Our conference will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and panelists from Romania, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The roster includes prestigious economists, private investors, and developers deeply entrenched in the real estate sector, alongside representatives from international financing structures, major Romanian banks, and active investment funds within the CEE region. Our experts, ranging from project managers and architects to construction engineers and building science specialists, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in real estate project development.
In an era where energy efficiency and sustainability are at the forefront of the real estate industry, our speakers will address crucial topics such as energy self-sufficiency, prosumer strategies, home and building automation, and their integral role in the sustainability of projects. These discussions will help delineate the difference between a project destined for success and one that might not yield a return on investment.
Moreover, we will have representatives from leading hotel chains, both those currently active and those planning to enter the Romanian market, along with suppliers of cutting-edge technologies, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), and other essential products vital for the hospitality sector.
LISTEN TO THE Event Speakers
Massimo Baggi
Ambassador of Switzerland to Romania
Mugur Isărescu
Governor of the National Bank of Romania, Former Prime Minister
Mugur Isărescu
Governor of the National Bank of Romania, Former Prime Minister
Mugur Isărescu has been serving as Governor of the National Bank of Romania since 1990. During this period, he was also Prime Minister of Romania (1999- 2000) and Director of The Institute of World Economy (1997) (discontinued while serving as NBR Governor). Mr. Isărescu has held various positions in international bodies: Governor for Romania in the IMF’s Board of Governors, Alternate Governor for Romania in the EBRD’s Board of Governors etc.
Mr. Isărescu holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies. He was declared “Central Banker of the Year” by “The Banker” (Financial Times Group) in 2001. He is also a Member of the Romanian Academy since 2006 and authored and coordinated over 60 books and research papers.
Governor Isărescu has received many orders, decorations, diplomas and awards, among which The National Order “The Star of Romania” Colan grade, "L'Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur", the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, the Order “The Grand Cross of the South”- the most important Brazilian decoration granted to foreigners.
Claude Béglé
Chairman & CEO, Swiss NeWater Holding
Claude Béglé
Chairman & CEO, Swiss NeWater Holding
Dr Claude Béglé is a Swiss entrepreneur, currently fully engaged in the field of sustainability and environmental initiatives. Founder and CEO of Swiss NeWater, a company whose purpose is to tackle two complementary SDGs: enhance public health / fight pandemics through hygiene, while at the same time protecting the environment. Swiss NeWater has developed a disruptive technology, i.e. a machine producing on the spot 18 eco-friendly cleaning and disinfection formulas.
He was a member of the Federal Parliament of Switzerland, particularly active in its Foreign Affairs Committee, with a focus on peace and humanitarian activities, as well as digitalization and cybersecurity. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Swiss Post, a logistics and financial service entity with a revenue of 11 billion CHF, 10 % net profit and the country’s second largest employer. He has been a member of DHL Express global board and CEO for Central Europe & Germany. Prior to that, he has been Chairman and CEO of DPD, as well as Executive Vice President of GeoPost (French Post). He also served as Vice President Europe of TNT Express. During the first half of his career, he held several marketing and managerial positions for Nestle and Philip Morris. He started with the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Development Cooperation) and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
He holds a PhD in Economics, a Master in Law and a Master in International Relations.
Dr. Sebastian Burduja
Minister of Energy of Romania
Dr. Sebastian Burduja
Minister of Energy of RomaniaSebastian-Ioan Burduja is the Romanian Minister of Energy, appointed in June 2023. He has previously served as the Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization, between May 2022 and June 2023. Since December 2020 he has been elected to the Romanian Parliament and is also the President of the Bucharest branch of the National Liberal Party. Before starting his political career, he acted as the Founding President of the League of Romanian Students Abroad (LSRS), now the largest Romanian non-profit network in the world, and the co-founder of the CAESAR Foundation, a think tank connecting 500 top Romanian and international policy experts. Previously, he served as a Regional Development Specialist for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., focusing on Europe and Central Asia. Mr. Burduja has also worked for Dalberg Global Development Advisors, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, McKinsey & Co., and the National Endowment for Democracy. He graduated from the Stanford University as member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society with a major in Politics and sub-specializations in Economy and Sociology. From 2008 to 2011, he continued his studies at Harvard University, being a David Rubenstein's fellow and graduating two master's programs: MBA from Harvard Business School and MPP from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He was honored in 2009 and 2010 with outstanding academic achievement, including the "First Year Honors" and "Second Year Honors" awards given to the best students at Harvard Business School. Mr. Burduja holds a PhD in Economics and International Affairs from the Romanian Academy of Economic Studies, with the "Summa Cum Laude" qualification.
Radu Savopol
President, Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Employers' Organisation - HORA
Radu Savopol
President, Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Employers' Organisation - HORARadu Savopol is a seasoned Romanian entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the HoReCa industry, successfully implementing similar business concepts across various regions in the country. His most significant venture to date is the 5 to go coffee shop chain, a project born from the desire to offer high-quality coffee at an affordable price. The chain aims to create a consistent daily experience for customers at any of its over 150 locations, where both service and coffee quality are standardized. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mr. Savopol, who is also an interior designer, personally crafted the interior design of the 5 to go locations. He placed a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a diverse clientele, including high school and college students, as well as corporate clients. Recently, 5 to go was recognized as one of the top three coffee shop chains in Central and Eastern Europe at the largest HoReCa symposium in Europe.
Russell Kett
Chairman, HVS London
Russell Kett
Chairman, HVS LondonRussell Kett is Chairman of the London office of HVS, the leading global specialist hotel valuation, consulting, asset management and brokerage firm, which he joined in 1995. Russell has 40+ years' specialist hotel consultancy, investment and real estate experience, focused on providing valuation, feasibility, property, brokerage, investment, asset management, strategy and related consultancy services, advising hotel, serviced apartments and hostel companies, banks, developers and investors on all aspects of their hospitality industry related interests, throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is a frequent writer, moderator and speaker on the international hotel industry, especially on topics relating to hotel valuation, investment, marketing and finance. Russell received a Lifetime Achievement Award from HOSPA in 2011 and the ‘Hall of Fame’ Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hot.E hotel investment conference in London in 2017. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a member of the International Hotel Investment Council. He and his wife are blessed with two children and three grandchildren.
