director Asia Pacific
HVS
June 2017 - March 2019
Hotel Executive Search, Retained Executive Search and +3 skills
Senior Vice President
HVS
December 2016 - May 2017
Hotel Executive Search, Retained Executive Search and +3 skills
VIce President
Comrise
May 2015 - November 2016
As VP of Comrise I was strategically developing the company’s footprint into Asia Pacific while maintaining responsibility for the Essentials business in Hong Kong and integrating the two businesses. In Hong Kong with a contingency and retained recruitment model as well as a contract and event team, Comrise services a wide range of clientele in the Hospitality & Leisure, Retail & FMCG and Property sectors. Comrise is a global consulting company with almost 30 years’ experience, its headquarters are in New Jersey, US. Since 1984, we have been providing clients across industries with qualified talent and professional consulting services such as Recruitment, RPO and Training. Our clients came from a wide range of industry sectors, including Hospitality, FMCG, IT, Telecom, Manufacturing, Industry, Automobile & Real Estate. Comrise in China focuses on Recruitment, RPO services, Consulting and professional training. Besides its headquarters in Hazlet, New Jersey and Chengdu, China, other branches are located in New York, New York, and Phoenix, Arizona as well as overseas in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xian, Changsha, Wuhan, and Qingdao, China. Comrise has recruiting and business development teams within its U.S and China offices and has supplemented additional off-shore recruiters based in India and the Philippines. The company is now a preferred vendor of a number of Fortune 100 companies. Hospitality Ι Food & Beverage Ι Restaurants, Ι Travel Ι Tourism Ι Leisure, Ι Casino & Gaming Ι Cruise Ι Mixed-use Ι Shared Ownership Ι Golf & Country Clubs Ι Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities Hotel Executive Search, Luxury Hotels and +2 skills
General Manager
Essentials Recruitment Consultants Limited
May 2015 - November 2016
Hired in a dual role I was put in charge to oversee the re-branding, re-positioning and integration of ESSENTIALS into the Comrise Asia network. ESSENTIALS is a contingency recruitment firm with a fast growing presence in Hong Kong. The core areas of business include executive search and recruitment services in a broad spectrum of industries & job functions. As a total recruitment solutions provider, Essentials offer services in areas of permanent, contract & temporary placements alike. Hospitality Ι Food & Beverage Ι Restaurants, ΙTravel Ι Tourism Ι Leisure, Ι Casino & Gaming Ι Cruise Ι Mixed-use Ι Shared Ownership Ι Golf & Country Clubs Ι Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities Hotel Executive Search, Luxury Hotels and +2 skills
General Manager Hotels
PSD Group
June 2010 - April 2015
Progressed from individual contributor to Head of the Hospitality & Leisure, FMCG & Retail and Property & Construction Teams in China. PSD is a leading international board, management and executive recruitment consultancy that operates through a matrix structure organised by geography, function and industry sector. Portfolio International with offices in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai is a market leader in the field of senior executive and mid management recruitment in the hospitality, leisure and service industry. Part of the PSD-Group, a management owned company comprised of three Executive Recruitment Consultancies, Portfolio has 25 years of successful partnerships with our clients and candidates worldwide and are considered “Best in the Field”. Hospitality Ι Food & Beverage Ι Restaurants, ΙTravel Ι Tourism Ι Leisure, Ι Casino & Gaming Ι Cruise Ι Mixed-use Ι Shared Ownership Ι Golf & Country Clubs Ι Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities Hotel Executive Search, Luxury Hotels and +2 skills
Education
Cornell College
Certficate in Financial Management, eCornell
2007 - 2008
Hotels & Resorts
Cornell College
Certificate in Hotel Revenue Management, eCornell
2007 - 2008
Hotels & Resorts
University Center "César Ritz"
Swiss Higher Diploma, Hospitality Management
2000 - 2001
Ranked 5th Best Hospitality School in the World (2026 QS World University Rankings) this program blends the best of Swiss education with the excellence of Ritz. Through the carefully crafted curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of the art of managing luxury establishments while developing the leadership skills necessary to excel in the global hospitality industry.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Florian has helped Leland clients get into HVS