Nominations

🏨 Diego Stembert began his hospitality career after graduating from Le Roches Global Hospitality Education in Marbella, Spain. He honed his skills at prestigious Spanish properties including Westin La Quinta Golf Resort in Marbella, Westin Palace in Madrid, and Alfonso XIII Hotel in Seville. His journey led him to Mauritius as the director of rooms and then director of operations at the Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa. By 2010, Diego joined the Four Seasons Resort Nevis as director of rooms and within three and a half years, ascended to executive assistant director and resort director. His career growth continued with general manager positions at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, and hotel director at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Diego enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Loubna.

🏨 Timur Ilgaz oversees operations for Rotana properties in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, focusing on commercial growth and operational excellence. He continues as General Manager for Arjaan Dubai Media City, Centro Barsha, and Edge by Rotana. His promotion aligns with Rotana's ambitious growth plans in key markets. With over 38 years in hospitality, including 26 in leadership across Turkey, Canada, Czech Republic, and Kazakhstan, Ilgaz joined Rotana in 2007. He played a pivotal role in pre-opening and operations of Amwaj Rotana in JBR, Dubai.

🍴 Jeffrey Pestana, originaire d'Eure et Loire, began his culinary education at 15 with a CAP cuisine, followed by a BP, alternating training in Tours and apprenticeship at Les Feuillantines in Chartres. He worked at the Michelin-starred restaurant du Grand Monarque, then moved to Eden Rock in Saint Barthelemy, and has now returned to France as the new chef at the restaurant l’Amphitryon at Château Louise de la Vallière at age 30. His cuisine is inspired by French gastronomy from Escoffier, emphasizing locally sourced products.

🏨 Younight Hospitality takes management of two iconic hotels in Belle-Île-en-Mer: Castel Clara Thalasso & Spa and the Grand Large. Both establishments are known for their unique characteristics, with Castel Clara being a 4-star hotel famous for its thalassotherapy and view of Port Goulphar, and the Grand Large, originally a manor built at the start of the last century. This move signifies Younight Hospitality's commitment to strengthen its local roots, especially in Brittany. These hotels provide perfect bases for exploring the island's beaches, hiking trails, water sports, and heritage.

🏖️ Beyond Places takes over from Four Seasons Hotels and Resort as the operator of the Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, reopening on December 20. The resort features a pop-up restaurant by Amélie Darvas, emphasizing plant-based dishes with Savoyard touches. The 7th address for Beyond Places, it offers 40 rooms, 8 suites, 3 chalets, wellness facilities including a heated indoor and outdoor pool, and exclusive services such as direct slope access.

🏨 Dayuse, the global leader in daytime hotel experiences, welcomes MBO+ as its new majority shareholder. Historic investors Eurazeo and Partech, along with the first shareholders, exit the capital. This marks a strategic milestone for Dayuse, aiming to accelerate growth and enhance management's role in the company. Founder and CEO David Lebée acknowledges Eurazeo and Partech's key role in Dayuse's development, international expansion, and industry leadership.

🏡 Marcus Hanna, formerly with Accor for nearly two decades, joins La Vie Hotels & Resorts. He has experience in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, London, Malta, San Francisco, and Singapore. His career began at Sydney's The Regent during his hotel management studies and competitive rowing, where he won multiple Australian championships and represented the country internationally. In 1995, Hanna moved to InterContinental Sydney and later worked at various international locations. He returned to Australia after a decade abroad, continuing his career at Sofitel Melbourne and participating in the opening of Qantas first-class lounges. Hanna's move coincides with La Vie's expansion, including the recent addition of Adge Hotel and Residences and the launch of NOOE Hotels and Restaurants, highlighted by a flagship resort in the Maldives.

🏢 Magnicity, a global leader in high-altitude urban leisure activities, appoints Caroline Biros as Marketing and Communications Director and Nelly Floriach as Customer Experience and Innovations Director. These nominations come as the company, headquartered in Paris, aims to support its growth and forthcoming opening of new sites. Magnicity operates attractions like the Montparnasse Tower Observatory in Paris, Berlin's TV Tower, Rotterdam's Euromast, and 360 Chicago. Biros, with 12 years at Philips and a dual background from ESTP and HEC, reinforces the executive committee's expertise.

🏠 Over 50% of the portfolio to be modernized under a new investment plan, increasing room numbers and implementing major renovation programs. The launch coincides with Robin Leahy's appointment as Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, overseeing the growth strategy.

🏨 Veteran hotelier Dagmar Lyons joins Raffles following her role as Hotel Director at Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, where she achieved Forbes Five-Star distinctions for the hotel and spa in consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. With a career spanning North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Lyons now oversees Raffles Hotel Le Royal, an iconic luxury hotel in Southeast Asia, renowned for its rich history, exquisite dining including the Khmer restaurant Le Royal, French-style brasserie Le Phnom 1929, celebrated Elephant Bar, and an award-winning spa. The hotel continues to garner accolades, recently named best city hotel in Cambodia by Travel + Leisure and recognized by the UK's Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.