Nominations

📈 Capella Hotels & Resorts, crowned "Best Hotel Brand in the World" for three consecutive years, announced the departure of President Cristiano Rinaldi after a transformative five-year term. Rinaldi, who joined in 2020, expanded Capella from four to ten properties and integrated Patina Hotels & Resorts, aiming to double the portfolio by 2030. Neil Jacobs, former Six Senses CEO, joins Capella as Senior Strategic Advisor to support its growth.

📈 Raki Phillips, current leader at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, will join Accor in November 2025 as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy division in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. Based in Dubai, he will oversee over 250 hotels across 27 countries and a pipeline of 85 hotels in development, reporting to Duncan O’Rourke. Raki has over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Universal Studios Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton.

🛫 Antoine Richard, co-founder of Double Sens, will step down on August 1, 2025, after 19 years. Founded in 2006 with Aurélien Seux, Double Sens pioneers participative and solidarity-based travel built with local communities. It serves thousands of travelers in 30+ destinations, employs 22 staff, and uses a unique social impact measurement tool. The agency, labeled ATR since 2016, integrated into FairMoove in 2023 for broader reach through networks like Leclerc Voyages.

📈 Éric Gervy, diplômé en gestion hôtelière de Valencia College et l'Université de Californie, Berkeley, possède plus de 20 ans d'expérience dans des hôtels de luxe. Ayant travaillé aux États-Unis, Monaco, Genève, Prague, Hong Kong et maintenant Paris, il a été stratégique chez Hyatt, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, et Mandarin Oriental. Co-dirigeant avec Marcel Ravin, il a contribué à l'obtention de 2 étoiles Michelin pour Le Blue Bay.

📈 Rachael Nicholson rejoint l'équipe de direction commerciale régionale d'Accor sous la responsabilité d'Anne Gill, vice-présidente de la stratégie commerciale dans le Pacifique. Avec 18 ans d'expérience chez Air New Zealand, elle a contribué aux stratégies de vente mondiales et à l'introduction de vols vers Chicago et New York. Avant Accor, elle a dirigé le redressement post-COVID de 10 établissements chez Heritage Hotel Management, axée sur la croissance des revenus et la satisfaction client.

🌎 1834 Hotels will take over managing Kingfisher Bay Resort and K’gari Beach Resort on K’gari Island, Australia, owned by SeaLink and Kelsian Group, starting August 1, 2025. This is part of a strategic asset enhancement plan. K’gari, a UNESCO site known for its natural beauty, attracts ecotourism. SeaLink will continue maritime services. 1834 Hotels, expanding beyond 4,000 rooms, strengthens its national presence by partnering for sustainable asset optimization.

🏖 Le Mercure Danang Bana Hills French Village, situé dans les montagnes de Ba Na à une altitude de 1,400 mètres, compte 461 chambres dans 15 bâtiments pittoresques. Accessible uniquement par téléphérique, il offre une expérience immersive unique. En juillet 2025, Antoine Weinstein deviendra le nouveau Directeur Général. Il a plus de 20 ans d'expérience dans l'hôtellerie de luxe, ayant occupé divers postes de direction en Asie, notamment à Jakarta, Phan Thiet, et Manille.

📖 Mohammad Labban, a hospitality leader, began his career in 1998 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In 2013, he became General Manager of Hyatt Regency Pune, India, and successfully launched Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, Jordan in 2018. Since 2019, he managed Hyatt Regency Birmingham, UK, enhancing its performance. Now, he's the General Manager of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. His career reflects strategic vision and operational excellence in the luxury hotel industry.

📈 Arnaud Joly appointed General Manager of Anantara Plaza Nice, supported by Marie Organ as Hotel Manager. They transition from Prince de Galles, Paris, amidst strategic uncertainties. Joly, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, previously held roles at Sofitel and Pullman. His career includes seven years at Prince de Galles as Director of Operations and Executive Deputy General Manager. Joly aims to enhance the hotel's status on the Côte d'Azur.

📈 Arnaud Joly and Marie Organ have been appointed to key leadership roles at Hôtel Anantara Plaza Nice. Arnaud Joly, with experience from Prince de Galles and Bristol Paris, is the new Directeur Général. Marie Organ, with over ten years in luxury hospitality, is the new Hôtel Manager, having led operations at Prince de Galles. Their expertise aims to enhance the hotel's regional standing and enrich guest experiences.