Nominations

🏌️ Paul Armitage, a UK native with over 30 years in France, distinguished himself in the European club industry, particularly as General Manager of Golf National in Paris for seven years, where he successfully led the golf course during the 2018 Ryder Cup. His tenure elevated the venue to global prominence. Now, Armitage joins Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort as Director of Development, eager to drive the Resort's growth and contribute to its unique reputation in France. Additionally, Armitage has served on the French Golf Federation's Executive Committee and the organizing committee for the Golf events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

🏌 Paul Armitage is appointed as the Development Director at Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort *****. He brings 30 years of professional experience, including a seven-year stint as General Manager of Golf National in Paris, where he led the successful organization of the 2018 Ryder Cup. Armitage has also served on the Executive Committee of the French Golf Federation and contributed to the golf events organization for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His new role at Terre Blanche involves driving the resort's commercial development.

🍴 Laurent Peugeot, an esteemed French chef, has joined Le Grand Hôtel La Cloche to elevate its Jardins by la Cloche restaurant. Born in Saône-et-Loire, Peugeot began his culinary journey with chef Jean-Pierre Senelet, honing his craft alongside one and three Michelin-starred chefs Roland Chanliaud and Jacques Lameloise. After absorbing Asian influences in Tokyo, Bangkok, and Singapore, he returned to Burgundy in 2001, acquired Le Charlemagne restaurant in Pernand-Vergelesses, and earned a Michelin star by 2006.

💼 Philip Lawrence Kadoorie will become the Vice-Chairman of the board for The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) on January 1, 2025, succeeding Andrew Clifford Winawer Brandler, who will resign from his Vice-Chairmanship on December 31, 2024, but remain as non-executive director. Philip, holding a BA in Communication and a commercial pilot's license, joined the HSH board in December 2017 and oversees various Kadoorie family interests. He is 32, son of HSH Chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie.

🏨 Brian Hicks, boasting over 30 years of international experience, steps in as the fifth CEO in the nearly 100-year history of HSMAI, succeeding Bob Gilbert, who was CEO for 30 years. Hicks brings a proven track record in brand development, innovation, and leadership, aligning with HSMAI's mission to support members and their careers during a pivotal expansion and impact-enhancing period in the hospitality industry.

📈 Armelle De la Porte des Vaux appointed Vice-President of Marketing for North America since August 1, 2024, after serving as Marketing, Communication and Digital Director for Club Med in Benelux & Germany since January 2023. With over a decade in luxury industry leadership roles at L'Oréal and Dior, she brings expertise in brand development and marketing strategy across Europe, Central America, and Asia. Since joining Club Med in 2019, she's transformed campaigns, revitalized the Belgian market, managed strategic German market initiatives, and oversaw significant projects like Marbella launches and Vittel renovation, aiming to infuse the North American market with Club Med's "L'Esprit Libre.

💰 Lesya Batsuk promoted to CFO of Hotel Co 51, bringing 17 years of strategic accounting expertise. Batsuk joined the hotel management company in 2021 after over eight years in senior financial management at Intertrust Group. At Hotel Co 51, she has established a centralized financial structure, integrated systems across Europe from the Amsterdam HQ, and now oversees a team of 29 with 5 direct subordinates. The company's portfolio includes 42 establishments under five Marriott International brands across eight countries.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a long-term strategic partnership with Grupo Piñero to manage and own Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, with the headquarters located in Palma de Majorca, Spain. The joint venture will increase Hyatt's all-inclusive room portfolio by approximately 30%, reinforcing its position as a leading all-inclusive stays provider globally. The partnership aims to boost Grupo Piñero's hotel division growth and reach new customers in key markets, building on its European client base and expanding to the American continent and other significant markets.

📌 Julien Glannes becomes the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Beau Vallon's hotel division, succeeding Fabio Meo. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Glannes has worked in prestigious European establishments, including Le Meurice in Paris. A 16-year resident of Mauritius, he has held leadership positions with Ninety-Six Hotel Collection and most recently at Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. A graduate from the University of Technology of Paris and the University of Poitiers, Glannes brings expertise in operational management, business development, and customer relations to Beau Vallon. Thierry Merven, Group CEO, expresses gratitude to Fabio Meo for his crucial role in the hotels' development and resilience post-COVID, wishing him success in future endeavors.

🏨 Skander Gharbi, with an MBA from Vatel Tunisie (2013) and a Licence from IHEC (2010), after leading La Cigale Tabarka for seven years, becomes the General Manager of Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas. Previously held director positions at TUI Hotels North Africa and Sensimar Medina Gardens, Gharbi steps into a 93-room luxury resort combining Moorish and Berber architecture that features lavish villas with private pools and a royal villa.