What EHL Group does

EHL Group is a privately held Swiss hospitality education and business solutions holding company (E.H.L. Holding SA, domiciled in Lausanne) founded in 1893 as the world's first hotel school. The group operates four campuses (Lausanne, Passugg, Singapore, and the Hainan Lausanne Tourism University joint venture in Sanya, China) and delivers an accredited program portfolio spanning pre-university, associate, bachelor's, master's, MBA, Swiss Professional Diplomas, executive education, online certificates, and short culinary courses. Its sub-brands include EHL Alliance (corporate professional network), EHL Innovation Hub, the BNXT digital training and career platform operated by subsidiary EHL Next SA, the AEHL alumni network of 35,000+ members across 150 countries, and the Michelin-starred training restaurant Berceau des Sens. Technology assets include AI-driven admissions chatbots and the BNXT platform, which applies algorithms to personalize learning and career development.

EHL Group generates revenue through five streams: tuition and program fees (its primary engine), B2B advisory and consulting services including curriculum licensing and faculty training, campus event and venue rentals, F&B operations through its training restaurants, and recruitment services connecting employers with students. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer enrollment for students (web, campus visits, chatbot-supported admissions), event-driven engagement (annual HumanX Summit with 800+ participants, career fairs, on-campus company presentations), and enterprise field sales for advisory and licensing contracts. Marquee enterprise partnerships with LVMH, EY, Moët Hennessy, Coca-Cola HBC, and TGV Lyria anchor the corporate co-branded executive education and advisory offering.

The competitive position is anchored by 8 consecutive years of QS #1 worldwide ranking in Hospitality & Leisure Management, AACSB MBA accreditation, B Corp certification (April 2026), and a 130-year-old alumni network that functions as both a recruiting channel and a continued revenue source through alumni continuing education. The group is led by CEO Markus Venzin with an Executive Committee and Board of Trustees recently expanded through 2024–2026 appointments. No public revenue, funding rounds, or M&A history are disclosed; the company appears independent with no external parent or private equity owner identified in the source material.

Name

EHL Group

Legal name

E.H.L. Holding SA

Website

https://ehlgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1893

Operating status

Operating

Short description

EHL Group is a privately held Swiss hospitality education holding company operating four campuses worldwide and ranked #1 by QS, delivering accredited degrees, executive education, and B2B advisory services to students, corporate clients, and licensed partner schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)

Keywords

• Hospitality education
• Hotel management training
• Culinary arts programs
• Hospitality consulting services
• Executive education

Headquarters

HQ city

Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: Revenue from degree programs including Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, Associate Degrees, Swiss Professional Diplomas, and Executive Education. Alumni receive 20% discount on MBA and online certificates.
2. Advisory and Consulting Services: B2B advisory services, student consulting services, and education consulting for learning centers including strategic development, curriculum licensing, faculty training, and operational performance optimization.
3. Campus Events and Venue Rental: Revenue from hosting corporate events at EHL campuses (Lausanne and Passugg), including conferences, meetings, and private events.
4. Food and Beverage Operations: Revenue from EHL's training restaurants including Le Berceau des Sens (Michelin-starred educational restaurant) and other F&B outlets, as well as alumni dining discounts.
5. Recruitment Services: Job platform access, company presentations on campus, career fairs, and recruitment services connecting employers with students and graduates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

EHL Group operates accredited hospitality management degree programs (pre-university, associate, bachelor's, master's, MBA, executive education, and Swiss Professional Diplomas) across four campuses, alongside culinary arts and restaurant management training delivered through Michelin-starred educational restaurants. The group also provides B2B services including advisory consulting, curriculum licensing, faculty training, student consulting projects, recruitment services, and the EHL Alliance professional network connecting academic and industry players.

