GIATA invests in “The 101 Besten” – Thomas Maechler appointed CEO 

Carsten K. Rath and David Rath, founders of the Institute for Service and Leadership Excellence AG (ISLE AG), are welcoming Berlin-based travel tech company GIATA GmbH as a strategic investor. ISLE AG is the parent company of the renowned hotel ranking “The 101 Besten”.

GIATA is a leading provider of hotel data and content solutions for the global travel and hospitality industry. It is joining ISLE AG as a strategic partner. At the same time, Carsten K. Rath will step back from operational management, handing over CEO responsibilities to Thomas Maechler as of February 1, 2026. Rath will continue to support the company as Chairman.

Berlingen/Berlin, 16. Januar 2026 – The success story of ISLE AG, the company behind the established hotel ranking “The 101 Besten”, is entering a new phase. GIATA Group is joining as a strategic partner and investor. This marks a significant step in the digital evolution of the brand. While “The 101 Besten” has traditionally focused on publishing and events, its offering will now expand into digital formats. Moreover, the brand will scale internationally. The goal is to grow beyond the DACH region and unlock new target audiences and markets across the global hospitality industry.

“GIATA operates one of the most comprehensive hotel databases worldwide. It is deeply rooted both in the DACH region and in key global source markets. As a result, this creates an opportunity for greater visibility and international relevance across the hospitality industry,” says Carsten K. Rath. Rath will remain closely involved as the Chairman of “The 101 Besten”, supporting its continued expansion.

Thomas Maechler wird CEO – gesamtes Team bleibt an Bord

Im Zuge des GIATA-Einstiegs übergibt Carsten K. Rath per 1. Februar 2026 die operative Verantwortung an Thomas Maechler. Der gebürtige Schweizer führt künftig die Geschäfte des Unternehmens und wird zudem Verwaltungsrat. Das VR-Präsidium übernimmt Mathis Boldt, CEO der GIATA Gruppe. Dazu Carsten K. Rath: «Ich habe Thomas Maechler bereits im September 2025 rekrutiert und ihn für uns gewinnen können. Er ist die ideale Besetzung.»

Maechler brings decades of international experience in luxury hospitality. After graduating from the École hôtelière de Lausanne and gaining experience at The Peninsula Hong Kong, he moved to New York in 1996. There, he worked at Four Seasons The Pierre and Swissôtel The Drake. Back in Switzerland, he worked as a consultant for the Swiss Society for Hotel Credit (SGH). He then became General Manager and later owner of the Beau-Rivage Hôtel Neuchâtel. He has also been a member of Relais & Châteaux and served as Board Member and Vice President of Swiss Deluxe Hotels. In addition, Maechler is widely regarded as one of the most well-connected professionals in the industry.

“I am excited by the opportunity to build on the success of Carsten K. Rath, his son David, and their team. While bringing new momentum together with GIATA, we aim to further internationalise ‘The 101 Besten’. We also plan to create new digital growth opportunities for hoteliers, and deliver additional value,” says Thomas Maechler.

Johanna Seiler, seit Jahren zentrale operative Führungskraft der «101 Besten», führt das 101-Team weiterhin als COO. «Johanna Seilers Arbeit ist integraler Bestandteil des Erfolgs der ‘101 Besten’. Uns war wichtig, dass das gesamte Team an Bord bleibt. Diese Kontinuität ist ein klares Signal für Stabilität und eine professionelle Übergangsphase. Wir haben über viele Jahre den Aufbau der Marke mit grosser Sorgfalt betrieben. Wir sind unseren Partnern sehr dankbar für die Begleitung bis heute», ergänzt David Rath.

Kombination aus objektiver Bewertungsmethodik und technologischer Exzellenz

With GIATA’s strategic investment, a unique combination of objective ranking methodology and technological excellence is being created on a global scale. Awarded hotels benefit from fair, independent visibility, especially in the luxury segment. Here, global reputation is essential.

“A credible ranking builds trust and visibility among potential guests and has a measurable impact on demand and bookings, both directly on hotel websites and through AI-driven and indirect distribution channels. Together, we are laying the foundation for a global benchmark that opens new growth opportunities for hoteliers. At the same time, we are providing transparency for travellers. With ‘The 101 Besten’ we are already developing international rankings and data-driven formats that will set new standards in the travel industry.” says Mathis Boldt, CEO of GIATA Group and adds: “My sincere thanks go to Carsten K. Rath and his son David for their trust and close collaboration since summer 2025. What they have built over the years is truly impressive. I look forward to shaping the future together with Carsten K. Rath, Thomas Maechler, and Johanna Seiler. We aim to establish ‘The 101 Besten’ on a global scale.”