Changsha, China, 26 June 2026 - Wharf Hotels has announced the appointment of Ilja Poepper as Area General Manager of Niccolo Changsha and Maqo Changsha.Ilja enjoys deep, long-standing connections with China, bringing extensive market expertise and cultural insight. A native of Germany, he lived in China for much of his youth with his parents and completed a year of further study in Sinology at Peking University. Alongside native fluency in German and complete command of English and Mandarin, he also possesses a working knowledge of French and Italian.
Ilja brings more than 30 years’ international luxury hospitality experience spanning Europe and Greater China. Most recently, he held dual roles as Vice President, Sales & Marketing and Vice President of Owner Relations at Kempinski and NUO Hotels (Greater China, Mongolia & SEA), where he delivered revenue growth and managed complex stakeholder relations across the entire portfolio. Prior to this, as Vice President at Wanda Hotels & Resorts, he oversaw asset management for the group’s contracted hotels - a collection of 40 properties under Accor, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton and Starwood brands. Ilja also led operational planning and the launch of four proprietary hotel brands, alongside a portfolio of more than 75 operational hotels.
Ilja is a results-focused, highly dedicated professional with over 25 years’ experience working with leading global hotel brands in China, covering both operations and sales & marketing. In his new dual-property role in Changsha, Ilja will oversee all operational, commercial and guest experience strategies for both Niccolo Changsha and Maqo Changsha, ensuring each brand retains its distinct positioning while driving synergies across the two properties.
Commenting on his appointment, Ilja said: “I am delighted to take up this new dual-hotel role. Niccolo Changsha has cemented its standing as one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, celebrated for its contemporary spaces and understated sophisticated guest experiences, while Maqo Changsha has been the iconic destination for unique local and cultural experiences centred on the theme of social vibrancy. I look forward to collaborating with the team at both hotels to further enhance our outstanding reputation in Changsha and beyond.”
About Niccolo Changsha
New Encounters. Timeless Pleasures.
Niccolo Changsha is located in Hunan capital’s premier address in Furong District entertainment and business hub. Opened in October 2018, the hotel offers 241 contemporary urban chic rooms and spectacular suites between the 86th and 92nd floors of Changsha IFS Tower One. Situated in the most vibrant part of the city, the hotel’s facilities include contemporary function and meeting spaces offering scenic views of the city and Xiang River, elaborate conference and social event venues including The Conservatory, the luxurious Niccolo Ballroom, a sophisticated Tea Lounge, Bar 93, Niccolo Kitchen, The Spa at Niccolo and the Fitness Centre. Reservations may be made at niccolohotels.com.
About Maqo Changsha
Located in Tower Two of Changsha's iconic International Finance Square (IFS), Maqo Changsha features 286 well-designed guest rooms, restaurant, bar, shared workspace, and a fitness centre. Embracing the brand philosophy of 'only better is better', the hotel provides guests with unique local and cultural experiences centred on the theme of social vibrancy.
E.D.I.T. is an all-day restaurant where guests can curate meals creating memorable dining experiences. E.D.I.T. 2 GO serves as a convenient take-away point via its food truck, offering bites and beverages. MiXR bar brings evenings to life with musicians, beat makers, performances, and live music. THE LAB, fusing a gallery atmosphere with a co-working space, provides an inspiring setting to work, mingle with friends, or wind down with drinks and snacks. PWR ZONE fitness centre offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including a gym, a yoga studio, and a 360-degree fitness studio.
About Niccolo Hotels
Niccolo Hotels is a collection of five contemporary chic hotels inspired by luxury fashion. Underpinning the brand is the desire to make life effortlessly luxurious for guests with engaging experiences, art and design, and sophisticated spaces. The brand’s first property opened in Chengdu in 2015 and it is now present in Hong Kong SAR, Changsha, Chongqing and Suzhou. Niccolo Hotels is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Visit niccolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with over 50 brands and 1,000 hotels across 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme – GHA DISCOVERY – provides 35 million members with recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay.
Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
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