Insider Stories

Last September, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris welcomed Thibaut Drege back as General Manager, marking his return to Paris after two years at the helm of Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Thibaut Drege has nearly two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry both in France and internationally. His love affair with the George V began in 2018 when he joined the iconic palace as Hotel Manager, marking the beginning of his career with Four Seasons. Within this legendary Parisian palace, Thibaut Drege quickly earned the respect and admiration of a 600-strong team. Guided by his passion and unwavering dedication to this global icon of hospitality, he infused the Hotel with dynamic energy, devoting nearly five years to crafting unique experiences for guests. After playing a pivotal role in the Hotel's success in meeting several challenges, including the global health crisis, Thibaut Drege relocated to Budapest in 2022 to assume the role of General Manager at Four Seasons Gresham Palace. In this iconic European setting - an architectural gem along the banks of the Danube - he instilled a renewed energy and guided the property on a path to excellence, before returning to the French capital to the Hotel that holds a special place in his heart. As General Manager, Thibaut Drege aims to further reinforce the principles that have established the Hotel's international reputation, while infusing his vision, experience, and energy into every initiative. He is also committed to fostering a culture of kindness and empathy in his approach to team management.

The Cove Eleuthera is proud to announce the appointment of Nicholas Cooper and Sally Cooper to Managing Director and Resort Manager, respectively, of the Bahamian resort. Together, the duo brings over 30 years of management experience in tourism and hospitality. Most recently at Gibbs Farm Safari Lodge in Tanzania, Sally and Nick, as co-general managers, oversaw this five-star resort with a working farm and coffee plantation. Prior to Gibbs, they worked in unison managing other luxury resorts on the Cook Islands in the South Pacific and in Belize. For over a decade in Fiji, they held numerous leadership roles, including general managers for Fiji Residences, a luxury villa management company. Sally held various project management, event design and tourism positions, including National Director of Operations at Cure Kids Fiji and Director of Conferences & Events at Tourism Fiji. As owner of Ocean Charters Fiji, Nick organized exclusive sailing charters, managed operations for an online reservations service for South Pacific travel and was a marine and leisure manager at an island resort. Prior to Fiji, the duo was based in Australia, where they honed their management skills in travel and tourism. Sally and Nick both hold Master’s Degrees in Tourism Management from University of Canberra, and Nick has an MBA from James Cook University (Australia). The unique beauty of the Bahamas and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture attracted the Coopers to The Cove. Having met over 30 years ago as scuba instructors in Tahiti, the pair have developed an affinity for aquatic adventure and island life, which they are looking forward to reflecting in their work for The Cove. “The soft white sand and clear waters of Eleuthera paired with the gentle rhythm of life that comes from living near the ocean entices us,” said Sally Cooper. “We are excited to learn more about The Bahamas and its people, culture and history.” For more information about The Cove Eleuthera, please visit www.thecoveeleuthera.com or call (242) 335-5141. To engage with the resort socially, find us on Instagram at @thecove_eleuthera.

Gabrielle Mendoza, a renowned trainer in restorative yoga and the creator of the Uncovering the Oasis Within concept, has been specially invited to hold classes at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand from December 6 - 15, 2024. During her 10-day residency as visiting practitioner, Gabrielle will be offering a plethora of mindful and holistic practices, including Vinyasa Yoga, meditation and sound healing, as well as her signature classes of restorative yoga, where one maintains deep breaths and maintains asanas (yoga poses) for longer - a technique accredited with alleviating stress, and helping with sleep, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Based in Singapore, Gabrielle says that she “crumbled under the stress of the corporate world” and later only reclaimed her lost self through yoga. She says she now follows her dharma to help others manage stress through the means of mindfulness, meditation, and the discipline of yoga. Her appearance at Banyan Tree Krabi is another step forward in the hotel’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows guests an option to combine a leisure vacation with a tailor-made daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation and spa treatments to Thai boxing and nature trails — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations. The Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is based on Banyan Tree’s own “8 Pillars” principle (Nourishment; Movement; Mindfulness; Rest; Groundedness; Growth; Connection; and Practice). Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.  Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea. Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. For more about Gabrielle Mendoza’s upcoming courses at Banyan Tree Krabi, visit: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi/gabrielle-mendoza For more information or bookings, contact: reservations-krabi@banyantree.com, or tel +66 075 811 888.

