Nominations

🎓 Richard Ginioux, an ESSEC and Sciences-Po Bordeaux alumnus, formerly General Manager of FERRANDI Paris, is now leading Excelia Tourism School. His extensive experience includes roles at FERRANDI Paris (2021-2024, General Manager), École Supérieure Internationale de Savignac (2006-2021, Director), and ownership of Gites et Chambres d'Hôtes Le Branchat (1999-2008). He succeeds Pascal Capellari and is tasked with strategic repositioning, brand establishment, and supervising development at Excelia Tourism School. He's also responsible for aligning specialized Excelia schools with the group's strategy and fostering growth.

🏌️ Thomas Benassayag, with hospitality degrees from Ecole hôtelière de Strasbourg (2006-2008) and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (2008-2011), led luxury hotel operations in France, China, and the USA for brands like Sofitel and Mandarin Oriental. He later specialized in strategic consulting, international development, and luxury industry M&A. A year ago, Thomas took charge of Opio Valbonne Golf Resort, implementing a high-end, user-centric vision and integrating hotel and golf experiences.

🏨 Guillaume Bourniquel was appointed to lead Hôtel Sax Paris, set to be operated by Hilton's Waldorf Astoria. Thibault Année, with a Master from Vatel (2013) and a degree from Université de Perpignan (2011), joined as CFO from Cheval Blanc Paris. Since 2023, Guillaume Lapostolle has been the operational key person for Compagnie de Phalsbourg's President, Philippe Journo, also representing the company at DoubleTree by Hilton Nice Centre Iconic and preparing the Parisian flagship hotel's opening. Previously at Hyatt Paris Vendôme (2015-2020) and COO for Wishibam (2020), Lapostolle strengthened his customer experience expertise.

🏌️ Thomas Benassayag marks one year as General Manager at Opio-Valbonne Golf Resort with a focus on enhancing the resort experience and positioning it as a European leader. His tenure is highlighted by a new dynamic reflecting values of conviviality, wellness, and nature connection. Benassayag's strategy involves improving synergy between golf and hotel teams, resulting in smoother operations and exceptional customer service. Opio-Valbonne Golf Resort now embraces a "lifestyle" golf vision to meet modern golfer expectations.

🏨 Paul Mulcahy has joined The Lux Collective as Commercial Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in business strategy and corporate transformation in hospitality and tourism. Previously, he was the General Manager for North America at RCI, focused on growth and operational efficiency, also serving at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and Pierre & Vacances - CenterParcs Group. Mulcahy's new role will enhance the brand's market presence and support team development, crucial for the company's expansion in the luxury hospitality sector.

🏠 Juliette Granon appointed as the Director of Communication at Rosewood São Paulo, bringing over 15 years of luxury, fashion, and media experience. Previously involved with elite brands like Lanvin, ELLE, and Air France Media, Granon also founded a consultancy between France and Brazil. She aims to enhance the hotel's reputation as a luxury icon in São Paulo through strategic communication and branding, targeting discerning international clients.

🎰 Arnaud Loret becomes the General Manager at Resort Groupe Barrière in Lille, succeeding Laurent Balmier. Starting his career with the group in 1995 as an employee in gaming, he left in 2002 as a Floor Manager to join JOA Casinos, where he became a General Manager in 2007. After 14 years with JOA, Loret rejoined Barrière in 2017 as General Manager in Blotzheim.

🏠 Arch Amenities Group appoints Caitlin McKenna as General Manager; she brings expertise in wellness and hospitality. Barry Goldstein transitions to Chief Commercial Officer after three years as CEO. McKenna previously held roles at Trilogy Spa Holdings, JLL (Chicago), and Hilton Worldwide (2012-2019), focusing on brand management and product innovation. Her aim is to advance Arch as a leading service provider amidst the evolving landscape.

🏨 Shawn Kvernen joins Commonwealth Hotels, bringing extensive hospitality experience, previously serving as Senior VP of Operations and Senior VP of Business Development at Aimbridge Hospitality. He helped drive operational efficiency and strategic growth initiatives, also holding leadership roles at Terrapin Hospitality, KPartners Hospitality, and Sage Hospitality. Jennifer Porter, President of Commonwealth Hotels, highlights his operational and development expertise as crucial for their ambitious growth goals. Kvernen, with a BA in Criminal Justice from Moorhead State University, is excited to contribute to Commonwealth Hotels' growth vision. Founded in 1986, Commonwealth Hotels is a recognized management services partner with proven financial performance.

🏦 Juliette Granon, with over 15 years of experience in luxury, fashion, and media, joins Rosewood São Paulo to enhance the hotel's reputation as a prime destination in Brazil's bustling metropolis and to establish it as a new global icon of luxury. Previously handling Public Relations for elite brands like Lanvin and prestigious media including ELLE, Numéro, and Air France Media, Granon has also successfully managed communication and branding strategies through her consultancy between France and Brazil for high-profile clients such as FARM Rio and Air France. As the new Director of Communications, her strategic expertise and deep understanding of international markets will be pivotal in amplifying the hotel's visibility and branding on both national and international stages.