Nominations

🏠 Claudia Kozma Kaplan appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont hotels, bringing vast experience from luxury fashion and hospitality. Previously worked with Christian Dior, Gucci, and The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Tasked with overseeing Raffles' global network of 23 hotels, including upcoming openings: Raffles London at The OWO, Raffles Boston, and Raffles Jaipur. Successfully led the "The Butler Did It" campaign, enhancing Raffles' global presence. Now focusing on guiding the future direction of Fairmont brand to resonate with a global audience.

🏦 Tobias Reinecke promoted to Head of Development, Investments, and Portfolio Growth at Choice Hotels EMEA. Part of the company since September 2022, his focus is on expanding the portfolio and securing large-scale investment deals. Leadership team includes David Beers (CEO), Mayella Ruijven (CFO), Dylan McCarthy (Senior Legal Counsel), Corina Breban (HR Director), Cédric Bartolini (Commercial Director), and Marielle Vroemen (Operations Director). The team aims to grow the portfolio and brand presence in the EMEA region by 2025, enhancing stakeholder value.

🏨 Arnaud Lemonnier, with over 30 years of experience, is the current Franchise Development Director at B&B HOTELS, a Breton hospitality group. The company has a notable history of innovation while upholding regional values. The group is currently offering 103 job opportunities.

🏨 Tobias Reinecke was promoted to Head of Development, Investments, and Portfolio Growth at Choice Hotels EMEA. Working with the company since September 2022, he was previously in charge of Investments and Strategic Partnerships. Reinecke aims to lead the growth strategy and develop valuable investment agreements, focusing on portfolios, partnerships, and franchises for sustainable profit growth within the EMEA region. The executive team includes CEO David Beers and other seasoned professionals committed to Choice Hotels EMEA's strategy.

🏨 Factory specializes in tertiary space layout, focusing on user experience and business transformation, offering skills for the hotel sector to create unique experiences through interior architecture, design, renovation, and branding. Dominique Barlaud, with a background in interior architecture and hotel management, led Tétris' Hotel Department, overseeing projects like Le Méridien, Carlton, and Martinez in Cannes, and now enhances Factory's growth in the hotel market, blending professional and artistic passions, including the "Money for Nothing" charitable art project with 1001 artists.

🏨 Dominique Barlaud joins Factory as Director of Hotel Development with over 20 years of hotel renovation and transformation experience. Factory, a real estate advisory and space design and fitting company, will leverage his expertise for growth in hospitality in France and Italy, focusing on unique space reinvention and user experience. Barlaud's background includes interior design, high-end project management, and leading Tétris' Hospitality department.

🏨 Vincent Ramelli became CEO of LodgIQ, a leader in AI-driven revenue management solutions, in November 2024. His goal is to drive international expansion and enhance innovative solutions for hoteliers globally. With a unique career at the intersection of hospitality and digital innovation, Ramelli previously led WIHP (World Independent Hotels Promotion) for 16 years (Feb 2009 - Nov 2024), turning it into a key player in global independent hotel promotion. He also served as SVP of eCommerce Growth at Cendyn, steering digital growth strategies.

🏨 Magalie Murillo, with a background in international commerce and experience at Thomas Cook and Disney, is the new General Manager of SO/Paris. She previously enhanced client experience as Quality Director and Destination Manager in Majorca and improved TripAdvisor rankings at Pullman Paris La Défense through team engagement. Murillo champions modern hospitality with a focus on quality and innovation, leading 215 team members at the five-star establishment, SO/Paris.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels launched the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, a new hotel near Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. With 610 rooms and suites, the hotel, managed by French Resident Manager Cédric Besler, offers 24/7 check-in/out, free airport shuttle, diverse dining options (international buffets, Chinese, Thai, Japanese cuisine, and a sports bar), and 1,600 square meters of customizable event space. Facilities include a spa, outdoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

📌 Magalie Murillo, with a background from Université de Toulouse in Commerce International, is now the General Manager of SO/ Paris, a five-star establishment. She leads a team of 215 employees, focusing on guest satisfaction, quality, and innovation to create a unique hospitality experience. Murillo's ascent includes roles as Hotel Manager since June 2023 and previously as Director of Rooms, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to excellence and creativity within the collaborative environment at SO/ Paris.