Nominations

💻 Arnaud Vogel, seasoned with over a decade of experience at Vacances Bleues, was appointed as the new Director of Digital Transformation and Organization. He also joined the board, indicating a strategic focus on tech-driven development. Vogel's career began in press and publishing before moving to tourism, and since joining Vacances Bleues, he has played key roles in digitalization. As of January 1, 2025, he leads a team of around 20, aiming to optimize processes, enhance commercial performance, improve company management, and increase client satisfaction, with AI integration as a major upcoming challenge for competitive strengthening.

🏨 Céline Moulin appointed as General Manager of the 5-star Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen, part of Marriott Autograph Collection. With a background including a successful tenure at Ibis Styles Romans-Valence TGV and experience in strategic management and commercial development, Moulin aims to enhance customer satisfaction and create unique experiences. Her focus includes revenue management and continuous service improvement at this prestigious establishment.

💰 Auction of La Batelière hotel's furnishings started on April 6, 2025, in Schoelcher, lasting until April 27. Following the hotel's liquidation confirmed in January 2025, items like bedding, IT equipment, crockery, and appliances are up for sale. Former employees, laid off since February 2025, are receiving final payments. The new owner, Société Hôtellerie Karukéra, aims to rebuild within 24-36 months.

🏖️ HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa presides over Sevens Holding which welcomes back Mohamed Al Kayed, a talent known for reshaping Bahrain's tourism and gourmet scene. A pivotal figure during his time with Gulf Hotels Group, Al Kayed secured deals with Marriott International and Accor and partnered with Solutions Leisure Group. Recognized by Business Elite’s 40 Under 40, he's influential in making Bahrain a culinary destination, mixing international brands with local flavors.

🏩 Reiko Sakata, appointed on April 1, 2025, becomes the head of the future Imperial Hotel Kyoto after 22 years with Imperial Hotel, Ltd. Holding a master's degree from Keio University, she started as a wedding planner and transitioned to strategic HR and management roles. Her mission is to provide exceptional quality stays and a memorable experience for guests, anchoring her belief in the importance of the staff, who embody the heritage of the 135-year-old hospitality tradition.

🏡 In Bretagne Nord, a search is underway for a passionate and experienced Director General to lead a hotel establishment. The role involves strategic vision, operational excellence, and leadership to provide exceptional service while optimizing profitability and performance. Responsibilities include managing operations, teams, commercial and marketing actions to position the hotel as a national reference, ensuring financial and operational goals align, and maintaining customer satisfaction with high standards of hygiene, quality, and safety. The Director will also oversee recruitment, training, evaluation of staff, supervise service departments, analyze profitability, productivity, and customer satisfaction, and manage administrative, budgetary, and financial health of the hotel, aiming to create exceptional moments for guests.

🏡 Five Flowers Hotel & Spa, 150 meters from Es Pujols beach, joins the Meliá Collection in April, remaining under Paya Hotels management. The only 5-star hotel on Formentera Island, designed with a 1960s and 1970s "flower power" aesthetic for a luxury gypset style experience. The hotel features 79 rooms, family rooms, suites with terrace hydromassage, grand suite with round bed and private jacuzzi, breakfast buffet with show cooking, gourmet restaurant, fitness club with yoga, and a spa.

🏨 Chedi Hospitality, part of GHM, appointed Stephan Schupbach as CEO to drive growth and brand management innovation. Schupbach, with nearly four decades of luxury hotel leadership, previously led at SK Hospitality, Doğuş Tourism Group, and Jumeirah Group, handling projects like Park Hyatt Dubai and MGM. Now at Chedi, he aims to build on the legacy and explore new market segments, with several developments planned for this year.

🏨 After three seasons, Audrey Brémond has been succeeded by Léa Fabrizio as director of the iconic Hôtel La Ponche in Saint-Tropez. Brémond, born in Saint-Tropez, enhanced the hotel with a 60s elegance reminiscent of Sagan and Bardot. Simone Duckstein, a previous director, is still associated with the hotel, often found at table 16. The hotel boasts a legacy of memory and modernity.

🏨 Dave Baswal appointed as Senior Vice President, Hotels at Brookfield Properties Australia, during the company’s major phase including the acquisition of hotel X in Brisbane. Based in Sydney, Baswal brings experience from leadership roles at Ovolo Hotels and TriO Capital, specializing in hotel asset management and growth strategy. Brookfield Properties, part of Brookfield Asset Management, is a leading global real estate asset manager with diverse portfolio in commercial, residential, and hotel sectors.