Nominations

📢 bnetwork, a global SaaS accommodation management company for large-scale B2B events, has appointed Leonor Lopes Gil as the new General Manager. The company oversees over 150 annual events, representing 1.5 million overnight stays across more than 20 countries and 40 cities. Key upcoming events include MWC Barcelona 2025, the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the COP 29 in Baku, Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon, ILTM 2024 in Cannes, and Roland Garros in Paris. Lopes Gil reports directly to the Board of Directors.

📈 Anthony Houette joined the Chais Monnet hotel in January 2022 with a mission to strengthen its luxury market standing and drive development. His tenure saw a notable increase in the hotel's gross operating profit (RBE), boosting financial position and commercial growth, surprising local media with his departure. He enhanced marketing and commercial strategies, expanded local clientele, improved dining offerings, and established local partnerships. Despite his success, Houette's journey ends on December 20th.

📆 bnetwork gère l'hébergement de plus de 150 événements par an dans plus de 20 pays et 40 villes, totalisant 1,5 million de nuitées. Leonor Lopes Gil, avec un parcours professionnel incluant la FNAC, les Fondations Edmond de Rothschild et le Comité de Direction Générale de la Banque Populaire Méditerranée, rejoint bnetwork en pleine préparation d'événements majeurs comme le MWC Barcelone 2025 et la Conférence des Nations Unies sur les océans à Nice en 2025. Elle est désormais Directrice Générale du groupe, supervisant les opérations mondiales et reportant au Conseil d'Administration.

🏨 Courtyard by Marriott Dakar Diamniadio, a hotel representing the latest contemporary design of the brand, provides a sophisticated comfortable environment for guests. Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, VP of Marriott International, highlights the hotel as a milestone for the company in the culturally vibrant and economically valuable region of Dakar, Senegal. The hotel features 134 modern rooms and suites, high-speed Wi-Fi, flexible workspaces, and soft bedding. It offers over 500 square meters of versatile event space equipped with the latest technology, ideal for conferences and special events. Located only 20 minutes from Blaise Diagne International Airport and 35 km from downtown Dakar, it serves as a convenient gateway for visitors.

💸 Robert McDowell joined Choice Hotels in May 2011 as Senior VP of Global Distribution and became Chief Commercial Officer in 2016. He led significant initiatives such as customer acquisition through a digital ad campaign, developed a cutting-edge revenue management platform, relaunched the Choice Privileges loyalty program, and enhanced digital services. McDowell, with nearly 15 years at United Airlines overseeing distribution strategy and a leadership role at C&H International, is now leaving Choice to pursue new opportunities.

📈 Stefan Ludwig led sales, revenue and reservation management, marketing, public relations, and the Groups & Events department at Gstaad Palace for over five and a half years, managing a team of 13. He was also part of the five-star hotel's executive team in Gstaad. Ludwig will leave after the winter season 2024/2025. A public job posting for his executive position has been made. Post-Covid, he contributed to the revitalization of the establishment, taking pride in their winning team strategy. Gstaad Palace acknowledges Ludwig's professional and emotional contributions as he moves on with mixed emotions.

📍 Westmont Hospitality has taken over 3 Naos hotels in Strasbourg (Aloft, AC Hotels, and Residence Inn), one in Paris-La Villette (Hilton Garden Inn), and one in Bordeaux (Hilton Garden Inn). Ferré Group acquired two establishments in Tours (Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn), Atypio took over in Le Havre (Hilton Garden Inn), LRO Hospitality in Massy (Hilton Garden Inn), and ICG RE in Nice (Sheraton). The unopened Hilton Curio in Dijon is expected to be liquidated, with no buyers.

🏨 Steve Wahrlich, with decades of hospitality experience and over 40 years with BWH Hotels, is now President, having previously been the Vice President of the Board. Viral Patel and Rajesh Patel were elected as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively. Wahrlich, a Denver native with a real estate management and finance degree from the University of Colorado, currently resides in Billings, Montana, with his wife and six grandchildren. He also serves as VP of RiverStone Health, Montana's largest community health center, and is active on several boards including the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association. Larry Cuculic, CEO of BWH Hotels, commends Wahrlich's appointment.

🏠 Auberge Resorts Collection will manage The Woodward, Switzerland's renowned luxury hotel and epicurean hotspot, starting February 1, 2025. Key expansions include Collegio alla Querce in Florence and Cambridge House in the heart of Mayfair, London, set to open in March 2025, joining their existing European properties in France and Santorini, Greece. The Woodward, featuring a 1901 Belle Époque facade, offers 26 unique suites with panoramic views, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a Guerlain spa.

📌 Amanda Hyndman became Operations Director at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on November 1, 2024, succeeding Christoph Mares. She has a 30-year luxury hotel career and has been with the group for 18 years, also serving as Director of Human Resources—a role she retains. CEO Laurent Kleitman expressed confidence in her ability to lead and achieve future ambitions.