Nominations

🏨 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.

🏨 Tribunal de commerce de Poitiers has decided: Naos Hotels' assets are to be distributed among various buyers. LRO, Westmont, Atypio, and Ferré will acquire the 1678 rooms of the group established by Pascal Lemarchand. More details to come.

🏠 Ari Kastrati was appointed as Chief Content, Hospitality, and Development Officer at MGM Resorts, reporting directly to CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle and joining the Executive Committee. Kastrati, who joined MGM Resorts in 2010 and recently served as Director of Hospitality, will oversee global design and development efforts, entertainment and sports partnerships, and continue to lead the hotel strategy, including dining and nightlife concept development. He brings a key role in MGM's rise as a global entertainment leader.

🦠 Phishing targets online users, prompting them to disclose sensitive information. An example given is a deceptive email from "[email protected]" posing as OVH, requesting €7.99 for domain renewal within two days. In France, 60% of companies experienced cyberattacks, with the average cost per incident at €176,000. 42% of hotels have encountered phishing attempts. Vigilance and education on cybersecurity are paramount for protection.

🏨 Billy Skelli-Cohen was appointed as General Manager of Beaumier, a dynamic European hotel group, effective January 1, 2025. Skelli-Cohen, renowned in the luxury hotel and international hotel development industry, previously led Zien Group and founded Lore Group. Beaumier, known for properties with local culture and sustainability, evolved from Les Hôtels d'en Haut in 2021 and is set for further expansion.

🍕 Yum! Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, is taking over the management of Pizza Hut's 129 restaurants and 57 franchises in France, previously handled by AmRest Holdings. Anne Lainé, former McDonald's executive, became General Manager of Pizza Hut France in October 2024 to boost expansion, brand repositioning, and digitization efforts. During her tenure as CMO at McDonald's France from 2019 to 2023, the company achieved a turnover of 6 billion euros in 2022.