Philippe Vignon appointed Managing Director of Glion Institute of Higher Education

Glion Institute of Higher Education is proud to announce the appointment of Philippe Vignon as its new Managing Director, effective June 16th, 2025. 

Founded in 1962, Glion is a prestigious Swiss institution recognized globally for its excellence in hospitality management and luxury education. With its rich heritage, commitment to excellence, industry connections, Glion has become a benchmark in the academic world—shaping generations of leaders who elevate the hospitality, tourism, and luxury industries worldwide. The appointment of Philippe Vignon is a strategic decision to reinforce Glion’s identity as a Swiss-born global brand, and to accelerate its next phase of development, innovation, and influence. 

A profile in perfect harmony with Glion’s vision 

With over 30 years of experience at the helm of major international organizations in sectors ranging from tourism and aviation to digital media and education, Philippe Vignon brings a rare combination of strategic insight, cross-cultural leadership, and operational excellence. His career has been defined by transformative initiatives, business growth, and the ability to position brands as leaders in their respective domains. 

Career highlights include: 

• CEO, Geneva Tourism and Conventions: Transformed the institution into a high-performing Destination Marketing Organisation, leading to a 10% increase in regional tourism spending over four years. 

• CEO, Edipresse Digital – Edipresse Group: Designed and executed a comprehensive digital strategy across more than 50 websites, accelerating the group's transition to digital media. 

• General Manager Commercial Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Eastern Europe, easyJet: Oversaw the airline’s most profitable bases, spearheaded the launch of easyJet in Geneva, and delivered 1.5 million new passengers within 18 months. 

• L’Oréal Suisse SA: Advanced from Brand Manager to National Sales & Marketing Director, showcasing strong capabilities in brand development, team leadership, and commercial strategy.

His expertise also extends to several strategic advisory and board positions. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Doyof Al Rahman Program (Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia), and acts as a board advisor to Cabanner, a digital platform reinventing sustainable and exclusive travel, and to Sky2Share, a Swiss aviation initiative promoting eco-conscious private jet sharing. He is also an independent board member of the Hôtel des Horlogers, an innovative sustainable luxury property developed by Audemars Piguet in the Vallée de Joux. 

Leading with purpose  

Philippe’s extensive international background, his ability to align stakeholders across cultures, and his deep understanding of both business and education make him the ideal leader to further Glion’s mission. He will oversee Glion’s campuses in Switzerland and the UK, forge strategic partnerships with key players in hospitality, tourism, and luxury, and enhance the student experience through innovation and operational excellence. 

In addition, he will be tasked with spearheading Glion’s global expansion ambition, identifying new growth markets, fostering institutional collaborations, and scaling Glion’s influence in regions where excellence in hospitality education is in growing demand.

Philippe Vignon commented: 
"Joining Glion means embracing a mission that transcends education—it’s about shaping the future of a vital global industry. Glion represents Swiss excellence, service refinement, and intellectual elegance. I am honored to lead this prestigious institution and determined to elevate its global relevance and impact in a changing world."

Pierre Salles, Chair of the Glion Governing Board, stated: 
"Philippe Vignon is a leader of vision and execution. His ability to transform and uplift organizations aligns perfectly with Glion’s DNA. We are confident he will reinforce Glion’s academic excellence while expanding its global footprint." 

Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, added: 
"Philippe brings a rare blend of strategic clarity, operational experience, and human leadership. He fully understands the positioning of a Swiss heritage brand like Glion and will guide its expansion with authenticity and ambition. His appointment marks a decisive step in our mission to educate the future leaders of hospitality and luxury." 

New Meliá Pattaya Hotel Appoints Peter Laird as F&B Director

PATTAYA (April 2025) – An Irish and British national with two decades of hospitality experience in Asia and Europe has been named Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s director of food and beverage.

Peter Laird has joined the 234-room Meliá Pattaya to create culinary and beverage concepts and menus and to deliver quality hospitality through training and analysis.

