Nominations

🏨 GastroSuisse appoints Kareen Vaisbrot, 47, as director, starting by December 1, 2025. With a legal background, Vaisbrot has a decade of leadership at Swissmem, handling labor market and social policy issues. She has strengthened Swissmem's presence in Suisse Romande and is pursuing further studies at the University of St. Gallen. This move aims to address structural challenges in the Swiss hospitality sector, says GastroSuisse President Beat Imhof.

📊 Christian Charnaux returns to Hilton, previously serving as Chief Growth Officer at Inspire Brands, overseeing brands like Arby's and Dunkin'. At Hilton, he reports to CEO Christopher J. Nassetta and joins the executive committee. With past roles at Boston Consulting Group and J.P. Morgan, Charnaux brings significant experience. Recent appointments include Anne-Marie D'Angelo and Katherine Lugar in executive roles. Charnaux's expertise will aid Hilton's global growth, enhancing its network for customers worldwide.

📈 David García Blancas a été nommé PDG de B&B Hotels Iberia pour renforcer la position de l'entreprise sur le marché ibérique. Avec plus de 25 ans d'expérience, il vise à consolider la croissance en Espagne et au Portugal. En 2024, B&B Hotels a ajouté 15 hôtels en Espagne, portant le total à 57. L'entreprise a enregistré une augmentation de 27 % de son chiffre d'affaires, atteignant 127 millions d'euros.

🏨 Marie Pier and Hugo Germain have become co-presidents of Germain Hôtels, succeeding founders Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain. Effective immediately, this leadership change continues the family's legacy of hospitality excellence. With over 20 years of involvement, Marie Pier's notable projects include opening the first Calgary hotel, while Hugo has been a pivotal force as the first Director General of Alt. Their co-presidency embodies complementarity and aims to expand both in Canada and internationally.

📈 Michelle McArdle, boasting over 15 years of experience, joins Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA as Commercial Director. Previously, she was Market Strategy Director at Marriott International, overseeing revenue management for nine hotels in Scotland and Northeast England. Her holistic approach integrates commercial, marketing, and digital strategies. Edward Holland, with 25+ years of experience, formerly Senior General Manager at Holiday Inn Coventry, also recently joined Aimbridge.

📈 Christian Charnaux rejoindra le comité exécutif de Hilton en tant qu’Executive Vice President et Chief Development Officer dès le 1er juillet 2025. Il reportera à Christopher J. Nassetta, PDG du groupe. Ancien Chief Growth Officer chez Inspire Brands depuis 2018, Charnaux est un ancien de Hilton et diplômé de l’Université de Caroline du Nord et d’Harvard Business School. Son retour vise à soutenir la croissance mondiale de l'entreprise.

💸 Greene King has decided not to sell its Venture Hotels division despite negotiations with RedCat Hospitality over a potential £90 million deal failing due to disagreements on asset valuation. Vincent Madden has been promoted to General Manager of the Premium Ventures division, which now includes Metropolitan Pub Company, Crafted Pubs, and Venture Hotels. Venture Hotels will report directly to Jodie Tate, the Managing Director of Destination & Ventures brands.

🏨 Anaïs Roch has been appointed Director of the ibis Metz Centre Cathédrale, a hotel acquired by Heintz Hôtellerie in 2025. Located near the Moselle River and the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, this Accor franchise begins a new development phase. Anaïs previously served over 7 years at Mercure Metz Centre. Her role supports the hotel's transformation, focusing on contemporary comfort, sustainable services, and local heritage enhancement.

📈 Avinash Kanti Teelock appointed as Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), effective immediately. With over ten years in tourism and hospitality, he brings strategic vision and dynamic leadership. From 2017 to 2023, he was Key Account Manager at Attitude Hotels, fostering international partnerships. Previously, he served as Cluster Sales Executive at Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, focusing on MICE tourism and luxury clientele. His career began at Beachcomber Hotels.

🏨 Edouard Lapasset becomes the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris starting June 1, 2025. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, and 11 years with Mandarin Oriental, he has been Hotel Manager since 2022. Previously, he worked at Mandarin Oriental, Doha and Geneva. His expertise spans numerous hotel functions, including project management and guest services, enhancing the hotel's status as a leader in French luxury hospitality.