Bilderberg has announced several strategic changes within its general management team across its Dutch portfolio. Erik de Wit is set to depart from the Bilderberg Parkhotel in Rotterdam and will be succeeded by Frans van de Laak. Concurrently, Harro Menkhorst has been appointed as Cluster General Manager for both the Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes in Zwolle and Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon in Apeldoorn.
The departure of Erik de Wit marks the end of an era spanning over thirty years with the organization. Serving as General Manager of the Parkhotel Rotterdam since 2014, De Wit previously held various leadership roles, including General Manager of the Bilderberg Garden Hotel. Throughout his tenure, he became a cornerstone of the brand’s signature hospitality and earned a reputation as an inspiring leader dedicated to professional development. Many industry professionals began their careers under his mentorship. Reflecting on his departure, De Wit expressed pride in the growth of his colleagues and the authentic, heart-led service they achieved together. Bilderberg has extended its gratitude to De Wit for his long-standing dedication to the group’s reputation and its people.
Effective July 1, 2026, Frans van de Laak will take the helm at the Bilderberg Parkhotel. Van de Laak currently manages the Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon, where he spent the last six years overseeing a significant renovation and successful repositioning of the property. With over two decades of prior experience as a General Manager within Accor, he is recognized as a passionate hotelier who prioritizes personal attention, networking, and the creation of memorable guest experiences. His appointment brings an experienced, people-oriented leader to the Rotterdam location.
In a move to streamline operations, Harro Menkhorst has been named Cluster General Manager starting on the same date. While maintaining his current role at the Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes, Menkhorst will also assume responsibility for Hotel De Keizerskroon. His primary focus in this expanded capacity will be to further elevate service quality, guest satisfaction, and team development within the newly formed cluster.
Bilderberg maintains a collection of eleven hotels in the Netherlands and one in Germany, specializing in historic locations that cater to both leisure travelers and the corporate meetings and events sector. The brand is part of Event Hotels, a management organization overseeing 55 properties across Europe.
