Nominations

🏫 Lison de Caunes, a graduate of the Union centrale des arts décoratifs in 1972, revived her grandfather's marqueterie de paille (straw marquetry) craft, opening her studio in 1978. The resurgence of interest in Art Déco by architects and designers filled her order book. Notable collaborations include Vuitton, Guerlain, and Cheval Blanc in Paris, Bulgari Paris Hotel, the Woodward in Geneva, and renovations for the Hôtel Meurice and Cartier boutiques.

🏨 Nouredine Fardad appointed as General Manager of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality, he previously increased profitability by 70% in 2023 at Château de Berne compared to 2019, achieving the best financial results in its 23-year history. Fardad aims to enhance the eco-friendly luxury image of the hotel located on a private motu in Bora Bora.

📅 Erin Wallace joins Sonder Holdings Inc.'s board of directors on January 1, 2025. Nabeel Hyatt resigned from Sonder's board on December 31, 2024. Janice Sears, former lead independent director, becomes board chairperson. Wallace brings over 30 years of experience from The Walt Disney Company, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., and The Learning Care Group, Inc. Sonder adopts independent director-led board structure for improved governance.

📅 In 2024, the New African's list of the "100 Most Influential Africans" included notable figures like Aliko Dangote, Idris Elba, and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. Founder and President of APO Group, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, was named among these influential individuals for the second consecutive year. New African has been compiling this annual list since 2011, celebrating diverse contributions to Africa and the global community.

🏖 Jos Vranken managed the Dutch tourism and conventions office (NBTC) for 17 years, collaborating closely with educational institutions and initiating the National Data Alliance for the hospitality sector. Previously, he directed NBTC operations in the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia from London and held directorial roles at Avenance Netherlands and Stayokay.

🏨 Jos Vranken will become President of the Board of Directors at Hotelschool The Hague from April 1, 2025, succeeding Regine von Stieglitz who has led since 2018. Vranken has over 17 years as General Director of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) and contributed to the national vision Perspective 2030. Roeland Vos, Chair of the Supervisory Board, values Vranken's strategic vision and deep industry connections for guiding the institution's future.

🏨 Sébastien Mariette appointed as General Manager of the upcoming Kempinski Hotel Harbour Heights Bahrain, set to open in Manama's port in summer 2025. He will also serve as Vice President of Operations for Kempinski hotels in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the Levant, and Morocco. Mariette, with a tenure at Kempinski since 2007, has managed properties in Bulgaria, Djibouti, China, Jordan, and Dubai. 🏨

🏕 Hyatt Hotels Corporation forms a 50/50 strategic joint venture with Grupo Piñero, headquartered in Palma de Majorca, Spain, to manage Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts' 22 hotel complexes with approximately 12,000 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain, including the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort. Julio Pérez, CEO of Bahia Principe, leads the venture, with Encarna Piñero, CEO of Grupo Piñero, serving as the board chair. The partnership aims to leverage Grupo Piñero's all-inclusive expertise and European clientele to expand opportunities for World of Hyatt members.

🏡 L'Isle de Leos MGallery, envisioned by owner Patrick Bruel, will feature 49 rooms, including 11 suites and junior suites, a cocktail bar (Nego Chin), restaurant (La Roue), wine cellar (Augusta), spa (L'Olivier de Leos), fitness room, art gallery, interior patio, outdoor pool, and seminar/meeting rooms. The Provence-themed hotel celebrates local art and materials, offering olive-based wellness treatments and products. Managed by Emmanuel Borla, it will open in June 2025.

🏨 Wissem Souifi has led the Laico Tunis Hotel, Spa & Conference Center since 2017, overseeing its conversion to Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center Blu in 2021. With 20+ years in luxury hotel and resort management, Souifi directed Vincci Helios Beach Djerba (354 rooms) from February to July 2017, managed Ledger Plaza Bahari Beach Resort in Tanzania (2012-2017), and held leadership roles at LTI Djerba Holiday Beach and The Orangers Beach Resort & Bungalow in Hammamet.