Nominations

🏡 Gabriele Seidel appointed as Vice President Operations & Commercial for Lindner Hotels & Resorts | Part of JdV by Hyatt in April 2025. Seidel, with a robust background in German and European hospitality, previously held roles at NOVUM Hospitality for over 4 years, overseeing a portfolio of 120+ hotels. Her expanded role aims to align commercial goals with operational demands to enhance group performance amidst a rapidly changing industry.

🏨 Hoda Tahoun appointed as Chief Talent Officer at Kempinski Hotels on April 7, 2025. Tasked with leading the global talent strategy, Tahoun will focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top industry talent, reporting to Chief Human Resources Officer Karin Raguin. The new role aligns with Kempinski's growth and brand repositioning efforts under CEO Barbara Muckermann. Tahoun brings over 27 years of experience, including leadership at Russell Reynolds Associates' global Leisure & Hospitality division.

📌 Geoffrey Lavielle is appointed as the new CEO of MAGORA, a major managed accommodation and real estate services company, as part of a governance change. Laurent Dusollier, serving as CEO since 2015, is now the President of MAGORA. These strategic appointments aim to strengthen the company's growth dynamics both in France and internationally and to explore new diversification opportunities. Dusollier will focus on defining and leading the group's overall strategy, accelerating international development, and considering external growth avenues, leveraging his acknowledged expertise and bold strategic vision.

🏡 Immovation, led by Alain Fournier, expands in the Loire Valley hotel scene with strategic acquisitions in Chinon: Le Plantagenêt, Le Lion d’Or, and Le Bistrot du Marché. Following the notable purchase of Hôtel des Châteaux in Azay-le-Rideau two months prior, Immovation targets to modernize these emblematic hotels while respecting local heritage. The expansion includes partnerships with Transaxio Hôtel and Fan Worldwide France. Fournier aims to meet contemporary client expectations while honoring Chinon's strong identity.

💰 Laurent Dusollier becomes President of MAGORA, a major player in managed hosting and real estate services, as it experiences strong growth and internationalization. Geoffrey Lavielle is appointed as CEO to drive operational activities and strategic excellence. MAGORA is restructuring its governance to enhance agility and operational efficiency amid societal changes, evolving customer expectations, and sustainability challenges. Dusollier has been leading the group since 2015 and will now focus on global strategy and international expansion.

🏨 Gabriele Seidel appointed as Vice-President Operations & Commercial for Lindner Hotel Group, starting April 1, 2025. Responsible for Lindner Hotels & Resorts, Me and All Hotels, L-Collection, and 7Pines Hotels & Resorts, Seidel brings expertise from leadership roles in international hotel chains, including H-Hotels Group and Novum Hospitality, overseeing 126 hotels. Frank Lindner, President of Lindner Hotels AG, anticipates her strategic and operational experience to enhance customer experience and market positioning.

🎓 Hoda Tahoun appointed Chief Talent Officer at Kempinski, bringing over 27 years of talent management and HR experience. Tahoun's role involves enhancing global HR strategy, focusing on executive recruitment, talent development, and succession planning. She previously served as Global Leader of the Leisure & Hospitality Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates, with expertise in C-level recruitment for hospitality, travel, and leisure sectors. Her career also includes positions at SHUAA Capital, American Express, Bank of America, and Citi. She holds a finance degree from Rutgers University and an MBA from NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

🏨 Soumitra Saha promoted to CFO of UAE-based TIME Hotels, set to oversee financial operations, strategic analysis, and risk assessment. Formerly Vice President of Finance after joining in 2022, with over 35 years of industry experience, including work with Oberoi, Leela, Hyatt, and Mövenpick, Saha contributed to TIME Hotels' impressive revenue and operational profitability. TIME Hotels plans to expand by adding 12 new properties by the first quarter of 2026 to its current 17 hotels, totaling over 3,000 keys, across Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Morocco, and the Indian Ocean.

📝 Goran Stojkovic has been appointed as General Manager of SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, succeeding Spencer Wadama who now manages W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Stojkovic is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, much of it in Dubai. Since 2015, he has climbed the ranks within Marriott, working at The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Renaissance Hotels, and was instrumental in the transformation of Grand Millennium Business Bay. Despite leaving Marriott, Stojkovic will continue to call Dubai "home" and aims to evolve the lifestyle experience.

🏢 Pedro Novo, an expert in financing, export, and high-impact project development, has taken on a panafrican real estate strategy for Axian. Led by Hassanein Hiridjee, Axian was founded 30 years ago in Madagascar and is now a strong panafrican presence in telecoms, energy, finance, and fintech. The real estate sector, previously modest, boasts about 200,000 m² of diversified assets including offices, retail, housing, and hospitality, aiming to transform urban landscapes and address economic and climate challenges across 17 African countries.