Otto Stehlik, hospitality industry icon, founder and former Chairman of Protea Hotels, has joined his son Guy Stehlik at BON Hotels, a South African-based company which is gaining ground in the hospitality space.  Industry speculators were correct in thinking that we hadn’t seen the last of Otto Stehlik - since Protea Hotels’ sale to Marriott, he has spent a year ensuring seamless transitions between buyers, sellers and remaining stakeholders, staff and owners, resulting in opportunities for all parties.  

Guy Stehlik, who founded his hospitality company in 2012, admits that it is a natural progression for his father to join the team.  “Not only is my father an inspiration, but he also brings unparalleled knowledge and intellectual capital to the table – in essence we are preserving and nurturing a legacy.”   

Otto Stehlik will be assisting the team in opening doors, analysing and advising on potential deals, and sharing knowledge: “I know that it has been on everyone’s minds,” says Otto, “and after the successful acquisition of the Protea Group into Marriott, the natural step was to join my son and assist him in growing his business.” Stehlik Senior adds that he is very pleased with what he sees at BON Hotels as South Africa - and in fact all of Africa - is in dire need of progressive thinking in the hotel and hospitality management space.  

With the growing integration of international hospitality management brands into the South African market, local companies now have expanding opportunities to compete in the world arena. Guy Stehlik is confident of the future success of BON Hotels – strengthened by the involvement of Stehlik Senior.