Human Resources

🏨 Minor Hotels appoints Tamer Khedr as managing director for Egypt, leading expansion plans from within the country. Khedr, formerly CEO of DO Hotels, will report to Dubai. The role coincides with the launch of Anantara Somabay Resort and a strategic partnership with Sunrise Resorts, aiming to develop up to 50 hotels and cruises over 10 years. Egypt is a key market for Minor Hotels, reflecting its long-term commitment to the region.

🏨 Crossbasket Castle Hotel appoints Zoe Douglas as Director of Spa and Wellness, leveraging her decade-long experience, including roles at Archerfield and Farncombe Estate. This move precedes the autumn opening of the Four Angels Spa. The spa is part of the hotel's £24 million expansion, featuring bespoke treatments and enhanced facilities like saunas and steam rooms. The project also introduces Crossbasket Cabins for accommodation. Recruitment for therapists and reception roles is ongoing.

🍳 Zeal Hotels appointed Zibi Klapsia as executive chef at Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, recognized as IHG Hotels' 2025 opening of the year. Klapsia, formerly of Accor and South West venues like Gidleigh Park, will focus on lifecycle net-zero carbon strategies. Zeal plans to expand sustainable hotels across the UK. Klapsia emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood, and aims to create memorable dining experiences highlighting sustainability and exceptional hospitality.

🗺️ Germain Dheilly joins Azureva, a French tourism operator, to lead New B2B Client Acquisition, aiming to expand indirect distribution. Within months, 300 travel agencies, including Prêt à Partir, joined Azureva's network. Dheilly's 30-year tourism career, including roles at Odalys and GfK, equips him to boost Azureva’s growth by enhancing its professional partner network and targeting works councils (CSE) for broader reach across French destinations.

💸 BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, overseeing €300 billion, appoints Karim Malak to lead The Boost Society, targeting student housing and young professionals. With experience from BCG, Accenture, Adagio Aparthotels, and easyHotel, Malak aims to grow assets to €3 billion within five years. The platform merges hospitality with coliving, focusing on France and Spain. Malak's track record in European business expansion aligns with plans to establish a leading European student real estate platform.

📈 Florian Aubin appointed CFO of Louvre Hotels Group, reporting to CEO Eduardo Bosch. This group manages 1,750+ hotels in 70 countries, including brands like Première Classe and Kyriad. Aubin is tasked with advancing the five-year strategic plan launched in December 2023, focusing on sustainable growth and financial transformation. He brings over two decades of experience, including roles at PwC and Atalian Group. Louvre Hotels Group is a subsidiary of Jin Jiang International Holdings, the world's second-largest hotel group.