Nominations

🍴 Marketing sensoriel key to distinguishing restaurants by engaging all five senses for memorable experiences. Techniques create emotional connection, crucial for customer retention and response to online reviews, transforming mere thanks into an evocative journey. Visual allure, scent evoking memories, taste promises, texture descriptions, and ambiance sounds enrich client interactions and enhance restaurant appeal in a saturated market.

🍽 Frédéric Vincent takes the lead of the 25 establishments of Groupe La Mère Poulard at Mont Saint-Michel, aiming to bolster the brand's image, expand international influence, and maintain culinary excellence and authenticity. Vincent, with extensive experience in hospitality, previously worked for Groupe Lucien Barrière and Société Paul Ricard. Renovation works are planned, with improvements to customer experience expected by 2030. The Vannier family has led the group for 40 years.

🏨 Philip Ward, former CEO of Hotels & Hospitality at JLL for the EMEA region, has joined the board of technology-driven hotel operator Bob W as an independent non-executive director. With over three decades of experience in real estate, investment banking, and hotel consultancy, Ward's appointment comes amidst Bob W's rapid expansion across Europe, including in Greece. His role will involve guiding the strategic direction and acting as an independent voice for shareholders.

🏠 Thérèse Blay appointed as Director of Business Unit Hotels & Wellness at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, a leading luxury hospitality reference in Marrakech known for its Palace, historical hotel, private villas and ksars, and award-winning Spa. With over 60 years of heritage, Blay's role effective from April 1, 2025, will focus on overseeing the hotel's global strategy, enhancing the wellness offerings, and advancing customer experience. Previously, Blay served as General Manager at Groupe Millésime and led iconic establishments in Southern France.

🏠 Baptiste Orlandini appointed as the new General Director of Choose Paris Region, enhancing the agency’s efforts to promote the Île-de-France area internationally. The agency acknowledges Lionel Grotto's seven-plus years of service. Orlandini's experience includes directing economic, innovation, and employment policies in the Île-de-France President's office and a role at the Cercle des économistes. His mission: to boost the region’s appeal by highlighting its economic, cultural, and tourist strengths, focusing on international investors and talents.

🏨 David Wahba, with over 20 years of experience, has led sales teams in major hotels and prestigious brands in Florida, Southeast US, and the Caribbean, including Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Starwood, Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria. Before joining Stonebridge Companies, Wahba was Director of Sales and Marketing at Caribe Royale Orlando, overseeing a $125 million renovation. He's held leadership positions at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. His appointment aims to bolster Stonebridge Companies' luxury market presence, supporting business growth and strategic partnerships.

🏨 Philippe Leboeuf has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, effective June 2025. Leboeuf, an awarded hotelier with extensive luxury sector experience across several continents, will leverage his strategic vision and operational expertise to keep Dorchester Collection a top luxury hospitality brand. He has previously held significant roles, including General Manager at Concorde Hotels, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels, and executive positions at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Rosewood, and Claridge's. Most recently, he successfully led the opening of Raffles London as General Manager.

🏨 Katya Herting appointed as General Manager at Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands, brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience. Previously, Herting managed prestigious establishments worldwide, including being the General Manager at Raffles Bali where she oversaw the launch of the 15th Raffles hotel. She has also led significant projects at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, such as a 1261-room complex renovation. Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers 80 ultra-luxurious keys and world-class amenities.

🏦 Philippe Leboeuf appointed as General Manager of Dorchester Collection, starting June 2025, succeeding Eugenio Pirri. A Cornell and HEC Paris alumnus, he previously held leadership roles at Raffles London, Concorde Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, and Claridge's. Leboeuf's appointment is expected to bolster the global presence of Dorchester Collection, with his polyglot proficiency and industry-wide respect solidifying the group's culture and values.

📓 MAGORA has announced a restructuring to support development goals, focusing on market segments including managed accommodation and real estate services under brands like Odalys Vacances and Flower Campings. Johanna AMBIL is now General Manager of Odalys Vacances, previously overseeing Marketing, eCommerce, and Communication. Christian LETIENNE is appointed Deputy General Manager of Odalys Vacances and General Manager for Africa, tasked with upcoming openings in Kigali and Abidjan. Odalys Vacances operates 105 locations in France and markets over 110 properties across France, Spain, and Portugal.