Elena Cattani
Luxury Hospitality & Real Estate Development
REGGIO EMILIA
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven Executive Leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in Luxury Hospitality and Real Estate Development, specializing in multi-site operations, strategic capital project delivery, and financial oversight across diverse international markets including Europe, Africa, and Australia. Combines Executive MBA-driven business acumen with PhD-level technical expertise in Sustainable Construction, enabling strategic vision coupled with operational excellence. Expertise spans the full lifecycle of hospitality development, from market evaluation and acquisition to design, construction, and operational handover of large-scale, mixed-use developments in international contexts.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
Languages
Work History
Head of Real Estate Development
The Social Hub (TSH)
Milan
04.2022 - Current
- Led national development and acquisition strategy for over two thousand luxury hotel rooms, reporting directly to EMEA Development Director and CEO. Responsible for strategic direction, P&L management, and operational delivery of a €400M+ Italian portfolio across 5 major city projects (Florence, Bologna, Rome, Turin), including luxury-aligned hospitality assets.
- Executive Leadership: Built and led the entire Italian development team composed by 5 senior and 2 junior development managers, managing a multidisciplinary network of 50+ consultants per project.
- Financial & Contract Management: Secured the first Unicredit Green Loan for a total of €145M, demonstrating expertise in complex financial structuring. Negotiated and signed multiple contracts (100+) among which 3 major construction contracts (€50M+ each) and achieved 15% savings via value engineering.
- Project Delivery: Ensured all Italian developments were delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Established operational handover protocols and Hard Facilities Management (H-FM) service level agreements.
- Represent The Social Hub as the key spokesperson in Italy, leading engagement and promotion activities at international conferences (MIPIM, ITHIC, GRI etc.) and hospitality awards. Regularly conduct press conferences and national project presentations, backed by extensive and constant media training.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Project Development Manager
The Student Hotel (TSH)
Milan
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Spearheaded the acquisition, design, and construction phases for major hospitality projects, focusing on timely and cost-effective completion. Managed the development of TSH Belfiore (€157M, 557 rooms, 84,000 sqm GFA), a complex urban recovery project.
- Regulatory & Stakeholder Management: Successfully obtained all necessary permits and planning agreements in 4 major cities. Negotiated a town planning agreement and continued engaging with public bodies and international stakeholders.
- Flagship Project Delivery: Delivered TSH Lavagnini (€67M, 391 rooms), which was awarded the first MIPIM prize for Hybrid Hospitality.
- Formulated strategies for overcoming roadblocks encountered during the execution of complex initiatives.
- Maintained detailed documentation of daily activities related to assigned projects as well as regularly updated progress reports.
- Quarterly presentations and revisions
Professor & Senior Researcher, PhD
University of Bologna / Frankfurt University
Frankfurt
01.2012 - 12.2018
- Led sustainability-focused research and teaching, securing €3M+ in EU funding (H2020 projects). Established reputation as a thought leader in sustainable architecture and building renovation strategies.
- Strategic Research & Policy: Developed pioneering building renovation models, including the “Add-on strategy,” which cut CO2 emissions by 80% and reduced investment payback periods to under 8 years.
- Project Management: Served as Project Manager and scientific supervisor for two major H2020 research grants, managing international consortia of 17+ partners.
- Mentored and supervised graduate students, providing valuable guidance for thesis work, research projects, and professional development.
- Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
Senior Architect & Project Manager
Schneider + Schumacher
Frankfurt
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Led design team of 10+ architects to achieve seamless project execution, ensuring all deadlines and milestones were met.
- Improved building efficiency by implementing sustainable design principles in architectural projects at all 5 design stages.
- Developed comprehensive construction documentation packages, ensuring accurate representation of design intent for successful implementation onsite.
- Elevated firm reputation by winning numerous prestigious architectural awards for innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Founder & Principal
DUETERZI Architecture & Engineering
REGGIO EMILIA
01.2008 - 01.2012
- International consultancy with 50+ public and private projects in Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and Africa (request portfolio for specifics or visit www.dueterzi.eu)
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Collaborated with clients to develop customized architectural solutions, meeting their unique needs and preferences.
- Developed comprehensive project documentation, including site plans, elevations, sections, and details for clear communication of design intent.
Education
Executive MBA -
Bologna Business School
Italy01.2024
PhD - Sustainable Construction & Architecture
Frankfurt University
Germany01.2016
MSc - Construction Engineering
University of Bologna
Italy01.2011
Skills
Luxury hospitality development and financial management
Strategic Planning & Expansion
Portfolio Management
Collaborative team management
Presentation & Public Speaking
Initiative & Problem-solving
Diverse international exposure and language capabilities
Technical and economic insights for hospitality
Accomplishments
- Portfolio Value: €400M+ Managed and delivered across 5 major European cities, including luxury hospitality assets
- Market Expansion: 2nd Largest Established Italy as company's 2nd largest European market for hospitality development
- Financial Structuring: €145M Green Loan secured with SACE guarantee, demonstrating expertise in complex funding for large-scale projects
- Cost Efficiency: 15% Savings achieved through value engineering and strategic contract negotiation
- Deal Closure: 3 Major Deals Negotiated and signed construction contracts valued over €50M each
- Award Recognition: MIPIM Prize for Hybrid Hospitality Delivered TSH Lavagnini; First Price Woman in Architecture AIDA Award; Marie-Curie Research Grant first Price;
Timeline
Head of Real Estate Development
The Social Hub (TSH)
04.2022 - Current
Project Development Manager
The Student Hotel (TSH)
01.2018 - 04.2022
Senior Architect & Project Manager
Schneider + Schumacher
01.2013 - 01.2016
Professor & Senior Researcher, PhD
University of Bologna / Frankfurt University
01.2012 - 12.2018
Founder & Principal
DUETERZI Architecture & Engineering
01.2008 - 01.2012
PhD - Sustainable Construction & Architecture
Frankfurt University
MSc - Construction Engineering
University of Bologna
Executive MBA -
Bologna Business School
Section name
Updated: January 2026