Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed two experienced hospitality executives to lead its upcoming properties in Italy, ahead of the planned openings of Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina and Mandarin Oriental, Rome in 2027.
The appointments support the group’s continued expansion in Italy and reinforce its long-term investment in the European luxury hospitality market.
Nicola Abate to Lead Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina
Nicola Abate has been appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina, which will become the group’s first Alpine resort when it opens in 2027. He will report to Area General Manager Samuel Porreca.
Abate brings more than 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across Italy. He joined Mandarin Oriental in 2020 as Resort Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, overseeing operations at the seasonal resort before becoming Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
Before joining the group, he held senior management positions with Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, including Baglioni Resort Cala del Porto and Baglioni Hotel Carlton Milan. His career also includes leadership roles at L’Andana – Tenuta La Badiola, L’Albereta Relais & Châteaux, Park Hyatt Milan, Hotel de Russie in Rome, and Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda.
Mirko Cattini to Head Mandarin Oriental, Rome
Mirko Cattini joined Mandarin Oriental on 15 June and has been appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Rome, which is also scheduled to welcome guests in 2027. He will report to Regional Vice President of Operations Flavia Caponi.
Cattini has more than 25 years of international luxury hospitality experience across Europe and Asia. During his career he has held senior leadership positions with Shangri-La Group, Dorchester Collection, Corinthia Hotels, Taj Hotels and the Savoy Group, now part of Maybourne.
Most recently, he served as General Manager of Hotel Eden Rome, where he was recognised for delivering exceptional guest experiences and strong commercial performance. His background also includes extensive expertise in food and beverage operations across luxury hotels and resorts.
Originally from the Lake Como region, Cattini holds professional certifications from the Hotel and Catering Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) in London and Cornell University’s General Managers Program.
Supporting Italian Growth
The appointments mark another milestone in Mandarin Oriental’s growing presence in Italy. The opening of the Cortina mountain resort and the Rome hotel in 2027 will further expand the group’s luxury portfolio in one of Europe’s most important travel destinations.