Saar Sharon
Managing Director, West Ridge Asset Management
Saar Sharon
Managing Director, West Ridge Asset ManagementSaar is the Managing Director of West Ridge Asset Management, a boutique asset management advisory. Saar is a hotel and real estate transactions specialist with over 32 years of commercial experience, advising on disposals, acquisitions, asset management, funding, development, office conversions, leasing and management and franchise agreement across all hotel asset classes in UK and Europe. Over the years Saar has held senior positions with Colliers, Leonardo Hotels, PPHE and JLL. Since 2005 Saar has helped investors, operators, hotel brands, and lenders generate returns through hotel disposals, acquisitions, funding and asset management. To date, Saar has been involved with hotel property worth more than £12bn in the UK, Western and Eastern Europe, working for public and private companies. Since the inception West Ridge Asset Management In 2016 Saar advised on deals worth over £5bn of hotel real estate deals including the successful acquisition of 102 hotels comprised of 20,000 bedrooms valued over £2bn.
Heinz Wehrle
Chairman, Horwath HTL Switzerland
Heinz Wehrle
Chairman, Horwath HTL Switzerland
Heinz Wehrle is a highly experienced Dipl. Hotelier and MRICS, serving as the Chairman of Horwath HTL AG, Switzerland. With expertise in various areas such as Project Development, Operator Selection & Contract Negotiation, Hotel Asset Management, Transaction Advisory, and Valuations, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry.
He began his journey in luxury hotels, honing his skills through education and internships in Switzerland and Bermuda. Progressing to head various departments including F&B, HR, and Rooms Divisions, he eventually became CEO and led the successful management buyout of the internationally acclaimed Boutique Hotel Guarda Val in Lenzerheide.
After selling the property, Heinz pursued his passion for the commercial real estate sector in the USA. His expertise in this field became instrumental in pre-openings and restructurings of golf, spa & wellness, and conference hotels and resorts across Germany, Spain, and Austria. Additionally, his involvement in aviation led him to hold positions as Director of Operations for UN Missions in Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast.
From 2008 to 2022, as the Managing Partner of Horwath HTL Switzerland, Heinz immersed himself in hotel developments, restructuring, asset management, operator selection & contract negotiation, and hotel valuation based on RICS Standards. In recognition of his expertise, he became a Registered Valuer by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 2017.
Throughout his career, Heinz has undertaken numerous projects in countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Georgia, Senegal, Montenegro, and more. Furthermore, he strongly believes in the importance of professional education for young professionals and has taken up teaching Hotel Asset Management as part of the Masters in Hotel Management program at the prestigious EHL starting in autumn 2019.
In 2022, he assumes the role of coordinating Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as a board member of the newly established Horwath HTL AG. With his vast experience and passion for the industry, Heinz continues to make significant contributions to the field of hotel management and development.
Frank Reul
VP, Development Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy “Eastern Europe, Balkans, Italy & Greece”
Frank Reul
VP, Development Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy “Eastern Europe, Balkans, Italy & Greece”
He has extensive experience in hotel management and operations. He started his career in 1988 in Brussels and Bruges in Belgium in senior operational roles at Accor. He quickly got promoted to Director of Food and Beverage at the Novotel Sheremetyevo-2 in Moscow, Russia in 1992.
After spending three years in Moscow he moved back to London to and begun his ten years long career in the United Kingdom at Accor. He started at one of the busiest airport’s Novotel, at the Heathrow as an Operations Manager. He then held several General Manager positions across the United Kingdom: Novotel Preston, Novotel Southampton, Novotel Milton Keynes, Novotel Bristol Centre. In 2006 he moved to Turkey, where he directed and managed one of the key hotels in Istanbul, the Novotel Istanbul. He then spent two years as a General Manager at Novotel Trabzon.
After more than 20 years of service at AccorHotels he had been appointed to Area General Manager for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, then from 2014, to the Area General Manager for Romania, Bulgaria and Macedonia where he oversaw of operations and development including development in the Balkans and Croatia. From September 2017 he has been appointed to Head of Development Orbis/AccorHotels for Eastern Europe and from 2018 he holds the position of VP Development Accor Eastern Europe.
He is fluent in Dutch, English, French and speaks German as well. He is an avid fan of history, wines and the Arsenal.
Dr Colin Johnson
Professor, San Francisco State University
Dr Colin Johnson
Professor, San Francisco State University
Colin Johnson, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in economic and social sciences from Fribourg University, Switzerland. He also has an M.B.A. from Manchester Business School and a B.A. from the Open University in the UK.
He has worked in many sectors of the hospitality industry including contract catering, airline catering, two-, four- and five-star hotels, private members clubs, retail restaurants and was assistant catering manager at Manchester United Football Club.
He has held faculty and management positions in seven colleges and Universities in the UK, Switzerland and the US. He was the dean at the Domino Carlton Tivoli Hotel Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland and dean and then founding director of research at the Lausanne Institute for Hospitality Research at the ecole hôtelière de Lausanne.
Before joining San Francisco State University, he served as professor and chair at San Jose State University. He has published in a number of leading hospitality and tourism journals including The Annals of Tourism Research, The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Quarterly, and The International Journal of Hospitality Management and Managing Service Quality.
His research interests include services internationalization, small and medium size enterprises sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Tinu Sebeșanu
Managing Partner, Trend Hospitality
Tinu Sebeșanu
Managing Partner, Trend Hospitality
With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Tinu has put his mark in the concept, development and management of various landmark projects in the region, positively impacting their implementation and success.
He attended the courses of the Bucharest Institute of Technology followed by an MBA Program. Pursuing in a continuing education credo, he got specializations in Strategic, Financial and Asset Management at Cornell and Boston Universities and received the Postgraduate Certificate of Board Practice and Directorship at Henley Business School.
In 2005 he founded Trend Hospitality Consulting & Management, which has become one of the leading companies in the South Eastern region with over 300 projects completed to date. The company offers consulting and management services as market research, feasibility studies, valuations, financing, brokerage and asset management. Also, Tinu is a founding member of HORA (the Hotels and Restaurants Organization in Romania).
Yaron Ashkenazi
Head of Hospitality, Caliber Hospitality Trust Arizona
Yaron Ashkenazi
Head of Hospitality, Caliber Hospitality Trust ArizonaYaron was previously CEO of GCH Hotel Group, Germany’s second-largest hotel management group based in Berlin. A native-born Israeli, Yaron was Area Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2011 and then CEO of the GCH Hotel Group from 2013. Under Yaron’s leadership, the GCH Hotel Group developed rapidly into one of the leading and largest hotel management companies in Europe, with over 120 hotels with approximately 15,000 rooms in Germany, Belgium, and Austria, welcoming over three million guests annually and employing around 3,300 people. In addition, the group was year after year listed as “AAA” in the Treugast Investment Ranking. Numerous projects, innovative ideas, and the implementation of advanced technology can all be attributed to Yaron. He positioned the GCH Hotel Group in the market as a professional, independent service provider (B2B) of management services and introduced a leadership program for young talent, the Junior Sales & Revenue Academy. He also caused a sensation in 2016, when GCH became the first hotel management company worldwide to have a virtual reality website. Yaron graduated from Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in Hotel Management and Middle East History from Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Yateendra Sinh
Principal, YS & Associates – Switzerland
Yateendra Sinh
Principal, YS & Associates – Switzerland
Yateendra Sinh is a hospitality expert, who has been working at Board and senior executive level for more than three decades. Yateendra believes that the true value of an enterprise is developed through connecting the finer details, and human emotions, to a macro vision and concept.
