Nominations

🏨 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.

🍴 Florian Favario was appointed Knight of the National Order of Merit on January 15, 2025. He is recognized for promoting French cuisine through his twice Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Auberge de Montmin, which also boasts a green star. Together with his wife Sandrine, they provide a unique dining experience with local cuisine and engaging service. Their dishes showcase the seasons with both individual and communal plates, emphasizing natural flavors enhanced by sauces and condiments.

🏢 Cécile Brugère-Tricault appointed as Directrice Générale Groupe and President of the Supervisory Board of Novaxia Investissement starting February 3, 2025. Joachim Azan remains President of Novaxia, focusing on long-term vision. The strategic move bolsters Novaxia's urban recycling platform and supports growth. Brugère-Tricault to drive operational strategy, targeting new markets and enhanced recycling offers. With 30 years in real estate and a CentraleSupélec background, she brings expertise from Bouygues Bâtiment and Axa Real Estate to the position.

📌 Claudia Kozma Kaplan has been appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont hotels, previously contributing to the Raffles network of 23 hotels and multiple new developments. An unrelated event occurred as a fire broke out Wednesday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on the 7th floor, promptly extinguished by firefighters, resulting in no casualties but necessitating an evacuation. Clients were moved to nearby hotels like Hotel Bristol. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

🏥 The Ritz Carlton Rabat's management was dismissed weeks ago due to an incident involving a palace personality, with the hotel's opening set for September 2024. Marriott dispatched Laurent Demoulin, the General Manager of the St. Regis La Bahia Blanca, Tamuda Bay, for the transition. Rumors suggest possible food poisoning, inappropriate response, or lack of courtesy as reasons. The ousted General Manager, known for his extensive hospitality experience, had previously managed F&B and held an Executive Chef position. Opinions suggest skepticism towards these rumors. Hospitality veteran Pierre Ferchaud once remarked, "If the client is king, I am not his queen.

🏤 Hendrik Huebner is appointed General Manager of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, UK, with a service launch planned for July 5, 2025. He brings nearly two decades of experience, including leadership roles at Claridge’s, Hotel Café Royal, and Corinthia London. His mission is to build an international team and lay the foundation for the train's long-term success. Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises at Belmond, expressed excitement for Hendrik leading the launch.