He will also manage the revenue and costs of the hotel’s rich culinary landscape, featuring the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, that serves Cantonese cuisine with some Sichuan choices, all-day dining restaurant Sanehh Sarae that specialises in fresh, locally sourced seafood, and Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant Den.

Laird has worked in Thailand since 2018. Before joining Meliá Pattaya, Laird was the director of F&B at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Previously, he was the assistant director of F&B at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit and opened the hotel’s Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie.

In the early to mid-noughties, he studied at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College in England. Laird went on to become the banquets and events manager at Matfen Hall Golf & Spa Hotel, general manager of All Bar One venues across England and the general manager at Brouge Twickenham before moving to Thailand.

“Peter is a results-driven and versatile professional with a track record of bringing remarkable projects to fruition, pin-pointing sales opportunities and encouraging positive efforts from his entire team,” said Meliá Pattaya’s General Manager Javier Gimeno. “He will undoubtedly thrive in making our F&B landscape Pattaya’s most desirable place to dine.”

“You’re only as good as your team and I have a history of developing my teams and promoting from within,” Laird added. “When we hire the right team and nurture their talent effectively, we are in a prime position to promote from within.”

Grand Mercure Mysore Welcomes Manoj Singh Bisht As Rooms Division Manager

Mysore,  April 2025 - Grand Mercure Mysore is pleased to announce the appointment of Manoj Singh Bisht as its new Rooms Division Manager. With over 11 years in the hospitality industry, Manoj has showcased a deep understanding of guest services, front office operations, and seamless room management.

As the Rooms Division Manager at Grand Mercure Mysore, Manoj will oversee guest services at Grand Mercure Mysore, ensuring seamless operations while maintaining exceptional service standards. His role also involves addressing guest needs and implementing strategies to drive revenue growth and optimize the department’s financial performance.

Manoj embarked on his professional journey as a Front Office Supervisor, steadily advancing to become a Guest Service Executive, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in hospitality. In his most recent role as Director of Guest Services at ibis Bengaluru Hosur, he played a key role in elevating service quality and operational efficiency. His extensive experience includes working with prestigious hospitality brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, ITC Hotels, and Le Méridien, refining his expertise in luxury service and guest experience management.

Expressing his delight, Manoj stated, "I am thrilled to join the team at Grand Mercure Mysore. I look forward to working together to create seamless and memorable stays, ensuring every guest feels the genuine warmth of Mysore hospitality. I am committed to raising the bar and setting new standards of excellence for our guests."

Parag Shah Appointed As General Manager At Grand Mercure Bangalore

Bangalore, April 2025 - Grand Mercure Bangalore is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Parag Shah as its new General Manager. 

Mr. Shah brings with him over two decades of rich and diverse experience in the hospitality industry, including more than ten years with Accor, where he has successfully led and contributed to iconic brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Novotel, and Mercure. Before this appointment, he served as General Manager at Mercure Hyderabad KCP, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and elevating guest satisfaction, earning multiple industry accolades, including “General Manager of the Year” by FHRAI and Accor South Asia. 

A results-driven leader, Mr. Shah is known for his strategic vision, commitment to service excellence, and deep understanding of the evolving needs of today’s travelers. His leadership at Grand Mercure Bangalore will focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and nurturing a culture of excellence among the team. 

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Shah said, “I am honored to join Grand Mercure Bangalore  and look forward to working with the talented team here to further elevate the hotel’s offerings  and create memorable experiences for our guests.” 

Grand Mercure Bangalore welcomes Mr. Shah and looks forward to his leadership in taking  the property to new heights.

Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar appoints Mr. Amit Kapoor as the General Manager

Amit Kapoor is all set to embark on a new and exciting journey from Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar where he has been appointed the General Manager. Amit is ready to take on an all-encompassing role of the General Manager at newly opened Mercure Lucknow and will be responsible for the hotel’s overall performance in addition to front-lining all conversations.