He advises on the development of service enabled real estate projects, townships and tourism destinations. He has project experience in 60+ countries and several high-end brands, including, W, Dusit, Nestlé, Nespresso, Mandarin Oriental, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Häagen-Dazs, Rotana, Jumeirah, Oberoi.
Yateendra works out of Switzerland and maintains his connection with his roots in India.
Nina Moldovan
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Cluj & CEO, Winners First
Nina Moldovan
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Cluj & CEO, Winners First
With a wealth of experience in business development, Nina Moldovan has dedicated her career to enhancing the hospitality sector through strategic leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her extensive background in new business development gives her a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by startups, thanks to her involvement in projects from their earliest stages.
With over 23 years of experience across various roles and domains, including tourism, hospitality, real estate development, and startup programs, she remains committed to elevating service standards, optimizing operational efficiency, and giving back to the community.
Her mission is to foster innovation within the hospitality and real estate industries, seamlessly blending tradition with technology and always striving for excellence.
As the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova, Nina Moldovan serves as a catalyst for synergy between the two countries, fostering educational, cultural, and business exchanges. This unique role at the intersection of diplomacy and hospitality has further refined her expertise in new business development within the hospitality sector.
Dr René-Ojas Woltering
Associate Professor, Real Estate Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School
Dr René-Ojas Woltering
Associate Professor, Real Estate Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School
Prof. Dr. René-Ojas Woltering is an Associate Professor of Real Estate Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg and combines academic insights with industry practice to educate and equip the next generation of real estate finance professionals.
At EHL, he teaches courses on Real Estate Finance & Investment, Hotel Development, and Financial & Banking Markets. His research, which spans topics like real estate investment strategies, hotel valuation, and sustainable real estate, has been published in top-tier journals including the Journal of Banking and Finance, Real Estate Economics, and the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics.
Prof. Dr. Woltering also brings extensive industry experience in real asset management, portfolio management, and consulting. He has received numerous awards in finance and investment competitions.
Cătălin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain Group
Cătălin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain GroupCatalin invests at the intersection of hospitality and healthcare. He has been active for over 20 years in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, contributing to hospitality and tourism projects valued at over $100 billion. He specializes in business model innovation, capital allocation, and operator selection. As an entrepreneur and investor in healthcare, Catalin has formed public-private partnerships that achieved 30x returns. Before founding Cain Group in Dubai, he worked with firms such as PwC, HVS, and The Economist Group.
Takuya Aoyama
VP for Development, Hyatt International (EAME) LLC
Takuya Aoyama
VP for Development, Hyatt International (EAME) LLC
Takuya Aoyama is Vice President for Development with Hyatt International (EAME) LLC, responsible for expanding Hyatt’s portfolio of brands in the markets of Central & Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the CIS.
Takuya has been working in the field of real estate and hotel development since early ‘90’s and held positions with companies including European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Holiday Inn Worldwide, Andersen and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He joined Hyatt development team in 2008.
Takuya has a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs with specialization on East Central Europe. He speaks Japanese, English, and Russian.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of premier brands. As of September 30, 2023, Hyatt’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 76 countries across six continents.
Ruud Reuland
Reuland Hospitality Coaching, Former CEO of EHL
Ruud Reuland
Reuland Hospitality Coaching, Former CEO of EHL
Ruud Reuland, born in 1949 and of Dutch nationality, has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management (Hotel school The Hague, the Netherlands) and a bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree in business law (Erasmus University, the Netherlands).
He worked in many operational jobs in the hospitality industry in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ireland.
In 1977 he was appointed Director of Human Resources of a hospital in Haarlem, the Netherlands.
In 1980 he joined the Hotel school The Hague, first as professor in Human Resource Management and Hospitality law, later as Member of the Board of Directors. In 1997 he was appointed Dean of the same school.
Ruud became General Director of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland in 2002 and ensured that the school was and is ranked as the premier hospitality school in the world.
Since 2011 Ruud is involved in several international projects, mainly in hospitality education strategy development and implementation: Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Oman, Cambodia, Bhutan, India, Kenya, China, Tunisia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Tanzania.
Ruud worked for and with renowned organizations, such as the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, Dusit International in Thailand, the Aga Khan University in Kenya, the Institut de Tourisme et Hôtellerie du Québec, the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management in Hong Kong and the Nova School of Business and Economics.
Dr Jamil Hebali
Senior Lecturer, EHL
Dr Jamil Hebali
Senior Lecturer, EHL
Jamil Hebali, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at EHL. He developed his academic and scientific research skills at the University of Geneva as marketing researcher. After working as a Teaching Fellow in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Jamil increased his expertise in market research and market intelligence with JTI SA as Market Research Projects Associate. He joined EHL as Professor of Marketing and Market Research Manager, his main area of expertise and teaching are marketing intelligence, Big Data, consumer behavior and Brand management, etc.
Jamil obtained a certificate in Business Intelligence from the University of Geneva, and his PhD in marketing from HEC Geneva. He also has an advanced diploma (DEA) in information systems (Université de Savoie, France), a master’s degree in Management and Technologies of Information Systems (Ecole supérieure des affaires, Grenoble, France), and a Bachelor’s degree in Management (Faculté de droit, des sciences économiques et politiques, Tunisie).
Miguel Martins
Head of Development - Northern Europe, IHG® Hotels & Resorts
Miguel Martins
Head of Development - Northern Europe, IHG® Hotels & ResortsMiguel Martins is the Head of Development for Northern Europe at IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies. He is responsible for leading and developing IHG’s brand portfolio across Northern Europe, covering 17 countries, and identifying new business opportunities. Miguel and his team work collaboratively with development partners to deliver value for both franchised and managed hotels across luxury, upscale and mainstream brands. In his tenure with IHG, he has since signed over 45 new deals across the Northern Europe region. With extensive international experience in hotel development and hotel operations, he has been involved in over 20 projects in Europe, including Portugal, Spain and Poland. Prior to joining IHG in 2015, Miguel co-founded Polish Hotel Company, a strategic growth Partner, responsible for the roll out of some of IHG’s most well-known brands in Poland, such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and Crowne Plaza. Miguel also worked as a Senior Consultant at an international hotel & asset management company based in Portugal where he was involved on various projects under local and international brands and experienced several functions in hotel operations.
