Human Resources

🗺️ European Travel technology group Travelsoft appointed Axel Nazarian as managing director last month. Travelsoft, parent company of Travolution, oversees nine platforms handling over €40 billion in bookings annually across 90 countries. Nazarian, with a Telecom Paris engineering background and experience at Carrefour and Veepee, will enhance global operations. CEO Christian Sabbagh emphasized Nazarian's role in scaling operations, while Nazarian aims to empower teams and optimize operations amid Travelsoft’s growth.

🌴 Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea appointed Konrad Gstrein as regional vice president and general manager. Gstrein, who started his Four Seasons career in Maui in 2001, returns after holding leadership roles in Beverly Hills, Toronto, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. The 383-room resort spans 15 acres on Maui's Wailea Coast and includes four restaurants, three pools, and an art collection. Gstrein aims to enhance guest experiences while honoring local culture.

🏨 Focus Hotels appoints four key roles at The Bedford Hotel, opening in 2026 in Belfast’s Linen Quarter. The team includes Yvonne McIlree (sales and marketing), Sharon Dunne (revenue), Victoria Dunn (reservations), and Clodagh Flood (marketing). The hotel, a renovated 1904 Edwardian building, will offer 82 rooms and dining venues. Part of Belfast city center's regeneration, The Bedford aims to blend heritage with modern design for memorable events.

📍 Corinthia London appoints Karina Elias as hotel manager in October, succeeding her roles at Grosvenor House. Previous key hires include Jasper Anderegg (May) and Nick Sievewright (August). Elias has experience from The Langham, The Savoy, and Four Seasons Hotel Boston. General Manager Charlotte Weatherall praises Elias's expertise and leadership. Elias aims to enhance the guest experience at the luxury London hotel, known for its elegance and hospitality.

📁 Hilton appointed Juan Gonzalez Izquierdo as the new general manager of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Izquierdo, with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, previously managed Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead and contributed to renovations there. His past roles include hotel manager at Conrad New York Downtown and director of operations in New York, Barcelona, and London. Izquierdo began his career as a busboy in London.

📈 Bertrand Mangeot is appointed as managing director of the 373-room Salamander Washington DC, located on the southwest waterfront. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Mangeot previously served as general manager of InterContinental San Diego since 2023. Salamander Washington DC, recently transformed, features redesigned suites by Thomas Pheasant, a new lobby lounge, dual-level spa, and Dōgon restaurant led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.

📅 Marie-Berengere Chapoton appointed as managing director of Rosewood São Paulo, bringing 25+ years in luxury hospitality. She has worked in 11 countries with Accor brands and led major events like the FIFA World Cup and Olympics in Brazil. Previously, she was general manager at Raffles Al Areen Palace & Spa Bahrain and represented Bahrain on the CCEF. Chapoton aims to elevate luxury and curate exceptional experiences at Rosewood São Paulo, reflecting Brazil's soul.

📅 Bartolomeo Fusco appointed general manager of Orient Express Venice, overseeing its launch in early 2026. Previously, he managed Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano and held roles at Aman Venice, Aman Sveti Stefan, and Amanjena. This strategic move enhances Orient Express's presence in Venice, aiming to transform Palazzo Donà Giovannelli into a refined travel destination. Fusco’s extensive hospitality experience in Venice and internationally will be pivotal in achieving this ambition.

📍 Mustafa Suer has been appointed as the general manager of Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead by Hilton. With over 20 years of international leadership experience, Suer has previously managed luxury hotels across three continents, including roles with Waldorf Astoria, IHG, and Four Seasons. He returns to Atlanta after a stint as hotel manager at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, California, and past roles in Philadelphia, Nevis, Istanbul, and Baku.

📈 Neil Jacobs was appointed as censor of Baccarat's Board of Directors. In 2025, he founded Wild Origins, a consulting firm focusing on hospitality and sustainability. Previously, Jacobs led Six Senses for over 13 years. Baccarat plans to open new hotels in Rome, Florence, Dubai, the Maldives, Miami, and Macao over the next three years. Recent restaurant openings include Hong Kong's “Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic” in 2023 and “Ducasse Baccarat” in 2024.