Product overview

EHL Group operates as a diversified hospitality education and business solutions organization with a platform-plus-multiple-services architecture. The core offering consists of accredited educational programs spanning pre-university, associate degree, bachelor's, graduate, postgraduate, and executive education levels, delivered across four campuses (Lausanne, Passugg, Singapore, and Hainan) plus a global network of certified partner schools. Supporting the education division, EHL Group provides business solutions including Advisory Services, Student Consulting Services, Career & Recruitment Services, Event & Venue Services, and the EHL Alliance professional network. Key platforms include the Innovation Hub (research and thought leadership), BNXT (AI-powered training and career development), EHL Insights Blog (industry publications), and the AEHL alumni network with 35,000 members globally. Signature offerings include the HumanX Summit leadership conference, the Michelin-starred Berceau des Sens training restaurant, and specialized programs like VET by EHL vocational training. The organization positions human-centric leadership and AI-augmented hospitality as strategic differentiators.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EHL Alliance: Global professional network uniting academic and industry players with EHL Group resources
• EHL Innovation Hub
• HumanX Summit
• BNXT
• AEHL
• Berceau des Sens

Products and services

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management Undergraduate program providing comprehensive hospitality management education with international accreditations and Bologna-compliant degrees, delivered at EHL campuses.
• Redesigned MBA Program Graduate-level MBA program fully accredited by AACSB and focused on human-centric leadership for hospitality management professionals.
• Associate Degree in International Culinary Arts, Fine Dining Experience and Restaurant Management Two-year associate degree program in culinary arts and restaurant management providing practical hospitality skills and industry credentials.
• Pre-University Programs Foundational programs preparing students for university-level hospitality management studies.
• Graduate, Postgraduate & Executive Education Advanced degree programs including Master's degrees, MBA, and executive education courses for experienced professionals.
• Swiss Professional Diplomas Industry-recognized professional certifications in hospitality management aligned with Swiss vocational education standards.
• Online Courses for Hospitality Professionals Digital learning programs enabling hospitality professionals worldwide to access EHL education remotely through flexible online formats.
• Short Courses in Culinary Arts Intensive practical training programs in culinary techniques held at EHL's Lausanne campus for skill development.
• BNXT Training Platform Digital training and career development platform provided by EHL Next SA, offering digital and face-to-face training programs using AI algorithms for professional career advancement.
• Advisory Services Professional consulting services helping businesses transform operations and improve performance using hospitality expertise.
• Student Consulting Services Consulting projects delivered by EHL students providing businesses with fresh perspectives and practical solutions.
• Education Consulting for Learning Centers Strategic development, curriculum licensing, faculty training, governance & certification, and operational performance services for learning centers worldwide.
• EHL Alliance Membership Global professional network uniting academic and industry leaders with EHL Group resources, providing privileged access to products and services for organizational development.
• Career & Recruitment Services Job platform, career fairs, and company presentation services connecting EHL students and graduates with employers.
• Event & Venue Services Corporate event hosting and venue rental services at EHL campuses in Lausanne and Passugg.
• Le Berceau des Sens Restaurant Training restaurant operated by EHL students that earned Michelin stars 2019-2025, serving as a practical learning laboratory for culinary and service excellence.