Le Sereno, the iconic luxury beachfront hotel in Saint Barthélemy, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiphaine Lacombe as the new Hotel Manager. Lacombe brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality, with a career that has taken her from Australia to some of France’s most prestigious properties.  With an extensive background in hotel management, Lacombe’s career includes leadership roles at the prestigious Château de Berne***** Relais & Châteaux and Château de Sacy in Champagne, where she served as Director for over three years. More recently, she managed two luxury hotels for the Bombaron Group before taking on high-end experiences at Maisons Perrier-Jouët and Mumm in 2023. In her new role at Le Sereno, Lacombe will prioritize operational excellence, team development, and strengthening the hotel’s positioning as ultra-luxury destination in Saint Barthélemy. She will also focus on maintaining the family-oriented culture that Sereno Hotels is renowned for, ensuring guests enjoy the brand’s signature relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. “I am thrilled to step into the role of General Manager at Le Sereno – Saint Barthélemy, a family-run property that truly embodies relaxed luxury,” expresses Lacombe. “This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter in my career, where I aim to uphold the destination’s renowned elegance and warmth in every detail.” Luis Contreras, owner of Sereno Hotels, welcomed Tiphaine to the Sereno Hotels family, highlighting her expertise and leadership. “Tiphaine’s role will be pivotal in maintaining our high standards of service and delivering exceptional guest experiences,” noted Contreras. “At Sereno Hotels, we pride ourselves on partnering with top industry talent to uphold our core values of design, location, culinary excellence, and unparalleled service. Tiphaine will play a central role in continuing this legacy.”

B&B Hotels has appointed Katja Jenne as the new Head of Marketing & Communications for Central and Northern Europe, effective November 1, 2024. Jenne succeeds Patrizio Iaquinandi, who is moving on to new professional opportunities. Katja Jenne has been with B&B Hotels since 2022, previously serving as Team Lead for Brand Marketing, where she gained extensive experience in the company's marketing efforts. In her new role, Jenne will report directly to Frank Seedorff, Chief Digital Officer, and manage a team of 13 professionals. Her responsibilities will include further developing the brand strategy, overseeing the implementation of marketing campaigns, and coordinating the associated public relations activities to support the company's objectives in the region. Jenne's appointment reflects her proven track record within B&B Hotels and her ability to contribute to the growth and development of the brand. As the company continues to expand its footprint in the budget hotel sector, her role will be key in delivering strategic marketing initiatives that resonate with the target audience and strengthen the brand's presence in Central and Northern Europe.

Arlo Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand known for its vibrant designs and unparalleled guest experiences, is proud to announce the appointment of Jimmy Suh as the company president, effective immediately. Suh brings a wealth of knowledge and a visionary approach to leading Arlo Hotels into its next chapter of growth and success. Suh steps into this position with over 20 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry. His dynamic career has been marked by a series of executive roles at some of the most revered lifestyle hotel brands, including Kimpton, Loews, and The Standard hotels, where he envisioned and formed brand marketing, revenue, and guest experience strategies. In July 2021, Suh joined Arlo Hotels as its chief commercial officer, responsible for revenue maximization, profitability, marketing, brand value, public relations and stakeholders’ returns. As Arlo Hotel’s chief commercial officer, Suh has continued his mark for performance excellence by creating forward-thinking, innovative programs to help establish Arlo as a recognized force in the lifestyle hotel space. His visions have led to some of the company’s most successful programs to date, which include the If You Arlo program, which turns social influencers into the next generation travel agent, and Arlo Means Business, an online marketplace for small to medium sized enterprises to enjoy the benefits traditionally reserved for Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Suh has guided his team to raise the hotels’ community value with elevated cultural and entertainment events for both locals and out-of-town guests to discover and enjoy. In the past three years, Suh has been instrumental in launching three new Arlo hotels in Miami (Wynwood), Chicago and Williamsburg. As president, Jimmy Suh, will lead the next stage of company’s growth, overseeing the hotels operations and marketing, heightening guest experience, and maximizing the brand value for both guests and stakeholders, alike. “We are thrilled to see Jimmy Suh take on the role of President at Arlo Hotels,” said Oleg Pavlov, founder of Arlo Hotels. “His exceptional work ethic, thoughtful and entrepreneurial approach to innovation, unwavering commitment to guest service excellence, while fostering a diverse and motivated workplace culture make him the ideal candidate to represent the brand and the company.” Arlo Hotels currently operates six properties: four in New York City (Williamsburg, Midtown, NoMad and SoHo), one in Miami (Wynwood) and one in Chicago. Its seventh hotel, Arlo Washington DC, is slated to open on November 18. To learn more about the brand, book stays at any of the properties and stay up to date about upcoming openings, visit arlohotels.com And follow Arlo Hotels on Instagram at @arlohotels.

Khizer brings over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry and great enthusiasm to his role DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad has appointed Khizer Khan as its new Hotel Manager. With over 17 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Khizer brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic leadership approach to the role. Khizer has worked with some of the most esteemed brands in the industry, including Marriott in London Kensington, Hilton at London Heathrow Airport, and Hampton by Hilton in London Waterloo. His impressive career spans various leadership positions, providing him with a deep understanding of hotel operations and guest services and driving operational excellence across diverse environments. "I love the challenge of overseeing the entire operation and ensuring everything runs smoothly. I thrive on building a strong team and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. It’s rewarding to develop strategies that enhance guest satisfaction while driving the hotel’s success,” says Khizer. “Each day brings new opportunities to innovate and improve, keeping my passion for hospitality alive and vibrant.” In his new role, Khizer will oversee all aspects of operations at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the hotel’s reputation for exceptional service. Khizer’s passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and staff complements his vision of building a culture of excellence. His strong commitment to collaboration and innovation makes him the perfect fit to lead the hotel into its next chapter.

