Tag Archives: Leadership

Emirates Becomes the World’s First Autism Certified Airline™, Enhancing Accessible Travel for All

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(IN SHORT) Emirates has become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, introducing a series of services and training programs to enhance travel for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Over 30,000 Emirates staff will undergo specialized training, ensuring a more accessible and inclusive travel experience. The airline has also introduced sensory guides and neurodiverse-friendly amenities…. Read the full press release

Keisha Smith Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer at Four Seasons

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(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has appointed Keisha Smith as the new Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Based in Miami, Keisha will join the Executive Leadership Team and oversee the company’s People and Culture strategy, internal communications, and ESG efforts. With over 20 years of… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Appoints Yasuhiro Toshida as New Executive Chef

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(IN SHORT) Yasuhiro Toshida has been appointed as the new Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, bringing over 30 years of culinary experience to lead the hotel’s diverse dining offerings. With a focus on seasonality and local ingredients, Chef Toshida aims to create unique dining experiences that blend Kyoto’s flavors with his innovative approach…. Read the full press release

Choice Hotels Earns Recognition as One of America’s Most Responsible Companies in 2025

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(IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International has been recognized as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2025 by Newsweek and Statista, honoring its positive global impact. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its Room to Be Green program, which focuses on energy, water, waste, biodiversity, and engagement. Choice Hotels was also awarded the… Read the full press release

IHG Restaurants Shine in 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with Multiple New Listings and Awards

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(IN SHORT) The 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide has honored seven IHG Hotels & Resorts restaurants in Greater China, with three earning the “One-Diamond Restaurant” award for the first time. These newly recognized restaurants include The Grove at Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou, Riva Mediterranean Steakhouse at InterContinental Suzhou, and Wu Yue No.1 Chinese Restaurant at… Read the full press release

Shilpa Ranganathan Returns to Expedia Group as Chief Product Officer to Lead Innovation

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(IN SHORT) Expedia Group has appointed Shilpa Ranganathan as Chief Product Officer, marking her return to the company. With over 25 years of experience in customer-centric product development, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Ranganathan will oversee Expedia’s product and design teams to enhance traveler experiences. She will join the Travel Leadership Team in January, reporting… Read the full press release

HSMAI Celebrates 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds for Outstanding Leadership in Hospitality

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(IN SHORT) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has announced its 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds, recognizing leaders in hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization for their exceptional achievements over the past 18 months. These honorees, selected by a panel of industry experts, will be celebrated at the HSMAI Adrian Awards on February… Read the full press release

Destination Toronto Joins ELX Community, Strengthening Global Leadership in Corporate Events

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As the only Canadian DMO, Destination Toronto joins this invitation-only community of international senior event leaders (IN SHORT) Destination Toronto has joined the exclusive Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) community, becoming the only Canadian destination marketing organization in this global network for senior event leaders. The membership reflects Toronto’s innovative and multicultural approach to corporate events, aligning… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering Win “IT Award” for Pioneering Aircraft Maintenance Digital Transformation

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(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering have won the “IT Award (Open Innovation Area)” at the 42nd IT Award, marking their third consecutive win. The award recognizes JAL’s digital transformation efforts in aircraft maintenance, particularly through their “Zero Zero 100” initiative, which focuses on predicting and preventing failures before they occur. Key innovations… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways and Novak Djokovic Announce Multi-Year Partnership to Promote Wellness and Excellence

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The World’s Best Airline teams up with 24-time Grand Slam and 2024 Olympic Gold Medallist champion in multi-year partnership (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has announced a multi-year partnership with tennis champion Novak Djokovic, naming him as their Global Brand Ambassador and Wellness Advisor. This collaboration celebrates Djokovic’s career achievements and aligns with the airline’s commitment… Read the full press release

Star Alliance Wins World’s Leading Airline Alliance Award for Fifth Consecutive Year

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(IN SHORT) Star Alliance has been named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth consecutive year at the 31st annual World Travel Awards, held in Madeira, Portugal. This accolade highlights its commitment to seamless travel experiences and collaboration across its member airlines. Earlier in 2024, its Los Angeles Airport Lounge was also recognized as… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines Expands Executive Team to Lead Growth Following Hawaiian Airlines Merger

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Five key leaders are elevated to vice president positions as we work to deliver on the value of our combination with Hawaiian Airlines. (IN SHORT) Alaska Airlines has appointed five new executives to key vice president roles, enhancing its leadership team to support growth and elevate customer experiences following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The… Read the full press release

Sierra Leone Hosts Women in Tourism Congress, Empowering African Women Through Education and Innovation

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(IN SHORT) The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Tourism, hosted the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, gathering over 500 participants from across Africa to discuss gender-responsive policies, access to education, finance, and innovation in the tourism sector. The Congress featured panels, workshops, and cultural sessions, with leaders… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Awards Colombian Community Tourism Innovators, Celebrating Inclusivity and Sustainable Growth

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(IN SHORT) UN Tourism has recognized five innovative community tourism projects in Colombia as part of the “Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia,” held during its 122nd Executive Council session in Cartagena. The winning initiatives, selected across various categories, spotlight efforts in gamified tourism, conservation, cultural journeys, social empowerment, and sustainable travel. These projects reflect UN… Read the full press release

Anantara Hotels & Resorts Wins Top Honors at ULTRAs, Celebrated as Leading Luxury Hotel Brand

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Voted by the 28 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, Anantara Hotels & Resorts and The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara both received prestigious awards. (IN SHORT) Anantara Hotels & Resorts was honored at the 18th Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) in London, winning “Best Hotel Brand of the… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Welcomes Award-Winning Chef Shaun Anthony as New Executive Chef

