Nominations

🏗️ Nadim Jamous, an ALBA graduate with a Master's in Architecture (2004), has been promoted to Vice President of Architecture and Design at Rotana. Jamous, who joined the hospitality company in 2015, will lead a team of architects, interior designers, and engineers, ensuring that ongoing and future projects meet brand standards and timelines. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, praised Jamous for shaping the design and brand standards since his arrival.

🎰 Max Tappeiner, with experience at Resorts World, Venetian and Palazzo, and luxury operators like Mandarin Oriental and Kempinski, replaces Thomas Schoen as the head of the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Schoen had joined the company only in May 2023. Tappeiner, holding an executive MBA from the Royal Melbourne University, will start on September 1, 2024, marking Wynn Resorts' expansion as the first gaming operator in the UAE.

🎓 Malloo Marie Sheila, promoted to General Manager of Lux* Belle Mare where she began as a receptionist in 2002, has built a notable career over two decades. Graduated from Hotel School of Mauritius and University of Wales Trinity Saint David (2018-2020), she exemplifies loyalty, patience, passion, and professionalism within the group. Congratulations to Sheila on her first position as General Manager, highlighting the esteemed hospitality tradition of Mauritius.

🎬 eDreams ODIGEO, a top global travel subscription platform and one of the largest European e-commerce companies, nominated Laurence Berman as independent director, set for shareholder vote on September 27, 2024. Berman, with extensive experience in travel, hospitality, and tech, including roles like VP of Disneyland Paris and GM of Jet Tours, currently serves on PortAventura World's board. Holding an ESSEC Master's and a University of Chicago MBA, her appointment aims to bolster the board as the company concludes its 3.5-year strategic roadmap.

🏨 Beth McMahon, with over 20 years in association management, notably increased the Canadian Institute of Planners' membership by over 40%. Previously Vice-President at the Canadian Vinters Association (now Wine Growers Canada), she's now President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), confirmed by the Board's Chair, Tony Cohen. McMahon joins at a pivotal time, aiming to strengthen the hotel industry's integral role in Canada's economy and culture.

🍺 On August 31 and September 1, the bar-restaurant Chez Justine in Moncheux (Moselle) expects over 300 guests for its annual event, preserving the memory of a hunting cafe and the couple who ran it from 1962 to 2014. Jacqueline Lelorrain, 66, reminisces about her parents' dedication to the social hub, which has been unaltered since their deaths in 2014. The venue, which must open yearly to maintain its liquor license, saw 210 reservations and over 300 visitors last year, with all profits going to a local association.

💸 Peninsula Hotels, led by CEO Clement Kwok, announced a loss of 52 million euros for the first half of the year, following the post-pandemic rebound. Kwok, resigning in October 2024 after 22 years, hasn't named a successor. The group's economic woes are attributed to renovation costs for Peninsula New York and unsettled figures from new hotels in London and Istanbul. Additionally, the Peninsula Hong Kong's room occupancy dropped to 38%, a 6-point decrease from the previous year.

🍴 Sébastien Billard, 40, is appointed as the National Restaurant Manager for Azureva, a French vacation specialist. With a BTS in culinary engineering from Vienne's Lycée Bellerive in 2002, his career started in 2005 at a semi-gourmet hotel restaurant, and in 2009, he joined the Michelin-starred Auberge du Vieux Marais and Domaine de Clairefontaine. In 2011, he began teaching culinary technology and technique at the Lycée Hôtelier de Vienne. Azureva aims to continually improve service quality, focusing on authentic, local cuisine.

🏕 José Luis Avila, 38, appointed as CGO (Chief Growth Officer) of Kampaoh, European glamping leader, effective July 1, 2024, to foster brand's ambitious expansion. Experienced in luxury brands, Avila's career began in 2007, held roles at iAdvize, Guest Suite, and Campings.com, culminating as International Sales Manager. Kampaoh's strategic move coincides with its European launch success. Avila graduated with a Finance Master from the International University of Cuernavaca and Ecole Internationale Tunon, Paris.

🏦 The Southern African Development Community (SADC), consisting of 45 states, will meet in Madagascar in 2023. The international hotel in Ivato, opened in 2008 and state-operated since 2021, is central to hosting the event and is looking for a private operator since 2009. A budget of $700,000 is estimated for refurbishing the 24-story hotel, which includes 220 rooms and 60 suites. Minister of Tourism, Joël Randriamandranto, confirmed a tender and announced the new operator is expected to be known by September 2024.