Nominations

🏨 Simon Spiller, an EHL alumnus (1997-2001), will become the head of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz hotels on March 15, 2025, taking over from Milos Colovic who is stepping down in February 2025 after six years. Spiller, currently the General Manager of Hotel Eden Roc Ascona since August 2019, has over 5 years in his role. His career includes positions at Four Seasons, Raffles Dubai, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, with experience dating back to 2002 and involvement in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

📈 David Loewi's career in hospitality started in the early 90s. Joined Sir Terence Conran in 1995 to launch Mezzo, now 100 Wardour Street. Co-founded D&D London with Des Gunewardena in 2006, became interim CEO in 2022, and will continue leading post-sale to Calveton and Breal Capital in October 2023. D&D London, owning over 40 restaurants and South Place Hotel, plans expansion in the UK and internationally by 2025, with increased Christmas bookings from the previous year.

💰 Carol Dodds stepped down as Senior Vice President Commercial of Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA after a decade, effective November 22, 2024, to focus on family due to personal circumstances. With a career beginning in 1987, Dodds held key roles in the hospitality sector, including positions at IHG and Marriott, and played a significant part in the growth of Aimbridge EMEA, formerly known as Interstate Hotels & Resorts. Aimbridge EMEA President David Anderson acknowledged her contributions and wished her success in her future endeavors.

📍 Jérôme Lobier, General Manager at Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand since November 2024, launches a new hotel, shifting from 15 years in Morocco to his first role in Asia. Previously managed Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche (2016-2021) and Sofitel Royal Bay Resort, Agadir as Operations Director (2014-2016), began career in 2009 at Sofitel Marrakech. An Accor group journey from Sofitel to Fairmont.

📒 Laurent Gardinier, Anthony Torkington, and Benoît Juillet lead the Steering Committee overseeing operations. As of September 1st, Sarah Barenne became Director of the Network, Fanny Bellicha took over Sales and Distribution, Anissa Khalifa was named Director of Customer Experience, Lars Seifert became Director of Communication, Jeanine Blachère took charge of Sustainable Development, Natacha Bauer became Director of Human Resources, and Krassi Soudry was appointed Financial Director. Relais & Châteaux will announce sustainability commitments at its annual Congress in Paris, November.

📈 At Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) in North Palm Beach, Bryan Postema is appointed Director of Operations, Michael Buddemeyer as Vice President of Operations and Concentration, and Michael Diaz as Director of Strategy. DHM, led by founder and President David Buddemeyer, oversees more than 80 properties. Postema brings 20 years of experience, Buddemeyer has over 20 years in the sector, and Diaz has steered operations since DHM's inception in 1998, managing a global portfolio of over 100 hotels.

🏨 John Luckett was appointed as President of hotel operations for Kessler in Orlando, Florida. He returns to the group with over 30 years of experience, after serving as CEO from 2018-2023 and managing the Grand Bohemian Asheville for 10 years. Luckett will oversee departments including hotel, commercial, marketing, IT, HR, and operations, and will contribute to operational strategy expansion. Mark Kessler, President and COO of Kessler Design and Development, praised Luckett's leadership and commitment to excellence and ethics.

🏦 Jérôme Bourdais was appointed President of the CDRE France National Office during the general assembly at EquipHotel Paris. The Bureau was renewed for two years. Noël Lazarini, outgoing National President, focuses on his role as General Manager at Grand Hôtel La Cloche M Gallery in Dijon while remaining active in CDRE FRANCE. Other key positions include Didier Argence as Vice-President in charge of treasury and Emmanuel Taillandier as Vice-President Secretary General. Regional Presidents and Vice-Presidents were also named for Ile-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the creation of Bretagne & Hauts-de-France regions.

🏨 Tiffany Cooper has been appointed as the Head of Development for the Americas at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. She brings over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, operations, and development. Cooper's focus will be on strategic market growth in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Previously, she served as the Chief Development Officer at Aimbridge Hospitality for the Americas and the Caribbean. Her career began at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 1995, leading to a key role in North American and Caribbean expansion.

📈 Tiffany Cooper, with 30+ years in sales, marketing, operations, and development, focuses on development and investment initiatives in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Previously, as Aimbridge Hospitality's CDO for America and the Caribbean, she led development teams to drive company growth. Her career started at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 1995, and includes significant contributions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International. Francesco Cefalu of Mandarin Oriental praises Tiffany's strategic fit for the group's commitment to luxury market presence in America.