Fairmont The Palm, Dubai welcomes Darren Andow as new Director of Culinary, UAE

Anthony Lark, Executive Director of Hospitality Management and Development Asia (HMD Asia) which owns and manages Shinta Mani Hotels, Cambodia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Marc LeBlanc and Ms. Laura Robinson as its new management team at Shinta Mani Wild, a Bensley Collection. Marc will take on the role of General Manager and Laura as Operations and Sustainability Manager. Born in Canada, Marc holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Toronto Metropolitan University and has 17 years of international experience with senior roles in the Cayman Islands, Sint Maarten, The Maldives, and Indonesia. Laura is British and holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Coastal Technology from the University of Plymouth and a Master of Science in Tropical Coastal Management from the University of Newcastle.   Laura has held a variety of hospitality management roles in Trinidad and Tobago, Malaysia, The Bahamas, Honduras, Cayman Islands and Indonesia. Marc and Laura previously managed the newly opened Cap Karoso in Sumba, Indonesia. This will be their first foray into a jungle-based property, as opposed to beachfront and island assignments. “We are thrilled to be embarking on this exciting new adventure with such a unique property that was created and designed around conservation and sustainability. We look forward to engaging with and help develop what we know is an energetic and wonderful team” said Marc and Laura.

Espire Hospitality Group, a swiftly growing hospitality company that owns, manages and operates the luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA Luxury Resorts’ and the mid-segment brand ‘Country Inn Hotels & Resorts’ is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Shiv Mohan Marwaha as the Head of Business Development. Shiv is a well-known industry veteran, with over 17 years of experience and an outstanding network across the industry, having successfully led numerous business development initiatives across various prestigious organizations like Justa, Golden Tulip, Lemon Tree, Zone by the Park, Sarovar Hotels, Fern Hotels, Royal Orchid, etc. His strategic vision, coupled with his extensive knowledge of market dynamics, makes him an invaluable addition to the leadership team. In his new role, Shiv will be responsible for driving the growth and expansion of Espire Hospitality Group, identifying new business opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s market presence and achieving the ambitious growth targets. Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and MD, Espire Hospitality Group said “I am pleased to welcome Shiv to Espire Hospitality Group and lead business development at such a crucial expansion period of the company. Shiv has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region. I am confident that his knowledge, diverse experience, along with passion for hospitality will be invaluable, as we look to continue driving our growth”.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has appointed Sebastian "Seb" Seward as vice president and general Manager, Asia Pacific, a move that coincides with the introduction of new itineraries in the region aboard the company's upcoming third ultra-luxury superyacht, Luminara. Slated to debut next July, Luminara will embark on its inaugural season in the Asia-Pacific region in December 2025. In this new role, Seward will spearhead the expansion of the yacht collection across the region, focusing on strategic commercial initiatives and sales strategies to bolster the company's footprint. Based in Sydney, Australia, Seward will report to Kristian C. Anderson, senior vice president of global sales, and lead a support team dedicated to strengthening key relationships across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, with a particular emphasis on developing brand awareness and engagement. "As we continue to expand our global presence, Seb's appointment underscores the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific market to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection," said Anderson. "Immense interest has already been demonstrated in this diverse region–one that shares a passion for the ultra-luxury yachting experience offered by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Seb's extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our offerings and presence in this key market." Seward brings over 12 years of experience in the travel industry after holding key roles in sales, revenue management, and strategy. Most recently, he served as head of joint business, overseeing significant multi-billion-dollar joint ventures involving British Airways and Oneworld Alliance partners American Airlines and Japan Airlines. With the approaching launch of its second superyacht, Ilma, in September, and preparations underway for the introduction of Luminara next summer, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection says it's strategically positioning itself for ongoing growth and success. Luminara will offer ten journeys across Asia-Pacific, exploring 28 ports in 10 countries between December 2025 and May 2026, including destinations such as Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.