Matthew Weihs - Podcast Details

Shows

Popular Pig Navigating Leadership in Ag and Beyond | Gary Weihs About the Guest Gary Weihs serves as Managing Partner for Kincannon & Reed, the world’s premier search firm for senior leadership roles in food, agribusiness, and life sciences organizations. Leveraging more than 30 years of management experience in technology, production, renewables, biotech and agricultural equipment environments, Weihs focuses on senior executive and direct-report-level assignments within agricultural and food sectors. Weihs and the Kincannon & Reed team work to become trusted partners with their clients through a consultative approach, strong work ethic, deep industry knowledge, and extensive professional networks. Early in an engagement, Weihs and his co...

2025-07-1730 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Building Africa's Next Powerhouse: The Journey of Tadiwos BeleteWhat does it take to build a hospitality brand rooted in African identity and driven by community impact? In this FHS Africa podcast episode, Matthew Weihs is joined by Tadiwos Belete, CEO and Founder of Kuriftu Resorts, to unpack his extraordinary story — from leaving Ethiopia as a teenage refugee to founding Boston Partners PLC and igniting tourism development in his home country. Tadiwos reflects on the challenges of returning to a market with decades of halted progress, and how he created a model where 83% of staff are the same people who built the resorts. He outlines his am...

2025-05-0219 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 91: Expanding Horizons: Tui Blue's Growth Strategy Across AfricaIn this episode of the FHS Africa Podcast, Matthew Weihs speaks with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI BLUE, about the brand’s ambitious expansion across Africa. With recent triple-branded developments in Kenya, a growing presence in Zanzibar and South Africa, and a focus on sustainable tourism, TUI BLUE is redefining hospitality across the continent. Wesam shares insights into the brand’s strategy, from integrated resort clusters to AI-powered operations and eco-friendly initiatives. 💡 Key takeaways: ✔️ TUI BLUE’s 1,000-room expansion in Kenya ✔️ The rise of luxury lodges & sustainable tourism in Africa ✔️ How data & AI are reshapi...

2025-03-1920 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 74: Wesam Okasha, Managing Director l Board Member Head of Global Development Asia, Greater China & EMEA Regions, TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Matthew Weihs sits down with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts, to discuss the brand’s global expansion, particularly in Asia and Africa. Wesam highlights TUI’s innovative use of AI to reduce food waste, their strong commitment to sustainability, and the challenges of hotel development across diverse regions. They also explore TUI BLUE's goals for opening 200 hotels in the next eight years and their partnership with FHS World to boost brand awareness. #FHSPodcast #FHSWorld #FutureHospitalitySummit

2024-09-1718 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 89: Jameel Verjee, CEO, CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group) & Claire van Enk, Founder / CEO, Farm to FeedIn this podcast, Matthew Weihs hosts Jameel Verjee, CEO of City Blue Hotels, and Claire Van Enk, founder of Farm to Feed, exploring their innovative partnership in tackling food waste and promoting sustainability across Africa. Claire introduces Farm to Feed's mission as a B2B marketplace for surplus produce, addressing significant food loss issues in Kenya. Jamil discusses City Blue Hotels' commitment to sustainability and their synergistic collaboration with Farm to Feed to integrate these practices into hospitality operations across East and West Africa. Together, they highlight their tech-driven approach, strategic expansion plans, and shared vision to transform food...

2024-06-2022 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 57: Nicolas Nasra, Head of Hotel Advisory, Hospitality & Tourism MENA Region, ColliersJoin us on the latest FHS Podcast where Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director at The Bench, speaks with Nicolas Nasra, Head of Hotel Advisory, Hospitality & Tourism at Colliers, about the evolving landscape of branded residences in Saudi Arabia. Learn how collaborations with luxury and lifestyle brands are reshaping real estate, attracting younger demographics, and delivering strong returns on investment in alignment with Vision 2030. Tune in to the full podcast for an insightful discussion. #FutureHospitalitySummit #FHSSaudiArabia #FHSPodcast

2024-05-0821 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 86: Wesam Okasha, Managing Director | Board Member Head of Global Development Asia, Greater China & EMEA Regions, TUI BLUE Hotels LLCIn this AHIF podcast episode, Matthew Weihs sits down with Wesam Okasha, Managing Director of TUI Blue, to delve into the brand's remarkable journey since its establishment in 2016. Okasha sheds light on TUI Blue's ambitious growth targets, surpassing expectations by opening 97 hotels in their initial three years. He discusses their strategic expansion into new markets, including Africa and Asia, highlighting their innovative approach to delivering authentic holiday experiences. Furthermore, Okasha emphasizes TUI Blue's unwavering commitment to sustainability, detailing their initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices across their properties. The conversation also touches upon TUI Blue's upcoming...

