Nominations

🏨 B&B HOTELS, European leader in budget hotels, splits roles of President and CEO, previously held by Fabrice Collet. Céline Vercollier is appointed CEO, a promotion from her position as CFO since 2017. In 2025, B&B HOTELS marks its 35th anniversary. Collet, now solely President, focuses on strategic diversification projects and was CEO since 2016 and President-CEO since 2019, after being CFO since 2012. Damien Martin joins as CFO, coming from Group Babilou.

📢 Civitatis appoints Andres Spitzer, former Amazon executive, as Chief Product Officer (CPO) to boost its growth, leveraging a $50 million investment from Vitruvian Partners. With a sales growth target of 40% by 2025, Spitzer's role will focus on product development, operational scalability, and enhancing B2B and B2C segments. The company specializes in distributing activities, tours, and transfers in French.

🏡 Kempinski Hotels, founded in 1897, appoints Karin Raguin as Chief Human Resources Officer to develop and reposition the 127-year-old brand. Under the leadership of CEO Barbara Muckermann, Karin joins to drive talent strategies and foster a sustainable growth culture for the hotel group with over 19,000 employees worldwide. Karin's role will focus on enhancing team effectiveness and building on human capital as Kempinski's greatest asset.

🏦 Airelles announces Etienne Petitpez as the new General Manager of Airelles Venezia, Palladio, a distinguished hotel in Venice's heart. Etienne, with a successful tenure at Airelles Val d’Isère, is tasked with infusing Airelles' unique spirit and elegance into the property as its opening nears. Petitpez, with over 15 years in the luxury hospitality industry, leads a dedicated team striving for excellence, aiming to blend impeccable service with Venice's charm.

💰 JoAnn Kintzel appointed as General Manager of M3, a leading cloud-based financial software platform in the hospitality sector, succeeding Allen Read, who becomes Executive Director. Read, with over 30 years in hospitality, propelled M3 from VP of Operations to CEO and will continue guiding strategic growth. Kintzel's SaaS background and Blackstone's majority participation set M3 for unprecedented growth.

📈 Cécile Rivoire joins Columbus Café as Director of Operations as part of its 2025/2030 strategy, bringing 30 years of expertise in network management and development. Her goal is to enhance Columbus Café's presence in France and internationally, focusing on operational excellence. With a background in International Affairs and strategic roles at Zannier, PMU, McDonald's, and as a General Manager in bakeries and pharmacies, Rivoire aims to drive growth and innovation in her new role.

🏡 Marriott International announced the appointment of Stéphane Dartois, a Belgian national with over 20 years of hospitality experience, as the new head of the 5-star hotel on Avenue George V in Paris. Dartois, associated with Marriott for about 12 years, was General Manager at Le Méridien Nice and played a pivotal role in the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Essalam in Morocco since September 2018. He is recognized for his strategic leadership and dedication to service excellence in luxury hotel management.

🏠 Kempinski Hotels will exclusively manage the royal residence at the Palace of Nymphenburg starting March 1, 2025, in partnership with S.A.R. Prince Luitpold von Bayern and the Bavarian royal family. The residence spans 836 square meters over three floors, featuring four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, representing a fusion of heritage conservation and luxury innovation in one of Europe's most prestigious addresses.

🏃 Mandelieu Congrès, recognized since the late 19th century for its elegant sports on the French Riviera, is prioritizing outdoor sports by leveraging natural assets and sporting events like Trail Xterra Mandelieu – Les Balcons d’Azur, 2 ULTRAS: RACE ACROSS France and GRAAALPS, and the World Championship of RaceBoard. The CENTRE EXPO CONGRES of MANDELIEU now offers sports activities for meetings, seminars, and incentives, including bike equipment availability for event participants.

🏩 Nazik Amrani appointed General Manager of Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island, bringing over 20 years of luxury hotel management experience, including work in UAE, Seychelles, Indonesia, Morocco. Previously, she led Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi. Amrani now oversees Kisawa's eight exclusive residences, the Natural Wellness Centre (NWC), and collaborates with the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), reinforcing Kisawa's commitment to exceptional service, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.