European Hotel Awards 2025: A United Board of Hospitality Visionaries

Paris, 9 September 2025

The European Hotel Awards are proud to present the collective strength of our 2025 Board—seasoned experts whose shared dedication ensures the credibility, integrity and innovation that our Awards stand for. This year we celebrate not individuals alone, but the synergy that drives excellence across Europe’s hospitality sector.

Michel Stalport – Board Selection Honorary President

Trained at Namur Hotel School and École hôtelière de Lausanne, Michel Stalport brings over thirty years of leadership with Hilton EMEA, The Walt Disney Company and Radisson Hotel Group. His seasoned perspective underpins the ethical rigor of our selection process.

Thierry Lavalley – Honorary Board Member

With more than forty years in luxury hospitality—helming Swissôtel, Kempinski and Fairmont—Thierry Lavalley’s commitment to excellence and professional solidarity enhances the prestige of our Awards.

Albert Rouwendal – Honorary Member

Albert Rouwendal, former General Manager and now revered as an Honorary Member, lends decades of frontline hotel leadership to our Board. His storied career in the Netherlands exemplifies the timeless values we honour.

Miguel Maugi Santos – Honorary Vice-President F&B & Next-Generation Advocate

Miguel Maugi Santos, recognized for championing emerging talent in Food & Beverage, infuses our Board with fresh international insight. As a dynamic leader bridging tradition and innovation, he represents the next generation of hospitality visionaries.

Stefano Brancato, former General Manager of Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, is also a valued member of the Board, contributing his extensive F&B expertise to ensure a balanced evaluation across all categories, alongside Michel Stalport, Thierry Lavalley, Albert Rouwendal, Miguel Maugi Santos, Romain Fornell (Permanent Honorary Member), Guillaume Gomez, and Michele Florentino.