Emirates Group Elevates 19 Executives, Signifying Strong Emphasis on UAE Talent and Gender Diversity

19 executives promoted, including 8 UAE nationals, demonstrating the bench strength of UAE talent and internally developed talent at the Emirates Group 6 women added to the Group’s senior executive ranks (IN SHORT) The Emirates Group announces the promotion of 19 executives, reflecting its commitment to nurturing UAE talent and fostering gender diversity within its… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Appoints Ammarawadee Cheowit as General Manager of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, Thailand’s First NH Hotel Brand in Asia

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels announces the appointment of Ammarawadee Cheowit as the General Manager of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, marking a significant milestone as the first NH Hotel brand in Thailand and Asia. With over 13 years of hotel management experience, including leadership roles in various tourist destinations across Thailand, Amma brings a wealth… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Enhances Culinary Experience with New Executive Chef and Pastry Chef Appointments

The five-star Hotel welcomes a new Executive Chef and Pastry Chef to continue delivering world-class culinary experiences (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Nashville elevates its culinary offerings with the appointment of Chef Francesco Greco as Executive Chef and Chef Hector Llompart as Pastry Chef. With extensive international experience, Chef Greco brings his expertise to oversee… Read the full press release

ARK Holdings CEO, Azim Saju, Honored as 2023 Franchisee of the Year by IFA

Owner of various Choice Hotels’ properties across Florida was recognized at IFA’s Annual Conference (IN SHORT) Azim Saju, CEO of ARK Holdings, has been named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) at their 64th Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the franchise… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for Ninth Consecutive Year

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines proudly announces its ninth consecutive perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), highlighting the airline’s unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Joining 545 major U.S. businesses with top marks, Southwest’s dedication to inclusivity is underscored by its comprehensive policies and practices. The CEI’s record-breaking… Read the full press release

Expedia Group Elevates Long-Time Veterans to Lead New Operating Divisions

Following the succession from Peter Kern to Ariane Gorin, Expedia Group taps two long-time Expedia veterans to lead newly formed operating divisions (IN SHORT) Expedia Group has appointed Alfonso Paredes as President of Private Label Solutions and Greg Schulze as President of Travel Partners and Media, establishing two new operating divisions within the company. With… Read the full press release

Qantas Announces New Board Members and Chairman Elect in Ongoing Renewal

(IN SHORT) Qantas reveals significant changes to its board as part of its continuous renewal process, appointing John Mullen as the Chairman Elect effective July 1, 2024, alongside Dr. Nora Scheinkestel as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee starting March 1, 2024. The selection of Mullen, with his extensive executive and directorial… Read the full press release

Kempinski Hotels Enhances Regional Expertise with COO Switch

(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels announces a strategic switch of regions for two of its Chief Operations Officers (COOs), aimed at sharing best practices and bolstering regional growth. Xavier Destribats, previously overseeing operations in the Americas, moves to Geneva to take charge of Europe in addition to the Americas, while Timur Sentuerk relocates to Dubai to… Read the full press release

Swedavia Implements Organizational Change, Merges Project Unit with Facilities and Systems

(IN SHORT) Swedavia has announced an organizational change effective July 1st, merging the Project business unit with the Facilities and Systems business unit. This decision follows the retirement of Johan Bill, Director of Projects, who has made significant contributions to Swedavia’s project development at various airports. With this merger, the Facilities and Systems business unit… Read the full press release

Avani Hotels & Resorts Celebrates International Women’s Day with Unique Travel Experiences Led by Inspiring Women

(IN SHORT) In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, Avani Hotels & Resorts presents four transformative travel experiences led by remarkable women. From learning ballet in the Maldives with former Royal Ballet dancer Karis Scarlette to sampling Cambodian craft gin by Pari Sophary at FCC Angkor by Avani, guests embark on journeys… Read the full press release

Rohit Pandey Appointed General Manager of Anantara Jaipur Hotel: Leading Minor Hotels’ Debut Luxury Property in India

Rohit brings over 20 years of experience to lead the first Anantara in India (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels announces the appointment of Rohit Pandey as General Manager of Anantara Jaipur Hotel, marking the luxury brand’s entry into India. With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, including roles at prestigious brands like Marriott International… Read the full press release

PATA’s Women in Travel Conference in the Philippines: Empowering Diversity and Sustainability in Tourism

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is gearing up to host the PATA International Conference on Women in Travel from March 20-22, 2024, in the Philippines, showcasing the commitment to gender equality and empowerment in the tourism sector. With a focus on addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s leadership, the conference aims to… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol Appoints Miguel Baltazar as Executive Chef, Elevating Culinary Excellence in Cabo San Lucas

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol proudly announces the appointment of Miguel Baltazar as Executive Chef, bringing over a decade of culinary expertise and a passion for creating masterful dishes to the resort’s dining experiences. Set to open in early 2024 on Mexico’s Baja peninsula, the resort… Read the full press release

dnata Travel Group Appoints Lesley Rollo as CEO, UK, to Lead Seven Prominent Brands

(IN SHORT) dnata Travel Group has named Lesley Rollo as the Chief Executive Officer, UK, responsible for overseeing the operations of the group’s seven UK-based brands. Lesley, who previously served as Managing Director for Travelbag within the dnata Travel Group, brings extensive industry experience to her new role. dnata Travel Group is a division of… Read the full press release

Iberia and Iberia Express Lead Europe in Punctuality for 2023

Iberia was the second most punctual airline in Europe and fifth in the world The report was published by Cirium, the global aviation analysis consultancy (IN SHORT) Iberia and Iberia Express have been recognized as the most punctual airlines in Europe in 2023, with Iberia Express claiming the top spot with 84.58% of its flights… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Appoints Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil as VP of Operations to Drive Expansion in India’s Luxury Hospitality Market