2024-04-3017 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 84: Trevor Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality GroupIn the latest episode of the AHIF podcast, Matthew Weihs and Trevor Ward delve into the intricacies of Africa's hospitality market. With a focus on the annual Hotel Chain Development in Africa pipeline report, they explore the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the continent's hotel industry. From the surge in resort developments to the impact of currency devaluation on project viability, this conversation offers valuable insights for investors and industry players alike.

2024-03-2629 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 78: Bani Haddad, Founder & Managing Director, Aleph HospitalityDive into the world of hospitality investment in Africa with Matthew Weihs on the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum podcast. In this episode, he interviews Barney Haddad, the Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality. Discover how Aleph Hospitality operates as a third-party white label hotel operator, providing flexible management services for hotel owners across Africa. Explore the unique challenges and benefits of their model, including flexibility, shorter contractual terms, and street-smart management that leads to higher profitability. Learn about Aleph Cares, their sustainability and social responsibility program, and how they engage with local communities in Africa.

2023-11-1319 min

The VA TourismPodcast Managing Director of the Bench Matthew Weihs reflects on 2023 AHIFIn today’s episode, the managing director of the Bench, Matthew Weihs unpacks the positive feedback received from customers and participants at this year’s Africa Hospitality Investments Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya. He said the feedback highlights the considerable efforts being made to foster long-term development and investment opportunities across Africa.

2023-06-2306 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 19: Martin Berlin, Partner, Global Deals Real Estate Leader, PwC Middle EastMartin Berlin, Partner, Global Deals Real Estate Leader, PwC Middle East talks to Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The Bench about his role at PwC and the impact he is creating while being at the company. Martin discusses the shift in working practices post-pandemic and the challenges the industry is still facing going through recovery. Towards the end, Martin shares his insights on how Qatar will be impacted as a destination by the upcoming FIFA Worldcup, and what else is currently hot in the Middle East hospitality market.

2022-09-0812 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 17: Tim Cordon, Area SVP, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel GroupIn this episode of the FHS Podcast, Tim Cordon, Area SVP, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group talks to Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The Bench about Radisson's operations over the past few years and the difference in performance before and after the pandemic. Tim discusses the challenges that come with expanding the human capital of the company and talks about all HR-related activities Radisson is performing to attract fresh talent. He also explains Radisson's commitment to sustainability and the action plan for the coming years.

2022-09-0519 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 16: James Wrenn, Director - Head of Hotel Advisory, MENA Region, ColliersIn this episode of the FHS Podcast, James Wrenn, Director - Head of Hotel Advisory, MENA Region, Colliers talks to Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The Bench about the evolution of the hospitality investment market of the Middle East over the past decade, and what the future looks like for the region. James explains how the Middle East is now turning into a mature market as investors shift their focus from development to trading of assets. He draws a comparison of the ME with more developed markets such as the UK and USA and puts forward some impressive...

2022-09-0217 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 15: Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, RotanaGuy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana returns to the FHS Podcast to talk to Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The Bench about Rotana's operations in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Guy elaborates on Rotana's newly launched brand 'Edge' and discusses the impact the FIFA WorldCup will have on Qatar as a destination. Guy and Matt further chat about inflation, fuel price hikes, supply chain challenges and how all of these affect the hospitality industry in particular. Guy also explains his stance on sustainability and 'greenwashing' as he talks about all the practices Rotana follows to...

2022-09-0116 min

Future Hospitality Summit Podcast Episode 14: Tim Peck, Chairman, OBMIIn this episode of the Future Hospitality Summit Podacst, Tim Peck, Chairman, OBMI talks to Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The Bench about the 85-year legacy of OBMI along with what the pipeline looks like now for the company as the industry has shifted its focus towards being sustainable and environment-friendly post-pandemic. Tim also talks about his panel discussion on Sustainable Design at the upcoming edition of the FHS and elaborates on all the efforts OBMI has been making on the grassroots level to inspire and educate the younger generation about sustainability and hospitality.

2022-08-3116 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Episode 63: Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President of Development for Africa and Turkey, RadissonAnnouncing that the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) is, after a two year break with COVID, planning on bringing the investment community back to Sub-Saharan Africa Matthew Weihs, Managing Director or the Bench, spoke to Ramsay Rankoussi Vice President of Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group. We asked him about the past year which has been a successful one for the operator and what his expectations of the market in the coming 12 months, what changes to strategy they have had since COVID and where they will be focusing for future development.

