Nominations

🏨 Mark Kirby, with over 25 years of hospitality leadership experience, oversaw a diverse portfolio of over 30 properties at Emaar Hospitality Group as COO and Head of Hospitality, including notable brands like Armani Hotels & Resorts, Address Hotels + Resorts, Palace Hotels + Resorts, and Vida Hotels & Resorts. Under his leadership, the Group saw the successful development and opening of several hotels and international expansion. As the new President of One&Only, Kirby will manage the global portfolio and drive growth.

🍴 Chef Ronan Fillatre joined Hôtel de Toiras as Executive Chef on November 18. A native of Rennes with a diverse background, he aims to revitalize George’s restaurant with boldness and authenticity. Fillatre studied at Notre Dame high school and Ferrandi Paris, learning from Alain Dutournier at Carré des Feuillants. He has experience at Chèvre d’Or with starred chefs and earned a Michelin star at Hôtel L’Incomparable before working in Manhattan and Belgium.

🏨 Brad Barnett joins Davidson Hospitality Group as Senior Vice President of Sales for Pivot Hotels with 25+ years of experience, previously holding a senior sales and marketing position at HRI Lodging, managing a $230 million portfolio with 25 hotels. He has helped generate over $1 billion in room, banquet, and dining revenues. Michael Yousif, with Davidson since 2010 as an acquisitions and business development analyst, has significantly contributed to the company's portfolio growth and investment management.

🏦 Capella Hotel Group announced strategic appointments at luxury properties in Asia and Maldives, including Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Capella Bangkok, Capella Hanoi, and the upcoming Capella Taipei (set for Q1 2025). Anthony Gill (Patina Maldives, Fari Islands) with over 20 years in luxury hotels, brings experience from Four Seasons in Vietnam, China, and Thailand. Dennis Laubenstein, a Capella veteran of over a decade, previously with Capella Singapore, is appointed for Capella Taipei.

🔔 In a strategic move, D-EDGE, a leader in hotel tech, appointed Damini Lykidi Diehl as Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA, also adding her to the Executive Committee. With over 20 years in sales, business development, and strategic management, including significant roles at Google, Diehl's hiring aims to bolster D-EDGE's international expansion and commitment to streamlining hospitality, targeting independent hotels and chains in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. CEO Pierre-Charles Grob welcomes Diehl's expertise to drive growth in Europe's competitive market.

🏨 Damini Lykidi Diehl appointed as Chief Commercial Officer for D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, additionally joining the Executive Committee. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Google, Damini brings expertise in driving growth and team development. The appointment aims to bolster D-EDGE's commercial operations for independent hotels and chains in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

🍴 Maison Bréguet, located between Place de la Bastille and Place des Vosges in Paris, welcomes new Chef Adrien Milliand. A boutique-hotel acclaimed for its authenticity and refinement, Maison Bréguet is known for providing exceptional moments to both Parisians and travelers. Adrien Milliand brings a passion for cooking, inherited from his restaurateur grandparents and honed through a culinary education at école Médéric, as well as international experiences in Italy and the Caribbean. Emphasizing fresh, seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients, Milliand's menu at Maison Bréguet merges traditional French techniques with modern culinary innovation.

💰 Jean-François Mongeau appointed as the principal director of finance and administration at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ). He will coordinate financial operations, building and security management, procurement, auxiliary services, and IT. His diverse experience in both private and public sectors, especially in education, is highlighted. Liza Frulla, ITHQ's general director, emphasizes Mongeau's human-centric management philosophy aligning with the institute's strategic vision.

📌 On November 28, Lavorel Hotels announced two key appointments: Quentin Buisson as Finance and Administrative Director, and Nicholas Granger as Head of Sales. Buisson, with significant financial sector experience including work at Auditeur Financier and Mazars, is set to enhance internal processes for better efficiency. Granger brings 23 years of experience in luxury hospitality and commercial management, including a role at Sandoz Foundation Hotels and as General Manager of Grandes Alpes Hotel. Their goal is to support the group's growth and strengthen its commercial and financial dynamics.

🏨 Billy Skelli-Cohen, with 15+ years in international hotel management, is the CEO of Zien Group since September 2022. Under his leadership, Zien Group's portfolio grew to 14 Eden Hotels and successfully sold in summer 2024. He was CEO of Eden Hotels from April 2022 to August 2024, managing prestigious hotels including Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American. Skelli-Cohen cofounded the hotel brand Aterre in 2020; its first location opened in Athens in 2022. Previously, he led Lore Group for a decade until 2020.