Human Resources

🍲 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.

🚀 Travelier appoints Mario Gavira as chief marketing officer to drive global growth. Gavira, with 20+ years in travel-tech, joins from Kiwi.com, aiming to enhance Travelier's global marketing strategy and customer-centric innovation. Travelier, featuring seven travel-tech brands, facilitates intercity transport bookings in 124 countries. The appointment aligns with CEO Noam Toister's vision of strengthening Travelier’s market position. Gavira aims to standardize excellence in ground and sea transport and shape intercity travel's future.

📈 Apaleo bolsters leadership with Leonie Häsler as Director of People and Culture, and Andre Klan as CFO. In 2025, they launched the Agent Hub and MCP Server, with plans for DACH, UK, and France expansion in 2026. Raised €20 million in 2024, now headquartered in central Munich. CEO Uli Pillau emphasizes leveraging Häsler’s and Klan's SaaS and hospitality expertise for sustainable global growth.

📖 Chet Pipkin, founder of Belkin, is now venturing into hospitality with his new project, Desolation Hotel, described as an "immersive portal." His journey from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership highlights a significant career shift. The podcast episode explores the experiences that shaped his vision for the hospitality industry. This transition underscores the potential for innovative ideas to enhance business and service offerings in the hospitality sector.

🏢 Stay22, headquartered in Montreal, is enhancing its executive team as it targets growth. Fabien Loupy joins as CTO, while Louis-Charles Genest is appointed CFO. The company, co-founded by Hamad Al-Khabbaz in 2016, recently surpassed $1 billion in annual transactions and is expanding beyond the travel sector. With new offices, Stay22 plans to accommodate more than 100 employees by year-end 2025. The company aims to leverage operational excellence for further innovation and revenue opportunities.

📈 Christine Sikes has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Direct Travel. With over 35 years in the travel industry and 11 years at Direct Travel, she will focus on service execution, efficiency, and profitable growth. Formerly the Executive VP of Customer Experience, Sikes aims to enhance client service and operational efficiency. Her previous roles include VP positions at CWT, managing U.S. Military and Government client relationships.

🏨 The Kessler Collection partners with Highgate to form a management platform, Kessler Hospitality. Highgate will manage Kessler properties such as Casa Monica Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, and Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville. Kessler staff will join Highgate’s new division, blending Kessler’s creativity with Highgate’s operational expertise to enhance luxury hospitality standards.

💻 Charlie Ayers, Rosa Dinnissen, and Shirley Kind are now part of the Amsterdam-based Social Hub's newly organized marketing team to enhance visibility. This B Corp-certified company has 21 hubs in 18 European cities, boasting over 10,000 rooms and 1,000 employees. With plans to expand in Turin and Lisbon, the Social Hub, founded by Charlie MacGregor, combines hotel, student, and coworking spaces, aiming for consistent brand recognition across Europe.

🛫 João Moura, appointed director of market expansion at CMAC Group, will lead new office locations across Europe. With CMAC's operations in 121 countries, they have moved over five million passengers and supported 100,000 cruise travelers in Portugal this year. Lillian Moura, now general manager of Portugal, and Patricia Nova, head of DMC cruise, join him to support CMAC’s growth strategy. The company’s expansion is fueled by strong client demand and advanced technology.

🍾 Cardrona Distillery turned 10 on 5 November, marking a decade of crafting single malt spirits in Cardrona Valley. 🎉 Desiree Reid, founder, transitions to Global Sales Director at International Beverage, relocating to Scotland. 🚀 Henry Caulton, CFO since 2022, steps up as Acting Managing Director. Sarah Elsom leads production. Exciting plans include a 10-year-old whisky release in 2026 and new expansions. 🎯 Cardrona hosts a private celebration for cask owners, recognizing early supporters of Reid’s vision. 🍾