Dr Anca Nedea Pavel
Co-Owner & Executive Director, Hotel Opal by The Sea, Cap Aurora
Dr Anca Nedea Pavel
Co-Owner & Executive Director, Hotel Opal by The Sea, Cap Aurora
CO-OWNER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of OPAL S.A. – HOTEL OPAL by the sea, CAP AURORA
EXECUTIV DIRECTOR of MAMAIA-CONSTANTA PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION, 2017-present
PRESIDENT, NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR TOURISM OF ROMANIA, 2015-2017
OWNER & CEO, SC LIAN SERV S.R.L. – Consulting Management Company, since 2006
General Manager, S.C. Hagi Sport SRL – Hotel IAKI*****, Mamaia
General Manager, S.C. ANA Hotels**** S.A.
Chief of the board, S.C. ANA Yacht Club S.R.L. , the first private Marina in Romania
Chief Accounting and Financial Department, S.C. ANA Hotels S.A. - EUROPA & ASTORIA Hotels
Chief Accounting and Financial Department, S.C. COMPLEX BICAZ S.R.L.
Anca NEDEA Pavel was one of the youngest Executive General Manager's (at her 25th years) and GM's (starting 2007) for one of the most important chains in Romania Hospitality Industry, ANA HOTELS.
She is a winner in an exclusive men's world in one of the toughest services industries - Hospitality Industry.
She leaded, starting 2000 till 2014, two of the most important business in tourism on the Romanian Black Sea coast.
She started in tourism as a Financial Controller, position which made her familiar with all the important details of the business. Her experience as a GM put Ana Hotels (Hotel Europa, Hotel Astoria, Ana Aslan Health Spa and Ana Yacht Club private marina) in one of the pole positions of the properties from the Romanian cost.
Starting 2010 until 2014, she leaded one of the well-known resorts from Mamaia, Hotel IAKI and Spa, owned by the famous football player Gica Hagi. She managed to reposition the brand, the business and to build a team in a very tuff period world-wide and local, exactly with the start of the economic crises.
Starting October 2014, she and her partners put together a new management company in Hospitality Industry, “THE MAKERS”, and she was put in charge of the new project, due to her experience in managing hospitality properties.
One of the toughest and most successful projects was investing, pre-opening and opening of the biggest resort on Danube Delta – Green Village Resort, Sfantu Georghe.
Starting October 2015 until February 2017, she faced a new challenge – taking the lead of the National Authority for Tourism of Romania, as a President with Secretary of State rang. In this period, Romanian tourism knows the biggest growth after 2008. She is responsible for a lot of premieres like the new Strategy for Development and Marketing, implementing the concept and strategy for DMO’s (Destination Management Organizations), repositioning of the National Authority for Tourism of Romania in face of the general public, the new approach in new –media tendencies building new instruments for on-line and social-media and many others.
Since 2017, she took the lead of MAMAIA-CONSTANTA PROFESIONAL ASSOCIATON, as an Executive Director, aiming for developing the destination trough integrated management, as a partnership between public and private sector.
Since 2019, she is the Owner and Administrator of a 235 rooms Resort on the South part of the Romanian Black Sea Coast.
She handled important projects through his consulting and management company, in private and public sector. She managed to establish the first DMO in Romania – Mangalia Destination Management Organisation.
Anca NEDEA Pavel has a Doctor’s degree in Management & Economic Engineering.
She graduated as Chef of her Class for 2007 for the PHD Ecole Hotelier du Lausanne&RIHM, and she was the one which give the graduating speech in front of Royal House of Romania, represented by Principessa Margareta and Principe Radu, event which took place at “Elisabeta Palace”.
She is an Expert Accountant, and she has a master’s degree in international accounting Standards.
She graduated A.S.E. Bucharest, in 1999.
She attended dozens of conferences and events as a speaker and, many times, organizer.
She published the volume “Healthy and Beautiful from Head to Toe”, Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic
Publishing, 2011, ISBN 10: 3846546003 ISBN 13: 9783846546000, which is currently on sale o E-bay, Abe Books Marketplace and other books on-line platforms. She published other technical works.
www.lianserv.ro
www.hotelopal.ro
www.opmcta.ro
Christine Schillings
CEO, winsed.swiss Romania
Christine Schillings
CEO, winsed.swiss RomaniaChristine Schillings, an internationally renowned manager in the hospitality industry, with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, holds the position of Chief Executive Officer for Romania of the Swiss educational group winsed.swiss (World Institute of Service Education). She worked in the operational sphere in hotels in France, Germany, Great Britain, as well as in Romania, where she was part of the management team that opened the Athénée Palace Hilton Hotel. She also served as Hilton Worldwide Regional Director for 16 years, coordinating a portfolio of 46 hotels in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia and Israel. She led, as general manager, the Ana Hotels Romania group, and since June 2018 she has held the position of general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Bucharest. A Belgian national, she graduated from Hotel Management School in Brussels and then specialized in Asset Management, Project Management at Cornell University. In addition to the business area, another activity in which she invests a lot of energy is professional training, being specialized in leadership courses for future managers. Since July 2020, she holds the position of CEO of winsed.swiss Romania
Anja Graf
CEO, Founder and Chairwoman, Visionapartments
Anja Graf
CEO, Founder and Chairwoman, Visionapartments
Anja Graf, the founder, Group CEO, and Chairwoman of VISIONAPARTMENTS, is a dynamic business leader with a strong educational foundation. She received her education at Switzerland’s Seminar Unterstrasse and has consistently sought to enhance her practical business knowledge through various courses and seminars.
Under Anja's visionary leadership, VISIONAPARTMENTS has become a market leader in furnished apartment and commercial accommodation in Switzerland. Starting with just 4 apartments in 1999, the company now boasts over 2’500 properties across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Romania and more. It has expanded into several European countries, becoming a multinational corporation with over 20 “Satellite” Sales Offices across Europe, solidifying its presence in European markets.
Anja's ultimate goal is to achieve global dominance in the industry, emphasizing a practical and action-oriented approach. Her multilingual proficiency and dedication to business are noteworthy, and she enjoys reading, sports, and cultural adventures.
VISIONAPARTMENTS has diversified into complementary sectors, including Jar Food Production – YAJAR – a health orientated eco-friendly solution for busy individuals. The company further ventured into water production, along with the establishment of the La Lup bistro & bar brand.
In addition to her achievements with VISIONAPARTMENTS, Anja Graf recently acquired and continues to maintain Acomodeo.com, a leading B2B platform for booking serviced apartments. Acomodeo.com connects travelers with a curated selection of over 8 million high-quality serviced apartments worldwide. With this acquisition, Anja is further expanding her influence in the corporate travel industry, ensuring Acomodeo.com's continued success under her strategic guidance.
