Human Resources

🛫 AI-driven travel tech company, IBS Software, appoints Christophe Roux as Senior VP and Head of Passenger Solutions. He will spearhead the Aviation Passenger Solutions globally from Dubai, aligning with AWS on an AI-first airline retail platform. Roux, formerly with Amadeus and the Emirates Group, will oversee strategy, growth, and delivery, reporting to CEO Somit Goyal. His leadership is key to accelerating AI innovation and redefining airline retailing and passenger engagement.

📈 Aditya Jain has been promoted to Chief Development Officer at Chedi Hospitality, spearheading its global strategy for hotels, resorts, and residences, with a strategic focus on returning to the US market. His tenure has been instrumental in securing significant partnerships across Asia, EMEA, and the GCC. Jain established The Chedi Private Residences as an independent vertical, expanding the brand's presence in various sectors, while maintaining a commitment to long-term brand stewardship and culturally grounded projects.

🏠 Aditya Jain, promoted to chief development officer at Chedi Hospitality, will lead global development strategy from London, focusing on hotels, resorts, and branded residences. With over 10 years in international real estate, Jain aims to expand the brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and return to the U.S. He previously established The Chedi Private Residences. Stephan Schupbach, CEO, highlights Jain's role in strategic partnerships and brand positioning.

📘 Philippe Kronberg will join Mandarin Oriental as general manager of Hyde Park, London, and assistant vice-president operations on 12 January 2026. Kronberg will also oversee Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Paris, and Amsterdam. The Amsterdam hotel will start as a Mandarin Oriental on 14 January. Previously, Kronberg was at Shangri-La in Muscat, Oman, and has extensive experience in Australasia, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane. A French and Australian national, he holds an executive MBA.

🏠 RedCat Hospitality, led by Rooney Anand, will focus on premium pubs with rooms, exiting managed pub operations. The Coaching Inn Group, acquired in 2021, will encompass all 43 UK inns, expanding from 18 sites and 513 rooms to nearly 1,500 rooms. This move aims to enhance the pub-with-rooms model by integrating traditional coaching inns with modern amenities. RedCat is now the UK’s fourth-largest pubs-with-rooms operator and was named Which? Large Hotel Chain of the Year.

📈 In 2026, the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership in New Orleans, LA. The Board includes Steve Hennis as Chair and Ivar Yuste as President. ISHC inducted 30 new members, expanding its network to over 250 professionals globally. Membership is by invitation, ensuring leaders with integrity. Members contribute thousands of hours annually to the organization, which promotes global hospitality expertise across 50+ functional areas. Explore more at ISHC’s website.

📄 Philippe Kronberg, appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, will also support locations in Mayfair, Paris, Amsterdam, and the newly added Lutetia. The announcement from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, effective Wednesday, highlights Kronberg's 30-year hospitality experience, including roles in Oman, Sydney, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane, underlining commitment to luxury service excellence. Kronberg previously managed a multi-property destination with over 640 rooms in Muscat for Shangri-La.

📰 Steve Mitchell was appointed managing director of global lodges at Belmond, reporting to Iain Langridge. He oversees the expansion of Belmond's global lodge portfolio and existing safari lodges in Botswana, including Eagle Island Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge. Previously, Mitchell co-founded Angama, leading its growth in locations like Kenya's Maasai Mara. He also founded the Angama Foundation, supporting local communities. His appointment aims to enhance guest experiences and reinforce Belmond's position in Slow Luxury travel.

💻 Ahmad Al-Dahle, former Meta Generative AI lead, becomes Airbnb's CTO, bringing experience from Meta and 16 years at Apple. Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky, emphasizes the intersection of technology and the physical world. Jesse Stein steps up as global head of hotels, focusing on partnerships and hotel visibility. Lou Zameryka joins as global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships, aiming to enhance Airbnb's hotel distribution.