Nominations

🏦 Ayman Gharib, with a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey (2003), has been appointed CEO of Kisawa Sanctuaries and Residences, based in Dubai DIFC and working from the Mayfair, London satellite office. With over 20 years in luxury hotel industry, Gharib served as VP Operations Middle East for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts from April-November 2024 and held key management roles at Accor for over six years, including Managing Director at Raffles the Palm Dubai and Area General Manager from May 2021 to April 2024.

📍 Harry Theoharis announced his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization during FITUR 2025. His campaign slogan "reform to transform, unite to grow" reflects his plan for organizational and technological transformation. The African Office of Tourism supports his bid. Theoharis aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within UNWTO.

⛷ In Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Austria, home to the country's largest ski area, Gasthof Post has been a Relais & Châteaux for over 40 years. Owned by the Moosbrugger family since 1937, the hotel has evolved with a contemporary wing, a botanical garden, and a luxurious spa over 1,000 m² featuring Cellcosmet and Alpienne brands. It offers 48 rooms and suites, 3 restaurants, and an indoor-outdoor heated pool. The 5-star establishment is a partner of the Arlberg Weinberg wine and gastronomy festival, marking the winter season's start from December 5-15, 2024.

💰 Andrew F. Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, Hardee’s, and Carl’s Jr, was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. President Donald Trump announced the nomination on January 22, 2025. Puzder previously withdrew from a 2017 Labor Secretary appointment due to scandals including hiring an undocumented housekeeper and allegations of domestic abuse. The appointment comes amid tense U.S.-EU relations exacerbated by Trump's criticism of EU's trade practices and trade deficit with the U.S.

📢 Nicki Graham elevated to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Ricky Castoldi promoted to Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Cendyn, a global hospitality technology and integrated hotel services company. Graham, with nearly two decades of marketing and PR experience, previously Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Cendyn since 2017, will lead global marketing teams focusing on growth and brand awareness. Castoldi, after a 5-year tenure as Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas, will drive the global sales team's growth.

📈 Nicky Graham has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for global technology and integrated services company Cendyn, operating from London. With nearly two decades of marketing and public relations experience, Graham previously served as Senior Vice President Global Marketing for Cendyn and led international PR campaigns at IPG and WPP agencies. Her focus is on steering the global marketing team and Cendyn's brand growth. Cendyn, expanding through acquisitions and market repositioning, now features four women in top technology leadership positions. Graham joined Cendyn in 2017 and has been crucial in expanding the company's global market presence.

🏨 Sunstone Hotel Investors has eliminated the Chief Operating Officer position, leading to Chris Ostapovicz's departure on January 21, 2025. His responsibilities will be taken over by the President, Chief Investment Officer, and other executive team members. Ostapovicz will assist with the transition until January 31, 2025. A settlement agreement includes payments and benefits for Ostapovicz, subject to terms. Ostapovicz has nearly 3 years as COO at Sunstone, following over 14 years in the industry.

🏨 Acquired by a Bordeaux hotel group led by Maxime Melis, Caroline Melis, and Ismael Le Mouel, the 82-room Holiday Inn Express Bordeaux Lormont opened in 2019. The hotel, located in the Quatre Pavillons industrial zone, is eco-labeled with Green Engage and Clef Verte, less than 20 minutes from Bordeaux city center and Mérignac Airport, and close to the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux. The property is part of the developing eco-district La Ramade, which includes housing and a commercial area.

🏦 Christopher Weissberg joins the Executive Office of the GHR, the Groupement des Hôtelleries et Restaurations de France. Weissberg, a former restaurateur in Saranac Lake from 2010 to 2024 and a political figure, including Deputy from 2022 to 2024, will represent Groupe Bertrand. The GHR, led by President Catherine Quérard, is comprised of ten administrators and serves as the leadership body for the hotel, cafe, and restaurant sector in France.

🏖️ Guerlain Chicherit's personal holding group, DeSavoie, involved in financial uncertainties while operating well. Chicherit, a former ski freerider and car racer, invests in mountain real estate through DeSavoie Real Estate, noted for the ambitious WOM (World of Mountain) project in Tignes. Whitegold Hospitality, part of his corporate network, operates Les Étincelles brand hotels, having amassed about 30 upscale assets in less than a decade, including hotels Carlina, Chamois d'Or, Taj-i-Mah, residences Montana, Koh-i Nor, and chalets Thovex and Tribute Bansky, via a variety of club-deals.