Nominations

📈 Duetto, a leading hotel revenue management software provider, undergoes a leadership transition. After six years, David Woolenberg steps down as CEO but remains during the transition. Under his leadership, Duetto expanded operations, launched new products, and diversified its clientele. Effective immediately, Alex Zoghlin, former CEO of ATPCO and current board member, becomes CEO. His extensive experience in tech development for travel and hospitality sectors is expected to drive Duetto's growth and innovation.

📣 Gérald Barbier was elected as the new president of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCID 75) on June 20, 2025, succeeding Soumia Malinbaum, who served since November 26, 2021. Malinbaum will continue as the first vice-president. The election was unanimous, and Barbier aims to continue the strategic plans initiated by Malinbaum. His mandate focuses on supporting Parisian entrepreneurs and merchants in light of upcoming major elections.

📅 Hong Kong, 23 juin 2025 – Le Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group annonce deux recrutements majeurs pour son développement résidentiel : Brad Berry, avec plus de 25 ans d'expérience, devient Head of Residences & Homes. Philip Leighton, expert en voyages de luxe, prend la tête de Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Berry a travaillé pour Rosewood Hotel Group, Four Seasons, PortLiving et Kingdom Hotel Investments en Amérique du Nord, Europe et Moyen-Orient. Leighton a collaboré avec Abercrombie & Kent et Bailey Robinson.

🏨 Montrouge, 23 juin 2025 – B&B HOTELS nomme David García Blancas comme Chief Executive Officer Iberia. Avec 25 ans d'expérience, il a dirigé PortAventura World et occupé des postes chez Vueling, LOT et Air France/KLM. En 2024, B&B HOTELS Iberia a enregistré une croissance de 27% avec 127 millions d'euros de chiffre d'affaires, 15 nouvelles ouvertures, totalisant 74 hôtels et 7,000 chambres en Espagne et au Portugal.

📑 David García Blancas has been appointed CEO of B&B HOTELS IBERIA, enhancing the group's presence in Iberia and boosting growth. With over 25 years of experience in aviation, entertainment, and hospitality, his previous roles include CEO of PortAventura (since 2019), CCO of Vueling Airlines (2015-2019), and CEO of LOT Airlines (2013-2015). His international experience spans Spain, France, Poland, the UK, China, and Australia.

🏡 Brad Berry et Philip Leighton rejoindront l'équipe de développement de Mandarin Oriental en juin 2025. Berry, avec 25+ ans d'expérience en développement résidentiel, sera Responsable des Résidences et Maisons, tandis que Leighton, expert avec 20+ ans dans le voyage de luxe, dirigera Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Berry a travaillé chez Rosewood Hotel Group et autres, tandis que Leighton a dirigé Villas by Bailey Robinson. Ces nominations renforcent le focus sur les résidences de luxe.

🏨 Coury Hospitality, an independent hotel operator from Dallas, will manage the 420-room Hard Rock Hotel San Diego starting July 1, 2025. This marks their largest asset to date. The company is expanding its portfolio with projects like the 105-room Seahaus Hotel in Atlantic City and managing the 150-room AC Hotel Bentonville in Arkansas. A full renovation of the San Diego hotel is planned for 2026. Coury now oversees 11 hotels in California, strengthening its presence in the lifestyle and luxury segment.

📆 Anders T. Dimblad has been appointed Cluster General Manager for Banyan Tree Dubai and Delano Dubai. With over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across Singapore, Malaysia, Seychelles, Phuket, and now Dubai, Dimblad joined Banyan Group in 2003. He is renowned for his human-centric approach and operational excellence. Previously overseeing Laguna Phuket, he aligns well with Banyan Tree and Delano Dubai’s goals, operated by Ennismore. Dimblad aims to elevate these hotels as premier lifestyle destinations in the MENA region.

✈️ Brigitte Hidalgo appointed as director of the Tourism Innovation Global Summit on June 20, 2025. The next summit is in Seville from October 22-24, 2025. Airbus and MTU Aero Engines partnered on June 18, 2025, for hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. Visit Group acquired Iceland's GODO to expand in Northern Europe. Avionics market to grow from $48.84 billion in 2024 to $85.29 billion by 2030, with a 9.7% annual growth rate. Vivotek deploys 92 cameras in Chiba, Japan for taxi management.

🏨 Julien Michelot, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, is now the General Manager at Villa Sahrai, Casablanca. Previously with Four Seasons George V and others, he transitions from La Tour Hassan Palace, Rabat. Villa Sahrai is set to open soon, featuring 56 rooms, two signature restaurants, a refined bar, advanced fitness center, and exceptional spa. This strategic move aims to establish Villa Sahrai as a luxury benchmark in Casablanca.