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has named Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil as Vice President – Operations, India, effective from December 21, 2023. In this newly created role, Krishnan-Vazhvelil will play a vital part in Minor Hotels’ expansion efforts in India, particularly in launching the group’s first Anantara property in Jaipur and fostering growth across the country. With over… Read the full press release

Leanne Harwood Appointed to Lead IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle Americas Division

Company, Industry Veteran to Begin New Role as SVP, Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas in March (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has named Leanne Harwood as Senior Vice President (SVP), Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA). Harwood, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, will oversee the daily operations of… Read the full press release

United Airlines Pilot Capt. Anne Worster Elected as MEC Chair by Air Line Pilots Association

(IN SHORT) The United Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has elected Capt. Anne Worster as the new chair of the pilot group. Capt. Worster, a 27-year United Airlines pilot, Gulf War veteran, and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, currently serves as vice chair and first officer representative… Read the full press release

Wizz Air Achieves Record Low Carbon Emissions in 2023, Continuing Environmental Leadership

Carbon emisssions per passenger/km down by 6.8% YoY (IN SHORT) Wizz Air, recognized as Europe’s fastest-growing and most environmentally sustainable airline, announced that it achieved its lowest-ever average annual carbon intensity result in 2023, recording 51.5 grams of carbon emissions per passenger/kilometer, a 6.8% reduction from the previous year. The airline aims to reduce its… Read the full press release

Boeing Appoints Admiral Kirkland H. Donald as Special Advisor to Enhance Quality Management

Admiral Kirkland Donald to lead in-depth assessment of Boeing commercial quality management system (IN SHORT) Boeing has named Admiral Kirkland H. Donald, U.S. Navy (Ret.), as a special advisor to Boeing’s President and CEO, Dave Calhoun, to assess Boeing’s quality management system for commercial airplanes. Admiral Donald and a team of experts will review quality… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Appoints Culinary Stars to Reclaim Michelin Status at Yu Yuan Restaurant

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has made significant appointments in its culinary team, welcoming Head Chef Kwok Wai To and Dim Sum Chef Qingbing Wu to the renowned Yu Yuan restaurant. These appointments are part of a strategic initiative to regain Michelin-star status and strengthen the restaurant’s position as a world-class venue for authentic… Read the full press release

Finnair Appoints Turkka Kuusisto as New CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

(IN SHORT) Finnair has announced the appointment of Turkka Kuusisto as the new CEO, effective from July 11, 2024, or earlier. Kuusisto, who currently serves as the CEO of Posti Group Corporation, brings extensive experience in senior leadership roles and a deep understanding of complex industries. Finnair’s Chair of the Board, Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, expressed confidence… Read the full press release

James Beard Award-Winning Chef Nancy Silverton Joins Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla for Culinary Residency

Chef Silverton to bring her irresistible Italian-inspired recipes to the island’s premier beachfront resort January 12 through 15 (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is hosting renowned chef, baker, author, and James Beard Award-winner Chef Nancy Silverton for a four-night culinary residency from January 12 to 15, 2024. As part of the resort’s… Read the full press release

Frank Dobbelsteijn Appointed as Swissport’s Global Head of Operations

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG has appointed Frank Dobbelsteijn as its Global Head of Operations, effective from January 1, 2024. With over 30 years of experience in various senior roles in the aviation and logistics sectors, Dobbelsteijn will be responsible for aligning Swissport’s operational priorities with its strategic goals, focusing on safety, reliability, customer-centricity, and… Read the full press release

Stuart De San Nicolas Appointed Cluster General Manager for Three Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

(IN SHORT) Stuart De San Nicolas has taken on the role of Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Avani+ Fares Resort, and NH Collection Maldives Havodda, effective December 23, 2023. With over 30 years of international hospitality experience spanning various continents, Stuart’s expertise will be instrumental in leading these luxury resorts. Stuart’s extensive… Read the full press release

Chef Quentin Welch Takes the Helm as Executive Chef at Bourbon Steak DC

MINA Group veteran to helm the kitchen at renowned Georgetown steakhouse (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, in collaboration with MINA Group, has appointed Chef Quentin Welch as the new Executive Chef of Bourbon Steak DC, the flagship location of Chef Michael Mina’s renowned American steakhouse. Chef Welch, an Ohio native with extensive culinary… Read the full press release

Marin Leuthard Appointed Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

(IN SHORT) Swiss-born Marin Leuthard has taken on the role of Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, bringing with him a wealth of culinary experience acquired from his extensive career in the culinary world. Inspired by his grandmother’s culinary talents, Leuthard embarked on his culinary journey at a local dining venue at… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel’s Marco Calenzo Named Gambero Rosso’s Chef of the Year

The Italian accolade comes to the shores of The Surf Club in the Miami Beaches (IN SHORT) Marco Calenzo, Executive Chef of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, has been awarded the prestigious title of Chef of the Year by renowned Italian food and wine publication Gambero Rosso. Since his arrival in the summer… Read the full press release

Alastair McAlpine Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka

The seasoned hotelier takes charge of the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, set to open in the summer of 2024 (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has appointed Alastair McAlpine as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, set to open in August 2024. With over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience and… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest Welcomes Adrien Poul as Director of Food and Beverage

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest has appointed Adrien Poul as its Director of Food and Beverage, leveraging his over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. Adrien’s journey began at École Hôtelière de Paris Jean Drouant, where he developed his passion for the industry and honed his culinary skills. He… Read the full press release