In a career spanning more than two decades in the hospitality industry, Amit has impressive track record of success as he held prominent leadership positions at esteemed luxury brands, including Grand Hyatt, Marriott and Accor, shaping his reputation as a dynamic hotelier with a strategic vision. Before joining Mercure, he served as General Manager at Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality firm. His career highlights also include roles such as Director Food and Beverage at Hyatt Chandigarh and Food and Beverage manager at Marriott International, where his leadership contributed to the hotels’ enduring success.

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes Neil James as the General Manager

National, April, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is delighted to welcome Neil James as its General Manager. With 18 years of hospitality experience, marked by robust leadership, operational expertise, and a keen focus on guest satisfaction, Neil is set to drive significant value for the hotel.

As the General Manager of Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Neil will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, driving strategic growth, and strengthening the property’s positioning in the market. His extensive knowledge in hospitality management, coupled with a passion for innovation and service excellence, will further enhance the hotel's reputation as a premier destination for luxury stays, dining, and events.

Neil's notable 18-year career showcases a remarkable trajectory, beginning as a Front Office Associate and culminating in roles like Director of Rooms. His extensive experience spans renowned brands such as Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, and Courtyard by Marriott, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Vadodara, he significantly elevated the hotel's market standing and service quality. His contributions to the hospitality industry have garnered him significant recognition. He received the Hotel Bloggers Association's 2024 'Best General Manager, Gujarat' award, the prestigious Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award in 2018 for his positive workplace cultivation, and led his previous hotel to achieve the Platinum & Golden Circle Award for two consecutive years, showcasing his dedication to exceptional service.

On his appointment, Neil said, “Stepping into this role at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is an honor. I'm excited to join this exceptional team and contribute to the hotel's continued success. My vision centers on elevating guest experiences through innovative approaches, ensuring seamless operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence. I believe in empowering our team to deliver unparalleled service, creating truly memorable stays for every guest. Together, we will build upon the hotel's strong foundation, embracing new opportunities and solidifying its position as a leading destination in the region.” 

Beyond the world of hospitality, Neil finds balance and rejuvenation through his passions for reading and maintaining an active fitness regime.

Holiday Tribe Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

National, April 2025: Holiday Tribe, a travel-tech company redefining leisure travel, has announced significant appointments to its leadership team. The brand welcomes Varun Anand as Head of Marketing and Nikhil Kher as Head of Strategic Alliances. These additions reinforce the company’s commitment to transforming the holiday experience for modern travelers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Varun and Nikhil into the Holiday Tribe fold,” said Anshu Sharma and Chirag Goyal, Co-founders of Holiday Tribe. “With the brand at a pivotal stage of growth, we are excited about the expertise and passion they bring to the leadership team. Together with our dedicated team of Tribers, they will help us deliver exceptional experiences and drive the next phase of our journey.”

Leadership Strengths
Varun Anand, with over 16 years of marketing experience, will spearhead Holiday Tribe’s marketing strategy. His role will focus on elevating brand awareness, expanding digital outreach, building consumer engagement, and strengthening the brand’s positioning in India's competitive travel market. Anand, who has previously worked with Adobe, MakeMyTrip, and Vodafone, is known for his success in launching impactful marketing campaigns and creating strong brand identities.

“I am excited to embark on this remarkable journey with Holiday Tribe,” said Anand. “My focus will be on creating deeper brand preference and driving brand love as we continue to innovate and grow.”

Nikhil Kher will take the helm as Head of Strategic Alliances, building partnerships aligned with Holiday Tribe’s vision for the travel sector. With 18 years of experience in hospitality and travel-tech, Kher is an expert in strategic planning and revenue management. His expertise comes from leading roles at RateGain, Key Hotels, Ginger Hotels, and OccuMax, among others.

“By fostering strong partnerships and driving innovation, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for growth in the travel and tourism industry,” said Kher.

