Nominations

🏖️ Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF), joins the executive committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Bringing over two decades of investment and corporate banking experience, Al-Fakhri has held top positions such as investment advisor to the Saudi Minister of Tourism, co-founder of Tiraz AlArabia, and CEO of Al Ajial Holding. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, welcomed his extensive expertise.

💼 Trix van der Vleuten joined The Social Hub as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead the newly restructured Marketing & Performance team. The Social Hub, offering hotel facilities, student accommodation, long-term stays, co-working spaces, gyms, and event spaces under one roof, operates 18 sites in Europe. Daniel Hernández Lyon, former public affairs expert at Edelman, became Director of Global Communications at The Social Hub at the end of 2023. Anne Koning, former global brand and social media director at Netflix, joined as Global Director of Brand and Content in September. Nathalie Wilson, from the travel sector, started as Marketing Director in September. A new Commercial Director's recruitment is underway. The team aims to strengthen The Social Hub's integrated marketing and commercial operations, executing global and regional strategies.

📌 Bo Nylandsted Larsen, with over 20 years of commercial leadership experience, joins Kolpin Hotels after a career spanning Scandinavian Airlines, Cruise Baltic, and Cruise Copenhagen. He has a strong background in strategic sales, marketing, partnerships, strategy, and product development in fast-evolving industries like airlines, cruises, healthcare, and shipping. Kolpin Hotels' CEO, Karim Nielsen, notes Larsen's well-known status in the Danish hospitality sector and anticipates that his leadership will elevate the company to new markets and growth phases, stressing the importance of sales, marketing, PR, and partnerships.

🏨 Paul Mulcahy, with over 20 years of experience in commercial strategy and corporate restructuring, has been appointed as the Commercial Director for The Lux Collective, a hotel management group, as part of its global expansion. Based in Mauritius, Mulcahy holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Leicester and an MBA from the University of Lancaster. Formerly a Senior Vice President at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, he significantly contributed to their global revenue and led a successful commercial and digital transformation.

🏖️ Launched in the late 50s and named Yachtman since 1972, managed by chef Jacques Le Divellec for 35+ years. Sold in 1983, became a Mercure franchise in 1987. Le Divellec repurchased it in 1997, owned it until 2011, succeeded by Christian Legendre. The La Rochelle hotel has 46 rooms, recently renovated, including most rooms and the pool area, earning a 4th star. LFPI Group acquired the Yachtman facilitated by Tourny Meyer, with Nicolas Hagnéré directing the sale.

🏨 Elanor Investors Group appoints 1834 Hotels to manage 18 hotel assets under the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund for operational efficiency. This strategic agreement will enhance asset value for orderly portfolio divestment. The coalition leverages 1834's resources for economies of scale while maintaining high quality standards, with key Elanor team members transitioning to ensure management continuity. Elanor's CEO Tony Fehon and 1834's CEO Andrew Bullock express positive outlooks on the collaboration for asset performance and investor returns.

🏦 Vincent Prioult, graduated from the International Concierge Institute in 2001, swiftly advanced in Sofitel, starting as Front Office Manager at Sofitel Wanda Beijing (2007-2008), then Director of Guest Services at Sofitel Philadelphia (2002-2007), and Manager at Sofitel Saigon Plaza (2008-2012). He joined The Peninsula Hotels in 2012, served as Executive Assistant Manager at Peninsula Tokyo for nearly 4 years, Resident Manager at Peninsula Chicago (2016-2018), Hotel Manager at The Peninsula Shanghai (2018-2020), and Director, Operations at The Peninsula Hong Kong (July 2020-February 2022). Prioult was promoted to Vice President, Rooms Operations & Quality in February 2022, before becoming Hotel Manager in Bangkok, marking a significant step in his luxury hospitality career.

📌 Maëlle Collot, at 32, serves as the COO of Sansi Hotels Zanzibar, reflecting a successful blend of Vosges roots and African zeal within her career. Having a background in business management from Nancy and experience as an au pair in London, Collot's journey is marked by a significant inclination towards hospitality, shaped by her love for travel and a profound connection to both her hometown of 6,000 inhabitants and the African continent.

🏠 Stéphane Rigaud, after nearly two years leading the Intercontinental Bora-Bora, returns to France to manage Six Senses Residences & SPA Courchevel, comprising 53 apartments. He began his career with IHG, later joining Disney in 2003, and Hyatt in 2008, becoming Hotel Manager at Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in 2015. In January 2023, Rigaud rejoined IHG in Polynesia amidst an economic recovery.

🏠 Hamid Bentahar, after a 35-year career with Accor and serving as President of Accor Afrique Services and Accor Gestion Maroc, is leaving his operational roles but will advise the group as an external consultant. Throughout his tenure, he held key positions in Turkey, Greece, and Tunisia, and led the group in Morocco. Bentahar was awarded the Gold Medal for Tourism in 2010 and the Legion of Honour in 2016. Accor, coinciding with his departure, is restructuring its Moroccan operations into two divisions: Luxury and Lifestyle, and Premium, Midscale, and Economy. Bentahar's position will not be replaced, marking a new phase for Accor in Morocco.