CHRIS K. FRANZEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE: "LEARNING EVERY DAY MAKES THINGS INTERESTING" (Switzerland)
From culinary arts to leading one of Switzerland's most prestigious resorts, Chris K. Franzen's return to his homeland marks a new chapter in luxury hospitality, combining international expertise with Swiss heritage. |
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CHRIS K. FRANZEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE: "LEARNING EVERY DAY MAKES THINGS INTERESTING" (Switzerland)
From culinary arts to leading one of Switzerland's most prestigious resorts, Chris K. Franzen's return to his homeland marks a new chapter in luxury hospitality, combining international expertise with Swiss heritage. |
Category: Europe - Switzerland - Careers
- Interviews and portraits
- Career - Interviews - Industry leaders
Interview made by Sonia Taourghi on 2025-02-04
 Chris K. Franzen, Managing Director, Bürgenstock Lake Lucerne Resort, during the ILTM Cannes 2024
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi
With 22 years at Hyatt and successful ventures in the Gulf States, Chris K. Franzen has embarked on a new journey as Managing Director of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in April 2024, marking a significant homecoming for the third-generation hotelier from Zermatt, who succeeds Thomas Goval after his successful six-year tenure at the resort.
A born hotelier
Born into hospitality, Franzen's journey began through childhood encounters with legendary guests. "When I grew up, I had the pleasure as a young boy of having guests like Charles Bronson, Audrey Hepburn, and Roger Moore in our hotel," he recalls with a smile. "I thought this was really cool, meeting people from overseas, mainly Americans, wealthy Italians, French people. I just enjoyed being amongst people from other countries." This early exposure to international clientele shaped his future path.
Unlike many in the industry who discover their calling through experience or circumstance, Franzen's direction was clear from the start. "There was no such moment because I never even considered anything else," he states matter-of-factly. "If you don't have a lot of passion for something you do, it's very difficult to work long hours and work very hard. I always looked at it not as a job, for me it was always a form of hobby."
A leader of many talents
His comprehensive approach to understanding the industry led him through various roles, starting as a chef, and then becoming a sommelier before attending hotel school. This ground-up experience has proven invaluable in his leadership style. "When you discuss a problem with a guest or employee, and you understand how a process works, how a situation has developed, you have much more empathy, you understand it better and find solutions that work."
After 23 years with Hyatt, Franzen made a pivotal decision. "One morning, the year I turned 50, I told my wife, 'I'm 50 now, either I stay with the company until I retire, or I want to try something new.'" This led him first to the Waldorf Astoria in Doha, but Switzerland was calling. "I never wanted to go back home. Then, one morning, I woke up thinking, 'I want to go home.' My wife said, 'You must be crazy.'"
At Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Franzen leads a property that matches his international experience with Swiss excellence. Tall and charismatic, he appears as the natural embodiment of the top host when greeting guests in the elegant and renowned Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge. The resort, boasting Europe's largest spa, regularly welcomes global elite guests.
His tenure began with what he calls a "dream start" - hosting the Summit on Peace in Ukraine of the Swiss Confederation, a true baptism by fire for him and his 700-strong team. The event's significance was heightened by speculation around US President Joe Biden's potential attendance. "During the conference in mid-June, I looked around in the lobby. We had 57 heads of state, like normal guests, talking to each other. That's how politics work, right there in your lobby," he recalls with a measured pride that speaks to his experienced handling of high-profile events.
Forward-thinking as a philosophy
Looking ahead, his vision for Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne combines innovation with excellence. "We want to remain at the forefront of innovation and benchmarking. Many times we say, 'No, we don't do this because it doesn't work in our location.' But what about trying to teach people something new? Let's try it."
His advice to the next generation of hoteliers reflects the industry's evolution. "Don't do what we did. Our generation stuck to one brand to build a career. It's a good thing to change and try new things, learn from other companies, move around, gain experience." However, some principles remain timeless, especially when it comes to the business of people and taking care of their satisfaction: "Look after your employees. Look after your guests. If you have these two things, business will be fine."
For Franzen, returning to Switzerland represents more than a career move - it's an opportunity to bring his global experience home while continuing to grow. "I probably enjoy most that I have to learn again. After 30 years away, there are many things you don't know about local regulations and consumer behaviour. But learning every day makes it interesting."
 The Bürgenstock Lake Lucerne Resort offers breathtaking views on Lake Lucerne and the surrounding landscape
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi
 The Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is the contemporary hotel of the Bürgenstock Lake Lucerne Resort
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi
 Enjoying the exterior heated pool is one of the most iconic experiences and offers unique views of the sunset
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi
 The Bürgenstock Lake Lucerne Resort spans across 150 forested acres and offers a wide range of activities and hikes
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi
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