Nominations

🏨 Nicole Braendle, first woman to lead HotellerieSuisse and appointed just 6 months ago, resigns to avoid conflict of interest due to her husband's recent appointment as President of the Swiss National Bank. The executive committee of HotellerieSuisse must now restart the selection process, initially assisted by a consulting firm, to find a suitable successor.

🍴 Baton Berisha, former executive at Ivy Collection, D&D London, and Le Pont De La Tour-DandD, has left Wolseley Hospitality Group, a prominent lifestyle restaurant group in London, known for establishments like The Wolseley, Brasserie Zedel, The Delaunay, and others. Berisha's departure was announced without a stated reason, but he expressed gratitude towards the group and is set to oversee a considerate handover to his successor.

🏠 Bertrand Jaquet hands over Domaine de Rochevilaine to his daughter Cécile and son-in-law, Chef Maxime Nouail. The prestigious establishment, a member of Relais & Châteaux since 1964, is renowned for luxury, nature, and refined gastronomy. Located at the junction of the Vilaine river and the ocean, it features historical buildings and a spa introduced in 1998. Cécile and Maxime now bring a fresh vision while honoring the family legacy.

💿 Katell Bourgeois, with experience since 2004 in hotel real estate, notably as Senior Vice President at JLL (2009-2019) and Head of Hospitality France at Cushman & Wakefield (since 2014), left her position in June 2024. She was appointed VP Development France for Accor's "Premium, Midscale & Economy Brands" in Europe/North Africa on September 2, 2024, joining the Development Executive Committee under Chief Development Officer Philippe Bijaoui.

🏠 Xavier Khoo named as the new Regional Director for Western Europe at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Assumed office in August 2024, based in Brussels, Belgium. His responsibilities include overseeing marketing, communication, partnerships, and business development for the STB in Western European markets. Khoo joined STB in 2015, previously worked on conventions, meetings, and incentives and led initiatives for travel agents and tour guides. He succeeds Melissa Jane Thompson, who returns to Singapore for a new role.

🏦 Alain Debare has been appointed as associate in charge of investments and asset management for HVS in the Middle East and Africa, signaling HVS's significant expansion in the region. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, including roles at Mandarin Oriental, Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Action Hotels, Debare has managed real estate portfolios over one billion dollars. HVS, a global hospitality consulting firm, offers tailored advisory and asset management services under Debare's leadership to optimize performance and enhance property value.

🏡 Patrice Hudebine, since 2008, has been the tenant of the LUX* Saint Gilles, initially managed by the Naïade group since 2007. A preliminary agreement for the purchase of the 7-hectare property from the state has been confirmed, pending approval by the Ministry of Economy.

📌 Jumeirah Group appoints Julien Soyez as Vice President of Communication, with a notable background in luxury fashion and lifestyle communications. Soyez, former Global Press Director at Gucci in Milan, has also served in significant marketing and communications roles in Paris and the Middle East for renowned brands such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs. His focus at Jumeirah will be to drive brand and communication strategies, enhancing visibility in new markets in line with global expansion plans.

🏨 Luca Finardi was appointed as Regional Vice President for France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris. He succeeds Géraldine Dobey, who has been the General Manager since July 2021 and will now focus on her role as Director of Quality for the Mandarin Oriental Group. With nearly 30 years of experience, Finardi previously managed the Mandarin Oriental, Milan since 2014, and was instrumental in the opening of the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como.

🏨 Luca Finardi appointed as Area Vice-President for France, Italy, and the Czech Republic and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris, starting September 2, 2024. Formerly General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Milan since 2014. Géraldine Dobey, previously Area Vice-President for France, Switzerland, and Morocco and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris since July 2021, now focuses solely on Quality Management within the group. Finardi brings nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.