Nominations

💱 Philippe de Backer, 45, former Belgian politician and business executive, joins KKR's London office, reporting to Ken Mehlman, Global Head of Public Affairs and Co-Head of Global Impact. De Backer served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2011 to 2016 and later assumed various roles in the Belgian federal government, including Secretary of State and Minister. In 2020, he led Belgium's Covid Taskforce and now advises on biotechnology, crisis management, and strategy.

🏨 Marielle Vroemen was promoted to Director of Operations at Choice Hotels EMEA and joined the executive team effective December 1, 2024. She has been with the company since 2023. Her role involves leading strategic development, optimizing workflows, implementing innovative technologies, and supporting franchisees with training and resources to ensure high service levels across the franchise network. David Beers, CEO of Choice Hotels EMEA, commented on her impact since joining in 2023.

📓 Marielle Vroemen appointed as the Director of Operations for Choice Hotels EMEA, effective December 1, 2024. Joining the executive team after starting with the company in 2023, Vroemen will drive strategic development and execute franchise value propositions, managing the entire franchise lifecycle, optimizing workflows, implementing innovative technologies, and ensuring high service standards across the network to bolster operational efficiency and support growth strategy.

🏦 TFE Hotels opened a New Zealand national office, partnering with Heritage Hotels, effective from December 1, managing 5 hotels with over 500 rooms. Warwick Kahl, regional director since 2022, leads operations in New Zealand, with Tish Nyar highlighting his experience as key to expansion success. Meghana Ghole appointed as CFO for New Zealand to support financial management. Properties in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown are included.

🔔 Jérôme Lambert, current Chief Operating Officer of Richemont Group, appointed CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, effective January 1, 2025. Lambert previously served as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Richemont Group. He aims to maintain Jaeger-LeCoultre's pioneering role in Swiss watchmaking and ensure its long-term success.

🏦 Stéphane Trycionka, with over 20 years of experience in the luxury sector, started at YSL Beauté (Gucci Group) gaining key marketing skills. He held pivotal roles in luxury hospitality at Le Bristol Paris, Hotel Plaza Athénée, and Le Meurice, developing North American market expertise. His career spans from Colombia to Mexico and has included sales and marketing strategies in the UK and Germany, enhancing MICE and luxury FIT segments visibility.

💰 Quentin Buisson appointed as CFO and Nicholas Granger as Commercial Director at Lavorel Hotels. Buisson, former Financial Manager at Relyens Group for 4 years and Mazars alumnus, is tasked with structuring internal procedures to enhance efficiency. Granger brings over 23 years of luxury hotel and commercial management experience, previously leading sales at Sandoz Foundation Hotels. Jean-Claude Lavorel, President, expects the new structure to boost group efficiency.

🏠 Arthur Jaeger appointed as Adagio's Chief Development & Real Estate Officer, tasked with implementing the "Next Adagio" strategic plan, aiming to double the network by 2030. He brings experience from Vinci Immobilier's Hospitality division and Cycas Hospitality, will drive team development and programs in Europe, integrate CSR approaches, manage renovation plans, and support franchise network expansion leveraging shareholder expertise.

🏨 Lavorel Hotels strengthens its team with two strategic appointments: Quentin Buisson as Administrative and Financial Director, and Nicholas Granger as Commercial Director. Nicholas Granger, with over 23 years of experience in luxury hotel management and commercial strategy, has held key roles since June 2001. Previously, he managed commercial and marketing strategies for Sandoz Foundation Hotels in Switzerland and directed the Grandes Alpes Hotel in Courchevel, leading a team of 95+ members. Granger has also worked with brands like Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel Spa, Oetker Hotel Collection, and Belmond.

📅 Accor, a major hospitality player in Europe, has restructured its regional leadership team to strengthen its position in key markets. Yannick Wagner and Ben Brahim will oversee Germany, Anne Wahl-Pozeg and Arndt Writzel will be in charge of Austria, and Sabrina Westphälinger and Jochen Renz will manage Switzerland, all retaining their current positions. This team emphasizes Accor's commitment to the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), focusing on sustainable growth and brand appeal. Yannick Wagner, a veteran at Accor with 18 years of experience, will serve as Director of Operations Managed Hotels Europe.