Nominations

🏠 M. Thomson, with 30 years of experience in finance and operations in the hospitality sector, is now the CFO of Soho House & Co. He previously held positions at Tasty Restaurant Group and Del Frisco's, and leadership roles at Yum! Brands. CEO Andrew Carnie expressed excitement about Neil's expertise aiding Soho House's expansion. Neil Thomson aims to leverage growth opportunities, enhance financial and operational efficiency, and boost profitability.

🍴 Nicolai Scheugenpflug is the new Corporate F&B Director at Dorint Hotel Group, succeeding Philipp Kramer. He will report to Stefanie Brandes, the group's CEO. His role covers three brands: Dorint Hotels & Resorts, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, and Essential by Dorint. With extensive experience from companies like Meatery GmbH and Lido Gastronomie GmbH, Nicolai aims to enhance profitability and operational efficiency through targeted stock control and innovative development strategies. Certified as a "System Catering Specialist" since 2017, Nicolai focuses on sustainable and practical operations.

📈 En un peu plus de deux ans, un expatrié est devenu PDG de Dusit International à Bangkok, apportant une expérience de 20 ans avec Accor en Asie. Cette transition a permis de combiner la culture thaïlandaise avec un savoir-faire international, enrichissant l'identité du groupe. Le nouvel arrivant a relevé le défi de bâtir sa légitimité en interne, visant un impact direct dans une structure plus agile.

🏨 Aly El-Bassuni, avec 30 ans d’expérience dans l’hôtellerie, rejoint Choice Hotels pour diriger la division Managed Hotels. Ancien président chez Aimbridge Hospitality, il se concentrait sur les opérations et la satisfaction des propriétaires. Dom Dragisich de Choice Hotels loue sa vision stratégique. El-Bassuni a aussi dirigé chez Wyndham et Radisson. Il aspire à l’excellence opérationnelle et à des solutions de marque innovantes.

📈 M. Weshah, avec 26 ans d'expérience, supervisera la stratégie de Hyatt en Arabie saoudite, axée sur l'expansion et l'efficacité opérationnelle. Il a travaillé dans plusieurs pays, dont la Jordanie et l'Arabie saoudite, concentré sur le développement des talents locaux. Sa nomination soutient la Vision 2030 du Royaume, avec un focus sur la croissance durable et le tourisme. Hyatt souhaite renforcer sa présence à travers partenariats et leadership local.

🏨 Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, and Dan Clayton to report to Rasha Lababidi, Kempinski’s product and experience director. Toivanen, VP Wellness & Spa, has held leadership roles at The Savoy and Claridge's in London and The Aspen Tree in Thailand. Aurelia van Lynden, VP Experiences, brings over 13 years in luxury travel from Abercrombie & Kent. Dan Clayton, VP F&B and Hospitality, has global strategy and concept development expertise. Together, they aim to redefine modern luxury.

🏠 Jenni Benzaquen, with over 20 years in luxury real estate and hospitality, joins Rosewood to oversee its residential sector, reporting to CEO Anthony Ingham. Rosewood has 11 residential properties and plans to expand globally, integrating residences in mixed-use developments and resorts. The successful launch of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills highlights demand for culturally connected, artisanal homes with intuitive service. CEO Sonia Cheng emphasizes residential growth as core to Rosewood’s strategy.

🏨 Val d’Isère, August 2025: Esteban Slosse was appointed General Manager of Airelles Val d’Isère, embodying the group’s warm, personalized luxury. Slosse, a graduate in culinary arts, began his career at La Réserve Genève, joining Airelles in Courchevel in 2014. Between 2016-2021, he advanced from assistant maître d’hôtel to director positions at Pan Deï Palais, Saint-Tropez, and Val d’Isère, enhancing the culinary offerings from Piaf to Matsuhisa and La Grande Ourse.

📈 Félix Laurence, a seasoned professional in luxury and lifestyle hospitality, has joined Gray Collection to boost their corporate and event market strategy in Quebec and beyond. Previously Director of Sales and Marketing at Complexe Humaniti Montréal, his experience spans roles at Loews Hotel Vogue, Bisha Hotel Toronto, and W Hotels in Montreal and Toronto. Now, as Regional Sales Director, he will develop key Gray Collection properties like Hôtel William Gray and L’Auberge du Vieux-Port.

📚 Anke Maas, with 30 years of HR experience, now leads HR strategy for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. Since joining in 2012, she's transformed managerial culture. With degrees in public law, HR, and organizational development, Maas launched key programs like LeoDo in 2014 and Beekeeper in 2015 for digital communication. Her strategic focus includes human-centric and digital transformation. The Leonardo Academy promotes continuous training and talent development.