Apart from her successful business life, Anja is a devoted mother of four children, finding joy in family life and sharing it with her partner. She balances her dynamic, international perspective by residing in Bucharest, Romania, and frequently travelling to Switzerland, enjoying the best of both worlds and rich cultural experiences.
Vlad Dragoescu
Director, CEE Head of Portfolio Management, Revetas Capital
Vlad Dragoescu
Director, CEE Head of Portfolio Management, Revetas Capital
Vlad Dragoescu is Director- CEE Head of Portfolio Management and he joined Revetas in 2014. Vlad draws upon over 18 years of asset and property management as well as real estate development and investment.
Overseeing the Portfolio Management team, Vlad works closely with Oana Partenie-Dorhan to ensure to optimize the operations of the Revetas portfolio while being involved both operationally and strategically in all phases of the real estate investment cycle.
Before joining Revetas, Vlad was the Managing Director of a private equity group focused on investments across Central and Eastern Europe. While there, Vlad was responsible for managing nearly all acquisitions, financings, greenfield investments, and asset management operations of the group. From 2011 to 2014, Vlad worked as the Romanian local partner for the same London-based private equity fund, coordinating their property and asset management departments, while also directly managing many of their projects.
Vlad holds a master’s degree in Financial Management and a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Banking and Stock Exchange, both from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Augusto Hasman
Associate Professor, EHL
Augusto Hasman
Associate Professor, EHLDr. Augusto Hasman is an Associate Professor of Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. He holds a PhD from Carlos III University in Madrid and has the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) certification. Before joining EHL, he was the Executive Director of the Bilateral Assistance and Capacity Building (BCC) Program for Central Banks at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. Dr. Hasman was responsible for developing and monitoring country-specific capacity building Programs for Central Banks in developing countries on different topics such as Monetary Policy Formulation and Implementation, Bank Supervision and Regulation, Financial Market development and Operational Risk Management. Dr. Hasman has several publications on Financial Stability and Risk Management in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Banking and Finance, Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, Journal of Financial Stability, Economic Modelling or Journal of Economic Surveys.
Alina Cazachevici
Partner, Head of Hospitality Operations CEE/SEE, Cushman & Wakefield
Alina Cazachevici
Partner, Head of Hospitality Operations CEE/SEE, Cushman & Wakefield
Alina managed and coordinated the valuation and advisory services for over 250 hotels or hospitality-related properties across CEE & SEE countries. Her track record includes stand-alone hotels (branded and independent), portfolios of hotels, and mix-used schemes with diverse elements (hotel, branded residential, conference facilities, entertainment facilities, retail, and others) located in key cities or resort destinations. Alina also provided analytical support for transactions with hospitality properties in the CEE & SEE region.
Alina has a master’s degree in Economics and Finance from Charles University of Prague and is a member or Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors.
Remy Rein
Senior lecturer, EHL
Remy Rein
Senior lecturer, EHL
Remy Rein has a wide range of international multi-site management and consulting experience within the hospitality industry. His expertise spans the whole hospitality sector, ranging from 0 to 5-star properties, residences, resorts and restaurant chains and education. His operational roles span from GM to VP hotel division for branded hotel companies and family fund.
Mr. Rein has executed numerous transactions of single and portfolio real estate and hotels assets, performing different consulting missions including the supervision of feasibility studies, strategic advice, hotel management agreement and lease negotiations, operator selections. He has overseen valuations representing up to €5.5 billion. Its clients cover a wide range of institutions: banks, investment funds, hotel chains, hotels franchisees and private equity investors. Remy was instrumental in the success of CBRE hotels France and BNP Real Estate Hotels.
Starting in 2017, Remy Rein has been teaching within master, bachelor, executive education programs at EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne. He is a regular guest lecturer invited by major companies within the hotel and real estate industry.
Mr. Rein has an MBA from IMHI Cornell ESSEC with a concentration in International Hotel Finance and Management, a master’s degree in human resources from Lyon 3 University and an Executive Master in Art management from PSL Dauphine.
Stephane Haddad
Associate Dean, EHL
Stephane Haddad
Associate Dean, EHL
Prof. Haddad is Associate Dean in charge of Executive Education Programs and a Senior Lecturer in Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School. He teaches both at undergraduate, post-graduate and executive education levels. Courses lectured include corporate finance, hospitality M&A and private equity and venture capital. In addition to teaching, he supervises students’ capstone projects and master’s theses. Mr Haddad is also a visiting lecturer in corporate valuation and private equity at ESCP Europe (Paris / London).
Prof. Haddad has more than 25 years’ experience in corporate finance and M&A. He began his career in 1995 in M&A advisory at JP Morgan Chase in London and later worked in venture capital. In 2002, he co-founded and has since then co-headed the M&A Construction team of London-based merchant bank Nash & Co Capital (now known as Trevally Capital Advisers). He received an MBA in Finance from Bayes Business School (London) and a Master in Management from ESCEM Business School (French Grande Ecole).
Prof. Haddad has strong skills in sourcing of transaction opportunities, business and financial analysis, valuation, deal structuring and negotiating. He has built an extensive network of relationships with finance and investment professionals on a global scale, having advised clients and worked on assignments in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US.
Mehmet Ergul
Professor, San Francisco State University
Mehmet Ergul
Professor, San Francisco State University
Professor Ergul has 20+ years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sector. Professor Ergul has a wide of interests including but not limited to food tourism, healthy eating habits and their impact on the hospitality industry, new food products development, medical tourism, new destinations for tourism, cultural and film tourism, sustainable tourism, hospitality technology, and social entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry.
He is currently a faculty member at SF State University, College of Business Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management since 2006. He has also served on numerous committees at SF State and was a member of the Academic Senate.
Previously he has worked for Texas Tech University, Bilkent University and as a Guest Lecturer / Visiting Professor at numerous institutions globally.
His teaching portfolio includes Restaurant and Catering Management, Introduction to Hospitality Management, Food and Culture, Tourism Management, Services Management and International Tourism.
He has published numerous articles and presented his research in many international conferences. Professor Ergul is also the co-editor for the title “Sustainable Tourism Practices in the Mediterranean” released in July 2019 and co – author of Social Entrepreneurship in Hospitality: Principles and Strategies for Change.
Professor Ergul holds his Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration and MSc in Restaurant Hotel and Institutional Management from Texas Tech University, MBA from Baskent University, Ankara Turkey and BSc in Tourism and Hotel Management from Bilkent University.
He serves as an editorial board member for scholarly journals and as an ad-hoc reviewer. Between 2017 - 2022, as a part of his community work, Professor Ergul is voluntarily managed the Turkish National Synchronized Ice Skating Team “Team Vizyon” and attending international competitions with the team at the worlds level. Prior to working in academia, Professor Ergul was involved in several foodservice operations in Ankara, Turkey as a managing partner and consultant.
