Nominations

📈 Henri Giscard d’Estaing, 67, was ousted from Club Med's leadership on July 16, 2023, by Fosun, marking a major shift with operations moving to Shanghai. He had led since 2004, focusing on upscale resorts globally. Fosun, involved since 2010, failed at opening capital to new investors. The abrupt exit, lacking a transition, raises questions about Club Med's future. A new president is expected soon, as Fosun discreetly steers its strategy.

📚 Pascal Billard, director of Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona since 2013, will become the General Manager of Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection in Paris. Announced on May 13, 2025, the appointment is effective from August 4, 2025. Le Meurice features 160 rooms, 450 staff, a 600 m² suite, and Paris's largest private terrace. It also offers culinary creations by Alain Ducasse and desserts by Cédric Grolet.

📈 Emilie Couton, with 24 years of experience at Accor and D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, becomes CEO of Accor Plus, focusing on innovation and personalization. Emilie significantly expanded Accor’s Asia-Pacific presence from 250 to 1,200 hotels across 38 brands. Accor Plus, celebrating 30 years, emphasizes delivering exceptional value, driven by a data-centric, energetic approach. Mehdi Hemici highlights Emilie's visionary leadership during a pivotal time in the travel loyalty sector.

📈 Food Service Vision, founded in Lyon in 2005 by François Blouin, appoints Michael Ballay as Deputy General Manager to enhance strategic activities. Ballay, rejoining in 2018, previously expanded supplier portfolios. The company strengthens governance and strategic activities by recruiting Virginie Pernin, Justine Duvernet, Alexandre Anne, and Justine Iochmann-Dejean in roles related to sector reviews, panel performance, data management, and marketing activation.

🏠 Niché dans la Vallée de la Loire, le Château de Beauvois, à 20 minutes de Tours, accueille à l'été 2025 trois nouveaux talents : Chrystel Clément (directrice), Teddy Ragain (chef de cuisine) et Nancie Cecillon (cheffe pâtissière). Le domaine du XVe siècle, avec 35 chambres et un parc de 40 hectares, vise l'excellence. Le restaurant Louis XIII peut accueillir 120 couverts, et Teddy Ragain, fort d'une expérience Michelin, s'engage à offrir des services d'exception.

📰 Fabien Martinez took over as General Manager of Hilton Yaoundé in June 2025, celebrated alongside Maurice Enama Fouda of Cameroon Hotels Corporation. With a background in operations at top hotels in Shanghai, Dubai, Cairo, Lisbon, and Doha, Martinez has held roles such as Chef Exécutif, Director of Dining, and General Manager. An alum of Cornell University and recipient of the 2007 Master Chef of France, he managed hotels in Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, and Cape Town.

🏨 Juillet 2025, Miami Beach, FL: L'hôtel Balfour, un chef-d'œuvre Art déco inauguré en 1940, rouvre après rénovation, rejoignant la collection Morgans Originals. Situé dans le quartier South of Fifth, il offre 82 chambres au design contemporain. Son offre culinaire inclut le restaurant Cleo de la cheffe Camila Olarte. Le Balfour allie éléments historiques et modernité, proposant bar carts en chambre et service Lavazza, tout en préservant son charme architectural.

💰 Kevin Keogh has been appointed Director Europe for easyJet holidays as of July 15, 2025, in London. He will lead operations in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Kevin brings extensive experience from NEOM Tourism in Saudi Arabia and DER Touristik Deutschland, where he was SVP of Marketing & Sales. He aims to strengthen easyJet holidays' European position, enhance product offerings, and ensure seamless travel experiences, leveraging easyJet's broad flight network and value-focused model.

💻 easyJet holidays has appointed Kevin Keogh as Director for Europe, overseeing operations in Germany, Switzerland, and France. With extensive experience in travel, including senior roles at NEOM Tourism and DER Touristik Deutschland, he has a proven track record in marketing, sales, and customer service. Kevin aims to enhance easyJet holidays' market position and product offerings. His deep understanding of the French market and commitment to exceptional vacation experiences make him an ideal fit.

📈 Leeny Oberg, a key leader at Marriott since 1999, played a pivotal role in boosting shareholder value and outperforming the S&P 500. Recognized for her strategic investment in growth and cost competitiveness, she significantly impacted Marriott's success, including during the pandemic. Her leadership extended to roles at Ritz-Carlton and as Global Sales and Marketing VP. As she retires, Anthony Capuano, CEO, credits her with fostering talented leadership for Marriott's future.