General Manager Danieli, a Four Seasons Hotel, Venice

Christian Zandonella was born in Italy, South Tyrol and grew up in Munich, Germany.
He started his career with an apprenticeship in Food and Beverage at the Hilton Munich Park and has since held various leadership roles in the hospitality industry.
Christian spent two decades at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he excelled in Sales & Marketing, where he introduced innovative Food & Beverage concepts and where he took on contemporary hospitality management.
Past experience includes General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton in Vienna and Bahrain, and key positions in hotels in Toronto, Berlin, Capri, Barcelona and Grand Cayman.
In June 2020, Christian was appointed Opening General Manager of W Rome. Under his leadership, the hotel has achieved major milestones, including being recognised as the best hotel for guest satisfaction in the Americas and EMEA and second globally for three consecutive years.
His leadership has always helped bring the various properties to leading positions in the hospitality market, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and high employee satisfaction.
In January 2025 Christian started his position as Opening General Manager of the Hotel Danieli, Venice, to prepare for its relaunch as Four Seasons Hotel in 2026.
The goal is to turn the Hotel Danieli into one of the best hotels in Italy.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys spending time with his family. Besides boxing, tennis and immersing himself in political history, he is interested in social sciences and classic cars. Now that he has moved to Venice, he is looking forward to rekindling his passion for sailing and being closer to his home in the Dolomites.
Christian is also a passionate cook, and risotto is one of his signature dishes!
He speaks four languages: German, English, Spanish and Italian.