Human Resources

🍳 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.

📈 Christian Charnaux rejoins Hilton from Inspire Brands, taking on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. He will report to Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton’s President and CEO. Hilton continues its global expansion, with recent strategic appointments including Anne-Marie D’Angelo and Katherine Lugar in executive roles. The company aims to accelerate growth and innovation across its global operations, currently offering 42 job opportunities in the United States.

🏨 David García Blancas was appointed CEO of B&B Hotels Iberia as of 2024 to drive growth in Spain and Portugal, following a 27% sales increase to €127 million last year. With 25 years in air transport and hospitality, García aims to expand the brand's 57 Spanish hotels. The leadership shuffle includes Maximilian Abele, Valerio Duchini, and Céline Vercollier in key European roles, while Enrique Francia remains President during the transition.

📈 Michelle McArdle and Edward Holland join Aimbridge EMEA. Michelle has 15 years in revenue management, formerly at Marriott International, managing nine hotels in Scotland and Northeast England. Edward, with over 25 years of experience, was a senior general manager at Holiday Inn Coventry. Aimbridge also hired Kym Kapadia as Senior VP Commercial and appointed Craig S. Smith and Steve Joyce as CEO and Executive Chairman. Aimbridge is expanding its commercial and operational capabilities.