Nominations

🏖 Four Seasons will cease managing Chalets du Mont d’Arbois Megève, Taverne and Pizzeria du Mont d’Arbois as of October 1, 2024, focusing on Four Seasons Hotel Megève, L’Idéal 1850, and Mont d’Arbois golf course. Beyond Places took over the 40-key Chalets du Mont d’Arbois on October 2. Edmond de Rothschild Heritage reaffirmed their trust in Four Seasons by renewing their partnership for these properties. Four Seasons Hotel Megève readies for December 18, 2024 winter season opening.

🍴 Elodie Li, an American-born chef of Franco-Chinese origin, takes charge of Château Brachet's kitchens, a 5-star hotel in the Riviera des Alpes. Beginning her culinary journey after business finance school, Elodie became a self-taught chef, working her way up in the U.S. before pursuing her dream of joining starred restaurants in France. She worked with Ronan Kernen in Aix-en-Provence and then with Michelin-starred chef Mickaël Féval, becoming his sous chef. She also navigated a pandemic with the creation of a temporary pop-up and gained significant experience as a pastry chef.

🏦 BARNES, a luxury real estate player, expanded into hospitality, gastronomy, and events in May 2024 with three new venues: Maison Boissière by Barnes in Paris, Maison Barnes in New York, and Un Moment Barnes in Mougins. Thibault de Saint-Vincent, President of Barnes International, appointed Tristan Delmas as Director of BARNES Hospitality in Dubai in April 2024. With 15 years of experience, Delmas aims to develop these brands internationally. In June 2024, Sabine Serres was named Chief Marketing Officer of BARNES Hospitality in New York, bringing 13 years of marketing experience. BARNES Hospitality plans further development in France, Europe, and the Middle East.

📈 Chris Skeith, designated as the next General Director for the UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) starting January 1, 2025, succeeds Kai Hattendorf. Skeith currently serves as the CEO of the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) since 2014 and has held leadership roles at EIA, ESSA, AEV, contributing significantly to the events industry, earning an OBE in 2021 for his services. UFI expressed confidence in Skeith to continue UFI's global industry leadership.

🏨 BWH Hotels appointed Bill Ryan as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), under President and CEO Larry Cuculic's direction. Ryan will lead the tech management team and drive the overall digital strategy and brand's digital transformation. The move emphasizes BWH Hotels' commitment to hospitality excellence and advancing their digital approach to enhance customer experiences. Ryan's experience in establishing strong relationships and enhancing brand capabilities is set to redefine the future of travel.

🏠 Mathieu Hellec began his role as General Manager at Cheval Blanc Courchevel (LVMH Hotel Management) on October 1st. Previously, he gained international experience at Constance Hotels in Mauritius and as COO at Maia Hotel in the Seychelles. In 2021, he led Maia Luxury Resort's integration into the Anantara group. Before joining Cheval Blanc, he was the General Manager at Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island, Mozambique.

💻 Julie Huguet, former head of French Tech Alpes and founder of Coworkees, is appointed to lead Mission French Tech, succeeding Clara Chappaz who was named Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital on September 23. Huguet, an HEC graduate, will defend French startups' interests politically and internationally during her three-year mandate starting November 2024. Earlier in the year, she was knighted in the National Order of Merit by Minister Marina Ferrari.

🏠 Mathieu Hellec, with international experience at Constance Hotels in Mauritius and as COO at Maia Luxury Resort in Seychelles, took charge in 2021 overseeing its integration into the Anantara group. In 2023, he became the General Manager at Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Eric Boonstoppel, Vice President of LVMH Hotel Management, welcomed Hellec to Cheval Blanc Courchevel and expressed support for his role in enhancing the customer experience.

🏠 Mathieu Hellec, with international experience at Constance Hotel in Mauritius and as Operational Director at Maia Hotel in Seychelles, was appointed General Manager of Cheval Blanc Courchevel, starting October 1st, 2024. He became the head of Maia Luxury Resort in 2021 and successfully integrated it into the Anantara group. In 2023, Hellec joined Kisawa Sanctuary in Mozambique as General Manager. Eric Boonstoppel, VP of Operations at LVMH Hotel Management, welcomes him to his new role.

🏨 Rob Rain appointed as General Manager at OTO Development, part of Johnson Group, overseeing strategic initiatives for growth and profitability. Rain succeeds former leaders Corry Oakes and Todd Turner. With over a decade at Johnson Group, he previously led Johnson Development Associates to become a top private warehouse developer over 10 years. Rain holds a bachelor's degree with honors from Washington and Lee University and an MBA from Harvard Business School and is set to continue the legacy with OTO's 2,700 team members.