Latest news with #MarriottInternational
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sonder CEO steps down following Marriott integration
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Sonder co-founder Francis Davidson stepped down from his role as CEO of the company, the accommodations provider announced Wednesday. Davidson will also give up his position as a member of the company's board of directors. Sonder Chairperson of the Board Janice Sears is now interim CEO. The company's board intends to start its search for a permanent CEO immediately, according to Sonder. Over the course of his tenure, Davidson grew Sonder into a hospitality brand serving millions of guests across more than 40 markets in nine countries, but the company also encountered legal and operational challenges. The completion of the company's integration into Marriott International makes now the right time for a leadership transition, according to Sonder. While serving as interim CEO, Sears will continue to hold her role as chairperson of Sonder's board, which 'is focused on identifying an outstanding executive' to be Sonder's next CEO and 'capitalize on the positive trends we are seeing across the business,' Sears said in a statement. Sears has served on Sonder's board since 2021, and became chairperson earlier this year. Previously, Sears held a variety of roles over 20 years at Bank of America Securities, and concurrently served as the San Francisco market president for Bank of America. Sears said that Davidson's 'entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership have made Sonder into the global company and recognizable brand it is today.' Sonder entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Marriott last August that added some 9,000 of its rooms to Marriott's portfolio. Experts told Hotel Dive last year that the deal could offer relief to Sonder stakeholders after the company's stock price fell in March 2024 in the wake of 'accounting errors' identified in its 2022 and 2023 financial statements. The company also was the subject of a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of investors in June 2024. Since the partnership with Marriott was announced, Sonder has named Michael Hughes CFO to 'significantly strengthen' the company's balance sheet, as well as planned layoffs and cost-cutting measures. Sonder did not immediately respond to a Hotel Dive request for further comment. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Rediscovering Culinary Roots with the Luxury Group by Marriott International
Singapore, Following the success of last year's inaugural campaign, the Luxury Group by Marriott International announces the return of the Luxury Dining Series, a multi-city regional gastronomic journey taking place from July to September across Asia Pacific. This year's line-up of luxury hotels includes The St. Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Jakarta, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Each property will offer carefully curated culinary experiences prepared by Marriott International's talented culinary and mixology professionals from across the world. Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. 'We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels,' says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. 'This year's exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – 'Forgotten Flavors'. Through immersive collaborations and multi-sensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation.' Japan - July 11-13 - The St. Regis Osaka The highly anticipated launch of the 2025 series promises an extraordinary culinary celebration starting with The St. Regis Osaka and an impressive ensemble of gastronomic masters. To begin, Chef Takato Kitano, Head Chef of Wajo will join forces with Master Teppan Chef Yuki Oe of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to pay tribute to the purity and depth of Japanese produce, highlighting pristine seafood, heirloom vegetables, and heritage culinary techniques. An exquisite collaboration awaits as Chef Agustin Balbi of Hong Kong's highly-acclaimed Andō – awarded by Michelin and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, amongst others, and Chef Michiaki Yoshida, Head Chef at La Veduta, will deliver an elegantly curated tasting menu that will seamlessly weave together timeless Italian flavours with the innovative precision of Japanese cuisine. The beverage segment introduces a dynamic 50 Best Bar Takeover at The St. Regis Bar, Osaka by Hideyuki Saito, the creative force behind Gold Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, ranked on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. The bespoke cocktail menu will reflect his blend of precision, creativity, and global hospitality. Reinterpreting the traditional tea ritual, Executive Pastry Chef Alex Chong of The Singapore EDITION, renowned for his mastery of French pâtisserie and his thoughtful integration of Southeast Asian flavours, will offer creations blending delicate technique with bold creativity. The first leg of the series concludes in grandeur with an elaborate dinner at Brasserie RÉGINE, prepared by Chef Takatoki Minagawa, and Chef Ryuta Iizuka, who trained under the legendary Joël Robuchon, and acclaimed for his two Michelin-starred restaurant Ryuzu. Korea - July 17-20 - JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa Jeju's