Nominations

🏨 YOTEL aims to double its hotel portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030. Phil Andreopoulos, with extensive hospitality experience, joins as a key leader to strengthen revenue and loyalty programs. Talal Al Bahar, Chairman, cites YOTEL's 15-year success and future growth plans. Hubert Viriot, instrumental in YOTEL's expansion, becomes Vice Chairman to continue supporting strategic vision. The company focuses on expanding managed and franchised operations in key markets.

🏨 Andicot, with nearly 30 years in hospitality, has been pivotal for Marriott since 2006. Under his leadership, Marriott signed over 220 hotels in South Asia. Notably, in India, his team achieved a record 42 hotels encompassing 7,000 rooms in 2024. This includes a significant partnership with Concept Hospitality, linking 115 The Fern hotels to Series by Marriott. Expansions target cities like Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg, diversifying Marriott's residential offerings.

📀 Marriott International a nommé Kiran Andicot comme Vice-Président Senior pour l'Asie du Sud, renforçant les opérations et le développement dans cette région. Avec près de 30 ans d'expérience dans l'hôtellerie, Kiran supervisera les partenariats, accélérera les conversions et ouvertures, et dirigera l'équipe régionale. Il a rejoint Marriott en 2006, contribuant à sa croissance soutenue.

🏨 Vincent Pimont, appointed as General Manager of The Peninsula Hong Kong, will commence on January 26, 2026. Previously, he held various roles since joining the group in 2007, including Director at Peninsula Beijing and Peninsula Paris. Under his leadership, Peninsula Beijing underwent a significant renovation, becoming the only all-suite hotel in the portfolio, earning accolades such as a Michelin star for its restaurant, JING. As of 2022, Pimont is the GM at Peninsula Paris, where he executed a strategic repositioning.

💸 Sloser, with over 20 years of leadership in hospitality, restaurant, and travel sectors, will oversee Choice Hotels' commercial strategy under CEO Pat Pacious. His previous role at McDonald's involved leading innovations for 40,000 restaurants. Sloser's expertise spans digital, commercial, and customer experience, crucial for accelerating global expansion and enhancing market share. His leadership at Hilton, America West Airlines, and other companies supports his new role as Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth and innovation.

🏨 Delphine Morant appointed Director of Maison Boissière – BARNES Residences, a luxury hotel in Paris's 16th arrondissement. With 20+ years in high-end hospitality, she previously served as Director at the Canadian Embassy's Official Residence in Paris. Maison Boissière achieved a 5-star certification in May 2025, under a year post-opening. Morant will enhance its reputation for elegance and excellence among French and international clients.

📈 Jana Warken et Deniel Frey rejoignent B&B Hotels CNE le 1er septembre 2025. Warken, ex-Directrice RH chez JUWI GmbH, devient responsable RH, axée sur la croissance et l'excellence opérationnelle. Frey, avec 18 ans d'expérience dans l'hôtellerie, devient CCO pour diriger le marketing et le revenue management. Karsten Tremmel, expert IT, rejoint mi-septembre pour renforcer l'écosystème numérique. Ces nominations soutiennent la stratégie "People First" et la croissance future.

📄 Émilie Genty is appointed as Director of Marketing and Communication at Wagram Food Service, overseeing Columbus Café (250 coffee shops) and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts France (22 outlets). With over 15 years of marketing experience, she leads a team of 10 and joins the executive committee. Previously, she managed accounts for McDonald’s and Carrefour, was Burger King France's operational marketing head (2016-2019), and worked at Orpi France.

🍳 Florian Gravelle takes charge of the Michelin-starred Galanga restaurant at Hôtel Monsieur George, succeeding Thomas Danigo. Based in Paris, Gravelle, originally from Nice, had a pivotal early experience at Les Pêcheurs in Cap d’Antibes, also a Michelin-star recipient. He further honed his skills in Paris with Alain Ducasse and Philippe Gollino. Nicolas Saltiel's Chapitre Six and Valentin Brietz, director of Hôtel Monsieur George, provide strategic leadership for this culinary transition.

🏞 Jumeirah appoints Xander Labuschagne as General Manager of Hospitality for Jumeirah Thanda Safari, South Africa. With 20+ years in luxury hospitality across South Africa, Botswana, UAE, and Europe, he was previously General Manager at Atzaro Cape Town. Xander will oversee daily operations and enhance Jumeirah Thanda Safari's brand. Jumeirah entered Africa in December 2024, unveiling Jumeirah Thanda Safari and Thanda Island.