Human Resources

🍽 Bret Thorn, a senior food & beverage editor, has been with Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. In 2006, he won the Jesse H. Neal Award. Thorn, a Tufts University alumnus, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and worked in Beijing during the 1989 Tiananmen protests. He was president of IFEC in 2005 and inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014. Thorn authored entries for the Oxford Encyclopedia in 2012 and 2015.

🍳 Neil Aitken, a chef with 14 years of Michelin kitchen experience, is the new head chef at The Forge, Hotel Indigo Chester, as of 2025. The Forge, renowned for its two AA Rosettes in 2023, specializes in British ingredients cooked over wood and charcoal. It is operated by Castlebridge Hospitality, a group formed in 2018, with 20 years of hotel management expertise. The restaurant offers diverse menus, collaborating with supplier Aubrey Allen.

🏨 John Willcock, a third-generation hotelier, was appointed as the new general manager of The NICI in Bournemouth. Having held senior roles at Hotel du Vin, Accor, Harbour Hotels, and Macdonald Hotels, Willcock brings extensive experience as he returns to the Dorset coast and the Nicolas James Group. The NICI, launched in 2022, aims to expand its brand with Willcock's leadership. Managing Director Lukasz Dwornik praised Willcock's regional expertise.

📖 Jacqui Jones, programme director at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, was appointed chair of the Institute of Hospitality’s Cymru region in Wales in November 2025. As chair, Jones will oversee member engagement and professional development. Her appointment is designed to enhance collaboration between education and the hospitality sector. Robert Richardson, IoH chief executive, praised her dedication to education and hospitality. Recent regional developments include Inn Collection Group's £125m expansion, announced on October 30, 2025.

🛣️ Maxime Brun has been appointed as the new general manager of Les Bateaux Belmond, overseeing operations for its seven riverboats in France. Brun, who previously served at Château Saint Laurent for four years, brings experience from Pink Lady Europe and Nestlé France. Les Bateaux Belmond operates April to October, hosting 4 to 12 passengers per boat, emphasizing a "Slow Luxury" travel experience. Brun aims to enhance guest experiences for the 2026 season.

🏨 Ashley Ely has been appointed hotel director at The Pig near Bath in 2025. Previously, Ely served as general manager at The Newt in Somerset from 2023 to 2025. His extensive two-decade career includes roles at The Bird in Bath, Locke Hotels, Kaleidoscope Collection, Chewton Glen, and The Zetter Group. Ely expressed excitement about his new position, praising the team and setting.

🍳 Noel McMeel appointed executive head chef at Bedford Hotel Belfast by Focus Hotels in 2025. He'll oversee culinary operations and introduce a chef training program. Known for designing the G8 Summit menu, McMeel aims to make the hotel a Belfast culinary landmark. General Manager Mike Gatt emphasizes McMeel's alignment with the hotel’s ethos. The Bedford is managed by Focus Hotels.

🏢 Antoine Dubois joins Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer as a key figure in Monaco’s largest employer. In 1863, this company created the Monte-Carlo district. Now, Dubois aims to boost growth in strategic segments by enhancing customer experiences. Leading sales, marketing, and revenue management, he prioritizes personalized luxury through service quality and digital tools. Reporting to the CEO and Deputy Chairman, Dubois emphasizes collaboration and innovation with his proactive team.