Nominations

🏠 Nathalie Delattre, French Minister of Tourism, officially renewed the prestigious 'distinction Palace' for eight emblematic Parisian hotels following the unanimous recommendation of the Commission Palace on March 11. Atout France's Commission Palace convened for the first time to evaluate renewal applications, granting a three-year title retention to: Four Seasons Hôtel George V, Hôtel de Crillon, Hôtel La Réserve Paris, Le Bristol Paris, Hôtel Le Meurice, The Peninsula Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Hôtel Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. All 31 currently labeled Palace establishments have applied for renewal, with the mountain Palaces to be reviewed in mid-April. Current distinctions remain valid until the official renewal decision.

🎓 Philippe Vignon appointed as the new CEO of the Glion Institute of Higher Education starting June 16, 2025. Vignon, with over 30 years of diverse sector experience—including tourism, aviation, digital media, and education—aims to expand Glion's global presence and academic brand. He has held transformative roles at Geneva Tourism, Edipresse Digital, EasyJet, and L'Oréal Suisse. His role at Glion will oversee campuses in Switzerland and the UK, foster strategic partnerships, and support innovation in hospitality and luxury education.

📆 Jacques Lapierre will join the Centre Sheraton Montréal as the Director of Operations on April 22. Previously, Lapierre managed five hotels, ten restaurants, terraces, and a spa in Montréal and Ottawa as the Vice President of Operations at Gray Collection. His career includes General Manager roles at prestigious establishments such as Bisha Hotel Toronto, Loews Hotel 1000 Seattle, Hôtel Place d’Armes Montréal, and Hôtel Marriott Québec Centre-ville, where he enhanced financial performance and customer experience.

🍷 Julien Morel began serving as CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon alongside Prince Robert of Luxembourg on April 1, with future executive responsibilities. Morel brings over 16 years of international experience from Moët Hennessy, developing brands like Eminente Rum, Volcan de mi Tierra Tequila, and presiding over Maison Champagne Mercier. With past roles at McKinsey & Company and L’Oréal Luxury Products, Morel's broad expertise and global sector vision from time in the US and UK now guide Paris-based Domaine Clarence Dillon, including Château Haut-Brion and Château La.

📈 Ruby Group appoints Fabian Zerllinger as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer (CGIO) to reinforce its international growth strategy, following a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Zerllinger, with over six years at the company and a background on the board, will take over technical and growth-related functions. He replaces Isabell Fuss, who leaves after an 11-year tenure. CEO Michael Struck sees this as a step towards European expansion and entering new global markets, including a strategic entry into the U.S. market.

🎯 Thomas Hoeborn nommé Directeur Général du Conrad Singapore Orchard en mars 2025. Il possède trois décennies d'expérience internationale dans l'hospitalité, ayant travaillé à Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, et aux Maldives. Sa nomination vise à renforcer la position de l'hôtel comme acteur clé à Singapour, connu pour son tourisme de luxe et son dynamisme MICE. Hilton cherche à consolider l'ancrage local du Conrad tout en ajoutant une touche internationale.

🏢 Adam Hayashi, with over 20 years of hotel industry experience and former Global VP of Revenue Management at Accor, joins Omni Hotels & Resorts to drive revenue growth strategies and market share. He directly reports to Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Doane and previously managed more than 120 establishments, including Fairmont and Raffles. Hayashi is known for his holistic approach to hospitality performance, encompassing accommodations, dining, wellness, and event spaces.

🏖️ Les Greniers du Mont-Blanc, a collection of rental chalets in Haute-Savoie, transition to new ownership after 25 years. Founders Victoria and Alain Smeyers pass on their legacy to locals Audrey and Guillaume Gaignard. Audrey brings 20 years of hospitality experience, including 14 with Emmanuel Renaut at Le Flocons de Sel. Guillaume offers expertise in general renovation. The couples share a passion for preserving the unique character of this Passy retreat.

🏨 The Hôtel Mercure Metz Centre, acquired by Heintz hôtellerie in 2019 under the Accor franchise, has completed its full renovation. Anouck Parisse, previously the Deputy Director for 3 years, has been appointed as the new Director. The renovation included insulation, facade work, a striking cladding, and the overhaul of 54 rooms, 3 of which are accessible to guests with reduced mobility, blending modern comfort with the hotel's authentic charm and local architecture.

🍴 Nicolas Amelin becomes executive chef at l'Hôtel du Collectionneur, Paris, starting Monday, April 7. With 20 years of culinary experience, including a previous stint at the Collectionneur in 2017, Amelin is known for his modern yet traditional French gastronomic approach. His new menu celebrates French culinary art with a refined, bold and creative selection, embodying his Basque origins, and offers a spring-seasonal bistronomic experience that blends French tradition with global influences.