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(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has named renowned Canadian chef Shaun Anthony as its new Executive Chef. With over two decades of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels worldwide, Chef Anthony brings a creative, nature-inspired culinary approach to the hotel’s nine dining outlets. His focus will be on enhancing guest experiences through locally… Read the full press release

Preferred Travel Group Expands Global Leadership Team to Drive Growth and Innovation

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New leadership roles in 2024 underscore the travel and hospitality company’s commitment to advancing brand development and strategic growth (IN SHORT) Preferred Travel Group has announced four strategic promotions within its leadership team, enhancing its global operations and expanding its influence in key regions. Christopher Ahlgrim, Renee Haddad, Stephanie Calhoun, and Priscilla Haryadi have each… Read the full press release

Hilton Celebrated as Leading Hospitality Employer with No. 2 Spot on World’s Best Workplaces List

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(IN SHORT) Hilton has been recognized as the No. 2 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, marking its eighth consecutive year as the top hospitality company on the list. This achievement reflects Hilton’s commitment to a people-first workplace culture, emphasizing inclusivity, wellness, and career growth through its “Thrive at Hilton” program…. Read the full press release

Thibaut Drege Returns to Lead Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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(IN SHORT) Thibaut Drege has returned to Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris as General Manager, after a successful two-year tenure at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest. Drege, who began his career with Four Seasons at the George V in 2018, has nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality. His return marks… Read the full press release

The Best Chef Awards Debuts in Dubai, Honoring Chef Pedro Pena Bastos and Celebrating Global Culinary Innovation

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(IN SHORT) The Best Chef Awards debuted in Dubai, honoring culinary excellence and innovation. Among the awardees was Chef Pedro Pena Bastos of CURA in Lisbon, who received the prestigious Two-Knives Award. The event, gathering over 800 professionals, showcased emerging trends in gastronomy and emphasized collaboration and creativity in shaping the future of food. (PRESS… Read the full press release

Delaware North Chef Champions Sustainability at Empire State Building’s STATE Grill and Bar

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(IN SHORT) In honor of the 25th anniversary of Delaware North’s GreenPath® program, the company is highlighting Chef Jarrett from STATE Grill and Bar, who is known for her commitment to sustainable practices. At the Empire State Building’s iconic restaurant, Jarrett prioritizes local, eco-friendly ingredients, such as mushrooms from Afterlife Mushrooms and honey from on-site… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Appoints Rakesh Gangwal as Independent Board Chair, Announces New Committee Leaders

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(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has appointed Rakesh Gangwal as the new independent Chair of its Board of Directors and assigned new Chairs for its Board Committees. Gangwal aims to work closely with CEO Bob Jordan and the leadership team to strengthen the airline’s financial performance. CEO Jordan also acknowledged the dedication of Southwest employees, emphasizing… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Appoints Omar Romero as Chief Development Officer to Lead Global Expansion

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Romero is the latest addition to the hospitality group’s senior leadership team as it accelerates its global expansion plans (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Omar Romero as Chief Development and Luxury Officer to drive its global expansion and luxury brand curation efforts. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Romero will spearhead Minor’s strategy… Read the full press release

Louisiana Native Natalie Placer Joins Four Seasons New Orleans as Director of Marketing

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Louisiana native and Four Seasons veteran returns home to lead marketing for celebrated hotel (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has appointed Louisiana native Natalie Placer as Director of Marketing. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality and a strong background with Four Seasons properties nationwide, Placer will lead marketing for New Orleans’ only… Read the full press release

KLM Celebrates Fourth Consecutive APEX World Class Award, Highlighting Commitment to Customer Experience and Sustainability

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(IN SHORT) KLM has been awarded the APEX World Class Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing its outstanding achievements in customer experience, sustainability, and safety. This prestigious honor, presented by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based on global audits and consumer feedback. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, accepted the award in… Read the full press release

SAS Achieves Five Star Rating in 2025 APEX Awards, Recognizing Commitment to Customer Excellence

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(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been awarded a Five Star rating in the 2025 APEX global customer rankings, reflecting the airline’s commitment to exceptional passenger experiences. This recognition is based on nearly one million passenger reviews of 600 airlines worldwide and places SAS among the top 30 airlines globally, representing the top 7% in… Read the full press release

dnata Celebrates Decade as ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ with Continued Innovation and Sustainability

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(IN SHORT) For the tenth consecutive year, dnata has been awarded ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ at the 2024 Air Cargo News Awards, recognizing its excellence in cargo services. The accolade highlights dnata’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation, as seen in recent initiatives such as integrating drones and AI-powered solutions in its global operations,… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza Introduces Chef Gao Chunlong to Lead Chinese Cuisine at 8 Restaurant

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(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza has appointed Chef Gao Chunlong as Chef de Cuisine at its celebrated 8 Restaurant. With over 20 years of experience, including time at the Michelin-starred Cai Yi Xuan at Four Seasons Beijing, Chef Gao brings a refined approach to traditional Chinese cuisine, blending authentic flavors with… Read the full press release

Hilton Earns No. 1 Spot as Best U.S. Workplace for Women for Sixth Year Running

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(IN SHORT) Hilton has been ranked as the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S. by Fortune and Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year, recognizing its commitment to an inclusive culture that empowers women through career development, mentorship programs, and well-being initiatives. Hilton’s focus on growth, wellness, and support for… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Jackson Hole Announces New Leadership Team Ahead of Festive Season

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New General Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, and Director of Marketing appointed to executive team of Wyoming’s only Forbes Five Star resort (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole has welcomed three new executives to its leadership team: Jane Kim as General Manager, Jose Vargas as Director of Food and Beverage, and… Read the full press release