Innovation in Travel
For over two years, Holiday Tribe has been setting benchmarks in holiday planning through cutting-edge technology and deep travel expertise. The company has introduced instant customized packages with expert assistance and an AI-powered self-planning and booking platform. These initiatives position Holiday Tribe as India’s first leisure travel brand to disrupt the self-planning and holiday booking experience.

About Holiday Tribe
Holiday Tribe specializes in leisure travel, blending technology with human expertise to create memorable holiday experiences. The brand’s extensive supply network includes over 100,000 hotels and one million activities worldwide, catering to diverse traveler preferences. With partnerships across major tourism boards, including Mauritius, Dubai, Switzerland, and Australia, Holiday Tribe has curated holidays to over 30 destinations globally. Recognized as the Emerging Holiday Tech Company at the India Travel Awards 2023, Holiday Tribe aims to revolutionize travel for Indian holidaymakers.

Murugan Sailappan Joins The St. Regis Mumbai as Executive Pastry Chef

Mumbai, April, 2025: The city’s best address, The St. Regis Mumbai is delighted to announce the appointment of Murugan Sailappan as the new Executive Pastry Chef, boasting an illustrious career spanning across 19 years of exceptional expertise in the art of pastry and confectionery. 

Murugun is a highly skilled and innovative pastry chef, bringing with him a wealth of experience and an unmatched passion in the culinary arts. His strong ideals and gourmet traditions have served as milestones to his phenomenal success. Having started his journey as Demi Chef De Partie at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Murugun has honed his craft at prestigious global brands such as Four Seasons, Conrad, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott. In his most recent role as the Executive Pastry Chef at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, Murugun not only led the creation of exceptional pastries and desserts, but also provided training to the assistant pastry chefs, kept track of the daily operations of the kitchen staff, prepared the budgets according to the supplies and sales, and maintained the inventory and cost control within the budgetary restrictions. 

Murugun’s professional expertise is evident in his creations, which are distinguished by unusual textures and the meticulous incorporation of distinct flavours, all of which align seamlessly with The St. Regis Mumbai’s ethos of excellence. 

The St. Regis Mumbai welcomes Murugun’s extensive expertise and culinary skills, anticipating his valuable contributions to the esteemed establishment.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses worldwide. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. The ultra-luxury brand is set to expand its legacy to 50 hotels by 2018. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in  the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®, where members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.

Clarks Collection Appoints Mr. Nilesh Shukla as Associate Director of HR - Corporate

Clarks Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nilesh Shukla as Associate Director of HR - Corporate. With over a decade of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Shukla has worked with renowned hotel groups such as Taj, Carlson Rezidor Group, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, and The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait.

Bringing a wealth of expertise in recruitment, training & development, payroll management, and human resource operations, he will play a pivotal role in strengthening Clarks Collection’s HR framework. In his new capacity, he will be responsible for designing HR policies, ensuring legal compliance across all properties, and enhancing employee engagement through structured training programs and welfare initiatives.

Before joining Clarks Collection, Mr. Shukla served as Talent Acquisition Manager at The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait, where he successfully implemented employee retention programs, streamlined recruitment processes, collaborated with government relations officers for documentation and visa processing, managed budgeting, and oversaw performance appraisals.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Nilesh stated: "I am thrilled and honored to be part of Clarks’ legacy, and I fully embrace the expectations that come with this role. Clarks Collection has ambitious expansion plans to strengthen its global presence. Hospitality is all about delivering exceptional guest experiences, and the staff plays a crucial role in achieving this. My priority will be to recruit the right talent for the right roles and establish structured HR policies that align with the company’s vision. Additionally, I recognize the importance of quality control and compliance, and in the coming days, several new processes and initiatives will be introduced to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction."

With Mr. Shukla’s expertise and leadership, Clarks Collection is confident in further enhancing its HR strategies and fostering a workplace culture that aligns with the brand’s commitment to excellence.