Nominations

📌 Emmanuel Blanchemanche is appointed as the General Manager of Zannier Bendor, starting on May 5, 2025. He will oversee a 93-key hotel project, from pre-opening to operational management, with the inauguration set for May 2026. A hospitality veteran with over two decades of luxury hotel experience, Emmanuel has a management degree from École Hôtelière de Strasbourg (1994-1997). Recently managed Les Roches Blanches in Cassis since March 2022, securing a Virtuoso affiliation and receiving 2 Michelin keys. Previously led several 5-star hotels, including Domaine de Verchant Hôtel & Spa (June 2019 - February 2022) and Le Roch Hôtel & Spa (June 2015 - June 2019).

📈 Magora appoints Aude de la Porte as Marketing, Communication, and CSR Director to support its rapid expansion and brand impact. Geoffrey Lavielle becomes CEO, Laurent Dusollier is now President. Aude, with over 15 years of experience, succeeds Johanna Ambil, the new CEO of Odalys Vacances. Her role will focus on enhancing the visibility and coherence of Magora's diverse portfolio, which includes managed accommodation and real estate management services, and will reinforce the group's CSR commitment.

🏨 Adagio, a key European player in aparthotels, appoints Marie-Isabelle Gruson as Director of Projects & Operational Services, IT Digital, Purchasing, and Transformation. With 25 years of operational experience, Gruson has been pivotal since Adagio's inception and contributed to the opening and rebranding of establishments such as Aparthotel Adagio Original Paris Montmartre and Aparthotel Adagio Original Paris Tour Eiffel. Since 2006, she has worked at Adagio's headquarters and founded the OPS department to enhance client service. Gruson's new role includes leading the company's transformation projects, aimed at continuous improvement of client experience and streamlining team operations.

🏨 Rens Breur, with over three decades of international hotel industry experience, has been appointed General Manager at Pan Pacific Perth. His career spans prestigious brands such as Relais & Châteaux, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hotels, and Sofitel across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Previously, Breur was General Manager at The Langham Melbourne, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, and part of the opening team for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017. Before his current role, he served as Managing Director – Hotel Operations and Development at Fine Hotels in the Netherlands, overseeing six properties. Fluent in multiple languages and a passionate talent developer, marathon runner, triathlete, and trail biking enthusiast, Breur brings a dynamic, humane, and modern vision to hotel management. Under his leadership, Pan Pacific Perth is set to reopen with a completely reimagined concept, combining meaningful hospitality, sustainable engagement, and operational excellence.

🏨 Rens Breur appointed as General Manager at Pan Pacific Perth. With over three decades of international hospitality experience, Breur has worked with prestigious brands like Relais & Châteaux, Fairmont, Langham Hotels, and Sofitel across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Formerly General Manager at The Langham Melbourne, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, and part of the opening team for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017. Recently, Managing Director – Hotel Operations and Development at Fine Hotels in the Netherlands, overseeing six establishments. Polyglot Breur is also a marathoner, triathlete, and motorcycling enthusiast. Pan Pacific Perth is set to reopen under his leadership, emphasizing meaningful hospitality, sustainable commitment, and operational excellence.

🏨 Auberge Resorts Collection appoints Mohamed Elbanna, a luxury hospitality expert, to lead its global operations, aiming to unify the excellence standards while enhancing customer experience. Prior to this, Elbanna was COO of Fort Partners US and previously managed Citadel's global operations. With a career at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, he became Regional Vice President for Florida, Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Elbanna is married, a father of three, and enjoys cycling and Formula 1.

📱 Influence Society expanded in Europe by opening a new office at 28 cours Albert 1er in Paris' 8th district, near avenue Montaigne. The marketing agency specializes in digital storytelling for visionary hotel brands. The Paris bureau is led by Eve-Marie Steenman, former marketing director at Aman Hotels, who brings a strategic vision and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality experiences. The expansion reflects the agency's growing portfolio of clients in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

🏨 Mohamed Elbanna is named Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Auberge Resorts Collection, bringing over 20 years of operational expertise. He will oversee daily operations across the brand's portfolio, focusing on guest experience, operational performance, and brand cohesion. Elbanna's previous roles include the COO of Fort Partners US's hospitality division, leadership positions at Citadel, and regional VP at Four Seasons in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

🏨 Shobhit Khattri, based in New Delhi, is tasked with identifying new development opportunities for Minor Hotels in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, managing the process from site selection to hotel openings. He reports to Omar Romero, Chief Development & Luxury Officer and works closely with the Business Development team in Asia. Khattri has over 17 years of experience in the hotel industry, with contributions to the growth of TAJ and IHG in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Minor Hotels plans an ambitious expansion in India, with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur opening in November 2024, featuring 150 keys, and aims for 50 new openings in the next decade, focusing on the premium and luxury segments. The Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort marks Avani's first foray into India.