Nominations

🏦 Sébastien Mariette, an Essec Business School MBA graduate of 2001, has been appointed General Manager of Kempinski Harbour Heights Bahrain, scheduled to open in late 2025, and Vice President of Operations for Kempinski hotels in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the Levant, and Morocco. With an 18-year tenure at Kempinski, and leadership roles across Jordan, China, Dubai, Singapore, and Egypt, Mariette was awarded General Manager of the Year in Jordan in 2024. The Bahrain luxury hotel will feature elegant rooms, high-end residences, and wellness facilities with views of Manama's marina.

🍽 La Réserve Paris celebrates a decade of excellence, announcing Chef Jérôme Banctel as Ambassador of Château Cos d'Estournel. Michel Reybier and 3-star chef Banctel are pleased with this new role that extends Banctel's responsibilities since the inauguration of La Réserve Paris. The partnership honors the success and synergy between Reybier and Banctel, emphasizing values of excellence and refinement shared by La Réserve Paris and the emblematic Château of Saint-Estèphe. Banctel expresses gratitude for Reybier's trust since the hotel's opening.

🏨 Scott Ratcliffe, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, appointed General Manager of Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay, assuming role by the end of 2024. Emma Alcorn, former GM of Crystalbrook Byron, now leads Crystalbrook Bailey in Cairns, known for team management and customer experience enhancement. Carl Taranto, a Crystalbrook member since 2018 with 20+ years in hospitality, becomes Area General Manager for Cairns, overseeing Crystalbrook Riley, Flynn, and Bailey. Lisa Brown, with 15 years in hospitality, moves from Crystalbrook Bailey to manage Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns. These appointments reflect Crystalbrook's strong management strategy and focus on luxury hotel sector success.

🏦 Ayman Gharib, with a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey (2003), has been appointed CEO of Kisawa Sanctuaries and Residences, based in Dubai DIFC and working from the Mayfair, London satellite office. With over 20 years in luxury hotel industry, Gharib served as VP Operations Middle East for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts from April-November 2024 and held key management roles at Accor for over six years, including Managing Director at Raffles the Palm Dubai and Area General Manager from May 2021 to April 2024.

📍 Harry Theoharis announced his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization during FITUR 2025. His campaign slogan "reform to transform, unite to grow" reflects his plan for organizational and technological transformation. The African Office of Tourism supports his bid. Theoharis aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within UNWTO.

⛷ In Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Austria, home to the country's largest ski area, Gasthof Post has been a Relais & Châteaux for over 40 years. Owned by the Moosbrugger family since 1937, the hotel has evolved with a contemporary wing, a botanical garden, and a luxurious spa over 1,000 m² featuring Cellcosmet and Alpienne brands. It offers 48 rooms and suites, 3 restaurants, and an indoor-outdoor heated pool. The 5-star establishment is a partner of the Arlberg Weinberg wine and gastronomy festival, marking the winter season's start from December 5-15, 2024.

💰 Andrew F. Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, Hardee’s, and Carl’s Jr, was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. President Donald Trump announced the nomination on January 22, 2025. Puzder previously withdrew from a 2017 Labor Secretary appointment due to scandals including hiring an undocumented housekeeper and allegations of domestic abuse. The appointment comes amid tense U.S.-EU relations exacerbated by Trump's criticism of EU's trade practices and trade deficit with the U.S.

📢 Nicki Graham elevated to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Ricky Castoldi promoted to Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Cendyn, a global hospitality technology and integrated hotel services company. Graham, with nearly two decades of marketing and PR experience, previously Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Cendyn since 2017, will lead global marketing teams focusing on growth and brand awareness. Castoldi, after a 5-year tenure as Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas, will drive the global sales team's growth.

📈 Nicky Graham has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for global technology and integrated services company Cendyn, operating from London. With nearly two decades of marketing and public relations experience, Graham previously served as Senior Vice President Global Marketing for Cendyn and led international PR campaigns at IPG and WPP agencies. Her focus is on steering the global marketing team and Cendyn's brand growth. Cendyn, expanding through acquisitions and market repositioning, now features four women in top technology leadership positions. Graham joined Cendyn in 2017 and has been crucial in expanding the company's global market presence.

🏨 Sunstone Hotel Investors has eliminated the Chief Operating Officer position, leading to Chris Ostapovicz's departure on January 21, 2025. His responsibilities will be taken over by the President, Chief Investment Officer, and other executive team members. Ostapovicz will assist with the transition until January 31, 2025. A settlement agreement includes payments and benefits for Ostapovicz, subject to terms. Ostapovicz has nearly 3 years as COO at Sunstone, following over 14 years in the industry.