Nominations

🏨 Shobhit Khattri, based in New Delhi, is tasked with identifying new development opportunities for Minor Hotels in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, managing the process from site selection to hotel openings. He reports to Omar Romero, Chief Development & Luxury Officer and works closely with the Business Development team in Asia. Khattri has over 17 years of experience in the hotel industry, with contributions to the growth of TAJ and IHG in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Minor Hotels plans an ambitious expansion in India, with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur opening in November 2024, featuring 150 keys, and aims for 50 new openings in the next decade, focusing on the premium and luxury segments. The Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort marks Avani's first foray into India.

📈 Kristin Oliver appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, effective May 12, 2025, succeeding Malaika Myers who retires after 7 years. Oliver brings 15 years of HR leadership experience from HanesBrands, Walgreens, Chico's, and Walmart, aiming to drive Hyatt's future growth. CEO Mark Hoplamazian highlights her goal-oriented approach to guide the company's talent strategy amidst transformation.

🏢 Malaika Myers, after 7 years as CHRO, will retire from Hyatt Hotels Corporation at the end of May 2025. Kristin Oliver, with 15 years in HR from retail and consumer goods sectors, including leadership roles at Walmart, Chico's, Walgreens, and HanesBrands, will take over as CHRO on May 12, 2025, and move to the company's headquarters in Chicago. Under Myers, Hyatt launched the RiseHY program, targeting the employment of 10,000 disadvantaged youth.

🏡 Pierre-Hadrien Helbecque appointed Hotel Manager of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York's Upper East Side. Helbecque, with a career spanning Europe and Asia, has worked at Raffles Siem Reap, Hilton Tokyo, and The Peninsula Bangkok, climbing ranks with a focus on Food & Beverage before moving to overall hospitality operations management. His F&B leadership at Fairmont Monte Carlo and Hôtel de Crillon, lasting nearly 4 years, noted for financial performance, attention to detail, and human leadership. The Carlyle is an iconic Manhattan institution frequented by high society, celebrities, and political figures.

🏨 Leonardo Hotels, expanding rapidly in Europe and the UK, appointed Isaac Mizrachi as Global Head of Loyalty in March, based in Berlin. Mizrachi's task is to evolve the current AdvantageCLUB program, which offers points on direct bookings, free nights, dining discounts, and late checkouts. The goal is to create an innovative platform with gamification, hyper-personalization, and a seamless omnichannel experience. CEO David Fattal highlights loyalty platform development as a strategic priority.

🏖️ Brent Anderson joins Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing 30 years of experience from Tourism Australia, where he elevated South and Southeast Asia to the second-largest visitor source. Emil Petrov is appointed Vice President of Strategy and Insights with over 15 years of experience, having led Tourism New Zealand's strategy and the successful "Enrich 2025" plan, which resulted in a 50% increase in tourism export revenue. Both aim to enhance RAKTDA's positioning as the "Destination of the Future" in the Middle East.

🏦 Pierre Siegel, 54, owner of Hôtel Klé in Kaysersberg and Best Western Plus Monopole-Métropole in Strasbourg, was reelected for a 4-year term as head of the Best Western cooperative. Member since 1999 and President since 2022, his reelection reflects members' trust in his leadership. Emmanuel Thébaux, 58, shareholder of Best Western Urban Hôtel in Lille and board member since 2017, also had his mandate renewed for another four years.

🏨 Pierre Siegel was re-elected on April 2, 2025, for a four-year term as president at the General Assembly of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. Emmanuel Thébaux continues as an administrator and Hubert Faure joins the board. Siegel, part of the Best Western network since 1999 and president since 2022, owns two hotels in Strasbourg. Thébaux, involved since 2017, is committed to the cooperative's development for another four years.

🏖️ Bertrand Margerie, a French national with over 30 years of international experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed as the General Manager of Kuramathi Maldives, a 360-villa island resort. Margerie, holding a tourism management degree from Ecole Nationale de Commerce and a financial management certificate from Cornell University, aims to use his revenue management expertise to elevate the resort's service standards for diverse clientele, including families, couples, and athletes.

🏖️ Fabienne Carrasco appointed as the new CEO of MMV, succeeding Arthur Courtinat, to lead the sustainable transformation and responsible development of alpine tourism. With over 20 years of experience in tourism and real estate, Carrasco's leadership aligns with MMV's commitment to economic, social, and environmental performance. MMV's "Edelweiss 2030" transformation plan includes reducing carbon footprint and preserving biodiversity, as part of the company's CSR commitments.