Human Resources

📈 Christopher Sebes has joined Tillster as Strategic Advisor to drive growth. Sebes, a restaurant-technology leader for 40 years, founded Xpient Solutions and led Xenial, contributing to major restaurant brands. He will aid Tillster’s unified commerce platform, processing millions of orders. Sebes' experience aligns with Tillster's expansion in the digital ordering market, as highlighted in their 2025 Phygital Index Report. The report emphasizes unified customer journeys as key to retaining loyalty.

📈 Chris Stevens, with 25 years in hospitality, joins Virgin Hotels Collection from Ashford Inc. to boost operations and growth. Rayhan Arif becomes CCFO, leveraging his Virgin Mobile and Virgin Orbit experience for financial leadership. CEO James Bermingham highlights their roles in global expansion and brand enhancement. Virgin Hotels plans to open in Shoreditch, London in August 2024, and expands its Virgin Limited Edition through strategic partnerships, integrating into the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection.

🗺 Emerging Travel Group appointed Astrid Kastberg as Managing Director of RateHawk. 🌍 Based in Dubai, she will lead the B2B division supporting 110,000 retail and 1,100 API partners. 📈 In 2024, the group hit a $3.7 billion gross transaction value with RateHawk's net booking value rising 1.8 times and a 67% global booking growth. 🏢 The group employs 3,600+ people in 80 countries with offices in Dubai, Wilmington, Singapore, London, Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, and Limassol.

🍳 Chef Badara Gueye, a 40-year-old from Senegal, has spent nearly five years at La Cantine, Château de Candie in Chambéry. Post-pandemic, he merged African roots with French refinement using local, seasonal ingredients. Formerly a dishwasher in Dakar, his culinary and artistic pursuits have gained global recognition. Signature dishes include veal rump with blackcurrant jus and omble chevalier with sauce kaldou. Passionate about creativity, Badara’s experiences span continents, influencing his globally inspired cuisine and artistic work.

🏠 June 2025, Brad Berry and Philip Leighton will join Mandarin Oriental's Development team. Berry, with 25+ years in branded residential development, becomes Head of Residences & Homes. Leighton, with 20+ years in luxury travel, becomes Head of Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Their roles aim to expand luxury home offerings. Berry reports to the Chief Development Officer, while Leighton reports to Berry. This move aligns with Mandarin Oriental's strategy to enhance its presence in luxury living.

🏨 Luke Dockrill has been appointed as hotel manager of The Laslett by Living Rooms, a boutique hotel in Notting Hill, London. Previously, Dockrill spent 13 years with Firmdale Hotels, serving as deputy general manager at Charlotte Street Hotel. The Laslett, housed in converted Victorian townhouses, offers 50 bedrooms, The Henderson Bar and Dining Room, a terrace, and the Recharge Spa. Dockrill aims to enhance community ties and guest experiences.

🏨 Etienne Haro appointed as managing director of Cambridge House, Auberge Resorts Collection. Opening in Mayfair, London in spring 2026, the hotel will feature 102 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a private club. Developed with Reuben Brothers, this hotel is in a historic Georgian mansion. Haro, with 25 years of global hospitality experience, previously led The Mark Hotel, New York. Auberge Resorts anticipates Haro’s global expertise will enhance guest experiences.

🏠 Richard Singer becomes the new President of the UK-based CIM Travel Group on 1 July, succeeding Richard Carrick, who served for 15 years. Carrick's leadership was pivotal in the group's success. Keith Cartwright, Chair of CIM Travel Group, praised Carrick’s contributions. Singer aims to enhance learning and development for travel marketers and organize events. The Travel Marketing Awards will occur on 9 July, continuing the group's commitment to excellence in travel marketing.

📈 Becky Power has been appointed as Vice President & General Manager, Global Client Management SME at American Express Global Business Travel. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Google, she will focus on enhancing client management for Amex GBT Select and Ovation. Her expertise in commercial growth and digital transformation is set to drive business growth strategies in the SME sector.

📅 Emmanuele Selvaggi has been promoted to hotel manager at Rosewood London, effective 16 June 2025. With over 18 years in luxury hospitality, Selvaggi previously served as director of rooms, significantly enhancing guest satisfaction and achieving the highest upselling revenue in 2024. His career includes roles in Boston, Geneva, Doha, Prague, Florence, and London. Selvaggi's promotion reflects his leadership and operational excellence, as noted by managing director Tessa Gorman.