Nominations

🍫 Barry Callebaut appoints Chef Alexis Sanson as Director of the Chocolate Academy™ France, effective May 19, 2025, at the revamped site inaugurated in July 2024. Alexis, a renowned Chef Chocolatier-Formateur with qualifications from CIFAC Caen and CFA Le Mans, has extensive experience, including tenure at Yver Chocolatier (2006–2015) and Christophe Roussel (2015-2016). In 2022, he was a finalist in the MOF Chocolatier-Confiseur competition.

🏡 KSL Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in luxury sustainable hospitality group Soneva, active in the Maldives. This follows their initial investment in November 2019. Neil Gallagher, with over 20 years in high-end hospitality, is now Soneva's CEO. He previously led at Clermont Hotel Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott Vacation Club. Gallagher aims to expand Soneva, founded in 1995, while maintaining its focus on luxury, nature, and personal experiences.

🌐 VERTU Hotels and Resorts appointed Nathalie Leduc as Business Development Consultant for Asia in Zug, Switzerland, to strengthen its Asian market presence. Nathalie, with experience at Hilton, Marriott, and Millennium Hotels, brings expertise in luxury hospitality and economic diplomacy. Her recruitment aligns with VERTU's values, as noted by CEO Gérald Lampaert. This strategic move signals commitment to partners and investors in the region.

🏠 Casilda Mulliez, avec 12 ans d'expérience dans l'immobilier, est nommée directrice du développement chez Edgar Suites pour l'Espagne et le Portugal. Elle aidera à développer des aparthotels haut de gamme sur la péninsule ibérique. Edgar Suites, opérant déjà 26 résidences en France, vise à s'étendre en Europe du Sud. Xavier O'Quin, co-fondateur, souligne l'importance de cette embauche pour la stratégie internationale de la société. Mulliez est diplômée de l'Université Paris Dauphine.

📍 Nathalie Leduc joins VERTU Hotels and Resorts as a commercial development consultant for Asia. With experience at Hilton, Marriott, and Millennium Hotels, she excels in personalized service and customer-centric hospitality. Recently, Nathalie focused on international innovation and institutional partnerships. She speaks fluent French and English and is expanding her proficiency in Asian languages to better navigate the diverse hospitality landscape in Asia.

💰 Casilda Mulliez has been appointed Director of Real Estate Development for Edgar Suites in Spain and Portugal. Her role will support Edgar Suites' European and international expansion, focusing on high-end aparthotels. With over 12 years of experience, including a finance degree from University Paris Dauphine, Casilda previously worked at Deloitte. Co-founder Xavier O’Quin emphasizes her strategic insight in advancing the company’s growth goals on the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

📅 Madrid, October 2023 - Edgar Suites expands into the Iberian Peninsula with Casilda Mulliez appointed as Director of Real Estate Development for Spain & Portugal. With over 12 years of experience, including roles at Deloitte and Urban Campus, Mulliez aims to identify new opportunities and drive projects aligned with the brand's standards. Her role focuses on accelerating next-gen hospitality in high-potential markets. Co-founder Xavier O’Quin highlights this appointment as a pivotal move.

🏠 Nicolas Wallach, with over 25 years of expertise, joins Spirit Immobilier as Director of Hospitality and Managed Real Estate. He reports to CEO Cécilia Gomes Vilela. Wallach's past roles include leadership positions at Bouygues Construction, Vinci Immobilier, and Nexity. His tasks include structuring strategy, supporting development teams, and managing project contracts. Holding credentials from ISC Paris and HEC Paris, Wallach aims to enhance the value of Spirit Immobilier's real estate division.

📚 Sophie-Justine Lieber will assume the role of Director General of Les Arts Décoratifs in July 2025, succeeding Sylvie Corréard after a six-year term. Founded in 1882, the institution promotes artistic culture in Paris. Lieber, with a background as a library curator and State advisor, previously held significant roles at the French Ministry of Culture and La Villette. She specializes in copyright, digital matters, and public governance.

🍕 Stratto appoints Octave De Wulf, aged 31, as Development Manager, effective January 2025, to lead an expansion plan of 36 new outlets over three years, focusing on city centers, train stations, and airports. He brings international experience from Africa and Canada. Stratto aims for growth via artisanal products, regional offers, and enhanced digitalization, with a strong RSE focus on reducing packaging. Franchise partners are sought for this strategic expansion.