Latest news with #Agora
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cristian Truca has been appointed Hotel Manager at Agora, Doha, Autograph Collection
Cristian brings over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including four years with Emaar in Dubai across various operational roles. Since joining Marriott seven years ago, he has held key leadership positions, notably as Front Desk Manager and Front Office Manager at La Ville Hotel and Suites, Dubai. In 2021, Cristian joined the pre-opening team at Agora, Doha, Autograph Collection as Rooms Operations Manager and was subsequently promoted to Resident Manager. Throughout his time at Agora, Cristian has been instrumental in shaping the hotel's guest experience and operational standards. Under his leadership, the hotel was named Best Boutique Hotel in Qatar in 2023 in the LLQ Awards, and achieved the highest guest satisfaction score among Autograph Collection properties within Marriott across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2024. Cristian is known for his people-first leadership approach, building strong relationships with both guests and associates while nurturing a culture of service excellence and teamwork.
West Australian
29-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
WA livestock legend Dean Hubbard joins Agora to lead livestock market expansion
Agora Livestock has landed a major signing with industry heavyweight Dean Hubbard joining the team as its head of markets, bringing more than 40 years of experience and a serious track record in commercial livestock trading. Mr Hubbard will start his new role on June 3, after recently holding senior roles as WA Commercial Livestock Manager at both Elders and AWN, and is widely regarded as one of the most connected and trusted names in the livestock industry. Agora founder and chief executive Rob Kelly said Mr Hubbard's appointment marked a major step forward for the company as it looked to scale its national marketplace and brokerage operations. 'Dean knows how to build real markets — not just manage transactions,' Mr Kelly said. 'He knows the people, understands how agency works, and has seen first hand where the traditional systems fall short. 'He's come on board because he believes in what we're building — and he wants to be part of the change.' Agora's platform, including its Stockbook system for managing livestock bookings, has been quietly gaining momentum since its it was launched by Kojonup-raised Mr Kelly in 2018. Feedlots and processors have adopted the platform to help streamline their booking management to remove delivery errors and tighten up supply agreements whilst improving communication with suppliers and agents. Mr Hubbard will be work directly with producers, buyers, agents and feedlots to unlock market access, drive efficiency, and open up new opportunities. His work will have a close focus on forward pricing and interstate trade, where Agora believes structural change has created space space for more innovation. Backed by a strong board, including Peter Toll, Greg Harvey and Mr Kelly, Agora is eyeing its first capital raise to accelerate its growth. The company has already attracted high-profile investors, including large cattle and sheep feedlots. Mr Hubbard said he believed there had 'never been a more exciting time' to be 'building something better for the livestock industry,' 'The demand for better market access, clearer pricing, and more efficient trading is real — and Agora is well positioned to lead the charge,' he said. Agora Livestock was founded in 2018 and was initially called LIVEstock Pricing. It has since evolved from a simple service that shared livestock prices to a platform providing price discovery, market access and supply chain efficiency for Australia's livestock buyers, sellers and agents. 'When we started Agora, our aim was simple — to make the livestock market more efficient,' Mr Kelly said. 'We began by giving producers and agents a clearer view of pricing through grids and saleyard reports. With Dean now on board, we're taking the next step — building new markets and connecting the right buyers and sellers in the right way.'
Qatar Living
29-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Living
Multi-Property General Manager Radek Cais wins ‘GM of the Year Qatar' recognition at 2025 Hotelier Middle East GM Awards
Radek Cais, Multi-Property General Manager of Le Royal Meridien Place Vendome Lusail, Agora, Autograph Collection Hotel Doha, and the soon-to-open Palais Vendome, a Luxury Collection Hotel Lusail, has been awarded General Manager of the Year – Qatar at the prestigious 2025 Hotelier Middle East GM Awards. The accolade was announced during a ceremony held on Monday, May 26, at the Forum Ballroom on Bluewaters Island, Dubai, where more than 250 hospitality leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in leadership across the region. The event marked the second edition of the GM Awards, with winners recognized across 22 categories including sustainability, wellness, CSR, and innovation. Since joining the hotel complex in 2023, Radek has transformed operations and elevated brand positioning across the portfolio. At Le Royal Méridien Place Vendome Lusail, the hotel was named among the Top 100 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024, numerous recognitions at the FACT Dining Awards in 2024 and 2025, was also awarded the Green Key certification for sustainability. The successful rebranding of the hotel to Le Royal Meridien Place Vendome Lusail further reinforced its identity as a premier luxury destination in Qatar. Meanwhile, Agora, Autograph Collection Hotel Doha rose to become one of the top-performing Marriott properties in the region, achieving the #1 Intent to Recommend (ITR) score among all Autograph Collection hotels in EMEA and the #2 ITR score across all Marriott International properties in the region. Additionally, Agora's Associate Engagement Survey surpassed the 90-point mark, highlighting the strong internal culture fostered under Radek's leadership. In addition to his operational achievements, Radek actively contributes to the advancement of Qatar's hospitality sector through his involvement with the AMCHAM Qatar Hospitality and Tourism Committee, where he shares insight and expertise to help shape the industry's future. 'This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our incredible teams,' said Radek Cais. 'I'm proud to accept this award on behalf of all our associates, who deliver excellence every single day. This win belongs to them.' Radek's journey in luxury hospitality spans over two decades and multiple continents. Prior to joining the Lusail properties, he served as General Manager of The St. Regis Chengdu, where he was named St. Regis GM of the Year (2022) and led the property to a Top 3 ranking in Greater China by Condé Nast Traveler. He also played key roles in the successful launches of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal and The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo, and led iconic properties such as The Ritz-Carlton Tianjin. A graduate of Cornell University with a Master's Certificate in Hospitality Management, Radek brings deep luxury business acumen and international expertise, having worked across Canada, China, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. As Qatar's tourism landscape continues to flourish, Radek Cais remains committed to creating exceptional guest experiences and leading with purpose, passion, and performance. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside EastEnders star Heather Peace's life with rarely-seen wife and adorable daughters as she reveals cancer diagnosis
