Latest news with #DavidGreen
Malay Mail
23-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Where artificial persons can profess a faith — Hafiz Hassan
JUNE 23 — Ever heard of Hobby Lobby? No, it's not a rock band, local or foreign. It is a United States (US) family-owned company, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. (Hobby Lobby). Today it has more than 1000 stores with over 46,000 employees operating in 48 states. On September 12, 2012, Barbara and David Green, along with their children Mart Green, Steven Green, and Darsee Lett, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on behalf of Hobby Lobby. According to David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, all of the stores that he had founded, including the first store which opened in 1972, incorporated his Christian beliefs into their everyday functions. In 2012, David and his son Steven, who was the president then, maintained ownership of all of Hobby Lobby stores. Now, a little background on the case. On March 23, 2010, then US President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. The ACA was a legislative overhaul of the US healthcare system that sought to minimise the number of uninsured US citizens. Many of the ACA's reforms were directed towards healthcare insurers and mandated which services they were required to cover. The ACA included a provision requiring employer-sponsored health insurance plans to cover certain preventative health services at no cost to the individual. In the provision, the ACA granted the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington DC authority to determine which preventive services health insurance plans must cover. On February 15, 2012, the HHS, the US Department of Labor, and the US Department of Treasury finalised regulations that detailed which preventative health services insurers had to cover, which included all contraceptive methods approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accordingly, all employer-sponsored health care plans had to cover 14 methods of contraception, free of cost to all female enrollees. However, the HHS regulations included exceptions for certain corporations such as non-profit religious organisations. The Greens filed their suit against the director of HHS, and challenged the contraceptive mandate of the ACA. They argued that the contraceptive mandate of the ACA violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. According to the Greens, the contraceptive mandate interfered with their and Hobby Lobby's rights to exercise their religious beliefs by forcing their employer-provided health plans to cover four FDA-approved contraceptive methods that they considered as inducing abortions. The Greens further argued that under their and Hobby Lobby's religious beliefs, life begins when an egg is fertilised and that emergency contraceptive pills and intrauterine devices both have the potential to prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus. The Greens objected to methods inducing abortions by terminating fertilised eggs. They claimed that being mandated to cover those contraceptive methods violated their and Hobby Lobby's rights to exercise their religious freedoms enumerated in the First Amendment to the US Constitution and protected by the RFRA. In response to the arguments, the HHS contested Hobby Lobby's ability to make claims under the RFRA. The HHS argued that the RFRA, as drafted by US Congress, protected only an individual's right to freedom of religion, not for-profit corporations such as Hobby Lobby. — Pexels pic In response to the arguments, the HHS contested Hobby Lobby's ability to make claims under the RFRA. The HHS argued that the RFRA, as drafted by US Congress, protected only an individual's right to freedom of religion, not for-profit corporations such as Hobby Lobby. According to the HHS, Hobby Lobby was a corporation or company composed of individuals with many different beliefs. The HHS further argued that Hobby Lobby could not claim that the contraceptive mandate burdened the corporation's religious beliefs, as they were a non-religious corporation composed of individuals capable of exercising their personal religious beliefs. To cut the story short, the case went to the US Supreme Court which granted the federal government's request for review. The case was consolidated with a similar case from Pennsylvania which challenged the contraceptive mandate of the ACA on similar grounds. On March 25, 2014, the US Supreme Court began to hear arguments for the case. Three months later in June, the US Supreme Court decided by a slim majority (5:4) in favour of Hobby Lobby. The majority held that the contraceptive mandate of the ACA placed a burden on the exercise of religion of Hobby Lobby, a corporation but nonetheless a person with the ability to practise religion. The majority ruled that for-profit corporations are 'persons' by reference to the Dictionary Act 1871 which defines 'person' to include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies, as well as individuals. The majority rejected the federal government's argument that for-profit corporations, which existed primarily to make money, could not exercise religion. Accordingly, Hobby Lobby had the ability to practise — profess if you like — religion. [See Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 573 U.S. 682 (2014)] The majority decision has been much welcomed and well received as protecting religious freedom in the US, including that of corporations — otherwise called artificial persons. So yes, artificial persons can profess a faith. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Harvard Business Review
10-06-2025
- Business
- Harvard Business Review
How Mastercard Helped Blenheim Palace Cut Costs with Reusable Cups
In an era when organizations are discovering that circular economy models can reduce costs and create new revenue streams, forward-thinking businesses are capitalizing on the shift from wasteful linear systems to more profitable circular alternatives. The transition from take-make-dispose models to circular systems represents one of the most profound operational shifts of the 21st century. Those who embrace it may discover competitive advantages. And when implemented thoughtfully, circular economy initiatives can create multiple layers of value that extend far beyond environmental benefits. Circular Innovation Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Oxfordshire, England, demonstrates how businesses can implement circular economy initiatives while improving operational efficiency, enhancing visitor experiences, and cutting costs. Two years ago, Blenheim Palace faced a common costly problem; it was spending over $100,000 annually on single-use cups that added to the many single-use cups reaching a landfill or an incinerator every day. Today it's achieved a notable 50% reduction in beverage packaging costs by implementing a deposit return scheme (DRS) with reusable cups, like other reusable cup deposit return schemes, such as in Denmark. 'The transition wasn't merely about sustainability metrics,' says David Green, head of innovation at Blenheim Palace. 'Our reusable cup scheme has significantly cut costs and fundamentally transformed our operations,' reimbursing customers rapidly and conveniently for returning their cups. 'The transition wasn't merely about sustainability metrics,' says David Green, head of innovation at Blenheim Palace. 'Our reusable cup scheme has significantly cut costs and fundamentally transformed our operations,' reimbursing customers rapidly and conveniently for returning their cups. The Mechanics of Circular Success Blenheim Palace's approach is elegant in its simplicity. Visitors pay $2.70 deposits to rent RFID-enabled reusable cups they will later return to reverse-vending machines. Circularity solutions provider re-universe assigns each cup a digital identity for data tracking and tracing throughout its usage. Blenheim Palace collects, washes, and reintroduces the cups into circulation—and visitors get secure, near-instantaneous refunds to their payment cards. 'With return machines streamlining the process,' Green says, 'we're achieving remarkable results that prove sustainable operations can be financially viable, too.' In a 12-month period, Blenheim Palace has cut 1,150 kg of carbon emissions and kept 320,000 single-use cups out of landfills. The Business Case for Circularity 'For circular initiatives to scale, the consumer experience must be seamless,' says Pratik Khowala, Mastercard's global head of transfer solutions. 