About

A Legacy in Hospitality Executive & Management Search.

From a pioneering start in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to a respected global presence, CourtesyMasters has placed people at the heart of hospitality since 1999. Our story is one of independent visionaries, timeless values, and a quiet pursuit of excellence.

In 1999, CourtesyMasters was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands as a revolutionary hospitality recruitment agency. Founded by the visionary Mr. Fons Bitter, our mission from the outset has been to provide exceptional permanent and interim hotel management solutions, as well as career management services, to employers and professionals in the hospitality industry. Fons, an experienced hotelier himself, recognized the need for an agency that truly understands the unique challenges and demands of the industry.

In 2004, we were fortunate to have the ambitious and talented Larissa Zwart join our team. With her diverse international background and passion for hospitality, Larissa quickly became an invaluable asset to CourtesyMasters. By 2007, she took on the role of owner and director, propelling us to new heights of success.

Under Larissa's leadership, we evolved and adapted to the changing recruitment landscape. We developed unique headhunting and recruiting services that offer innovative, permanent and interim solutions to our clients. Expanding beyond hospitality recruitment, we transformed into a full-service talent acquisition and career management agency.

Today, CourtesyMasters is powered by a network of independent entrepreneurs who share our deep love for hospitality and talent management. This vibrant community is the driving force behind our continued success, as we collaborate to deliver exceptional service and solutions to employers and professionals in the hospitality industry.

With our roots firmly established in The Netherlands, we have grown into a global leader in acquisition & engagement, as well as career management. Our unwavering dedication to excellence, combined with our innovative approach to recruitment and career management, has solidified CourtesyMasters' position as a trusted partner for hospitality professionals and employers alike.

Larissa Zwart
Headhunter & Equity Partner

Heritage and history of CourtesyMasters

A legacy of hospitality recruitment leadership since 1999.

1999 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Foundation of CourtesyMasters

CourtesyMasters was born with a mission to serve the global hospitality industry through discreet and effective executive search.

2005 - The Hague (Hofstad)

Relocation to The Hague

To better align with diplomatic and corporate hospitality circles, the firm relocated to The Hague, also known as the Hofstad.

2007 - España Expansion

CourtesyMasters España with Joris Eyck

Expanding southward, the company opened CourtesyMasters España, marking its first international branch with partner Joris Eyck.

2012 - Lisbon, Portugal

Strategic Representation in Southern Europe

CourtesyMasters established a presence in Lisbon, reinforcing its network in the Lusophone hospitality markets.

2020 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

New Dependance Led by Daan Niehof

A second Dutch location opened in the capital city, led by hospitality expert Daan Niehof, further strengthening national reach.

2022 - Cannes & Monaco, France

Prestige Partnerships with Jean Michel Sigere

Entering the luxury recruitment segment on the Riviera, CourtesyMasters expanded to Cannes and Monaco in partnership with Jean Michel Sigere.

2025 - Firenze (Florence), Italy

Planned Representation in Italy’s Cultural Capital

Further expanding its footprint in Europe, Florence will serve as the next milestone city, combining heritage with hospitality excellence.

We see people, not profiles.

Behind every job vacancy or CV is a person. We connect on a human level with candidates, clients, and partners. Human intelligence.

About courtesymasters

Discretion is our default.

We handle every career move and hire with the highest confidentiality. Trusted by both leaders and employers worldwide.

About us