Dr Achim Schmitt
Dean, EHL
Dr Achim Schmitt
Dean, EHL
Prof. Dr. Achim Schmitt is Member of the Executive Leadership Team and Dean of EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
After almost 20 years in strategy consulting, Achim has gained substantial knowledge in strategy formulation, corporate turnarounds and managing underperforming business situations. In his earlier career, he participated in the turnaround of 15 companies and currently functions as a strategy advisor in Switzerland and Germany.
Academically, Achim has worked at the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Collège des Ingenieurs (CDI) in Paris (France), China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai (China), Columbia Business School in New York (USA), Universidad de los Andes in Bogota (Colombia) and Audencia Business School in Nantes (France).
Achim holds a PhD from the University of Geneva and obtained his Habilitation at the University of Paris‐Dauphine in France. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Geneva, an Associated Researcher at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, and an academic board member at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). He currently holds two board memberships in the private sector.
Răzvan-Legian Raț
Executive Vicepresident, Transilvania Investments Alliance
Răzvan-Legian Raț
Executive Vicepresident, Transilvania Investments Alliance
His career in the financial field began in 2007 and he currently has a solid understanding of the capital market along with management experience gained through executive positions held in BRK Financial Group and other companies, as well as serving as member of the Board of Directors of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
He holds several certifications such as stockbroker, participant in the Central Depository’s Clearing-Settlement and Registry System, Financial Investments Consultant and Risk Manager.
Răzvan has been Executive Vice- President of Transilvania Investments since April 2024. He coordinates the Trading Department team, having the mission to implement investment programmes for issuers actively traded on the financial markets, in accodance with the company’s strategy.
Răzvan is a graduate of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University in Cluj-Napoca.
Malgorzata Morek
Senior Director Development Central and Eastern Europe, Hilton
Malgorzata Morek
Senior Director Development Central and Eastern Europe, Hilton
Hilton
Senior Director Development Central and Eastern Europe (Mar 2023 - Present)
Development Director Poland & Eastern Europe (2017 - Present)
Accor Hotels
Director of Franchise Development (2015 - 2017)
Director of Franchise Development Poland (2012 - 2015)
Director of Operations ORBIS brand hotels (2011 - 2012)
Franchise Project Manager (2011 - 2012)
Director of the Bureau of Operations (2005 - 2011)
Operations Manager (2000 - 2005)
Aurel Bernat
Executive Director FI/IR, Banca Transilvania
Aurel Bernat
Executive Director FI/IR, Banca Transilvania
Executive Director Investor Relations / Financial Institutions
Board Member BT Pensii and BT Asset Management
Ex-CEO @ BT Asset Management, largest AM company in Romania
Background: MBA @ University of Hull and INSEAD Alumni on International Directors Program
Attila Joós
CEO & General Manager, ARO Palace
Attila Joós
CEO & General Manager, ARO Palace
Nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry
MBA in Management from the University of Sheffield
Enrolled in a second MBA in Hospitality Management at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne
Specialised in luxury and exclusive hotel management
Leadership roles in several key positions
Expertise in overseeing operations with up to 3000 beds
Strong understanding of the luxury market
Proficient in conceptualising and supervising medium-large operations
Analytical approach and project management skills
Răzvan Pîrjol
CEO, Turism Felix
Răzvan Pîrjol
CEO, Turism Felix
Răzvan Pîrjol graduated from Glion Institute of Higher Education (GIHE) in Switzerland in 1994, where he also held various positions, from marketing and communications (starting 1991) to that of operational director.
In 2005 he founded a consulting company in Switzerland – Leading Choice – operating in the field of consulting, management and education in the hospitality industry, serving companies in Switzerland, USA, Italy and Romania.
He also bought and operated a boutique hotel restaurant in Piemonte, Italy, before returning in 2008 to Romania to become CEO and General Manager of THR - Consulting Group, the main authorized provider of professional training in the tourism and hospitality industry in the country.
Between 2011-2017 he held the position of President of Skal International Romania and, afterwards, Răzvan served as Personal Advisor to the Minister of Regional Development and Tourism.
For one year starting from 2018, he was the President of the Administration Council and the General Manager of Suter Palace Hotel 5*, considered the most luxurious in Romania, with the mandate to reopen the property.
Between December 2019 – March 2021, he acted as Secretary of State within the Ministry of Economy.
Following this, Răzvan held the position of Chief Business Development Officer for Winsedswiss Education Group (2022-2023) and has also been a Visiting Professor at the University of Economic Studies in Bucharest.
At present, he is the CEO of the hotel group Turism Felix SA, based in Băile Felix, Bihor, and is involved in the restructuring and renovation of the hotels.
Dan Dascăl
CEO, BT Asset Management SAI
Dan Dascăl
CEO, BT Asset Management SAI
His first contact with the Romanian Stock Market was in 1997 when he started as a Stock Broker. In 2002, Dan joined BT Securities (currently BT Capital Partners), a brokerage service company part of BT Group, where he was Head of Operations. Dan joined BT Asset Management SAI in 2017, where he held the position of Deputy General Manager - Investment Director until 2023, after which he was appointed General Manager.
Dan has a solid knowledge of the capital market, gained in over 25 years of activity in this field, and throughout his career he has led key departments in leading companies operating in the Romanian capital market.
Dan is a graduate of the Technical University Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science
Florin Jianu
President, Young Entrepreneurs of the European Union
Florin Jianu
President, Young Entrepreneurs of the European Union
Florin Jianu graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics of the University of Bucharest, Department of Applied Mathematics in English. Later he attended postgraduate studies at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest, Faculty of Management.
He represented the business environment for 8 years as president of the National Council of SMEs in Romania, the most powerful organization of SMEs in Romania. He is Vice-President of the European Union of SMEs (SMEunited) and Honorary President of the Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Europe (JEUNE).
He was twice a minister in the Ministry for Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship. His work focused on a new law dedicated to SMEs, a strategy for the business environment 2014-2020, the law dedicated to business incubators, the introduction of the 1% tax rate for micro-enterprises that have one or more employees, the SME Invest program and the introduction of holiday vouchers. Also, Florin Jianu is the creator of the "Start-up Nation – Romania" program, the most successful program in Romania aimed at stimulating the establishment of new small and medium-sized enterprises.
Florin Jianu is a supporter of the national and European business environment, whose vision is based on innovation and encouraging entrepreneurship among young people, militating for placing Romania as the country with the most attractive business environment in South-Eastern Europe.
