La Tribune de lHotellerie

🏦 Ayman Gharib, with a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey (2003), has been appointed CEO of Kisawa Sanctuaries and Residences, based in Dubai DIFC and working from the Mayfair, London satellite office. With over 20 years in luxury hotel industry, Gharib served as VP Operations Middle East for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts from April-November 2024 and held key management roles at Accor for over six years, including Managing Director at Raffles the Palm Dubai and Area General Manager from May 2021 to April 2024.

💰 Andrew F. Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, Hardee’s, and Carl’s Jr, was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. President Donald Trump announced the nomination on January 22, 2025. Puzder previously withdrew from a 2017 Labor Secretary appointment due to scandals including hiring an undocumented housekeeper and allegations of domestic abuse. The appointment comes amid tense U.S.-EU relations exacerbated by Trump's criticism of EU's trade practices and trade deficit with the U.S.

📈 Nicky Graham has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for global technology and integrated services company Cendyn, operating from London. With nearly two decades of marketing and public relations experience, Graham previously served as Senior Vice President Global Marketing for Cendyn and led international PR campaigns at IPG and WPP agencies. Her focus is on steering the global marketing team and Cendyn's brand growth. Cendyn, expanding through acquisitions and market repositioning, now features four women in top technology leadership positions. Graham joined Cendyn in 2017 and has been crucial in expanding the company's global market presence.

🏨 Sunstone Hotel Investors has eliminated the Chief Operating Officer position, leading to Chris Ostapovicz's departure on January 21, 2025. His responsibilities will be taken over by the President, Chief Investment Officer, and other executive team members. Ostapovicz will assist with the transition until January 31, 2025. A settlement agreement includes payments and benefits for Ostapovicz, subject to terms. Ostapovicz has nearly 3 years as COO at Sunstone, following over 14 years in the industry.

🏨 Acquired by a Bordeaux hotel group led by Maxime Melis, Caroline Melis, and Ismael Le Mouel, the 82-room Holiday Inn Express Bordeaux Lormont opened in 2019. The hotel, located in the Quatre Pavillons industrial zone, is eco-labeled with Green Engage and Clef Verte, less than 20 minutes from Bordeaux city center and Mérignac Airport, and close to the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux. The property is part of the developing eco-district La Ramade, which includes housing and a commercial area.