Nominations

💸 Valerio Duchini, with a 16-year tenure at B&B HOTELS, after roles in Vodafone Automotive and Compass Group Italia, has been appointed for Western Europe development. Duchini, 52, led B&B HOTELS to market leadership in Italy and opened the first 3 hotels in the US. Holds an economics degree, a master's in tourism management from Ca’ Foscari University, and an AMP from Harvard Business School. Fabrice Collet, President of B&B HOTELS, acknowledges his strategic vision for European market expansion.

🏨 Valerio Duchini, previously managing B&B HOTELS' expansion in the U.S., has been appointed as the Western Europe Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Marine Charles. Duchini joined B&B HOTELS in 2009 after years in Vodafone Automotive and Compass Group Italia's finance departments. With 16 years at B&B HOTELS, he has served as CFO, General Manager of the Italian subsidiary—turning it into a market leader—and recently opened the first 3 hotels in the U.S. At 52, Duchini holds an economics degree, a master's in tourism management from Ca' Foscari University, Venice, and an AMP from Harvard Business School.

📌 B&B HOTELS appoints Valerio Duchini as General Manager for Western Europe, succeeding Marine Charles, to continue the group's development in this key region. With experience since 2009, Duchini contributed to B&B HOTELS' growth, notably in Italy and the launch of three establishments in the United States. His 16 years of experience are deemed critical for strategic expansion and market consolidation in Europe.

🍴 Tiago Martins appointed as the new Director of the esteemed two-starred establishment Le Taillevent, effective March 3. Martins, previously the Deputy Director at the high-cuisine restaurant Guy Savoy, brings a track record of refined hospitality and client experience to his new role at Le Taillevent, a Parisian gastronomy icon founded in 1946. Together with Chef Giuliano Sperandio, Martins aims to continue the legacy of French art de vivre, offering guests timeless experiences.

🛅 Nathalie Bitho, previously in charge of Togo's prestigious Sarakawa Hotel, was dismissed despite her successful tenure marked by significant renovations in 2020, including the refurbishment of 100 rooms, modernization of facilities, and addition of Togo's unique Olympic-sized pool. The hotel, under Bitho's management, turned profits that were reinvested, notably in the restoration of the Lébénè hotel-school. Her removal followed a visit by Minister Sani Yaya and Lebanese investors, leading to controversial topographical work on the hotel's site. Lieutenant-Colonel Komlan Edem Agbenyega Gumedzoe of the Togolese Armed Forces has been appointed as the interim administrator.

🍴 Tiago Martins, previously Deputy Director at Guy Savoy, enhances hospitality and customer experience. Le Taillevent, established in 1946, welcomes Tiago, uniting his service vision with Chef Giuliano Sperandio's culinary creativity. This collaboration promises to maintain Le Taillevent's excellence in the Paris gastronomy scene.

🏦 NUMA, now present in 15 European countries, focuses on market entry, expansion activities, and business model extensions. Philipp Morawietz, with a background in tech-driven hospitality and former General Manager at Homelike, supervises procurement, corporate operations, strategy, finance, and HR. At HRS for a decade, Morawietz aided B2C to B2B transformation, managed M&A, post-merger integrations, and strategic projects, leading a team that digitized hotel rate negotiations for major companies.

📌 Cycas Hospitality, under Matt Luscombe's leadership, expanded its hospitality management presence to twelve countries in Europe, built partnerships with global hotel chains, and developed trust with numerous investor partners. Cycas strengthened its industry position by recruiting top European hoteliers with shareholder support. Erik Jacobs of Vertiq Capital and Cycas board member since 2017, steps in as interim CEO during the ongoing selection of Luscombe's successor. Luscombe reflected on his tenure with pride.

🍴 Arnaud Becard, 53, appointed CEO of Traiteur de Paris by Noe Industries. With over 20 years in executive management and finance in the agri-food sector, he's worked with international firms like La Charlotte, Soufflet, Senoble, and Saria. Noe Industries invested in Traiteur de Paris in June 2024, boosting its equity by €6M. Becard's goal is to continue consolidation and implement a new strategic plan for profitable growth. Noe Industries, founded in 2020, specializes in investing in French industrial companies requiring capital and expertise for transformation or carve-outs.

🏠 François Mary, with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, takes over as the head of l’Institut Lyfe. Formerly COO of Naos Hotel Group (2019-2025), CEO of Your Nature Belgium (2017-2019), and director of operations at Villages Nature Paris (2015-2017), Mary has a background that includes managing luxury hotels such as Mövenpick Hotel (2004-2006) and Noga Hilton Genève (1999-2004), and the Brasserie du Louvre in Paris (1996-1999). His expertise is expected to enhance the institution's excellence.