Nominations

💸 Preferred Travel Group announced promotions to global leadership positions: Christopher Ahlgrim as VP, East Americas; Renee Haddad as VP, Hotel Revenue Optimization – USA & Canada; Stephanie Calhoun as Senior VP, Operations – Historic Hotels; Priscilla Haryadi as Area Managing Director, Northern Europe. These moves aim to accelerate company growth and expand global influence across its diversified brands. Michelle Woodley, President of Preferred Travel Group, highlighted the importance of evolving with the industry and supporting partners.

🏦 Scott Woroch joined Mandarin Oriental International Limited as an Independent Non-Executive Director on November 4. With over 30 years in luxury hospitality, Woroch is co-founder and General Manager of Kadenwood Partners. Previously, he worked 15 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, holding various leadership roles, including Executive Vice President Worldwide. His appointment brings the board's independent non-executive directors to 50%.

L’Hôtel Pilgrim, un boutique-hôtel 4 étoiles de 53 chambres à Paris, change de mains et rejoint la collection du groupe Ginto Hôtels à partir du 4 novembre 2024.

📌 B&B Hotels appointed Katja Jenne as Head of Marketing and Communication for Central and Northern Europe, starting November 1, 2024. Jenne, with the company since 2022, succeeds Patrizio Iaquinandi and reports to Chief Digital Officer, Frank Seedorff. She'll lead a team of 13, focusing on brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and PR to support the company's regional goals. Jenne aims to enhance brand trust through targeted, creative communication and a strong focus on customer needs.

🏖️ Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF), joins the executive committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Bringing over two decades of investment and corporate banking experience, Al-Fakhri has held top positions such as investment advisor to the Saudi Minister of Tourism, co-founder of Tiraz AlArabia, and CEO of Al Ajial Holding. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, welcomed his extensive expertise.

💼 Trix van der Vleuten joined The Social Hub as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead the newly restructured Marketing & Performance team. The Social Hub, offering hotel facilities, student accommodation, long-term stays, co-working spaces, gyms, and event spaces under one roof, operates 18 sites in Europe. Daniel Hernández Lyon, former public affairs expert at Edelman, became Director of Global Communications at The Social Hub at the end of 2023. Anne Koning, former global brand and social media director at Netflix, joined as Global Director of Brand and Content in September. Nathalie Wilson, from the travel sector, started as Marketing Director in September. A new Commercial Director's recruitment is underway. The team aims to strengthen The Social Hub's integrated marketing and commercial operations, executing global and regional strategies.

📌 Bo Nylandsted Larsen, with over 20 years of commercial leadership experience, joins Kolpin Hotels after a career spanning Scandinavian Airlines, Cruise Baltic, and Cruise Copenhagen. He has a strong background in strategic sales, marketing, partnerships, strategy, and product development in fast-evolving industries like airlines, cruises, healthcare, and shipping. Kolpin Hotels' CEO, Karim Nielsen, notes Larsen's well-known status in the Danish hospitality sector and anticipates that his leadership will elevate the company to new markets and growth phases, stressing the importance of sales, marketing, PR, and partnerships.

🏨 Paul Mulcahy, with over 20 years of experience in commercial strategy and corporate restructuring, has been appointed as the Commercial Director for The Lux Collective, a hotel management group, as part of its global expansion. Based in Mauritius, Mulcahy holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Leicester and an MBA from the University of Lancaster. Formerly a Senior Vice President at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, he significantly contributed to their global revenue and led a successful commercial and digital transformation.

🏖️ Launched in the late 50s and named Yachtman since 1972, managed by chef Jacques Le Divellec for 35+ years. Sold in 1983, became a Mercure franchise in 1987. Le Divellec repurchased it in 1997, owned it until 2011, succeeded by Christian Legendre. The La Rochelle hotel has 46 rooms, recently renovated, including most rooms and the pool area, earning a 4th star. LFPI Group acquired the Yachtman facilitated by Tourny Meyer, with Nicolas Hagnéré directing the sale.

🏨 Elanor Investors Group appoints 1834 Hotels to manage 18 hotel assets under the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund for operational efficiency. This strategic agreement will enhance asset value for orderly portfolio divestment. The coalition leverages 1834's resources for economies of scale while maintaining high quality standards, with key Elanor team members transitioning to ensure management continuity. Elanor's CEO Tony Fehon and 1834's CEO Andrew Bullock express positive outlooks on the collaboration for asset performance and investor returns.