Nominations

🏨 Millennium Downtown New York becomes M Social, a rebranding aimed at "young at heart" travelers, located opposite the Oculus. 569 rooms are renovated, with the lobby moved to the 3rd floor, providing bright, open spaces and a new dining area. The transformation follows M Social's success at Novotel Times Square in 2021. New York's hotel sector sees a revenue per available room of $272 in April 2025, reflecting the evolving Manhattan landscape as a mixed-use district.

📰 Christiane et Jean-Yves Germain annoncent la coprésidence de Germains Hôtels par Marie-Pier et Hugo. Premier groupe canadien, il gère 19 hôtels et 15 restaurants, avec des expansions prévues en Ontario et dans l'Ouest canadien grâce au soutien financier québécois. Marie-Pier, ex-VP Ventes et Marketing, et Hugo, chef Opérations et Développement, succèdent dans un esprit familial. Laurie et Clarah, autres cousines, dirigent RH et Expérience Client. Depuis 2006, Marie-Pier et Hugo contribuent à la croissance du groupe.

🏨 David García Blancas has been appointed CEO of B&B Hotels Iberia, aiming to strengthen its market position in Spain and Portugal. The strategic plan focuses on expanding infrastructure, optimizing offerings, and increasing presence in key regions. The company seeks to leverage the growing tourism in these countries while maintaining high-quality and accessible service standards. The appointment aligns with a long-term development plan prioritizing innovation and geographical expansion. David García will assume his role in the coming weeks.

🏨 GastroSuisse appoints Kareen Vaisbrot, 47, as director, starting by December 1, 2025. With a legal background, Vaisbrot has a decade of leadership at Swissmem, handling labor market and social policy issues. She has strengthened Swissmem's presence in Suisse Romande and is pursuing further studies at the University of St. Gallen. This move aims to address structural challenges in the Swiss hospitality sector, says GastroSuisse President Beat Imhof.

📊 Christian Charnaux returns to Hilton, previously serving as Chief Growth Officer at Inspire Brands, overseeing brands like Arby's and Dunkin'. At Hilton, he reports to CEO Christopher J. Nassetta and joins the executive committee. With past roles at Boston Consulting Group and J.P. Morgan, Charnaux brings significant experience. Recent appointments include Anne-Marie D'Angelo and Katherine Lugar in executive roles. Charnaux's expertise will aid Hilton's global growth, enhancing its network for customers worldwide.

📈 David García Blancas a été nommé PDG de B&B Hotels Iberia pour renforcer la position de l'entreprise sur le marché ibérique. Avec plus de 25 ans d'expérience, il vise à consolider la croissance en Espagne et au Portugal. En 2024, B&B Hotels a ajouté 15 hôtels en Espagne, portant le total à 57. L'entreprise a enregistré une augmentation de 27 % de son chiffre d'affaires, atteignant 127 millions d'euros.

🏨 Marie Pier and Hugo Germain have become co-presidents of Germain Hôtels, succeeding founders Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain. Effective immediately, this leadership change continues the family's legacy of hospitality excellence. With over 20 years of involvement, Marie Pier's notable projects include opening the first Calgary hotel, while Hugo has been a pivotal force as the first Director General of Alt. Their co-presidency embodies complementarity and aims to expand both in Canada and internationally.

📈 Michelle McArdle, boasting over 15 years of experience, joins Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA as Commercial Director. Previously, she was Market Strategy Director at Marriott International, overseeing revenue management for nine hotels in Scotland and Northeast England. Her holistic approach integrates commercial, marketing, and digital strategies. Edward Holland, with 25+ years of experience, formerly Senior General Manager at Holiday Inn Coventry, also recently joined Aimbridge.

📈 Christian Charnaux rejoindra le comité exécutif de Hilton en tant qu’Executive Vice President et Chief Development Officer dès le 1er juillet 2025. Il reportera à Christopher J. Nassetta, PDG du groupe. Ancien Chief Growth Officer chez Inspire Brands depuis 2018, Charnaux est un ancien de Hilton et diplômé de l’Université de Caroline du Nord et d’Harvard Business School. Son retour vise à soutenir la croissance mondiale de l'entreprise.

💸 Greene King has decided not to sell its Venture Hotels division despite negotiations with RedCat Hospitality over a potential £90 million deal failing due to disagreements on asset valuation. Vincent Madden has been promoted to General Manager of the Premium Ventures division, which now includes Metropolitan Pub Company, Crafted Pubs, and Venture Hotels. Venture Hotels will report directly to Jodie Tate, the Managing Director of Destination & Ventures brands.