'Our payments technology enables Blenheim Palace to offer near-instant deposit returns without requiring visitors to download apps or share additional banking information—a critical factor in achieving high participation rates, especially among international visitors.' Beyond environmental benefits, the financial case for this circular system is compelling. Blenheim Palace reports a 50% cost savings during the second year of implementation, including reduced waste management expenses and increased operational efficiencies. Each $2 reusable cup needs only four uses for its cost to break even, versus the $0.35 to $0.67 it spent for each single-use cup. The system also provides valuable data insights that allow continuous optimization—information that was absent from the previous model. 'The metrics we now track go well beyond basic environmental indicators,' Green says. 'We're measuring operational efficiency, visitor satisfaction, and return rates by location. This data allows us to continually refine the system for maximum impact and is leading us to invest more in the program. We're starting with hot cups, but we are planning to expand into cold cups and other packaging soon.' The Visitor Experience 'Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,' Green says. 'Guests specifically mention the reusable cup program in visitor surveys, noting how it aligns with their own values around environmental stewardship.' This alignment with consumer values represents an increasingly important competitive advantage for organizations across sectors. Retailers, manufacturers, hospitality providers, and service organizations across numerous industries and product categories can adapt these circular economy principles to their specific contexts. 'The technology behind the Blenheim experience can be applied to numerous circular economy initiatives beyond cups—from deposit-based redemption for reusable packaging to product buyback and peer-to-peer resale,' says Khowala. 6 Keys to Successful Implementation Blenheim Palace's initiative reveals six critical factors organizations should consider when they implement their own circular economy programs: 1. Consumer education: Clear communication about the process and its benefits drives participation. 2. Staff training and engagement: Frontline employees must understand the system to support it and encourage consumers to participate. 3. Frictionless user experience: Simplicity in participation—making deposits and returns as easy as possible—is nonnegotiable for high adoption. 4. Inclusivity: Systems must accommodate diverse user needs, including those of international visitors. 5. Optimized incentive structure: Deposit fees must balance motivation for returns without deterring participation. 6. Data-driven management: Real-time data visibility enables continuous improvement and optimization. 5 Strategic Implications for Leaders For executives considering circular economy initiatives, the Blenheim Palace case offers several clear takeaways: 1. Start with high-visibility waste streams: Focus initial circular economy efforts on visible, high-volume waste that resonates with stakeholders. 2. Design for user experience: Prioritize simplicity and convenience in circular systems to drive adoption. 3. Use technology appropriately: Digital tools should reduce friction, not add complexity. 4. Measure multidimensional value: Track environmental, financial, operational, and customer experience metrics. 5. Communicate authentically: Share transparent progress and insights with stakeholders. Organizations that approach circular economy initiatives as strategic opportunities rather than compliance requirements stand to gain significant advantages in operational efficiency, cost reduction, brand perception, and environmental impact. Circularity is not a new idea, but as organizations course-correct away from linear models, the circular economy is presenting new opportunities for businesses. As Blenheim Palace's experience demonstrates, organizations that embrace this transition thoughtfully can achieve positive results across the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. 'The most surprising aspect of our journey has been discovering that circular systems often outperform linear ones on pure business metrics,' Green says. 'Sustainability is no longer a trade-off against profitability—increasingly, it's becoming a driver of it.'
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
FHS Africa 2025 honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany
FHS Africa 2025 will honour William Heinecke, David Green, and Hala Matar Choufany for transformative leadership and impact in global hospitality. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time – and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development – supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. 'Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,' Green reflected. 'It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.' Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation – principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. 'True leadership is not about titles or accolades,' she said. 'It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.' All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry – visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.' FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Hospitality Net
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
FHS Africa 2025 Honours David Green William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor' - a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development—supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability, Green reflected. It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment. Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. True leadership is not about titles or accolades , she said. It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration. We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry—visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event. Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, Millat Group, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About FHS Africa For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. About The Bench The Bench has built a legacy as a global curator of opportunity, designing transformative forums and summits that empower the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive. With over two decades of expertise, The Bench creates platforms that go beyond transactions to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change. Each event brings together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and more. From flagship gatherings like FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia, to the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and investments take flight. The Bench thrives on fostering dynamic and forward-looking dialogues, uniting industry pioneers to address challenges, seize opportunities, and co-create the future. Each event is crafted to deliver more than just connections - it's about transforming ideas into action and building a better tomorrow. Discover more at
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 Honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
AFRICA The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa&South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development - supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. 'Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,' Green reflected. 'It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.' Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa&South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation - principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. 'True leadership is not about titles or accolades,' she said. 'It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.' All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry - visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.' FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. For further information and high-resolution images, please contact: David Tarsh +44 (0) 20 7602 5262 +44 (0) 7770 816 070 Email: David@ About FHS Africa: For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
