Nominations

🏠 Ewan Grant, after 17 years of experience in leading UK historic establishments such as The Ivy at Marlow and Borthwick Castle, returns to his native Edinburgh to take charge of Gleneagles Townhouse (33 keys). His latest accolade includes his role as Operations Director at Daylesford Organic, overseeing prestigious projects like the launch of The Fox at Oddington. Gleneagles' General Manager, Conor O'Leary, commends Ewan's passion and proven track record in strategic management and planning.

🏨 Kimberly Rowell has been promoted to Executive Vice President at Five Star Hospitality Management in Atlanta, after impacting the company significantly over the past 20 months since joining in February 2023. Five Star Group's subsidiary, Dream Capital, a commercial real estate investment firm co-investing across states and segments, appointed Justin Patel as Principal Associate for investments and asset management. With over 35 years in the hospitality sector, Rowell's experience spans from Blackstone to Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels.

🏠 Alexandre Ariel, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, began his career at Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Trianon Palace in Versailles. He worked at Disney’s Chefs de France, Club Med Paris, and was the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at InterContinental Chicago. Ariel joined Fairmont in 2007 at Fairmont Monte Carlo, became Director of Hotel in 2018, and led significant projects. Fairmont Monte Carlo is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2025 with renovated rooms and new establishments like Nobu Monte Carlo and Amù Monte Carlo rooftop restaurant.

🏨 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.