Human Resources

📈 Aimbridge EMEA expands leadership with six new General Managers: Sujith Kattezhath Gopinathan (Mercure York Fairfield Manor), Michelle Hickey (Mercure Brighton Seafront), Saira Cieloszyk (Holiday Inn Southend), Nora Urbancova (Hotel Indigo Manchester), Jacqueline Turpin (The Harlow Hotel by Accor), and Frederik Deman (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent). The appointments support Aimbridge's strategic growth, following the addition of nine properties in Q1 2025, enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

🏨 Jannes Sörensen, a hospitality expert with 20 years of experience at luxury hotels like Georges V and Bristol in Paris, now leads Kepler Hotel Group and Kepler International Hospitality Academy. He emphasizes shifting focus from physical assets to emotional guest experiences, citing a study of 2,500 guest comments where only 4% mentioned physical features, while many highlighted personalized service. Sörensen advocates educating hospitality leaders on enhancing emotional intelligence for competitive advantage.

📈 Jay Burnett, with nearly 35 years in hospitality, rejoins Auro Hotels as executive vice president of investments and development. Previously, Burnett was the chief investment officer at GF Hotels & Resorts. He also worked at AMC Delancey Group and spent six years in various roles at Marriott International. Burnett, an alumnus of the University of Virginia and Cornell University, will lead Auro's real estate team, focusing on acquisitions, project execution, and asset management.

🏨 Christophe Laure, General Manager of InterContinental Paris Le Grand, celebrates 15 years at the iconic Paris hotel. Recently appointed Head of the Luxury & Lifestyle Division for France at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Laure's career spans over 40 years, showcasing his operational excellence, strategic vision, and dedication to talent and innovation.

📈 Philippe Bijaoui, Accor's chief development officer for Europe and North Africa, discusses Handwritten hotels' investment strategies. Filmed at Hotel Maison Hamelin Paris, the interview highlights opportunities for the brand amid rising costs and competition.

🌍 Carolyn Turnbull's career spans roles at Aman (2005-2015), CEO of Tourism Western Australia, and now CEO of Nammos Hotels and Resorts. In 2015, Aman had 26 properties globally, up from 18. Nammos, with a $71 million turnover in Dubai, plans to open 10-12 luxury hotels in a decade. The first hotel in Mykonos has 26 keys, and Amaala will feature 110 keys by December 2023. The Maldives site, with 48 keys, opens in 2027. Carolyn aims for a $1 billion market value for Nammos.

📅 Dolphin Dynamics has expanded its booking capture tool for independent travel agents to include easyJet holidays packages. The tool enhances efficiency and data accuracy, reducing manual entry errors. It automatically integrates supplier details and captures deposit and balance due dates. Scott McCabe from Oasis Travel finds it enhances workflow, while Natasha Marson from easyJet holidays highlights time savings and error reduction. Chuck Richardson of Dolphin Dynamics mentions previous integrations with Jet2holidays, Expedia TAAP, and TUI.

📈 IOI Properties Group (IOIPG) appointed Ms. Tan Lee Fong as Assistant General Manager of Hospitality Management to boost its hospitality sector. With 16 years' experience, she aims to enhance value and efficiency. Under her leadership, IOIPG’s portfolio includes nine hotels with over 3,000 rooms in Malaysia, Singapore, and China. IOIPG saw a 70% revenue growth in FY2025. Recent achievements include VIRC’s Gold for Best Team of the Year at Singapore's Loyalty & Engagement Awards 2025.

🏨 Sujith Kattezhath Gopinathan is now the GM at Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel, with prior experience in Derbyshire and Blackpool. Michelle Hickey is GM at Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, and Saira Cieloszyk at Holiday Inn Southend. Nora Urbancova returns as GM at Hotel Indigo Manchester. Jacqueline Turpin is GM at The Harlow Hotel by Accor. Frederik Deman becomes GM at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Ghent, after roles worldwide. Six new GMs appointed across the UK and Europe by Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA.