Human Resources

🍳 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.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts is recognized as a top employer in the 2026 Great Place to Work rankings across the Middle East, emphasizing its people-first culture. Saudi Arabia is highlighted as a key growth market, with initiatives like Masarona by IHG supporting local talent in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The recognition underscores IHG’s commitment to nurturing local hospitality talent and enhancing workplace culture, aiding in the region's tourism goals.

📈 On 22 June 2026, the BBC World Service highlighted a shift in employment trends. During the pandemic in 2021, the US saw a record quit rate, termed the "Great Resignation." However, by 2026, the trend reversed to the "Great Stay," driven by economic cooling and fear, not loyalty. Workers now face fewer perks and return-to-office mandates. A lorry driver and an Amazon warehouse illustrate the intense work conditions and technological changes impacting employees.