Nominations

🏦 Hans Heijligers stepped down as head of InterContinental Genève after three successful years. Daniel Arbenz, boasting over 25 years of international experience, became General Manager on September 10. He had worked in Asia, Australia, Middle East, and at IHG, including his recent role as Area General Manager IHG Oman OMRAN Hotels & InterContinental Muscat. Najib ARAYER will join as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Geneva starting early November, moving from his position since 2018 at Crowne Plaza Brussels.

🏠 Karine Hyon-Vintrou, with a career starting in luxury hospitality at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the US and France, honed her expertise before joining InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in the UK. She developed a passion for branding at IHG, led Onyx Hospitality's brand platform in Bangkok, and became IHG’s Global Brand Director upon returning to the UK. In 2018, Karine joined Sommet Education, repositioning the Glion and Les Roches brands, and was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in March 2023. She now leads École Ducasse, aiming to strengthen its global leadership in gastronomy and culinary education.

🏢 Alice Roudaut, aged 40, previously Directrice Immobilier Europe, Moyen-Orient et Afrique at The Estée Lauder Companies since 2016, managed a portfolio of 1000 retail assets and 100 offices/warehouses across 25 countries for 30 brands. Holding a Master in Management and Real Estate Investment from Université Paris Dauphine and a Bachelor's program from Sup de co La Rochelle, she has directed real estate and development at Hammerson, Fast Retailing, and Klépierre. Her expertise will drive Belambra's growth, as acknowledged by Alexis Gardy, President of Belambra Clubs, enhancing their position in French tourism.

🏦 Karine Hyon-Vintrou is appointed as the new General Manager of École Ducasse, succeeding Elise Masurel, who led the institution for five years and significantly accelerated its growth. Hyon-Vintrou's career began in luxury hospitality with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the USA and France, followed by a role at InterContinental Hotels Group's global headquarters in the UK. She further developed her strategic vision and project management skills internationally, including in Bangkok with Onyx Hospitality and as Global Brand Director at IHG in the UK. In 2018, she joined Sommet Education to reposition the Glion and Les Roches brand, enhancing their reputation in hotel management education.

🏨 Alice Roudaut is appointed as the Director of Real Estate and Development at Belambra, working directly under President Alexis Gardy and joining the executive committee. She leads a team of 7, aiming to enhance the group's real estate strategy, grow its property portfolio in France, and manage asset valorization through renovation and repositioning projects. Previously, Roudaut managed a portfolio of 1000 retail assets and 100 offices/warehouses across 25 countries for The Estée Lauder Companies since 2016.

🍴 Lionel Levy, nearly a year after leaving the Intercontinental Marseille – Hôtel Dieu, joins LJ Hôtels & Co as the Director of Catering and Events. He will sign the menu for the new Italian restaurant Cocci, set to open in October. Levy will also manage private (weddings, birthdays, professional seminars) and public events, and develop partnerships, including with the association Gourméditerranée, of which he is a founding member. LJ Hôtels & Co speaks highly of Levy's comprehensive sector knowledge and expertise.

🏨 Michael Groll started as a trainee in Food & Beverage Management in 2004 at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. He advanced his career in various leadership roles across Mandarin Oriental hotels in Asia and the Middle East, including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Doha, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. In 2017, he was appointed as the F&B Director at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and became Hotel Manager in 2021. He is currently enrolled in the Executive Master program at Glion Institute of Higher Education and ESSEC Business School. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is undergoing a transformational journey as part of the "Tomorrow's CENTRAL" project, aiming to elevate luxury experiences for guests and set a new standard for ultra-luxurious living in the city, involving the refurbishment of 111 rooms and suites.

📊 Satya-Christophe Menard, a Master's graduate from Université Paris Dauphine in 1991, joins SSP with 20 years of experience in the service sector, including expertise in foodservice and café sectors across Europe and North America. Formerly the President of Out-of-Home for JDE Peet’s and Global CEO for Sodexo's Schools and Universities division, Menard has managed diverse international teams. Working with colleagues in 14 European countries, his focus will be on accelerating growth and profits. Patrick Coveney, CEO of SSP, highlights Menard's business skills and international experience as key to maintaining the company's strong market position.

📌 Simon Beaumont, with 35 years in the hospitality industry, takes the role of General Manager at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort. Previously, Beaumont handled 14 properties as the interim GM of Azerbaijan's Absheron Hotel Group, after 13 years at Marriott International, where he was Senior Director of Culinary for Europe, covering 370 hotels in over 30 countries. Puneet Dhawan of Minor Hotels Asia praises Beaumont's operational expertise, aiming to bolster Avani+ Khao Lak's regional prominence.

🏨 Cycas Hospitality announces the promotion of Craig Patterson to Chief Development Officer (CDO), joining the executive team, and Jeroen Steensma as Director of Feasibility and Development. These strategic advancements reflect Cycas's commitment to internal talent progression and mark the initiation of an ambitious expansion plan to support its ongoing growth in Europe. Patterson, with nine years at Cycas and a significant role in the company’s expansion strategy over the past six years, will lead development initiatives to secure new opportunities and strategic partnerships.