HEATHER Peace lives with her rarely-seen wife and adorable daughters in Brighton - but what else is little known about her life away from Albert Square? The 49-year-old, who is best known for playing 10 Heather Peace revealed her cancer diagnosis during the week Credit: Instagram 10 Heather is married to her wife Ellie and they have three daughters together Credit: Instagram/heatherpeaceofficial 10 Heather and Ellie are doting mums to their children: Annie Mary, born in April 2015; and twins Jessie and Lola, who were born in June 2017 Credit: Instagram/heatherpeaceofficial 10 Heather is a doting mother Credit: instagram/@heatherpeaceofficial 10 She previously spoke out about who carried their children Credit: instagram/@heatherpeaceofficial Not only did she undergo chemo, but she had surgery to fight the breast cancer, too. Heather is married to her wife Ellie and they have three daughters together. The couple had a civil partnership ceremony in 2013, before converting it into a marriage the following year. Read More about Heather Heather and Ellie are doting mums to their children: Annie Mary, born in April 2015; and twins Jessie and Lola, who were born in June 2017. Ellie carried Annie Mary, and Heather carried the twins. Speaking out about deciding on who should carry their children, Heather opened up in 2018 to She said: "We used my eggs and Ellie carried our daughter. Most read in Soaps "We are hoping to try it the other way around using Ellie's eggs and me carrying the baby if we are lucky enough to get pregnant a second time." Also during the interview, Heather spoke about her egg reserves being low, which was very stressful. EastEnders' Eve actress Heather Peace shares snaps from her very different job off screen "Because I am a bit older, my egg reserves were lower so the most stressful time was the two-week wait waiting to find out whether the embryo had implanted," she explained. Heather also thanked the clinic in Brighton for making her and her wife the happiest they had ever been. "It's important to understand that IVF is a programme, not just one treatment; as a couple, you have nothing else to talk about because every day is about where you are in your cycle, what injections you have to do," she said. "But because we went through this together, it has brought us even closer. 10 "I want to thank the Agora for making me and my wife the happiest we've ever been in our lives." The family live in a gorgeous home in Brighton, with their private life kept largely out of the spotlight. But in 2022, Heather did provide fans with an insight for her and Ellie's wedding anniversary. As she celebrated nine years, she uploaded a slew of adorable snaps documenting their years together and all loved up. In the caption at the time she wrote: "Happy 9th wedding anniversary to my dear Ellie. The love of my life. 9 years married, 12 years together, 20 years knowing you. "We were an awesome left wing in football and a pretty smashing team now." Heather revealed her cancer diagnosis earlier this month. Sharing a video on Instagram, the EastEnders star wrote in the caption: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." Heather told her followers she has been "forever changed" by the disease and paid tribute to her wife Ellie and their three daughters, Annie, Jessie and Lola, for getting her through it. She said she was "just trying to appreciate every moment of them". Heather added: "There have been so many positives. "Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. "And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut. "I've felt totally supported by you all. Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who've been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are). "Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It's so appreciated." Heather ended her post admitting "life feels very different now" but said "it's wonderful". She said: "I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx" 10 Heather and Ellie only share rare glimpses of their life together Credit: Instagram/heatherpeaceofficial 10 Their eldest child is 10 years of age Credit: instagram/@heatherpeaceofficial 10 Heather has shared some rare snaps of her family life online Credit: instagram/@heatherpeaceofficial 10 She is known for playing Eve Unwin in EastEnders Credit: BBC
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asset Manager VanEck Joins Tokenization Race With U.S. Treasury Fund Token
Asset manager VanEck launched its first tokenized fund, joining a roster of institutions entering the race to bring assets on-chain with tokenziation. The VanEck Treasury Fund (VBILL), developed with tokenization specialist Securitize, offers on-chain access to short-term U.S. Treasury debt and is available on the Avalanche AVAX, BNB Chain BNB, Ethereum ETH and Solana SOL networks, according to a Tuesday press release. "By bringing U.S. Treasuries on-chain, we are providing investors with a secure, transparent, and liquid tool for cash management, further integrating digital assets into mainstream financial markets,' Kyle DaCruz, director of digital assets product at VanEck, said in a statement. "Tokenized funds like VBILL are enhancing market liquidity and efficiency, underscoring our commitment to providing value to our investors." VanEck, which also issues spot bitcoin BTC and ether ETH ETFs, follows the footsteps of BlackRock, Franklin Templeton and other traditional finance firms launching tokenized products. Tokenization is the process of placing instruments like bonds, credit, commodities, real estate on blockchain rails in token form to achieve faster settlements, cheaper transactions and operational efficiencies. Tokenization of U.S. Treasuries, a traditional reserve asset, has been at the forefront of these efforts. It's a nearly $7 billion market now, growing over 500% over the past year, per data. VBILL is accessible to qualified investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 on most blockchains, with $1 million minimum subscription on Ethereum. The fund's assets are held by State Street and priced daily using data from RedStone's oracle service. The token supports around-the clock onramp with Circle's USDC stablecoin. It also offers atomic liquidity with Agora's AUSD stablecoin, meaning that VBILL tokens can be redeemed for AUSD in a single transaction via smart contract. Agora is a stablecoin startup helmed by Nick van Eck, the grandson of the founder of VanEck.
