Nominations

🏨 Julien Lefebvre became the new director of Mama Shelter Rennes in March, succeeding Romain Le Rol. Lefebvre, previously with Ferré Hôtels, aims to give the hotel a new impetus while maintaining its convivial and urban atmosphere. Meanwhile, Romain Le Rol joined the eclectic RockyPop Marseille on March 17, located in the Castellane district, embracing a similar inclusive and bold hospitality vision.

🏨 Andrew Munt, after a 15-year stint with Penta Hotels, steps down, succeeded by Markus Lück as the new Managing Director in April 2025. Lück, a seasoned hospitality expert with over 25 years in luxury hotels, including Kempinski and 7Pines Resort Ibiza, embarks on his Penta journey by visiting 14 European properties within a month. Andrew Munt's departure is motivated by personal reasons and a desire to return to the UK.

🏖️ Brent Martin was appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. With a history at Four Seasons since 2007, Martin has directed prestigious properties including Beverly Wilshire and Koh Samui. A Harvard-educated professional with an MBA in Economics, he has also worked in asset management at Hersha Hospitality Trust and Northview Hotel Group. The Costa Rican resort is renowned for its nature immersion, luxury services, sustainability, and has earned the Forbes Five-Star distinction for ten consecutive years.

🏖 Shama Rashid appointed as the Deputy Public Relations and Communications Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a 5-star resort in the Maldives by Sun Siyam Resorts. She brings experience in public relations, media engagement, and project management. Rashid's role focuses on communication strategies, media relations, and enhancing the resort's international reputation through storytelling. Her career started in PR and Media for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, later moving to the tourism sector in marketing and communication.

🏨 Markus Lück appointed as Penta Hotels' new General Manager, starting April 1, 2025. He succeeds Andrew Munt, who led the brand's development for 15 years and will leave at April's end. Lück, with over 25 years in premium hospitality, aims to continue Penta's momentum and enhance brand identity and customer experience, leveraging his background with 12.18. Hospitality Management GmbH and 7Pines Hotels & Resorts.

🏥 Antoine Chevanne, owner of Byblos Saint-Tropez and President of Floirat Signatures, announced Jean-Marie Trancher’s appointment as General Manager of the Byblos on LinkedIn. Trancher, who previously served as Assistant Director from 2002 to 2007, returns with a mission to elevate the unique soul of Byblos. Trancher's career includes experience at prestigious establishments like Le Meurice, Westin Paris-Vendôme, Pavillon Ledoyen, and Groupe Alain Ducasse. His approach to hospitality combines human touch, high standards, and balance.

```html 🏨 ``` Ippolito Fleitz Group – Identity Architects appoints Andreas Bohlender as Director Hospitality to enhance its hotel and F&B segment, two months after his entry into the company. Based in Berlin, Bohlender brings over 20 years of international experience, including 11 years with Design Hotels. Having collaborated with Starwood Hotels, Rocco Forte Hotels, UEFA Euro 2008, and Doha Asian Games, he is set to develop premium hospitality concepts. The firm has won around 500 international awards.

🍴 On June 20-21, 2025, world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will visit Matsuhisa Limassol at Hotel AMARA for a two-day culinary event. Guests can savor Nobu's signature dishes, meet the chef, and potentially uncover some of his culinary secrets. The event features a classic Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, including an exclusive Omakase surprise menu, artisanal cocktails, and premium sake. Seats are limited, so advance booking is advised.

💼 Artifact Group announces key leadership appointments with Bernard Chênevert as Vice-President of Operations and Louis Barruel as Vice-President Asset Management / Investments. Chênevert, a notable figure in Canadian hospitality and awarded "General Manager of the Year" in 2011, aims to double the group's room numbers and assets under management within three years. Barruel will lead acquisition and asset management strategies, targeting investment opportunities in Canada and the U.S. President Gaurav Gupta praises their operational and strategic excellence pivotal for Artifact's future success.

🏡 On April 26, 2025, the Palais des Congrès of Yaoundé hosted the first Cameroon Tourism and Leisure Awards, under the patronage of MINTOUL and MINEPAT. Jean-Claude Tissot, with over 40 years of international experience and a career spanning the USA to Kenya, was named "Best Hotel General Manager." Arriving in Cameroon in 2021, he made an impact at Krystal Palace Douala, a five-star hotel.