The Academy of Hospitality Arts

Welcome to the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts, where the finest minds in hospitality converge. Our exclusive, invitation-only society is a sanctuary for sharing wisdom, insights, and innovative ideas. Led by visionary innovators, our members engage in open, confident dialogue, driving forward industry projects and setting new benchmarks. Here, exclusivity meets expertise, forming a dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of hospitality - a privileged space for collective growth and shared success. Welcome to the Academy.

The HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts stands out for its dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry practitioners, fostering a community committed to giving back to the hospitality sector. Central to the Academy's mission is curating the prestigious SIRIUSACADEMYAWARD, a testament to our commitment to a noble cause. The Academy's environment champions open, judgment-free dialogue, fostering a safe space for members to express themselves and collaborate freely.

This unique assembly of diverse yet like-minded individuals cultivates an atmosphere ripe for innovation. It's where personal growth aligns with collective progress, nurturing relationships and offering fresh perspectives on tackling challenges collaboratively. Through this synergy, we aim to cultivate an inclusive, resilient, and responsible hospitality ecosystem. Welcome to a space where excellence and unity shape the future of hospitality.

Our Mission

• Foster an exchange platform for academics, hoteliers, and industry leaders.

• Bolster the HoteliersGuild LeadingHôtelières chapter.

• Translate academic research for practical application in the hospitality sector.

• Host specialized webinars uniting academics and industry professionals.

• Collaborate with academic institutions to co-design projects addressing industry challenges.

• Educate and mentor the next generation of industry leaders.

• Supervise the SIRIUSACADEMYAWARD scholarship initiative.

• Establish a collaborative platform for industry leaders and academics to share research and insights.

• Pilot and share research findings in select hotels, making results accessible industry-wide.

Frank M. Pfaller
Founder President of HoteliersGuild and its initiatives.
Independent luxury hotelier, CEO of CoutureHospitalityConcept and Selected Hotels Promotion L.C.

Lindsey Ueberroth
Co-founder of the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts and the LeadingHôtelières Chapter.
CEO at Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Beyond Green.

Sonu Shivdasani
The Academy’s International Ambassador.
Founder and CEO of Soneva (Guardian of the Culture); (Founder of Six Senses Resorts).

Prof. Dr. Henri Kuokkanen
The Academy’s 1st Chairman.
Associate Professor and Vice Dean at Institut Paul Bocuse; President of EuroCHRIE.

Prof. Dr. Sowon Kim
The Academy’s Co-chairlady and Chairlady of the LeadingHôtelières Chapter.
Professor of Management, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

Elisabetta Fabri
Hon. Ambassador and HoteliersGuild Hon. Ambassador. President & CEO of STARHOTELS Group

Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand
The Academy’s ‘Sustainability & Innovation’ FocusGroup Chair. Professor at IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

Astrid Oberhummer
Founder & Managing Director of Lobster Experience, an internationally renowned agency for marketing & communications, specialised in luxury tourism, hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations.

Yasmine Mahmoudieh
International Architect, Interior Designer, Tech-entrepreneur, Founder & CEO at Yasmine Mahmoudieh & myKidsy.

Sue Harmsworth MBE,

Founder of ‘ESPA, best known as a visionary leader who has been committed to the spa and wellness industry for more than 50 years.

Duncan Palmer
Founding member of HoteliersGuild and senior luxury hotelier.
Managing Director at BVLGARI HOTEL in London, UK.

Joseph Chong
Founding member of HoteliersGuild and Ambassador for China.
Regional Vice President, Asia - The Peninsula Hotels.

Philippe Clarinval
The Academy’s Vice-Chairman, General Manager at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois; SwissDeluxeHotels Board Member, Advisor at FORBES Business Council.

Beverly & Dereck Joubert
HoteliersGuild Ambassadors. South-African filmmakers & hoteliers Dereck and Beverly Joubert are a husband-wife duo who have produced over 40 award winning National Geographic films. Founder CEO’s of Great Plains Conservation.

Prof. Dr. David Rempel
The Academy’s Co-Chairman Academic Head Nuremberg Campus IU International University of Applied SciencesGermany

Valentina de Santis
Academy founding member.
Owner and operator of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lago di Como, Italy.

Robert Richardson
Hotelier and Chief Executive Officer at The Institute of Hospitality, London.

