Ivica Max Krizmanić named European Hotel Manager of the Year 2025
The prestigious EHMA award presented to the General Manager of the Esplanade Zagreb is the crown achievement of his impressive career and a great honor for the Esplanade Hotel.
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In the year when the Esplanade celebrates its 100th anniversary, this award further confirms the status of a legendary institution and its success in business.
At a ceremony held in Warsaw in Poland, the prestigious European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) named the General Manager of the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb, Ivica Max Krizmanić, European Hotel Manager of the Year 2025.
This is the most prestigious individual recognition that EHMA awards to its members. He was honoured for exceptional results in hotel management, achieving continuous growth at one of Croatia’s most prestigious hotels, strategic planning, employee development, and his active contribution to both the local community and the hospitality industry.
The award ceremony also coincided with a major anniversary – the 100th anniversary of the Esplanade Hotel, which opened its doors in 1925 for passengers of the legendary Orient Express, and is today recognised as an icon of luxury tourism in the region.
“It is a great honour to receive this high distinction, especially when it comes from colleagues and experts from Europe’s finest hotels who share my passion for luxury hospitality. This prestigious award recognises the dedication of the entire Esplanade Hotel team, who raise the bar for excellence and hospitality every day. In this centennial year, the award further confirms the hotel’s immense value and influence in the European and global hotel industry”, said Ivica Max Krizmanić.
Founded in 1974 in Rome, the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) currently brings together nearly 500 top professionals who manage more than 1,200 of the most luxurious hotels in 24 European countries. As a non-profit organisation, EHMA fosters excellence, sustainability, professional development, and networking among industry leaders through trainings, research, and professional conferences. Today, EHMA represents a key platform for shaping the future of European luxury hospitality. EHMA presents this award annually at a central gala event that brings together numerous hoteliers and industry partners. The EHMA Board selects a General Manager who demonstrates excellence in operational leadership, team development, and active community involvement, while also promoting innovation within the industry. EHMA President and Manager of Ella Resorts in Greece, Panos Almyrantis, pointed out that Krizmanić’s career embodies the Association’s values – excellence, leadership and innovation in the hotel industry: “Through his work, Ivica raises hotel standards while successfully blending modern leadership with a deep respect for tradition. Under his management, the Esplanade Hotel has become a symbol of local culture and top-tier service at the European level.”
Ivica Max Krizmanić is a long-standing member of EHMA, as well as a member of the Zagreb Tourist Board Council, a member of the Croatian Tourist Board Assembly, an honorary member of FIJET (Croatian Association of Travel Journalists and Writers in Tourism), a member of SKAL, as well as a member of the international gastronomic society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and a mentor and member of the evaluation committee of the AmCham Talents program for the development of young business leaders. He regularly participates in conferences and forums on luxury tourism, sustainability, and digitalisation, and is also known for his humanitarian work and support of the local community.
His professional journey is intricately linked to the Esplanade Hotel. He grew up hearing stories about the hotel – his father was part of this prestigious institution for three decades. Although he initially planned a career in mechanical engineering, life led him down a new path. The opportunity to temporarily help out as a concierge allowed him to enter the world of luxury hospitality, which immediately captivated him.
“My journey at the Esplanade began by chance, but it quickly became my life’s calling. I was drawn to the hotel’s energy, sophistication, and the opportunity for every guest to feel special and experience hospitality at the highest level. Over the years, I have learned from the best, witnessed meetings of world leaders, and had unforgettable experiences. The Esplanade is a living story, constantly evolving and keeping up with global trends. This hotel is my second home.”
In more than 30 years of work in the hotel industry, Krizmanić has worked at all levels – from reception, sales, to strategic revenue management and leadership roles. Under his leadership, the Esplanade Hotel has undergone a strong digital transformation, improved environmental sustainability, and further strengthened its leading position in luxury hospitality in the region. Under the guidance of Ivica Max Krizmanić, the Esplanade Hotel has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Award and multiple World Luxury Hotel Awards. He was awarded the prestigious title of General Manager of the Year for Southern and Eastern Europe at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2022, which further confirmed his exceptional contribution to the luxury hotel industry.
“Guests today seek authenticity, emotion, something they cannot find anywhere else. Our challenge is to remain true to our heritage while implementing innovation, listening to new generations of travellers, and exceeding their expectations with a personalised approach. The key challenge is to assemble a team that shares the hotel’s values, with an eye for detail and a true passion for excellence”, Krizmanić said.
In recent years, the Esplanade Hotel has welcomed numerous world leaders, presidents, celebrities, and members of royal families, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Queen Silvia of Sweden. However, Krizmanić and his team devote the same attention to every guest, regardless of their status, because, as he often stresses, “impeccable service lies in the details that create unforgettable moments for every guest”. This international accolade confirms the outstanding contribution of Ivica Max Krizmanić and the Esplanade Hotel to the advancement of luxury hospitality. At the same time, it further strengthens the position of Zagreb and Croatia on the global premium tourism map as relevant and desirable destinations. At a time when authenticity, sustainability, and top-tier service are becoming key criteria for travellers, the Esplanade Hotel and its General Manager prove once again that exceptional results are achieved through vision, passion and teamwork.
PHOTOS – download (Esplanade Hotel and EHMA archive): EHMA 2025
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ABOUT THE ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL
The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel was built in 1925 to provide premium service for the passengers of the legendary Orient Express train. Throughout its history, the hotel has been a favourite spot for numerous celebrities – acting legends, music icons, members of royal families, and political and business leaders. With its architecture, elegance and impeccable service, the Esplanade has become one of the most elegant and prestigious hotels in Southeast Europe. Known for its restaurants Zinfandel’s and Le Bistro, the Esplanade is synonymous with haute cuisine, while also spearheading sustainability. It has successfully implemented a number of green initiatives, from energy efficiency to waste reduction and cooperation with international environmental organisations. The hotel is ever-changing as it follows market trends and listens to its guests, while maintaining its timeless charm and modern elegance. Today, exactly 100 years since its opening, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel remains a symbol of luxury, sophistication and premium service, and proudly bears the title of home to one of Europe’s best hoteliers.
Published: Zagreb, 8 April 2025
