Nominations

🏨 Experimental Marais, a 5-star hotel with 43 rooms, will open in the Haut Marais district of Paris in March 2025. The hotel is a transformation of a property acquired in October 2024, redesigned by interior architect Tristan Auer, known for his work on Hôtel de Crillon and Hôtel du Louvre. The design features a neo-gothic universe with spectacular volumes, arches, and stained glass. Amenities include a large restaurant, cocktail bar, spa, and pool. The restaurant, Temple & Chapon, will be under the direction of chef Mélanie Serre.

🍴 Mylo Levin is appointed as the Executive Chef at Le Burgundy Paris, managing the Michelin-starred Baudelaire restaurant and The Charles bar/lounge. His culinary journey began at Ferrandi school in Paris, with pivotal experience at La Méditerranée, Le Jamin, and notably at Le Meurice in 2013. Levin brings a generous, authentic culinary vision, grounded in product respect and controlled creativity, developed under Mentor Chef Christophe Saintagne's guidance.

🏦 Stéphan Vigerie, with experience at prestigious hotels like Crillon and Shangri-La Paris, joined COMO Hotels & Resorts as the new Sales Director for France, following the seasonal reopening of COMO Le Montrachet in Burgundy in 2023—the group's first French property. Vigerie's role is key to supporting the establishment and aligns with COMO's passion for Europe. COMO, headquartered in Singapore, offers luxury travel experiences through its hotels and resorts, emphasizing personalized service, wellness, and award-winning cuisine.

🏠 Claudia Kozma Kaplan appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont hotels, bringing vast experience from luxury fashion and hospitality. Previously worked with Christian Dior, Gucci, and The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Tasked with overseeing Raffles' global network of 23 hotels, including upcoming openings: Raffles London at The OWO, Raffles Boston, and Raffles Jaipur. Successfully led the "The Butler Did It" campaign, enhancing Raffles' global presence. Now focusing on guiding the future direction of Fairmont brand to resonate with a global audience.

🏦 Tobias Reinecke promoted to Head of Development, Investments, and Portfolio Growth at Choice Hotels EMEA. Part of the company since September 2022, his focus is on expanding the portfolio and securing large-scale investment deals. Leadership team includes David Beers (CEO), Mayella Ruijven (CFO), Dylan McCarthy (Senior Legal Counsel), Corina Breban (HR Director), Cédric Bartolini (Commercial Director), and Marielle Vroemen (Operations Director). The team aims to grow the portfolio and brand presence in the EMEA region by 2025, enhancing stakeholder value.

🏨 Arnaud Lemonnier, with over 30 years of experience, is the current Franchise Development Director at B&B HOTELS, a Breton hospitality group. The company has a notable history of innovation while upholding regional values. The group is currently offering 103 job opportunities.

🏨 Tobias Reinecke was promoted to Head of Development, Investments, and Portfolio Growth at Choice Hotels EMEA. Working with the company since September 2022, he was previously in charge of Investments and Strategic Partnerships. Reinecke aims to lead the growth strategy and develop valuable investment agreements, focusing on portfolios, partnerships, and franchises for sustainable profit growth within the EMEA region. The executive team includes CEO David Beers and other seasoned professionals committed to Choice Hotels EMEA's strategy.

🏨 Dominique Barlaud joins Factory as Director of Hotel Development with over 20 years of hotel renovation and transformation experience. Factory, a real estate advisory and space design and fitting company, will leverage his expertise for growth in hospitality in France and Italy, focusing on unique space reinvention and user experience. Barlaud's background includes interior design, high-end project management, and leading Tétris' Hospitality department.

🏨 Magalie Murillo, with a background in international commerce and experience at Thomas Cook and Disney, is the new General Manager of SO/Paris. She previously enhanced client experience as Quality Director and Destination Manager in Majorca and improved TripAdvisor rankings at Pullman Paris La Défense through team engagement. Murillo champions modern hospitality with a focus on quality and innovation, leading 215 team members at the five-star establishment, SO/Paris.

🍴 Florian Favario was appointed Knight of the National Order of Merit on January 15, 2025. He is recognized for promoting French cuisine through his twice Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Auberge de Montmin, which also boasts a green star. Together with his wife Sandrine, they provide a unique dining experience with local cuisine and engaging service. Their dishes showcase the seasons with both individual and communal plates, emphasizing natural flavors enhanced by sauces and condiments.