Panos Almyrantis (President of The European Hotel Managers Association), and Ezio A. Indiani, Italian National Delegate and General Manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan,on behalf of Ms Fragano.
Warsaw, 29 March 2025 – In a momentous celebration held at the 51st EHMA Annual General Assembly in Warsaw, Johanna Fragano, former Managing Director of the Hotel Quirinale in Rome, was honoured with the “EHMA Hans Koch Lifetime Achievement Award” for 2025. Panos Almyrantis, President of EHMA, National Delegate for Greece & Cyprus, and Chief Growth & Commercial Officer at Ella Resorts in Athens, bestowed this prestigious accolade upon Ms Fragano during the Gala Dinner in the elegant Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Grand Warsaw. The award was collected by Ezio A. Indiani, Italian National Delegate and General Manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan, on behalf of Ms Fragano.
Named in honour of Hans E. Koch, who served as EHMA President from 2013 to 2019 and sadly passed away in 2021, this award celebrates distinguished General Managers who have made a lasting impact on the hotel industry while furthering EHMA’s core mission. Ms Fragano’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence, along with her pioneering contribution to the Association, embodies the values and ideals this award seeks to recognise.
“Johanna personifies the essence of EHMA, showcasing how visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to hospitality can transform not just individual properties, but the industry as a whole,” remarked President Almyrantis. “Her remarkable journey stands as an inspiration for seasoned hoteliers and emerging talents alike.”
Biography Summary: Johanna Fragano
Born in Malta in 1949, Ms Fragano began her career in administrative and public relations roles at renowned hotels in Malta and Rome, including the Hilton and the Hassler. In 1991, she was appointed Managing Director of the Hotel Quirinale in Rome, transforming it into a distinguished destination, celebrated for its impeccable standards and exceptional guest experience. Her tenure as General Manager was a significant milestone, as few women held such an influential leadership position in the industry at the time.
Within EHMA, Ms Fragano has forged an equally trailblazing path. A member since 1995, she made history as the Association’s first woman President (term 2007–2009), elected during the EHMA’s 34th General Meeting in Munich. She later served as EHMA Treasurer from 2010 to 2019, gaining Honorary Membership in 2023. Her influence extends beyond EHMA, with key positions in Federalberghi Roma (Regional Hotel Association), SKAL, and A.D.A. (Italian Hotel Managers Association). Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the E.C.H.M.E.C. project, dedicated to establishing a prestigious hotel school in China.
Ms Fragano’s outstanding achievements have been recognised with numerous prestigious accolades, including the Marco Aurelio Award from the City of Rome and the Excellent Award from Master Meeting in Milan. Her expertise and influence have also been featured in leading hotel management and tourism publications.
Ms Fragano’s commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her participation in the IMHI ESSEC Hotel Executive Programme in Paris. Equally, her dedication to sustainable tourism shines through her leadership in eco-friendly initiatives that have defined her career. A visionary, mentor, and pioneer, Johanna Fragano stands as an inspiring figure whose legacy will continue to shape both Italian and European hospitality for generations to come.
