Who is Sebastian Löffler?
I was born in Jönköping, but moved to Kiruna early on and have grown up in Gothenburg since the age of three. After completing military service, I left Sweden to study at the University of Nottingham in England and then at Glion in Switzerland.
My career in the hotel industry took off through a trainee program at Mandarin Oriental, where I then stayed for ten years. During that time, I worked in both London and New York. In 2021, I returned to Sweden to start at Ligula as General Manager at ProfilHotels Opera in Gothenburg. Since then, I have held the role of Area Manager with responsibility for our operations in both Sweden and Denmark.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role as CEO of Ligula?
I am really looking forward to the opportunity to develop and drive the company forward – both as a group and at the brand level. Leadership and building organizations that deliver results are something I am passionate about. Taking over an organization with such good conditions provides a unique opportunity to be involved and influence development in a concrete and long-term way.
Are there any areas within Ligula where you think we need to think completely new?
I don’t see anything that we need to tear up and start over from scratch with; we come from a stably built foundation of values. However, there is always room for improvement. Our industry is developing rapidly, and the expectations of guests, customers, and partners are constantly changing. We want to be one step ahead of that and be a leading and active player.
What are the most important strategic priorities for Ligula in the coming years?
For our guests, we want to be even clearer about what we offer and why Ligula should be the obvious choice, regardless of brand, destination, or reason for the visit.
In parallel, we want to continue to build and develop our organization so that it can grow in pace with the company. Long-term development of the right skills internally and being an attractive employer and partner is crucial for our continued success.
Do you want to put your own stamp on Ligula – and how do you balance that with the company’s history and values?
Ligula’s success is based on strong values, and they remain firm. My own stamp will mainly be noticeable in how we work towards our goals, rather than in changing them. The foundation that has already been laid is very strong, and my ambition is to build on it in a sustainable and structured way. With the background I have, hospitality and service are always in focus, and that is how we within Ligula will continue to work.
Where do you want Ligula to be in five years?
In five years, we will have continued to grow and further strengthen our brands. The hope is to be able to maintain the same positive rate of development that we have had since the pandemic and at the same time ensure quality, profitability, and long-term sustainability in everything we do.
What do you prefer to do when you are not working?
Then I like to spend time with my daughter. In addition to that, I enjoy cooking, playing golf, and traveling – preferably in combination.
Briefly about Sebastian Löffler
How old are you?
40 years old.
Where and what have you studied?
Nottingham University Business School and Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland.
What is your professional background?
I have worked for ten years in Food & Beverage at Mandarin Oriental in both New York and London.
Family?
I live with my daughter Dolores, who will soon be three years old.
Which is your favorite hotel within Ligula?
ProfilHotels Copenhagen Plaza – a hotel that I have visited often and that is close to my heart.
Favorite destination in the world?
Hong Kong and South Africa.
Which destination do you dream of visiting?
Japan is high on the wish list.