Julian Leitner

Founder at Smart Host

Julian Leitner has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Julian is the founder of Smart Host GmbH, a hotel CRM company that utilizes personalization, automation, and artificial intelligence. Prior to that, they served as a partner at Stein Advisors, where they assisted companies in establishing their business presence in Thailand, specifically in government investment promotions.

Julian also held the position of CEO at ALUNA Resorts, managing sustainable holiday villages that combine the privacy and community atmosphere of a vacation village with the services of a hotel. Julian co-founded and served as the managing director of SANOGA, Thailand's largest online health and beauty shop, which was later sold to Ardent Capital.

Julian was also the co-founder and managing director of Zalora (Thailand), an e-commerce site. Julian held the same position at Rocket Internet GmbH, Europe's biggest internet incubator, where they were involved in the creation of Groupon, eBay (Europe), and Zalando. Julian also served as an entrepreneur in residence at The Iconic, Australia's premier online fashion and footwear retailer.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Julian worked as a senior project manager at Confluentes e.V., a management consulting organization affiliated with WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management. Julian was also a visiting associate at The Boston Consulting Group, where they focused on the energy sector. Additionally, Julian has experience as the 2nd Chairman and Chief Financial Officer at Thermo Wipptal AG, a privately owned and operated green district heating plant.

Overall, Julian Leitner has a strong background in entrepreneurship, consulting, and business development, with extensive experience in various industries.

Julian Leitner's education history begins in 2001, when they attended Commercial College Sterzing in Italy and obtained a High School Diploma as an Accountant and Bookkeeper. During their time there, they studied subjects including Business Administration, Economics, and Finance.

In 2005, Julian attended the LAL Language Center Torbay for a Language Summer Course, where they focused on improving their English language skills.

Following their high school education, Julian enrolled at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in 2006. Julian pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategy and Marketing, completing the program in 2009. During this time, they also had an exchange semester at UBC Sauder School of Business, where they gained knowledge in the fields of Finance and Marketing.

In 2009, Julian returned to WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management for a Master of Science degree in Finance and Economics. Julian completed this program in 2011.

In 2010, Julian participated in an exchange program at the Sasin School of Management, focusing on Finance and Marketing.

In 2016 and 2017, Julian attended Freie Universität Berlin, where they studied Modern European History.

Overall, Julian Leitner's educational background includes a High School Diploma from Commercial College Sterzing, a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategy and Marketing from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, a Master of Science degree in Finance and Economics from the same institution, and coursework in Modern European History at Freie Universität Berlin. Additionally, they took part in exchange programs at UBC Sauder School of Business and the Sasin School of Management, as well as a language summer course at LAL Language Center Torbay.

Links

Previous companies

Rocket Internet logo
The Iconic logo

Timeline

  • Founder

    October, 2016 - present