Nominations

🏖️ Jonathan Damani appointed as Development Director at Aya Voyages, boasting a 15+ years career in tourism with a marketing degree from UQAM. Previously worked at Valdys, Suntrade, co-founded Light Trip in 2019, and played key roles at Croisière Jaune. Aya Voyages, aiming to lead in customized travel, anticipates his strategic vision and expertise to drive growth and enhance offerings, as stated by founder Adeline Kurban Fiani.

🏦 BARNES International's President, Thibault de Saint-Vincent, announces Tristan Delmas as Director of Barnes Hospitality. With 15 years in luxury hospitality, Delmas will implement a strategic vision to celebrate French art de vivre, create unique spaces, and offer exclusive client experiences. His role involves developing three new brands internationally, planning finances, and strategizing growth, aiming to enhance client loyalty through bespoke events related to art, crafts, wine, and gastronomy. Tristan Delmas, 36, holds a degree from Institut Vatel and an MBA in Hospitality Management from ESSEC Business.

🏨 Mercure Les Ulis, a 4-star hotel with 110 rooms, seminar areas, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool, changes ownership. 3VHOTELS, partnering with Elevation Capital Partners of Inter Invest Group, strengthens its presence in the Île-de-France market. Elevation has supported 3VHOTELS since 2022, focusing on hospitality investments. The group plans a dynamic strategy for the asset in 2024 and improvements in 2025, with no major structural changes or closures. Samirkumar Patel leads 3VHOTELS, which owns about ten mid-range hotels.

📋 Marc Antoine Lesage, Vatel Master graduate of 2005, is the Director of Sales for the Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai. Carole Vallet-Gallou, with a BTS from Guyancourt in 1990 and a Master's equivalence from CNAM in 2005, leads the Lyons Andelle Tourist Office. Cécile Prevost-Cardenoso, with a BTS from Jean Drouant in 1991 and a Master 2 from IGS RH in 2011, has been heading Human Resources at France Galop since May 2024. Anne Vanhove, a Master 1 graduate from IGS RH, was promoted to Senior HRD for France, Germany, and the UK at Avis Budget Group. Previously, Vanhove worked at Hilton Paris Roissy CDG, Hôtel du Collectionneur, Hédiard, Westin Paris Vendôme, and the Southern Europe Cluster for IHG before joining Avis. Vincent Thienard, a BTS Guillaume Thirel graduate of 2009 with a Master 2 from IFAG in 2013, was promoted to HRD at Institut Lyfe.

🏖 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.