2022-02-1612 min

AHIC Talks Episode 15: Hon. Minister Najib Balala & Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, KenyaIn this episode, Matthew Weihs talks with Hon. Minister Najib Balala to see how tourism in Kenya is handling the pandemic and what can be done for future investment opportunities. The minister spoke about how infrastructure plays a big role during times of crisis as it enhances intra-Africa travel which offers plenty of opportunity for growth. Having recently confirmed his participation, Minister Balala will be joining over 100 speakers live in person on stage at AHIC in September.

2021-08-2320 min

AHIC Talks Episode 8: Amos Wekesa & Great Lakes SafarisIn this episode of AHIC Talks, Matthew Weihs spoke with Amos Wekesa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Safaris about the challenges African owners have faced over the past 18 months. Great Lakes Safaris, a brand synonymous with luxury leisure travel in East African destinations, has been severely impacted by the lack of international tourism. Amos shared how he dealt with the situation and how he was able to diversify his offering during the period. Looking forward, Amos also shares the opportunities he is looking towards in 2022.

2021-06-2714 min

AHIC Talks Episode 4: Michael Grove, Hotstats & Profit Matter Report 2020In this episode of AHIC Talks, Matthew Weihs chats with Michael Grove, COO of Hotstats on the findings of the recently published Profit Matters Review in 2020. Obviously, on the back of a very difficult year for the industry, the two looked at what the report covered and some of the key operational areas hoteliers could look at going forward. A few other key themes discussed were the return of events and some of the winners and losers in the Middle East and Africa region.

2021-05-3117 min

AHIC Talks Episode 1: Trevor Ward, W Hospitality Group & Africa Hotel Pipeline Report 2021On the eve of publishing the 13th Annual Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa, Trevor Ward, Managing Director at W Hospitality Group spoke with Matthew Weihs, Managing Director at bench about the report findings. They discussed what the 2020 hotel development numbers looked like for Africa and what this implied for the industry. They also dived into the key operators across the continent and the markets that are leading development. Download your copy of the report today.

2021-05-0714 min

Bench Impact Podcast Series Episode 14: David Zarzecki, Senior Vice President of Global Brands for KindredIn this Bench Impact podcast Matthew Weihs spoke to David Zarzecki, Senior Vice President of Global Brands for Kindred. We explored the charitable work they provide through the retail sector and talked about the recent NHS campaign they did to help support key workers in the UK. Focusing more on the hospitality industry now in helping them use travel and hospitality as a way customers can engage in their brand and in doing good we talked about their ambitions in the sector and how the industry can get involved. To find out more go to kindred.co and add t...

2021-01-2808 min

Bench Impact Podcast Series Episode 11: Interview with Tim Cordon Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel GroupIn this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Radisson’s Senior Area VP ME&A, Tim Cordon. They talk about the current market conditions of Middle East and Africa and how Radisson is innovating to support owners. On recently announcing the Radisson Hotel Group’s Hybrid Solutions how this will support MICE and events in the future.

2020-10-1408 min

Bench Impact Podcast Series Episode 10: Interview with Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisoryIn this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisory. We discussed the recent launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the objectives of the members and the key changes he hopes to influence across the hospitality industry.