culinary journey comprises an inspired celebration of its vibrant flavours and rich traditions. Setting the stage with culinary virtuosos, Paul Smart of Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ryan Byrne of Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, and Jayden Kim of The Flying Hog, the three talents will join forces in a Six-Hands dinner to create an impeccable contemporary tasting menu from the region's renowned land-and-sea bounty while presenting time-honoured techniques through a modern lens. Marking culinary excellence, both Atria and Citrique hold 14 Hats from the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide, whilst The Flying Hog has been recognised in the 2025 La Liste 1000. In The Lounge, Head Pastry Chef Sienna Wang and Chef Shigeru Nojima of the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, scheduled to open in Q3 2025, will bring their respective patisserie artistry and deep understanding of Jeju's local ingredients in an elevated Midsummer High Tea. Diners can expect delicate pastries paired with tea-inspired cocktails from award-winning Head Bartender Yosuke Asano of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. A singularly curated brunch at Yeoumul will pay tribute to the Haenyeo, Jeju's legendary female divers, with a selection of dishes in homage to the ocean's treasures. Chef Jin Lee of Yeoumul and Chef Hirotaka Nakashima of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, will prepare a menu inspired by Jeju's fresh seafood and local produce, elevated by the elegance and precision of kaiseki techniques. Uncover the legacy behind Jeju's traditional liquor-making where renowned fermentation artisan, Master Kim, joins Yosuke Asano for an exclusive masterclass seamlessly blending Korean heritage with the finesse of Japanese mixology. India - July 31- August 3 - JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa Experience the grandeur of Daawat-e-Aaleeshan where Chef Riyaz Ahmed will craft a feast of authentic Indian flavours, setting the tone for a night of indulgence steeped in cultural richness. Another highlight inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Director of Culinary Neeraj Rawoot brings his vision to life with an enchanting farm-to-table meal at the picturesque JW Garden, featuring fresh seasonal produce grown on-site. For an immersive and sensory dining experience highlighting different flavour components and held in unforgettable spaces across the property, the Five Elements Dinner will be prepared by renowned chefs Neeraj Rawoot, Riyaz Ahmed, Saiful Agam, Vu Van Thien, and Santosh Rawat. A Lazy Lakeside Brunch at EAST prepared by resident chef Saiful Agam who will join hands with Chef Vu Van Thien of Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to reimagine the restaurant's signature cuisine blend drawing on Korean BBQ traditions, elevated Omakase techniques, and the soulful simplicity of Cantonese flavours. For a poolside leisurely experience, The Great Getaway Brunch will comprise a curated selection of cocktails, a global spread of grilled foods and decadent desserts, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. For cocktail enthusiasts or those seeking a lively evening, the Shaken & Stirred Collaboration with Kuldeep Rawat and Simone Ciambrone from the acclaimed The Bvlgari Bar in Ginza, ranked among the World's 50 Best Bars, is a rare chance to see the two talents fuse their unique mixology styles. Australia - August 15-17 - The Ritz-Carlton, Perth Masterfully curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef's Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the East Meets West dinner will offer a seamless fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with refined Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multi-course dining format honouring seasonality, balance, and artistry. Closely collaborating with local producers, these two culinary maestros will also pair up for a second farm-to-table menu, dubbed as Farmers' Bounty. Exclusively available for one night only, this thoughtfully composed menu pays homage to the land, the season, and the hands behind the harvest. Presented by Chef Brian Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, Hearth's reimagined afternoon tea experience will celebrate Western Australia's diverse landscapes, stories, and flavours, where each artisanal confection showcases the treasures of the region, from the creamy delights of Margaret River Dairy to the aromatic nuances of native bush spices. For cocktail enthusiasts, an exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where their curated menu of handcrafted tipples, paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks, will reflect their mastery and innovation. Singapore - August 29-31 - The St. Regis Singapore Staying true to the 'Forgotten Flavors' theme, The St. Regis Singapore will feature an authentic Four-Hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, with dishes that reintroduce indigenous ingredients in inventive ways to bridge tradition and innovation. Redefining fine dining, guests can also look forward to an exceptional six-hands menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef Vladmir Veiga, Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St. Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence, Chef Angela Lai, former pastry chef of two-Michelin starred Tairroir Taipei, and winner of Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine the island's beloved sweet and savoury flavours through a refined lens. A spotlight on three of Asia's most compelling cocktail destinations - Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year's Luxury Dining Series returns to collaborate with Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St. Regis Jakarta to shake things up at The St. Regis Bar. Indonesia - September 11-14 - The St. Regis Jakarta The gastronomic adventures for the Jakarta stop will kick off with a decadent tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, featuring the rich flavour profiles of Indonesian cacao beans. Experience the Michelin-starred touch of IGNIV Bangkok, as Chef Arne Riehn brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Swiss cuisine to Jakarta. Journey through the Indonesian Archipelago with a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino 'Tino' Gabriel Ibrata, where the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional Wayang performance, offering a cultural prelude to an immersive dining experience. The St. Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by two celebrated pastry visionaries, Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. In sweet symphony, the menu marks an elevated take on afternoon tea, showcasing their avant-garde and bold flavour-driven approaches to desserts with a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites. Exceptional evening experiences include a noteworthy bar takeover that will honour the origins of punch in Batavia; during this event, Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION will present signature creations from their respective bars that reflect the rich legacy of mixology. Thailand - September 25-28 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok This year's series concludes in Bangkok at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. At Duet by David Toutain, Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong's Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. The trio will present a six-hands European tasting menu rooted in honouring local terroir. The Bangkok and Hong Kong collaborations continue with another six-hands meal focused on French tradition and Asian finesse between Duet by David Toutain and Hong Kong's Louise with Executive Chef Loïc Portalier. For a special Friends of Lily's brunch helmed by Chef Pop, guests can further expect an explosion of Middle Eastern, French and Thai flavours prepared by Chef Tala Bashmi, crowned MENA's Best Female Chef by The World's 50 Best, Chef Loïc Portalier, and Chef Jai of Charmgang. Adding to the excitement is an intimate private dining experience at Lily's exclusive to 10 guests. Crafted by Chef Tala, diners can expect a delectable blend of Bahraini cuisine in each soulful bite. Headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, Calēo Bar will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi, celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi, a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London. Featuring beans from some of the most distinctive cacao regions around the world, guests can dive into a multi-sensory chocolate afternoon tea experience at Calēo, where they can enjoy guided tastings, and live demonstrations into the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans behind each bite.
Skift
a day ago
- Business
- Skift
One Clever Hotel Ad, A Resort Brand's Climate Warning and Avoiding AI Hype
On today's pod we talk about Ritz-Carlton's award winning video, Iberostar's climate concerns, and lessons on AI from startup investors. Skift Daily Briefing Podcast Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Skift Travel Podcasts Good morning from Skift. It's Friday, June 27. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today. Ritz-Carlton campaign recently won advertising's top prize for luxury ads at a prestigious festival in Cannes, France, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill. The Ritz-Carlton's 'Late Checkout' campaign took home a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, beating out 181 other brands in the luxury category. The ad, which cost less than $1 million to produce and distribute and features actor Josh Hutcherson, became the most-shared content across parent company Marriott International's luxury portfolio last year. O'Neill writes Ritz-Carlton's win highlights the opportunities for luxury hotel brands willing to embrace creative risk. The campaign avoided traditional media buys and opted to prioritize long-form content instead of 8-second, vertical video bites for TikTok. Listen to This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube | RSS Next, Spain-based hotel group Iberostar says climate change is the biggest risk to its business. The company is also calling for more investment in the tourism sector to counter its impact, writes Climate Reporter Darin Graham. Chief Sustainability Officer Gloria Fluxà Thienemann said at the London Climate Week this week that Iberostar operates more than 80% of its portfolio in exposed areas like beachfront regions. Thienemann added Iberostar is intensifying efforts to protect its properties, especially in the Caribbean. Thienemann also said the cost of action to deal with climate change will be much less than the cost of inaction. A recent World Travel and Tourism Council report estimated that the travel industry will need up to $250 billion to combat climate change. Finally, What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? Skift editor-in-chief Sarah Kopit spoke to three venture experts for insights at the Skift Data+AI Summit earlier this month. One takeaway: Avoid AI hype, and focus on solving real problems. Investors are turned off by pitches that focus too much on AI but lack market understanding. 