Quantifiable outcome

• #1 Worldwide in Hospitality & Leisure Management - QS World University Rankings 2019-2026 (8 consecutive years)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Train of GlamourminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 April 2026Train of Glamour joined EHL Alliance as a member, gaining access to EHL Group resources and professional network for hospitality development.
• Coca-Cola HBCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Co-creation partner for EHL HumanX Summit 2026. Coca-Cola HBC is headquartered in Switzerland and operates across 29 diverse markets in Europe and Africa, with a long-standing commitment to AI and emerging technologies. Partnership focuses on exploring how AI augments human thinking and driving innovation in the HORECA industry.
• Canton of VaudcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Premium partner for HumanX Summit 2026. Canton of Vaud connects companies, universities, research institutes, and investors into a thriving ecosystem where ideas find capital, talent, and partnerships to scale.
• EY (Ernst & Young)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Strategic alliance for Finance, Real Estate and Consulting specialization. EY serves as professional partner for EHL's Master in Hospitality Management program, providing industry expertise and career pathways.
• World Economic ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Global institution contributing to HumanX Summit with voices such as Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director & Member of the Managing Board. Represents global platform for advancing human-centric leadership.
• FELCOminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2025Launch of FELCO 1893 professional culinary shears. First collaboration in FELCO's history with a hospitality school to develop professional culinary tools.
• CREA (Culinary Research and Education Academy)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2025Partnership to co-create and launch a new cutting-edge course on sous-vide cooking. Collaboration between Italian and Swiss culinary education institutions.
• Intesa SanpaolocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025Research partnership for EHL Insights Report: Food & Well-being 2025. Collaboration on research, industry, and education projects to stimulate innovation in international hospitality. Joint B2B and educational activities in Oltrepò Pavese region, Italy.
• LVMHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2025Partnership for Executive Master Leading Sustainable Excellence in Luxury Retail & Hospitality. Collaboration to develop executive education combining EHL hospitality expertise with LVMH luxury brand management.
• TGV LyriaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2025Strategic collaboration to make onboard service the new reference of excellence. TGV Lyria is the leader in rail connections between Switzerland and France.
• Moët HennessycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2024Partnership for RSE and Sustainable Transformation specialization in Master in Hospitality Management. Moët Hennessy is the world leader in premium wines and spirits, contributing expertise in sustainable luxury practices.
• Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Collaboration for Sexual Harassment Prevention (SHP) initiative. Since 2019, over 2,600 students trained and 500+ staff members participated in mandatory 'Standing Together' workshops with 95% positive feedback.
• Michelin-starred chefsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with Michelin-starred chefs including Norbert Niederkofler and Roy Guy Krenzer for educational excellence and guest chef appearances at EHL.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hotelschool The Hague: Direct peer — leading Dutch hospitality management university with strong industry reputation in Europe. Competes with EHL for European students and corporate advisory engagements, and is one of the highest-ranked hospitality schools in continental Europe.
• César Ritz Colleges Switzerland: Direct peer — Swiss hospitality school (also under Sommet Education umbrella since 2023) offering Swiss-certified degrees in hospitality and culinary management. Competes with EHL's Passugg campus and VET programs for vocational and undergraduate students.
• Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS): Direct peer — Swiss-based hospitality school operating in the same premium segment as EHL with campuses in Caux and Leysin. Comparable programs (Bachelor's, Master's, culinary) and similar target student demographics make SHMS a primary competitor for international applicants.
• Glion Institute of Higher Education (Sommet Education): Direct peer — Swiss hospitality management school under the same Sommet Education group as Les Roches. Competes with EHL in luxury hospitality education, particularly at the bachelor's and master's levels, and is a key reference for EHL's pricing and brand positioning.
• Les Roches International School (Sommet Education): Direct peer — Swiss-based global hospitality management school with campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and UAE. Backed by Sommet Education (formerly Eurazeo), it competes head-to-head with EHL for students, faculty, and B2B partnerships in hospitality higher education.
• HIM (Hotel Institute Montreux): Direct peer — Swiss-based hospitality business school offering Swiss-accredited degrees in hospitality, with strong US placement. Competes with EHL for international students in the premium segment and was acquired by Global University Systems in 2020, making it a relevant benchmark for EHL's M&A value.

Broad incumbents

• Oxford Brookes University (Hospitality Management): Broad incumbent — UK university with a well-regarded hospitality management program within a broader academic portfolio. Competes for international students and B2B executive education mandates, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth markets where EHL has lighter presence.
• Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (SHA): Broad incumbent — US-based hospitality school within a broader research university. Competes with EHL for global talent, US corporate advisory, and faculty research output, particularly in the North American B2B segment where EHL has historically had lighter direct presence.
• Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration: Broad incumbent — the leading US-based hospitality management school embedded within an Ivy League university. While not a direct competitor for Swiss-based international students, it competes for global talent, faculty research output, and B2B advisory mandates, and is consistently ranked alongside EHL in global hospitality rankings.

Regional players

• Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS, Torrens University): Regional player — leading Australian hospitality school (part of Torrens University Australia) with strong APAC presence. Competes with EHL Singapore for Asian students, though its primary market is Australia rather than Switzerland/Singapore/China.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EHL Group