Ms. Van Vu takes the role at the newly opened Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang. Fluent in Vietnamese, Spanish and English, Vietnamese-Costa Rican dual citizen Ms. Van brings 15 years of experience in luxury hotel management, operations, and revenue management, including 12 years at her previous post as a resort manager in Phu Quoc Island. Nestled on the pristine coast between Da Nang and Hoi An ancient town, Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang is the ultimate family-friendly beach holiday destination. Offering a range of stylish private pool villas and spacious hotel rooms featuring a unique “resort in the sky” concept, complemented by an enticing array of dining options and one of the largest resort spas in Vietnam, this tropical oasis promises an enjoyable and memorable wellness experience like no other.

Bringing in over a decade of experience in the hospitality sector, JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Annam Lubana as Director of Operations. With extensive experience in luxury hotels, Annam began her career in the rooms division, where her strong leadership skills with a strategic guest focused disposition stood out. This propelled her ascent to the position of Director of Operations, rapidly advancing through roles at renowned properties such as JW Marriott Pune, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Recognized for her inspiring leadership, Annam consistently garners the respect and admiration of colleagues and stakeholders. Annam has been pivotal in driving guest satisfaction, boosting loyalty program performance, and optimizing department profitability. Her commitment to excellence is highlighted by her wins as a Digital Guest Experiences Trailblazer, representing the Asia Pacific region and her recognition as the Operations Leader of the Year in 2023. At JW Marriott Goa, she will oversee key operations departments, including Food & Beverage, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping and Spa, with a focus on delivering the brand’s hallmark of exceptional service. She has been with Marriott International for the last several years and has a strong foundation and understanding of the JW Marriott brand. Annam will focus on the revenue and reputation of JW Marriott Goa, helming a dynamic operational team and leading them to create exceptional moments for each guest. She will strategize with the team to achieve high guest satisfaction scores, drive Brand Standard audit performance, enhance and maximize operational profitability and productivity. Armed with a Post-Graduate Diploma from the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development and a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, she is the proud winner of the T.R Oberoi Gold Medal in Academic Excellence as a Guest Services Management Associate. At JW Marriott Goa she will aim to work towards efficiency and consumer satiation. Annam is passionate about visiting new destinations to explore diverse cultures and experience renowned dining Venues and Bars. She enjoys a spot of reading in her spare time and is an ardent animal lover.

Prakash Yadav has been appointed as the new executive chef at Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90. He has more than 16 years of experience tucked under his chef’s hat. Yadav has more than 16 years of experience tucked under his chef’s hat with his expertise spanning kitchen operations, menu planning, food production and much more. He has also worked with renowned brands like Marriott International, One & Only Royal Mirage – Dubai, Devi Ratan Resort, Golden Tulip, Lemon Tree Premier, ITC Fortune Jaipur, Park Inn by Radisson, ITC Fortune Park Vapi, and Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow. Before joining the team at IHG Hotels & Resorts as an executive chef for Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90, Yadav was with Marriott International where he served as a culinary head and was later promoted to executive chef.

Hyatt Regency Chennai proudly announces the appointment of Dinesh Sreevasudevan as the new Director of Sales. Dinesh’s journey with the Hyatt family began in 2012 when he joined the pre-opening team of Park Hyatt Chennai as an Events Executive. Over the years, he ascended through various senior positions, including, Senior Sales Manager, Associate Director of Sales, and Director of Sales, proving to be an indispensable part of the team. Most recently, Dinesh served as Director of Sales at Hyatt Place Hyderabad. With over 14 years of experience, his expertise encompasses sales funnel management, pricing strategies, and key account management, all of which have fueled the success of the properties he has led. Dinesh embarked on his career after earning an MBA in Marketing Management from Annamalai University. His early roles included senior sales positions at luxury hotels, where he crafted and executed impactful sales plans while managing key partnerships. His leadership and agility in adapting to evolving market trends have been vital in achieving ambitious sales targets. In his new role, Dinesh will spearhead all sales and marketing efforts at Hyatt Regency Chennai, ensuring the property not only strengthens its market presence but also continues to deliver unparalleled guest services.

James Overbaugh, a seasoned executive with over 16 years of dedicated service to The Peninsula brand, returns to California, where his journey with the brand first began in 2008. Overbaugh brings extensive global hospitality expertise and a personal passion for the culinary realm to Carmel Valley's cherished destination. After serving as an Executive Chef at an esteemed collection of hotels for the first 13 years of his career, Overbaugh joined The Peninsula team in 2008 as the Executive Chef of The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Over the next nine years, he ascended to the role of Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage Operations. After his tenure at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Overbaugh was elevated to leadership roles at The Peninsula Hong Kong and The Peninsula Shanghai, culminating in his most recent position as Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations for The Peninsula Hotels Worldwide at the brand's head office in Hong Kong. Under Overbaugh's leadership at The Quail, guests can expect an enhanced culinary experience at the Monterey County gem, while remaining true to the timeless California experience that has become synonymous with The Quail.