Nominations

🏦 Trump Organization acquired the lease of a historic post office for $275M in 2013, converting it into the Trump International Hotel. Donald Trump, elected in 2016, often used the hotel for official events. Facing conflict of interest accusations, the organization sold the lease in 2022 for $375M to Florida-based CGI Merchant Group, after paying a $750k fine to avoid a lawsuit over fund mismanagement.

🏦 Franka Holtmann, General Manager of the Meurice for 19 years, is leaving her role at the iconic Paris hotel. Beginning her career at Méridien Etoile in the late 80s, Holtmann worked primarily in Parisian palaces, including the Ritz, Plaza Athénée, and Crillon. Her departure marks the end of an era in Parisian hospitality since the 90s.

🏨 Chris Penn, with 25 years in hospitality, became CEO of Ace Hotel Group, after formerly managing Ace Hotel London and opening it in 2013. He founded the UK-based lifestyle brand Birch in 2020, named Hotel of The Year by The Times & Sunday Times. Ace Hotel, founded in Seattle, 1999, will open Ace Fukuoka in 2027, adding to its presence in cities like New York, Kyoto, and Athens. Mostafa Abdella, also with 25 years’ experience, was named COO, after managing Ace Hotel London post-Penn and consulting in the UK, Egypt, UAE, Canada, and Greece. Abdella will oversee finance, revenue, operations, F&B, IT, and HR, focusing on consistent client experiences and growth.

🏨 Thomas B. Meier has been appointed as the new General Manager of Jumeirah, a global luxury hospitality company and part of Dubai Holding. He will lead the brand's sustainable growth for their "Mission 2030" strategy. Previously COO since October 2021 and interim CEO, Meier's key focus includes doubling the portfolio by 2030, expanding internationally, and enhancing Jumeirah's position as a luxury hospitality leader. Under his leadership, Jumeirah entered the African market in 2024 with openings in Tanzania and South Africa.

🏨 Julie Renouvel has been appointed as the General Manager of Pichet Group's hotel operations. Renouvel, with a Master's from HEC Paris and experience at Accorhotels and other prestigious groups, is set to drive strategy and optimize client satisfaction. Pichet, with 30 years in hospitality, manages 4,450 rooms, aiming for 6,100 in two years. Since 2018, Pichet is expanding into upscale hotels, including the recent Radisson Blu Grand Hôtel & Spa in Malo-les-Bains.

🏨 Julie Renouvel appointed as General Director of hotel operations by Groupe Pichet, a leading French family real estate business. With a background in Enterprise Management and a Master's in Corporate Strategy and Finance from HEC Paris, Renouvel brings experience from Accorhotels, Sohoma, Belambra Clubs, and Centaurus Hospitality Management. Her role focuses on developing hospitality services, ensuring client satisfaction, service improvement, and profitability. Groupe Pichet has a 30+ year presence in the hotel market, including the All Suites three-star tourism and business residences.

🏨 Julie Renouvel joins Pichet Group as the General Manager of hotel operations, tasked with developing the hotel business and implementing policies for customer satisfaction, service improvement, and profitability. With an academic background from HEC Paris and experience in hotel project management at Accorhotels and others, Renouvel strengthens Pichet's 30+ year hotel market presence. The Group's current 4,450-room capacity, increasing due to popular demand and 13 ongoing projects, is projected to reach nearly 6,100 accommodations in two years.

🏨 Jumeirah, a luxury hotel leader and part of Dubai Holding, has appointed Thomas B. Meier as the General Manager to spearhead global growth and double its client portfolio by 2030. This move is crucial to Jumeirah's "Mission 2030" strategy. Meier, with significant industry experience and having served as the Operations Director since October 2021, and more recently as the interim General Manager, will focus on international expansion and enhancing the brand's position in luxury hospitality.

🏦 Thomas B. Meier, an EHL 1995 alumnus, has been appointed as the new General Manager at Jumeirah, a luxury hospitality brand and subsidiary of Dubai Holding. In his role, Thomas will spearhead the ambitious goal of doubling Jumeirah's portfolio by 2030, focusing on international expansion and reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality. Key achievements under his leadership include Jumeirah's entry into Africa with the launch of Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. Thomas, who previously served as COO since October 2021, has a distinguished multi-decade career including global operations and expansion at Raffles.

🏢 Keisha Smith appointed as Executive Vice President and Director of Human Resources and Culture at Four Seasons, effective January 6, 2025. Based in Miami, with over 20 years of leadership experience, Smith previously held roles at Tory Burch, News Corp, Morgan Stanley, and serves as Director at Unity Software. Her focus will be on enhancing Four Seasons' culture to support strategic growth and employee engagement, reporting to President and CEO Alejandro Reynal.