Human Resources

🏢 Covivio, a leader in the European property market, is reorganizing to enhance customer experience. In 2023, they established a new Marketing & Customer Experience Europe Division led by Céline Leonardi. Since joining Covivio in 2009, Leonardi, aged 43, has held various roles, including leading the Wellio project since 2017. This strategic move aims to strengthen Covivio's product offerings and improve user-centric real estate solutions across Europe.

💰 In 2008, the collapse of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers inspired Federico to switch from hospitality to finance. His internships included a hotel in southern Spain and financial roles in Paris and Geneva. Federico now works in finance and contributes to the Glion Alumni Accelerator, supporting startups. Only one-third of Glion graduates work in hotels, highlighting diverse career paths. Federico emphasizes the importance of networking for students aiming for alternative careers.

🏠 Pascal Billard appointed general manager of Le Meurice in Paris, starts August 1, 2025. He succeeds Franka Holtmann, who retired in February after 18+ years. Billard has over 35 years in hospitality, including 12 years at Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona and previous experience at Hôtel Plaza Athénée (2009-2013), part of Dorchester Collection. Le Meurice, opened since 1835, houses the two-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse and pastry chef Cedric Grolet's patisserie. Dorchester Collection's Christopher Cowdray praises Billard's luxury hospitality expertise.

🏋 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts appoints Emma Darby as Global VP of Spa & Wellness, overseeing operations across 92 properties. Darby's 20+ years of experience includes roles at Rosewood, Ritz-Carlton, and Resense Spas. Fairmont plans 29 new hotels, including in Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, enhancing wellness offerings. Darby focuses on holistic wellness strategies and integrating wellness into guest experiences. Her leadership aims at driving innovation and maintaining operational excellence.

📌 Ms. Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk was appointed President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for the 2025-2026 term. From her role as Vice President at Dusit International, she aims to enhance Thailand's MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector, promoting the country globally. TICA was established in 1984 to advocate for Thailand as a prime MICE destination. This appointment underscores Dusit's influence in the tourism and hospitality industry.

🏨 Pascal Billard, with 35 years in luxury hospitality, becomes General Manager of Le Meurice, Paris, effective August 4, 2025. Previously, he led Barcelona's Majestic Hotel & Spa for 12 years. Le Meurice, nearing its 200th anniversary, is the first in France to earn the “Palace” distinction and holds three Michelin stars. Billard replaces Franka Holtmann, who retired in February 2025 after 18 years. President Christopher Cowdra anticipates continued excellence.

✈ Corendon Airlines appoints Paul Schwaiger as chief commercial officer, succeeding Mine Aslan. Schwaiger has advised the airline since March 2024 and contributed to its 20th-anniversary improvements. With experience at Lufthansa, SunExpress, and Condor, he enhances German-Turkish tourism. Operating under Turkish and European licenses, the airline serves UK, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Switzerland, flying to Spain, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey for summer 2025.

✈️ Travix, an online travel agency, has appointed Casper Maasdam as CEO and Lesley Zandvliet as COO to drive growth. Maasdam, with over seven years at Travix, succeeds Chee Teong Ooi, CEO since late 2022. Zandvliet, previously Chief of Staff, has enhanced operations with Lean Six Sigma. Travix aims to strengthen its position in Dutch and Belgian markets, leveraging its CheapTickets brand and integration into the Trip.com Group.