Nominations

💰 JoAnn Kintzel appointed as General Manager of M3, a leading cloud-based financial software platform in the hospitality sector, succeeding Allen Read, who becomes Executive Director. Read, with over 30 years in hospitality, propelled M3 from VP of Operations to CEO and will continue guiding strategic growth. Kintzel's SaaS background and Blackstone's majority participation set M3 for unprecedented growth.

📈 Cécile Rivoire joins Columbus Café as Director of Operations as part of its 2025/2030 strategy, bringing 30 years of expertise in network management and development. Her goal is to enhance Columbus Café's presence in France and internationally, focusing on operational excellence. With a background in International Affairs and strategic roles at Zannier, PMU, McDonald's, and as a General Manager in bakeries and pharmacies, Rivoire aims to drive growth and innovation in her new role.

🏡 Marriott International announced the appointment of Stéphane Dartois, a Belgian national with over 20 years of hospitality experience, as the new head of the 5-star hotel on Avenue George V in Paris. Dartois, associated with Marriott for about 12 years, was General Manager at Le Méridien Nice and played a pivotal role in the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Essalam in Morocco since September 2018. He is recognized for his strategic leadership and dedication to service excellence in luxury hotel management.

🏠 Kempinski Hotels will exclusively manage the royal residence at the Palace of Nymphenburg starting March 1, 2025, in partnership with S.A.R. Prince Luitpold von Bayern and the Bavarian royal family. The residence spans 836 square meters over three floors, featuring four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, representing a fusion of heritage conservation and luxury innovation in one of Europe's most prestigious addresses.

🏃 Mandelieu Congrès, recognized since the late 19th century for its elegant sports on the French Riviera, is prioritizing outdoor sports by leveraging natural assets and sporting events like Trail Xterra Mandelieu – Les Balcons d’Azur, 2 ULTRAS: RACE ACROSS France and GRAAALPS, and the World Championship of RaceBoard. The CENTRE EXPO CONGRES of MANDELIEU now offers sports activities for meetings, seminars, and incentives, including bike equipment availability for event participants.

🏩 Nazik Amrani appointed General Manager of Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island, bringing over 20 years of luxury hotel management experience, including work in UAE, Seychelles, Indonesia, Morocco. Previously, she led Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi. Amrani now oversees Kisawa's eight exclusive residences, the Natural Wellness Centre (NWC), and collaborates with the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), reinforcing Kisawa's commitment to exceptional service, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.

📚 Didier Malric was appointed as the Director of the Social Protection Council for Independent Workers (CPSTI) starting March 1, 2025, after a proposal from the supervising ministers was approved by the CPSTI General Assembly on January 23, 2025. An alumnus of the National School of Social Security (En3S), Malric has held various leadership roles in local social security organizations and national funds. He became the Director General of the National Union of Social Security Funds (Ucanss) in 2011 and has served as the Director General of the Urssaf Ile de France since 2018, a role he will continue along with his new position. Malric is the third Director of CPSTI since its establishment on January 1, 2019, following predecessors Eric Le Bont and Philipe Renard. Together with CPSTI President Daniel Couillaud, Malric aims to enhance services for independent workers, leveraging the 15 regional CPSTI offices and inter-fund resources.

💰 Pierre Ruello, after 18 years at the helm of Demeter (Ar Collection Hotels), steps down from his role as CEO. Revealed by API News, Ruello left for personal reasons, without major conflicts or strategic disagreements with the family-owned company. The 46-year-old entrepreneur may soon embark on a new business venture. The profitable group continues to grow, with ambitious projects in the pipeline, particularly in the restaurant industry.

🏨 Aleph Hospitality strengthens its presence in Ghana by managing a second hotel, The Address in Accra, owned by real estate leader DevtracoPlus. This marks their second collaboration following The Pelican Hotel in 2022. With over 60% retention rate among hotel owners, Aleph Hospitality showcases its expertise. The Address, opening in 2026, will feature 121 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, cigar lounge, fitness center, pool, and meeting rooms.

🏨 Mathieu Sauvestre joins Eklo as the new Development Director with 16 years of experience in hotel project development. A 2009 HEC graduate, he restructured Club Med's portfolio in Africa and the Middle East, led development in North America from 2015, and pioneered strategic projects in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. In 2019, he came back to Europe to oversee Club Med's development and upgrade in France and Switzerland. Sauvestre is now part of Eklo to promote an economic and responsible lifestyle hospitality concept.