'It's a tool; it's not a solution,' said one investor. Another investor said startups could disintermediate search engines like Google or online travel agencies — if they offer real value to travelers and suppliers. The biggest winners in prior industry-transforming tech revolutions often came onto the scene later in the process, building upon knowledge from the first waves of new companies. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Skift
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Skift
How Ritz-Carlton's Ad Gamble Paid Off at the Cannes Awards
The Ritz-Carlton beat 181 other luxury brands to win advertising's top prize by doing something hotel marketers rarely attempt: ditching brief poolside glamour shots for a quirky four-minute movie. The Ritz-Carlton's "Late Checkout" campaign took home a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last week, chosen from 181 entries in the luxury category. The ad cost less than $1 million to produce and distribute, yet it generated 50 million impressions and became the most-shared content across parent company Marriott International's portfolio last year. The ad stars Josh Hutcherson as a hotel employee sharing the details of an elaborate day taking care of a guest. It feels like a Wes Anderson film. Jamie Kerr, Ritz-Carlton's global brand and marketing leader, argued that the win at Cannes represented a broader win for the sector. "It's a huge milestone for luxury hospitality," Kerr said, in a category usually dominated by luxury fashion, jewelry, and automotive." Unlikely Creative Development Process The Ritz-Carlton's win over brands like Prada, Tiffany, and Loewe, highlights the opportunities for luxury hotel brands willing to embrace creative risk. The heritage hotel brand cold-called Lat
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott International, Inc. (MAR): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on Marriott International, Inc. (MAR). on Incremental Returns' Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on MAR. Marriott International, Inc. (MAR). 's share was trading at $257.91 as of 16th June. MAR's trailing and forward P/E were 29.34 and 25.45 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Aerial view of a luxury hotel tower surrounded by lush green landscaping. Marriott has built a brand synonymous with quality and consistency, offering a spectrum of accommodations from luxury to budget-conscious options. But its true competitive strength lies beyond branding—in the strategic architecture that sustains its moat. Marriott's long-term management and franchise agreements, often starting at 20 years and renewable up to 50, create formidable barriers to entry. In a physically constrained hotel market, this allows Marriott to lock in prime locations and effectively block out competition for decades. For hotel owners, switching from Marriott can be financially perilous. Exiting the Marriott system not only severs access to its massive Bonvoy loyalty base—which accounted for over half of global room nights in 2022—but also risks a drastic drop in bookings and revenue, putting hotel operators' leveraged assets at risk. Additionally, aligning with a new brand may require expensive renovations to meet updated brand standards. Marriott makes switching both economically and operationally unappealing. On the customer side, Bonvoy further enhances retention by leveraging loss aversion psychology; guests feel committed to the ecosystem to maximize their points, discouraging defection to other chains. With Bonvoy now the largest hotel loyalty program globally, Marriott enjoys network effects that reinforce its leadership. More members make the platform attractive to hotel owners, while more participating hotels make the program more valuable to travelers. The recent partnership with MGM Resorts, adding over 40,000 Las Vegas rooms, exemplifies this flywheel. Altogether, Marriott presents a powerful case for long-term investment, combining durable customer loyalty, high franchise stickiness, and the compounding benefits of a scaled ecosystem. Previously, we highlighted on Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC) by Psychological_Ad4317 on the Value Investing subreddit, as a deep value play trading at historically low multiples with a 5% yield and insider buying signalling confidence. The stock has appreciated by roughly 19% in price since then. The thesis on Marriott International (MAR) builds on the brand's strength from a quality-income lens to a network-moat thesis, emphasizing its franchise durability and Bonvoy-driven customer and owner stickiness. Marriott International, Inc. (MAR). is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 60 hedge fund portfolios held Marriott International, Inc. (MAR). at the end of the first quarter which was 69 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of MAR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
