Nominations

🏨 Brian Hicks, boasting over 30 years of international experience, steps in as the fifth CEO in the nearly 100-year history of HSMAI, succeeding Bob Gilbert, who was CEO for 30 years. Hicks brings a proven track record in brand development, innovation, and leadership, aligning with HSMAI's mission to support members and their careers during a pivotal expansion and impact-enhancing period in the hospitality industry.

📈 Armelle De la Porte des Vaux appointed Vice-President of Marketing for North America since August 1, 2024, after serving as Marketing, Communication and Digital Director for Club Med in Benelux & Germany since January 2023. With over a decade in luxury industry leadership roles at L'Oréal and Dior, she brings expertise in brand development and marketing strategy across Europe, Central America, and Asia. Since joining Club Med in 2019, she's transformed campaigns, revitalized the Belgian market, managed strategic German market initiatives, and oversaw significant projects like Marbella launches and Vittel renovation, aiming to infuse the North American market with Club Med's "L'Esprit Libre.

💰 Lesya Batsuk promoted to CFO of Hotel Co 51, bringing 17 years of strategic accounting expertise. Batsuk joined the hotel management company in 2021 after over eight years in senior financial management at Intertrust Group. At Hotel Co 51, she has established a centralized financial structure, integrated systems across Europe from the Amsterdam HQ, and now oversees a team of 29 with 5 direct subordinates. The company's portfolio includes 42 establishments under five Marriott International brands across eight countries.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a long-term strategic partnership with Grupo Piñero to manage and own Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, with the headquarters located in Palma de Majorca, Spain. The joint venture will increase Hyatt's all-inclusive room portfolio by approximately 30%, reinforcing its position as a leading all-inclusive stays provider globally. The partnership aims to boost Grupo Piñero's hotel division growth and reach new customers in key markets, building on its European client base and expanding to the American continent and other significant markets.

📌 Julien Glannes becomes the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Beau Vallon's hotel division, succeeding Fabio Meo. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Glannes has worked in prestigious European establishments, including Le Meurice in Paris. A 16-year resident of Mauritius, he has held leadership positions with Ninety-Six Hotel Collection and most recently at Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. A graduate from the University of Technology of Paris and the University of Poitiers, Glannes brings expertise in operational management, business development, and customer relations to Beau Vallon. Thierry Merven, Group CEO, expresses gratitude to Fabio Meo for his crucial role in the hotels' development and resilience post-COVID, wishing him success in future endeavors.

🏨 Skander Gharbi, with an MBA from Vatel Tunisie (2013) and a Licence from IHEC (2010), after leading La Cigale Tabarka for seven years, becomes the General Manager of Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas. Previously held director positions at TUI Hotels North Africa and Sensimar Medina Gardens, Gharbi steps into a 93-room luxury resort combining Moorish and Berber architecture that features lavish villas with private pools and a royal villa.

🏡 Michael Pouyer started as the General Manager of Roch Hôtel & Spa (Paris 1st) in mid-October after beginning his career at Hôtel Champs-Élysées Plaza, moving to Hôtel Les Théâtres as Operation Director, and then to Padam Hôtel and its restaurant Edith as General Manager. Pouyer, with a background in luxury hotel management, is eager to bring his experience and vision to this prestigious establishment.

🎓 Charline Bresse, a key collaborator for nearly 10 years with Lavorel Hotels, has been appointed by founder Jean-Claude Lavorel to drive strategic expansion and operational excellence. Bresse's promotion reflects the high confidence Lavorel has in her abilities to uphold the group's values of excellence and creativity. Previously serving as Director of Sales and Marketing, then Director of Development, Bresse became Deputy General Manager in 2018, playing a crucial role in the group's transformation and growth through strategic projects and acquisitions.

📅 Sunweb Group, an online European tour operator, appointed Désirée van den Goorbergh as Chief Product Officer and Willemijn Rijpma as Director of Marketing. Van den Goorbergh brings experience from her previous role at Maersk and lead positions at Expedia Group in Seattle. The hiring aligns with Sunweb's strategy to bolster product development and marketing efforts.

💰 Angela Zhou, with a BSc from Johnson & Wales University (1998) and a Master's from Bentley University (2004), is appointed Senior Vice President - Finance at Langham Hospitality Group (LHG), reporting to Bob van den Oord, the managing director. Zhou brings extensive experience from key financial roles at Marriott International, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where she was Vice President of Finance. This move coincides with the departure of Francis Ling after two and a half years as LHG's CFO. LHG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, embracing brands like The Langham Hotels and Resorts, and Cordis Hotels.