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.

🛣️ 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.

🏢 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.

🏠 Antoine Louis-Tramoni joins Marriott International as Director of Development for France and the Benelux, supporting portfolio growth and advising investment partners. With over 10 years in hospitality and hotel real estate, he strengthens a team led by Alexandra Goguet and Anahita Perineau. Marriott operates 130+ hotels across 30 brands in the region, focusing on urban developments. The appointment aligns with the brand's expansion goals in Western Europe and the EMEA branded residences segment.

📈 September 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a rise in unemployment to 4.4% despite 119,000 new jobs added. Restaurants gained 68,000 jobs in Q3, marking the strongest six-month gain, though job growth remains sluggish. Employment in eating and drinking places is up 144,000 jobs (1.2%) from pre-pandemic levels. Limited-service roles increased 23% since February 2020. However, consumer spending in the industry is slowing, with expectations of continued decline into early 2026.

💻 David Angotti is the new Chief Digital Officer at Casago, a major vacation rental management company. Angotti, known for his work with SmokyMountains.com and StaySense, will lead Vacasa.com’s transformation into a top booking platform and oversee Casago's digital strategy. This appointment follows Casago's acquisition of Vacasa and its management of over 40,000 properties across North America, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica. Steve Schwab, CEO, highlights Angotti's expertise in technology and operations as crucial for future growth.

🍴 Bret Thorn, who hails from Denver and resides in Brooklyn, has been a food and beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He holds a history degree from Tufts University and studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu. Thorn wrote for The New York Sun from 2005-2008 and contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia in 2012 and 2015. He received the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and led IFEC in 2005.

🏨 UK: Mark Clinton will manage Mollie’s Manchester, opening on 8th December. Located in the Old Granada TV Studios, it offers 128 rooms, with 23 exclusive for Soho House members. Amenities include a gym, a 110-seat diner, coworking spaces, and Mollie’s Studio IV featuring live music and a VIP bar. It’s the brand's first city-centre hotel, expanding from previous locations in Oxfordshire and Bristol. Clinton brings 20 years of hospitality experience.

📄 Audley Travel announces a leadership change for 2026. Camille Beaufils will become the new Chief Customer Officer on January 19, 2026, replacing outgoing Chief Marketing Officer Daniel Robb, who will leave on January 30 after six years. Beaufils is joining from Fever-Tree, where she was global marketing director, bringing over 20 years of experience in brand strategy. CEO Nick Longman emphasizes Beaufils's role in enhancing Audley Travel's global marketing and growth.

🍲 Benjamin Ferra y Castell has been promoted to Executive Chef at Yannick Alléno London in 2023. He now oversees culinary operations at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, including Michelin-starred Pavyllon London and Bar Antoine. Benjamin joined Yannick Alléno Group in 2018 and played a key role in Pavyllon London earning a Michelin star six months after opening. His leadership has enhanced the restaurant's reputation with events like the Battuta summer pop-up and the Counter Culture chef series.