Governance & Selection — European Hotel Awards

The Presidency and Selection Committee of the European Hotel Awards brings together a curated group of European personalities and senior professionals from the hospitality and gastronomy sectors.

Each year, this committee contributes to the identification and validation of a selection of candidates eligible for the European Hotel Awards. The recognition is based on independent editorial assessment, industry expertise and a long-term vision of excellence across the European hospitality landscape.

The European Hotel Awards do not operate as a competition. The selection process reflects a structured and thoughtful approach, guided by consistency, leadership, guest experience and the intrinsic identity of each property.

Michel Stalport is a senior international executive with a distinguished career spanning Hilton International EMEA, The Walt Disney Company and Radisson Hotel Group. Having held key leadership roles at both operational and executive levels, he brings a strategic vision shaped by decades of experience within the global hospitality industry.

He currently serves as Senior Advisor to Radisson Hotel Group and is widely regarded as a respected and influential figure within the European hotel sector.

The selection of the winners reflects thoughtful recognition of hotels and professionals whose commitment to excellence, guest experience and sustainability defines the industry at its highest level.

Jérôme Chapman is the Founder and Executive Director of the European Hotel Awards, an independent European recognition platform dedicated to leadership and excellence within the 4- and 5-star hospitality sector.

With an international background combining hospitality, media and public relations, he established the European Hotel Awards as a structured and credibility-driven framework, designed to highlight long-term performance, operational excellence and leadership across Europe.

As Executive Director, he defines and oversees the governance architecture and strategic direction of the programme, ensuring independence, institutional coherence and rigorous selection standards.

“The European Hotel Awards are founded on independence, discretion and rigorous selection standards. Recognition must reflect leadership, consistency and a sustained commitment to excellence.”

A highly respected figure in the international hotel industry, Thierry Lavalley brings over four decades of experience in luxury hospitality. His career includes senior leadership positions within Swissôtel, Kempinski and Accor – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Former President of the Société des Hôteliers de Genève, he is widely recognized for his contribution to the development and representation of the hotel industry at an international level.

“The European Hotel Awards represent a valuable initiative to highlight excellence within the hospitality industry. I fully support the institutional spirit and long-term vision of this programme.”

All members of the Selection Committee (referred to as the Board) hold strictly honorary and non-executive roles. Their titles are honorary distinctions granted by the direction of the European Hotel Awards.

Their involvement is limited to the deliberation and selection process for the European Hotel Awards and does not extend to any operational, financial or legal responsibilities. Board members are not involved in the organisation, funding or legal management of the programme, nor in the entity overseeing the Awards. The composition of the Board may be reviewed and adjusted at any time in order to preserve independence, coherence and editorial integrity. All honorary members are bound by a strict duty of confidentiality regarding the selection process and annual deliberations.

For the full legal framework, please refer to our

Governance & Legal Safeguards