Charles Guyonnaud
Regional Vice President, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Charles Guyonnaud
Regional Vice President, Hyatt Hotels CorporationCharles Guyonnaud joined Hyatt in 2013 as Director of Operations, from which he worked his way up to his current role, Regional Vice President for Franchise Operations. Charles has brought with him an extensive background in the hotels industry, having previously worked at IHG Hotels, Expedia, and Concorde Hotels, to name a few, and has developed a passion for the industry along the way. Charles’ strong operational background, particularly due to his roles in data and revenue management, combined with this comprehensive sector knowledge, has perfectly placed him to oversee Hyatt’s franchise business and support its future growth.
Dragoș Petrescu
President, City Grill Group
Dragoș Petrescu
President, City Grill Group
Dragoș Petrescu is a self-made entrepreneur who started from scratch (selling newspapers in University Square) and, through many experiences in the retail sector, became one of the most well-known voices in the HoReCa industry (City Grill Group).
Dragoș discovered his passion for business in the 1990s, making him one of the pioneers of entrepreneurship in Romania. He has always prioritized education, both through traditional channels and especially through “best experience” learning.
Dragoș leads the largest network of traditional restaurants in Romania: City Grill, alongside Daniel Mischie. The two founded the group in 2004. He is also active in the delivery market in Bucharest with City Grill Delivery, ranking among the top five players in the delivery market in the capital since the pandemic year of 2020.
Gilles Granger
Senior VP, Business Development EMEA, D-EDGE
Gilles Granger
Senior VP, Business Development EMEA, D-EDGEInternational business leader with +20 years of experience in building and leading agile teams, focusing on Sales. With an in-depth knowledge of the hotel industry and technology, Gilles Granger - SVP Business Development EMEA for D-EDGE - helps hoteliers optimise their online distribution.
Jean Pierre Mifsud
General Manager, Corinthia Bucharest
Jean Pierre Mifsud
General Manager, Corinthia Bucharest
Jean Pierre Mifsud General Manager at Corinthia Bucharest, effective 01st September 2019
Started his career in Hospitality quite early when he was still at school, working weekends. This lasted 2 years between 1994 and 1996 when he Joined Corinthia.
The first 6 years at Corinthia were spent at the Corinthia San Gorg and Marina Resort where Jean served as Sales Manager, Groups Operations Executive, Reservations Coordinator and Guest Care Host.
In 2002 Jean was given the opportunity to shadow the GM of Corinthia Lisbon. This assignment gave him the opportunity to work in various areas such as in Food and Beverage and Rooms Division. The hotel was in the process in embarking a total renovation so he was asked also to assist in the closure of the property so that it would be preparing for its renovation process.
Moving back to Malta, Jean was promoted to senior roles in Malta in various 3 Corinthia Hotels until 2015 when he was given the task to relocate to Budapest to spearhead the Corinthia Budapest Hotel & Residences.
Following a successful 4-year tenure he was appointed General Manager of Corinthia Bucharest, a top-end luxury hotel in Bucharest, namely, the historic Grand hotel du Boulevard. Jean has been assigned to open this marvellous property situated in the heart of the city with a beautiful historic background. This charming old property is set to be brought to life early next year when it opens its doors again to the guests.
Jean followed the General Manager’s Program at Cornell University, Upper New York and has an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality in the U.K (United Kingdom). Passionate about music, reading, particularly Biographies and Business Management books, travel, and international cuisines.
Christophe Chamboncel
Executive Director, NIRO Investment Group
Christophe Chamboncel
Executive Director, NIRO Investment Group
Christophe Chamboncel has been a part of the NIRO Investment Group since 2021.
With a career spanning over a quarter of a century in the hospitality sector, Christophe Chamboncel has specialized in Operations and Development, with a particular emphasis on expanding brands throughout Africa and Eastern Europe. Before his tenure at NIRO Investment Group, he held the position of Vice-President of Operations Management for Southeastern Europe at Accor Group. In this role, Chamboncel oversaw all operations in Romania and Southeastern Europe, leading more than 50 hotels towards operational excellence and profitability. His leadership focused on key areas such as service quality, employee engagement, revenue growth, development, pre-opening stages, and managing relationships with business partners and hotel owners in both managed and franchise operations.
Jens-Henning Peters
Consultant, EHL
Jens-Henning Peters
Consultant, EHL
Jens-Henning is a Consultant with EHL and the Head of Vocational Education and Training by EHL, a skill training licensing model for the hospitality industry. In his role, he focuses on Business Development, international partnerships and managing strategic cross-functional projects.
In the past 15 years, Jens-Henning has worked on a variety of projects in over 20 countries, expanding and sharing his expertise in hospitality, education management, entrepreneurship and strategic project management.
His professional experience enables him to develop, pilot and commercialize complex transversal projects, lead diverse teams in different cultural contexts and guide clients in ambiguous environments.
As an Alumni of EHL, he holds a Bachelor Degree in International Hospitality Management; as well as a Federal Diploma as Management Assistant in Hotel and Hospitality from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Jens-Henning is fluent in German, English and French.
Competencies
Business Development; Strategic Project Management, Entrepreneurship; Management Consulting; Hospitality and Education;
Vassilis Themelidis
Regional Director South & East Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Vassilis Themelidis
Regional Director South & East Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Vassilis is the Regional Director for South & East Europe with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts based out of Athens, Greece. He is responsible for driving the expansion opportunities in the region and managing the relationships in a portfolio of 83 hotels, under 9 different brands, in 16 countries.
Vassilis has been active in the hospitality industry for almost 30 years, joined Wyndham in 1998 and before his current role he gained valuable experience in the management and development of various touristic-real estate projects in a diverse region that spanned from the Nordics, Central and Southeast Europe to the CIS and the Middle East.
Vassilis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and an MSc Postgraduate Degree in Tourism Management from the University of Surrey.
Liviu Andrei
President, Maurer Imobiliare
Liviu Andrei
President, Maurer ImobiliareWith nearly two decades of experience in banking management and real estate business, Liviu Andrei is a dynamic individual who specializes in propelling businesses to success. His approach involves motivating employees, while crafting and executing meticulously planned financial and development strategies. His core competence lies in comprehending and orchestrating the seamless integration of financing, technology, marketing, sales, and operations to establish and nurture a thriving organization.
Chiril Gaburici
Former Prime Minister of Moldova
Chiril Gaburici
Former Prime Minister of MoldovaChiril V. Gaburici is a Moldovan entrepreneur, former Prime Minister of Moldova, and a passionate advocate for climate change mitigation and environmental protection. Born in 1976 in the village of Logănești, Hîncești region of the Republic of Moldova, Gaburici holds a Licentiate in Economics from the Slavonic University of Moldova and a Master's degree in Economic Sciences from the Free International University of Moldova.
