Human Resources

🍾 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. ????

📈 The Social Hub, led by CMO Trix van der Vleuten, enhances its leadership team in 2023, appointing Daniel Hernández Lyon as director of global communications. New roles include Charlie Ayers as head of brand and Rosa Dinnissen as director of global public affairs. Expanding in Europe, with sites in Glasgow, Rome, and Porto, it plans for Turin and Lisbon. Founded by Charlie MacGregor in Amsterdam, it operates over 10,000 rooms across 21 hubs in 18 cities with more than 1,000 employees.

📈 Auberge Collection appoints Jessica Martino Enan as chief commercial officer. Former Gucci executive, she'll drive global commercial strategy. The group, managing over 30 properties, plans expansions in London and Dallas by 2026, adding to recent openings in Florence and Geneva. Martino Enan aims to enhance luxury experiences and guide growth following a company rebrand. CEO Christian Clerc praises her luxury market expertise as vital for Auberge's future.

📈 Aimbridge EMEA expands leadership with six new General Managers: Sujith Kattezhath Gopinathan (Mercure York Fairfield Manor), Michelle Hickey (Mercure Brighton Seafront), Saira Cieloszyk (Holiday Inn Southend), Nora Urbancova (Hotel Indigo Manchester), Jacqueline Turpin (The Harlow Hotel by Accor), and Frederik Deman (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent). The appointments support Aimbridge's strategic growth, following the addition of nine properties in Q1 2025, enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

🏨 Jannes Sörensen, a hospitality expert with 20 years of experience at luxury hotels like Georges V and Bristol in Paris, now leads Kepler Hotel Group and Kepler International Hospitality Academy. He emphasizes shifting focus from physical assets to emotional guest experiences, citing a study of 2,500 guest comments where only 4% mentioned physical features, while many highlighted personalized service. Sörensen advocates educating hospitality leaders on enhancing emotional intelligence for competitive advantage.

📈 Jay Burnett, with nearly 35 years in hospitality, rejoins Auro Hotels as executive vice president of investments and development. Previously, Burnett was the chief investment officer at GF Hotels & Resorts. He also worked at AMC Delancey Group and spent six years in various roles at Marriott International. Burnett, an alumnus of the University of Virginia and Cornell University, will lead Auro's real estate team, focusing on acquisitions, project execution, and asset management.

🏨 Christophe Laure, General Manager of InterContinental Paris Le Grand, celebrates 15 years at the iconic Paris hotel. Recently appointed Head of the Luxury & Lifestyle Division for France at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Laure's career spans over 40 years, showcasing his operational excellence, strategic vision, and dedication to talent and innovation.

📈 Philippe Bijaoui, Accor's chief development officer for Europe and North Africa, discusses Handwritten hotels' investment strategies. Filmed at Hotel Maison Hamelin Paris, the interview highlights opportunities for the brand amid rising costs and competition.