2020-10-0814 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 29 - Trevor Ward, Managing Director of W Hospitality GroupManaging Director at W Hospitality, Trevor Ward, speaks with Bench Events UK MD Matthew Weihs giving an overview of the Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa Report which is in it's 9th year. Speaking on the importance of the report, Mr Ward touches on the benefit for investors as well as how the report takes into account future events that may not happen and the themes of 2016. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2018-06-2109 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 28: Trevor Ward, Managing Director at W HospitalityManaging Director at W Hospitality, Trevor Ward, speaks with Bench Events UK MD Matthew Weihs giving an overview of the Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa Report which is in it's 9th year. Speaking on the importance of the report, Mr Ward touches on the benefit for investors as well as how the report takes into account future events that may not happen and the themes of 2016. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2017-05-1505 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 27: Saleh Said, Director of Pennyroyal Gibraltar LimitedIn this podcast Bench Events Managing Director, Matthew Weihs talks to Saleh Said, Director of Pennyroyal Gibraltar Limited. Discussing what is likely to be one of the biggest deals done in East Africa, they talk about the strategy behind and challenges faced the by development of the Zanzibar Amber Resort. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2017-01-0911 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 26: Elie Younes, Executive Vice President, the Rezidor Hotel GroupIn this podcast Bench Events Managing Director, Matthew Weihs talks to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the Rezidor Hotel Group. Weeks before the Rezidor Hotel Group hosts the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Kigali they speak about the Africa as an investment destination, the consumption and control of energy and the group’s vision for Africa. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2016-09-2005 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 24: Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP Development EMEA, HiltonPatrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development EMEA has a quick chat with Bench Events Managing Director Matthew Weihs ahead of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2016. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2016-09-1208 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 23: Mark Martinovic, CEO At Hotel SpecIn this podcast Bench Events Managing Director, Matthew Weihs talks to Mark Martinovic, CEO at Hotel Spec, about the first ever cost benchmarking guide report for Africa. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2016-06-0705 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 22: Mark Dunford, Vice President, Sub - Saharan Africa At JLLIn this podcast Bench Events Managing Director, Matthew Weihs talks to Mark Dunford, Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa at JLL, about the upcoming Hotel Market Outlook reports published on the Bench Events website. This podcast is part of an official series supporting the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF). To attend, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2016-06-0707 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 20: Trevor Ward, Managing Director at W HospitalityManaging Director at W Hospitality, Trevor Ward, speaks with Bench Events UK MD Matthew Weihs on the eve before the release of the 8th hotel chain development pipeline report. Speaking on the findings within the report, Mr Ward goes on to give his views on the brands contributing to the report and African brands to watch. The pair go on to discuss Nigeria being at top of the country table, further opportunities for brands with a presence within Africa, the state of the market and finally the political and economic issues Africa faces. This...

2016-05-0410 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 15: Jonathan Hubbard, Head of Investor Services EMA, JLLBench Events UK MD Matthew Weihs talks to Jonathan Hubbard about how Africa may be the “next big story” as the world economy moves away from a period of difficulty. The demographic and economic story continues to evolve in Africa and Jonathan talks about how that will attract brands and financial support as supply increases in Africa. The conversation heads towards the long term view for institutional investors and local partners. The development market, currently at $2 billion dollars a year, is the focus for now, but what happens next with Governments and investors as pertains to their expec...

2015-11-2506 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 8: Rachel Markham on using social media to fight stereotypesSpeaking at the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) Brand Africa Conference in Accra, 17 year-old social media guru, Rachel Markham sits for a quick chat with Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Events. Her website, The Africa The Media Never Shows You intends to push and encourage Africans to join together in fighting back stereotypes and investing more into Africa. Her campaign’s Twitter page @showcase_africa, showcases Africa’s rich culture and natural beauty using the hashtag #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou. In this podcast, Rachel shares her thoughts on the nee...

2015-09-1105 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 5: Matthew Weihs Arrives in Ghana for Brand AfricaIn his second podcast from his travels in Africa, Matthew Weihs prepares for the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) brand exercise in Ghana. Held in Accra, the UNWTO Brand Africa Conference aims to fight the negative stereotypes associated with the African continent. In this podcast, Matthew discusses his major findings on why so many business are still sceptical of expanding their business into Africa. His discoveries show that 71% of individuals that he spoke with are still hugely influenced by the media, citing concerns around security, safety and the negative images portrayed around...

2015-09-1105 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 4: Regis Isheja, TV Presenter for Rise and Shine Rwanda with Matthew WeihsRegis spoke on the next 5 years, Kigali as a “constantly moving” city, improvements in safety and foreign direct investment. Regis is also very positive about the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) coming to Rwanda in 2016. For more information on AHIF, please visit www.africa-conference.com.

2015-08-1307 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 3: Christoph M. Strahm, GM of Kempinski, Kigali, talks to Matthew Weihs Christoph M. Strahm, GM of Kempinski, Kigali (the original Hotel Rwanda) talks about the iconic hotel, balance the history with change and the upward opportunity of the region. To attend the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2016 please visit www.Africa-Conference.com.

2015-08-1305 min

Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) Podcast Ep. 2: John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir, talks to Matthew WeihsJohn Mirenge is the CEO of RwandAir, currently transporting half a million passengers worldwide. Bench Events MD, Matthew Weihs, records his second podcast in Kigali, Rwanda, with Mr Mirenge to talk over some of the following points: Growing 5 fold in the last 5 years The race to a million passengers by 2018 Competing with other large scale African airline carriers African business travel into China Development and improvements within the current airport and new airports The increased number of hotels in Kigali Mr Mirenge also st...

2015-08-1308 min