Executive appointments, 3-7 August

Belmond has announced the appointment of Philippe Cassis as its executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Cassis most recently served as chief executive officer at Sun Resorts, where he oversaw the successful growth of the company’s portfolio of luxury destination resorts.

“We are delighted to welcome Philippe, an experienced business leader with strong organisational, strategic and business development skills,” said John M. Scott, president and CEO. “Philippe has a proven 30-year track record in the luxury travel industry.  He will add deep operational strength to our senior management team and will be invaluable to our near-term business execution and future growth.”

Prior to his role at Sun Resorts Ltd., Cassis spent 28 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he held various executive positions.

London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has appointed Magdalena Eliasz as director of operations.  

Magdalena brings ten years’ hospitality experience to her new role, with six years of her career spent at various Marriott International properties, including Marriott Bristol Royal Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport and London Marriott Hotel Twickenham. Her most recent position oversaw room operations at the recently launched JW Marriott Bodrum.

Speaking about her appointment, she said: “It is a real honor to join London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in its 30th year and to be a part of the leadership team that will mould the hotel’s direction for the next 30 years. Since joining Marriott International this hotel has been on my wish list and I’m excited to have been appointed to one of the best conference and event venues in central London.”

Corinthia Hotels has appointed international hotelier Thomas M. Fischer as the new general manager of its flagship five-star hotel in London.

Moving from his position as general manager at Corinthia Hotel Budapest, which he has held since March 2012, Thomas will now oversee the operation of the award-winning hotel, ensuring the optimal level of guest and employee satisfaction as well as profitability.

Thomas, who has over 21 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, was recently awarded ‘Budapest’s Hotelier of the Year’ for 2015 at the ‘Best of Budapest & Hungary’ awards. Under his leadership, Corinthia Hotel Budapest gained new momentum and was awarded ‘Hungary’s Hotel of the Year 2014’ by The Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association and the Hungarian Tourism Board.

During his two decades’ experience in luxury hospitality, Thomas has worked with leading brands including Kempinski, Hyatt, and Hilton in Germany, London, China, and the Middle East. He was previously general manager at Kempinski Hotels in Frankfurt, Moscow, and Halle-Leipzig.