Capella Hotel Group has appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer as the company ramps up its global expansion of both its Capella and Patina brands.

Jaffer will lead the group’s global development and shape its hospitality-led real estate projects. The group plans to double its portfolio by 2030, with Capella Nanjing due to open by the end of 2026. This launch will be followed by openings in Riyadh and Florence. Patina Tiangin in China will be the next opening for the Patina Hotels and Resorts brand.

Jaffer was previously global head of LXR hotels and resorts at Hilton Worldwide, where he led the brand’s strategic growth from one property to more than 40 operating hotels and a global pipeline. 

He was also closely connected with the Capella Hotel Group between 2014 and 2019, when he served as senior vice president of acquisitions and development at the hospitality group’s owning company, Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group.

Jaffer led the Fari Isands development in the Maldives, where Patina Maldives is located. He also played a pivotal role in the Sydney Sandstones development bid in Australia, which became Capella Sydney.

He has also held senior investment and development roles at Host Hotels and Resorts, in a joint venture with GIC Real Estate and at Fairmont-Raffles Hotels International. 

Jaffer said, “Capella and Patina represent something rare: industry-defining brands with genuine soul. The years I spent working alongside vice-chair of Capella Hotel Group, Evan Kwee, and the Kwee family taught me what luxury hospitality can be. To return at such a pivotal moment – to help advance the group’s global development under president Roland Fasel’s leadership and contribute to the family’s investment and real estate interests – is a tremendous privilege. I am truly excited to build the next generation of Capella and Patina destinations around the world.” 

Roland Fasel, president, Capella Hotel Group, said: “As we build the team to match our ambitions, Feisal brings deep relationships across institutional and private capital, a sharp commercial mind and a genuine understanding of our brands. He will drive our global development strategy – expanding our portfolio in key markets, building lasting partnerships with owners and creating enduring value across the business. With Capella’s reputation stronger than ever and Patina gaining considerable momentum, I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”