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e.koureli

111 posts

Belmond expands lodge platform as Slow Luxury strategy gains momentum

🏝️ Steve Mitchell will lead Belmond's lodges globally, focusing on Botswana's Eagle Island and Savute Elephant Lodge. Reporting to Iain Langridge, he aims to enhance guest experiences and community impact. Previously, Mitchell scaled Angama into a notable safari brand in East Africa over 12 years. Under CEO Dan Ruff, Belmond strengthens its executive team and European presence, opening Villa Beatrice in Italy. Laura Magnon Pujo will join as senior VP of HR in 2026.
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Mag HON 362-363: Shangri-La Hotels: Asian precision in the service of ultra-luxury

📈 Shangri-La Group is enhancing customer engagement with its Shangri-La Circle loyalty program. By 2024-2025, they plan to expand in Asia and the Middle East, including openings like JEN Kunming and Shangri-La Nanshan Shenzhen. In 2022, Shangri-La Jeddah opened on the Red Sea. Their ESG initiatives reduce plastics and carbon emissions, with local actions in Paris. By 2024-2025, they expect revenue growth and financial discipline, focusing on management and mixed-use projects.
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Leadership transition signals Sommet Education’s ambitions

📈 Spencer Coles becomes CEO of Sommet Education on 16 February 2026. With over 25 years in international education, he previously led MPW's four-fold growth over five years. Sommet Education, serving 20,000 students across 10+ countries, offers 400+ programs. The group has strengthened industry ties, focusing on hospitality talent and leadership. Coles' appointment aims to enhance governance, boosting employability and skills relevance in hospitality education.
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Stabilizing performance while scaling: Minor reinforces MEA operations

🌍 Amir Golbarg's career includes leadership roles since 2012 at Minor Hotels in Bangkok, Doha, and Dubai. In March 2019, he was appointed Vice President Operations for the Middle East, later becoming Senior Vice President in September 2021, managing 38 hotels with 7,000 keys and a 30-hotel pipeline. His leadership drives growth across Middle East & Africa, contributing to Minor Hotels' goal of 300 new hotels by 2027, enhancing brand equity and performance in luxury segments.
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Mag HON 362-363: The Peninsula Hotels grow step by step to keep the exclusiveness

📁 The Peninsula Hotels follows a strategic approach focusing on four pillars: location selection, guest experience, technological innovation, and sustainability. It emphasizes prestige markets and slow development, with the Kadoorie family meticulously selecting sites and partners. Recent openings in London and Istanbul exemplify this process. Despite challenges, all properties have earned Forbes Travel Guide’s "Five-Star" rating. Technology plays a crucial role, with the Shiji Enterprise Platform enhancing digital maturity and personalization.
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