Anni Hood
Chief Executive Well Intelligence. A leading global wellness adviser and strategist, spearheading a cross section of workplace, hospitality, travel, c-suite, community and wellness tourism projects.

Heleri Rande
Hospitality strategist, writer, speaker & presenter. Founder HRande Consulting and Partner of Think Hospitality Group. SLEEPER magazine contributor.

Prof. Dr Burkhard von Freyberg
Managing Partner at Zarges von Freyberg Hotel Consulting / Professor for Hospitality Management at the Munich University of Applied Sciences Munich.

Frances Kiradjian
Hospitality Authority | CEO & Founder - Independent Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association | Serial Entrepreneur | BLLA Events | StayBoutique | Boutique Money Group | TIEWN (Travel Industry Executive Women's Network).

Tea Colaianni
Founder of WIHTL - Diversity in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure, Senior Independent Director Watches of Switzerland, SD Worx Holding, DWF and Diversity in Retail.

Bill Bensley
Renowned landscape architect & designer specialised in the design of unique hospitality projects worldwide, President of the Bensley Collection.

Prof. Ksenia Kirillova
Academy Focus Group leader

Associate Professor Of Marketing at Institut Paul Bocuse.

Cèline Vadame
WE(i) Think Founder & CEO I Hospitality of the Future Think Tank Co-Founder I Global Project Concept, Strategy, Development & Management l Wellness, Sustainability and Innovation I Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure.

Prof. Dai-In Danny Han
Professor Future of Food at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences l Hotel Management School Maastricht.

Harry Murray MBE
Chairman Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. Master Innholder & past Chairman 1986/7 President of HOSPA Governor Royal Academy Culinary Arts. Patron Hospitality Action.

Dr. Andreas Lindner
International Entrepreneur, partner of MedTech Entrepreneurs, Munich, Founder President of ConchaInvest GmbH.

Jason M. Friedman
Managing Director at J.M. Friedman & Co. - Tailored Hospitality Services that manages the Bill Bensley Collection.

Dr. Jeffrey O
The Academy’s past Chairman & Ambassador for the Americas.
President and CEO of the International Hospitality Institute and CEO of St. Justine Hotels

Fernando Letelier MBA

Founder and CEO of SITAWI. Recognised as one of the pioneers in the Social Finance and Impact Investing landscape, globally and in Brazil.

Paul Jones CMD, FIH

Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective. Paul Jones’ approach to Hospitality Management reveals his passion and originality. Before joining The Lux Collective, he served as President of One&Only, where he was instrumental in growing the brand into a global entity.

Prof. Leora Halpern Lanz, ISHC Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty Chair, Graduate Programs, Associate Professor of the Practice, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration

Prof. Dr. Peter Ricci
Clinical Associate Professor and Director, Hospitality & Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), part of the Florida state university system (SUS).

Valerie Ferguson

Director of Lodging - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Director of Lodging responsible for the Leisure Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World .

Prof. Dr. Yi-Sung (Ethan) Cheng Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Western Carolina University. He earned his Ph.D. in Food and Hospitality Systems from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Sandi Lesueur

Founder | CEO of VIRTU Resorts & Residences and creative, global brand builder. Board member of various successful medical/wellness companies collaborating with physicians, research scientists, universities, impact investors & developers, legal policy makers and Indigenous healers.

Glenn Mandziuk MEDes. MCIP FRSA

Chief Executive Officer at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance | Taskforce Chair at Sustainable Markets Initiative | Global Top 30 Champion of Environmental Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality.

Judith Cartwright CRME, CHBA, ISHC

Founder & Managing Director Black Coral Consulting | Total Revenue Optimisation | Associate Member of ISHC | HSMAI Chair | Former SVP Global Revenue Mgt & Distribution Kerzner Intl (Atlantis, One&Only, Mazagan)

Prof. Dr. Urs Pohlman

As the founder and past Managing Director, and now creative consultant for the internationally renowned Swiss award-winning ananné AG brand, he brings invaluable expertise to our new DeeperLuxury EcoLuxNature Chapter.

Assia Riccio
Philanthropist, Founder of ‘Evolvin' Women’ - committed to becoming more inclusive and socially responsible preparing unemployed women from less privileged economic backgrounds to tackle challenges!