Răzvan Gheorghiu-Testa
Partner, Țuca-Zbârcea & Asociații
Răzvan Gheorghiu-Testa
Partner, Țuca-Zbârcea & AsociațiiRăzvan Gheorghiu-Testa is a Partner of Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații, specialising in real estate law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and taxation. He has been included 3 times in the guide "Top 50 Most Influential People on the Real Estate Market in Romania" compiled by Property Forum. His clients are investors and developers, asset and property managers, financial institutions/banks, energy investors, major retailers, engineering, construction and infrastructure companies and public authorities. He is also actively involved, including on a pro bono basis, in various programs dedicated to the growth of the HoReCa industry, while at the same time acting as a lawyer for numerous entrepreneurs in this industry. Furthermore, over time, Răzvan has invested in various start-ups in the HoReCa sector.
Vlad Doicaru
VP, Public Affairs & Government relations, Huawei Romania
Vlad Doicaru
VP, Public Affairs & Government relations, Huawei Romania
Vlad Doicaru, born in 1978, has an experience of 22 years in the ITC industry. He holds a Major in Electronics and Mobile Communications from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Vlad Doicaru is currently VP, Public Affairs and Government Relations Director of Huawei Romania. Since he joined Huawei in 2004 he had several roles in sales and business environment. Among its responsibilities he was in charge of Global Telecom Key Accounts with local operations, Enterprise (including hospitality vertical) and Digital Power business development as well as Government, Regulatory and Public Authorities, Industry Associations, NGOs and other third parties relations.
Grégoire Hambourg
Founder & CEO, Five Keys
Grégoire Hambourg
Founder & CEO, Five Keys
Grégoire Hambourg is the Founder and CEO of Five Keys, a leading provider of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) procurement services for the global hospitality industry. With over 20 years of experience in supply chain management and procurement, Grégoire has led strategic projects across Europe, Asia, and Africa within the hospitality sector.
Before founding Five Keys, Grégoire served as Hospitality Director at Batipart Group, where he managed operations and procurement for ONOMO, a lifestyle pan-African hotel group with 25 hotels owned by Batipart Group. His career also includes senior roles with Korian Group and Sodexo.
Grégoire holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from EHL Hospitality Business School.
When he is not traveling around the globe, he enjoys spending time with his four children and playing rugby.
Adina Oprea
Channel Sales Manager, CEED Sales Romania, Samsung Electronics
Adina Oprea
Channel Sales Manager, CEED Sales Romania, Samsung ElectronicsAdina Oprea is a distinguished sales professional with over 14 years of experience, currently thriving as a Channel Manager at Samsung. Her career spans the IT and telecommunications industries, where she has excelled in developing strategic partnerships, driving sales growth, and leading high-performing projects. In addition to her corporate achievements, Adina has also ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully managing a social media platform for her crafting shop. Her diverse expertise and innovative approach continue to make significant contributions to Samsung's success and the broader industry.
Gheorghe Țucu
Managing Partner, Valeg Creative Solutions
Gheorghe Țucu
Managing Partner, Valeg Creative Solutions
Gheorghe Țucu is a dedicated professional with significant experience in C-level positions since 1999 within several multinational companies active in Romania, in fields such as process control, building automation, and renewable energy.
In 2012, he founded Valeg Creative Solutions, a Romanian company focused on energy, particularly energy efficiency and renewable energy. His company is now a market leader in delivering micro-cogeneration solutions, primarily for customers in the hospitality industry, as well as for medium-sized hospitals and the food and beverage industries.
Since 2003, Mr. Țucu has held the position of President of the Romanian Standards Association (ASRO), overseeing standardization activities both nationally and at the European level. He is a former board member of CEN and CENELEC, the European standardization bodies, where he promoted innovative ideas and solutions.
Although he is officially retired, Mr. Țucu remains enthusiastic and highly motivated to deliver top results. He is currently very active in implementing energy efficiency projects for the HORECA market segment.
Kapil Chopra
Founder, EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel
Kapil Chopra
Founder, EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel
Kapil Chopra is the Founder and CEO of The Postcard Hotel. With his vision, the brand has been resolute in developing the most intimate yet highly differentiated experiential stays for guests in hidden destinations since 2018, while building a bold new narrative around ersonalised luxury.
Recognised for its thoughtful hospitality and commitment to setting new standards, The Postcard Hotel has garnered numerous prestigious accolades. Notably, the brand has been honoured with the esteemed title of ‘World’s Leading Emerging Boutique Hotel Brand', and Travel+Leisure Champion of Transformative Stay, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, At The World Travel Awards 2023, and The Postcard on the Arabian Sea was voted as ‘World’s Leading Boutique Beach Hotel’. In 2024 at the Annual World Travel Awards, Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Wildlife Resort’, and The Postcard Dewa, Thimphu was voted ‘Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel’, continuing to weigh heavy amongst the top luxury hotels in Asia at World Travel Awards 2023 and 2024. The brand has also been awarded a brand rating of 9.6 at The Traveller Review Awards on booking.com, which is the highest brand score for any luxury hotel brand globally.
Kapil is also the Founder of EazyDiner, India’s largest instant restaurant reservations app which powers reservations at over 120,000 restaurants in over 100 cities in India and Dubai. In his last assignment as the President of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Kapil drove significant growth, earning the group titles like The Best Hotel Group by The Telegraph UK and The World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel+Leisure USA. He also chaired WTTC-II, led tourism initiatives, and received the Hindustan Times Trailblazer Award in 2021 for his public healthcare contributions.
Dănuţ Marin
Director, Bhatia International Romania
Dr Ray F. Iunius
CEO, winsed.swiss
Dr Ray F. Iunius
CEO, winsed.swiss
Dr Ray F. Iunius is the author of various academic and professional articles published by journals in the management of services, technology, and innovation. He is also the author of a number of books such as « Industrie de l’accueil », « Hôtellerie de Luxe », « La gestion des spas », “Un Hôtel, un modèle ?” in de Boeck editions and co-author of the “Lausanne Report on the future of Hospitality Industry.”
In the last 20 years Ray occupied different management positions at EHL education Groups. He is also the founder of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (EHLITE), the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (INTEHL), the Students Business Projects (SBP), the EHLITE magazine, and the Chair of Innovation Paul Dubrule.
Ray is today CEO of winsed.swiss education group (WEG) SA, an integrated group of educational institutions comprising professional and vocational programs, soon universities and post-secondary education schools in the service industry.
As Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC) of the University of Lausanne, he is currently teaching Strategic Consulting Projects and Service Operations Management.
Ray earns an MBA and PhD from the University of Lausanne and a BSc, MS and PhD in Technical Sciences from the University of Transylvania Brasov.
