Nominations

🏨 On September 2, Katell Bourgeois was appointed as Vice-President of Development France for Accor Group's Premium, Midscale, and Economy brands. Bringing almost 20 years of experience in hotel real estate, Bourgeois previously led Cushman & Wakefield Hospitality in France since 2019 and held various positions at JLL Hotels for nearly 15 years. Based in Paris, she now serves on the Development Executive Committee headed by Philippe Bijaoui, and is set to advance Accor's growth strategy and brand presence in the region.

🍴 Bruno Guinebretière, with over 30 years in the restaurant industry, began his career in 1994. By 2000, he joined Groupe Flo, managing Parisian establishments like Le Bœuf sur le Toit and Julien. In 2008, he became Regional Director at Hippopotamus, and in 2015, he took over franchise network management. Following Groupe Flo's 2017 acquisition by Groupe Bertrand, Guinebretière aims to evolve Hippopotamus's concept while honoring its legacy, enhancing its market presence for the past 16 years.

🍽 Bruno Guinebretière is appointed as the new General Manager of Hippopotamus, a Bertrand Franchise brand. He succeeds Philippe Héry and brings over 30 years of hospitality experience. Guinebretière's career began in 1994, joining Groupe Flo in 2000 where he managed notable Parisian establishments. He became Regional Director of Hippopotamus in 2008 and took over franchise direction in 2015. After Bertrand Group's acquisition of Groupe Flo in 2017, he continued overseeing franchise development.

🏢 Lydia Zuurbier, a "pure Hyatt talent," joined Hyatt in 1998 as a management trainee during her studies at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden (1999). Experienced roles in Paris, Casablanca, and Doha, becoming Director of Rooms at Grand Hyatt Doha (2008-2010). Shifted to HR at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, first as Training Manager, then HR Director (2012-2014). Appointed regional role in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (2016-2017), returned to Europe as Cluster Director of HR in Amsterdam (2018-2024), extending to Switzerland and Sweden in 2022. Currently Vice President of Regional HR – Southern Europe, overseeing HR operations and strategy across over 70 Hyatt hotels in 11 countries in Southern Europe and North Africa.

📌 Emerging Travel Group strengthens its business travel division with the strategic appointment of Sergiu Les as Head of Corporate Travel Department, EMEA. Les brings over 10 years of experience to the role, having recently served as the Director of Global Sales at CWT, focusing on acquiring major account clients. Based in Strasbourg, France, he will lead a team of over 50 professionals, overseeing the development strategy of the Roundtrip brand, a digital booking platform for SMEs.

💜 Bob Gilbert, the iconic President and CEO of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation, and HSMAI Global, passed away on September 19, 2024. Gilbert accelerated his retirement in July 2024 due to a serious health issue after 30 years at the helm. A respected friend and mentor, his leadership will continue to influence HSMAI. He also served as a knowledgeable professor at Cornell and George Washington University.

🏩 Dan Peek joins JLL in Tampa under Mark Gibson, alongside Kevin Davis, CEO of Americas for JLL's Hotels & Hospitality group. Peek will focus on client relationship management, investment sales, financing, tax, and asset management strategies. Previously, Peek was President and COO at Hodges Ward Elliott and a Senior Managing Director at HFF, where he established the company's dedicated hotel platform. He co-founded Regent Street, a subsidiary of The Plasencia Group, offering sales, financing, and advisory services for distinctive hotels in the Americas.

🍷 La Villa Louise, hôtel 4 étoiles situé au cœur des vignes près de Beaune, Bourgogne, offre 16 chambres luxueuses et a été récemment vendue, reflétant l'intérêt croissant des investisseurs pour le domaine viticole bourguignon. Aurélien Passaquay et Boris Duclos de Christie & Co de Lyon ont facilité la transaction, soulignant le dynamisme du marché hôtelier régional et l'attrait de la Bourgogne pour le patrimoine et l'œnotourisme.

🏛 Marie Ameller appointed as Deputy Director General of the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine starting September 30, 2024. Graduated from ESSEC and the École du Louvre, Ameller has a background in museum and managerial skills. Since 2023, she served as a cultural advisor to the Prime Minister's office, overseeing the Culture Ministry's budget and investment projects, along with heritage and architecture matters. Previously, from 2017 to 2019, she handled the budgetary synthesis for the Directorate-General of Artistic Creation and was Chief of Staff to the Director-General. In 2019, she became an advisor for speeches and culture at the Ministry of National Education and Youth, initiating projects like the collective part of the Culture Pass and "My Heritage by Bike". Joined the National Book Centre in 2021 as Delegate for Dissemination.

🍴 Johan Scott Valentine has been appointed as Vice-President Group for "Food & Beverage" at Rotana. He joined Rotana in August 2019 and was quickly promoted to Corporate Director due to his significant contributions to the company's F&B strategy, including the implementation of innovative technologies like Chef’s Eye. COO Eddy Tannous commends Valentine's innovative approach and commitment to excellence, expressing confidence in his ability to advance Rotana's culinary offerings and mentor the next generation of chefs.