Nominations

🏆 Michaël Ruysschaert to take office on April 1, 2025, following the constitutive General Assembly of the CDT on October 25, 2024. With his expertise from managing Agence Savoie Mont Blanc (2020-2023), Ruysschaert aims to enhance Savoie's tourism structure and reach. The Savoie Tourism Committee is focusing on the 2030 Olympics, leveraging the event to promote its natural, cultural, and sports offerings globally, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Ruysschaert's forthcoming strategy, in collaboration with local officials and tourism stakeholders, seeks to balance attraction, innovation, and environmental respect.

🏡 Four Seasons, a global leader in luxury hotels, will manage The Park Gstaad hotel in Switzerland upon its reopening after significant renovations. Owned by philanthropist Dona Bertarelli, The Park Gstaad, first opened as a five-star hotel in 1910, is currently being renovated under Squircle Capital and designer Joseph Dirand. The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, will open for the 2026-2027 winter season in one of Europe's most prestigious alpine resorts.

📈 Martin Jacquesson, 45, with a Finance degree from ESSCA, joins Atland Group to strengthen its asset management activities for individual and institutional investors in France and Europe. Jacquesson's career began in 2000 at Bossard-Gemini Consulting, and included roles at KPMG (2007-2010) and as Deputy CEO at Atream, where he developed institutional club-deals and savings products. His expertise in third-party investment management will bolster Atland's growth and service diversification in the European real estate market.

🏦 Trump Organization acquired the lease of a historic post office for $275M in 2013, converting it into the Trump International Hotel. Donald Trump, elected in 2016, often used the hotel for official events. Facing conflict of interest accusations, the organization sold the lease in 2022 for $375M to Florida-based CGI Merchant Group, after paying a $750k fine to avoid a lawsuit over fund mismanagement.

🏨 Thomas B. Meier has been appointed as the new General Manager of Jumeirah, a global luxury hospitality company and part of Dubai Holding. He will lead the brand's sustainable growth for their "Mission 2030" strategy. Previously COO since October 2021 and interim CEO, Meier's key focus includes doubling the portfolio by 2030, expanding internationally, and enhancing Jumeirah's position as a luxury hospitality leader. Under his leadership, Jumeirah entered the African market in 2024 with openings in Tanzania and South Africa.

🏨 Julie Renouvel has been appointed as the General Manager of Pichet Group's hotel operations. Renouvel, with a Master's from HEC Paris and experience at Accorhotels and other prestigious groups, is set to drive strategy and optimize client satisfaction. Pichet, with 30 years in hospitality, manages 4,450 rooms, aiming for 6,100 in two years. Since 2018, Pichet is expanding into upscale hotels, including the recent Radisson Blu Grand Hôtel & Spa in Malo-les-Bains.

🏨 Julie Renouvel appointed as General Director of hotel operations by Groupe Pichet, a leading French family real estate business. With a background in Enterprise Management and a Master's in Corporate Strategy and Finance from HEC Paris, Renouvel brings experience from Accorhotels, Sohoma, Belambra Clubs, and Centaurus Hospitality Management. Her role focuses on developing hospitality services, ensuring client satisfaction, service improvement, and profitability. Groupe Pichet has a 30+ year presence in the hotel market, including the All Suites three-star tourism and business residences.

🏨 Jumeirah, a luxury hotel leader and part of Dubai Holding, has appointed Thomas B. Meier as the General Manager to spearhead global growth and double its client portfolio by 2030. This move is crucial to Jumeirah's "Mission 2030" strategy. Meier, with significant industry experience and having served as the Operations Director since October 2021, and more recently as the interim General Manager, will focus on international expansion and enhancing the brand's position in luxury hospitality.

🏢 Keisha Smith appointed as Executive Vice President and Director of Human Resources and Culture at Four Seasons, effective January 6, 2025. Based in Miami, with over 20 years of leadership experience, Smith previously held roles at Tory Burch, News Corp, Morgan Stanley, and serves as Director at Unity Software. Her focus will be on enhancing Four Seasons' culture to support strategic growth and employee engagement, reporting to President and CEO Alejandro Reynal.

🏨 Philip Steiner named COO at Cycas Hospitality for UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal. Previously GM at Bankside Hotel, London, leading it to TripAdvisor's top 10 and winning “Best of the Best” 2024 with 87% recommendation intention. Joined Cycas Hospitality in 2018, held strategic roles, managed Moxy & Residence Inn by Marriott in Slough with 244 rooms. Steiner graduated from the International Hotelschool in The Hague and has worked at Rome Cavalieri, Hilton, and Starwood hotels.