Meet Our Mentors – Empowering You and Strengthening Your Company

12 May 2025

Whether you operate on a national, European, or global level — and whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned executive the need for continued learning and fresh perspectives has never been greater. The hospitality and travel industry is evolving rapidly. To stay ahead, we must embrace growth, connection, and lifelong learning.

Why Mentorship Matters – For Individuals and Companies – Do You Need an Internal or External Mentor?

The best scenario is to have both. While internal mentors provide vital guidance within a company’s culture, an external mentor brings new perspectives, broader industry insights, and impartial support. This creates a powerful complement to internal development programs.

Companies that encourage external mentorship signal they invest in their people which builds loyalty, sharpens skills, and strengthens the business. An external mentor is not a replacement for internal leadership – they are an additional resource to help your team grow and thrive.

That’s exactly what HSMAI Europe’s mentorship program offers!

Why Join?

Our pan-European program is cross-disciplinary and connects people across companies and countries. It’s designed to benefit both mentors and mentees — personally, professionally, and in a way that strengthens your organization and the broader industry.

Offered at No Cost to HSMAI Europe Member Companies

For Mentees – Tailored Guidance at Every Stage

Whether you’re entering the industry, stepping into leadership, or looking to evolve in your senior role, HSMAI Europe’s mentorship program connects you with a mentor who understands your needs. Our mentor network includes both senior executives and next-gen leaders — each selected for their passion, expertise, and desire to give back.

For Mentors – Share Your Experience and Keep Learning

Many of our 30 mentors tell us they would also like a mentor themselves — a reminder that growth is continuous. We are expanding our mentor network and welcome professionals who want to support others while enhancing their own leadership.

Who Can Be a Mentee?

From new managers to seasoned directors or top leaders, anyone working in hospitality or travel can apply. You will gain personalized advice, industry insights, and access to a supportive peer network — all designed to help you succeed.

About the 1 year HSMAI Europe Mentor Program

The HSMAI Europe Mentor Program is an initiative designed to create meaningful and productive mentor-mentee relationships. Here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Support: We provide resources, tools, and guidance to ensure a successful mentorship experience, such as the HSMAI Europe Personal And Professional Growth Handbook
Monthly meetings between mentor and mentee
Flexible Engagement: The program is designed to fit into your busy schedule, with virtual and in-person options.
Make an Impact: Be part of a network across Europe, fostering collaboration and innovation in the industry

And remember, whether you are a mentor or a mentee, the company you work for is, of course, a member of HSMAI Europe

Meet our 30 Mentors

Eric-Antoine Brun, Executive Director at Polypol
Keith Butler, Director of Sales (Regional) at Radisson Hotel Group
Steven Dow, Hospitality Executive
Alda Egurrola-Wienke, Regional Sales Director – Agency partnerships at Cvent
Delphine Elias, Senior Product Manager at Lighthouse
Pau Ferret, Chief Revenue Officer at 123COMPARE.ME
Linus Fredberg, Regional Director of Revenue at Accor – Sofitel & MGallery
Fiona Gillen, VP Marketing at The Hotels Network
Nicki Graham, Chief Marketing Officer at Cendyn
Kevin Hansi, Hotel Manager at Thon Hotel Opera
Courtney Harbin, Director Global Client Group International Travel at American Express
Felipe Hernandez, Regional Revenue Leader
Michael Hucho, Owner & Founder at Independent Management Consultant
Kostas Ioannidis, Sales Director – Global Sales at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Rebecca Ireland, Senior Regional Revenue Manager at AccorHotels
Monique Jaspers-Wijn, Global Head of Data Insights & Digital Media at Travelport
Alexandra Koukoulian, Senior Director Commercial Europe at RateGain
Jonathon Liu, Chief Commercial Officer at Verdi Hotels – Corinthia Hotel Group
Natalie Livingstone, Head of Advertising – Hotel – EMEA / APAC at Travelport
Faisal Ljaz, Director of Revenue and Reservations at Intercontinental hotel group
Andreas Loru, Vice General Manager at Accor – Sofitel MGallery Emblems
Sophie Martinez, Cluster Revenue Director at Accor
Neetu Mistry, Chief Commercial Officer at Cycas Hospitality
Robin Noten, Area Director of Marketing at Cycas Hospitality
Stina Norio, Front Office Manager at Radisson Blu Plaza, Oslo
Khristina Quigley, Global Director of Enterprise PMS & Payments Accounts at Planet
Benoit Raffi, Director of Revenue Management at Kimpton Fitzroy London an IHG hotel
Roman Sucharzewki, VP Revenue Management – Europe at Hilton Grand Vacations
Tore Carlsson Sægrov, Vice President Hotel Operations at Nordic Hotels and Resorts
Michail Toanoglou, Professor and Academic Director at ESSEC Business School – IMHI