Latest news with #SommetEducation
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
FHS Saudi Arabia presents winners of the 2025 FHS Awards
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13 May 2025: Earlier today, on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh this week, the winners of the 2025 FHS Awards were announced. The recipient of the Future Leader Award is Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder and COO, Hospitality Talents. In partnership with Sommet Education, the Future Leader Award recognises young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Based on three key criteria – innovation, impact and leadership – Lama was chosen as the winner by a jury consisting of Louis Nicolas Barrios, Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment, UN Tourism; Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO, The Bench; Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer, Les Roches and Anouck Weiss, Sommet Education Chief Communication Officer, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Sommet Education Foundation. On the occasion, Anouck Weiss shared: 'Lama AlQawasmi embodies the empowering, people-centric leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for hospitality that we strive to nurture at Sommet Education. She represents exactly the kind of leader the hospitality world needs – driven by purpose, committed to others, and unafraid to shape the future. As part of Lama's prize, she will get access to an exclusive scholarship opportunity within Sommet Education's portfolio of Master's, Executive Master's or part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain, access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities. The winner of the Impact Leader Award by #FHSWomenPower is Narjes Fattalah, Revenue Manager, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel. The award celebrates Saudi-national women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, career growth, and industry impact. Narjes was chosen as the winner from a selection of candidates by a jury consisting of Dr. Abeer A. Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert; Nikolina Angelkova, Former Minister Tourism, Bulgaria and Sarah Gasim, Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA, JLL. 'Narjes Fallatah is one of the very few Saudi females in Revenue Management and she is dedicated to nurturing local talent, empowering women in hospitality, and driving commercial success through data-driven decisions. She has demonstrated a strong belief in and commitment to the industry, successfully paving the way for future careers,' said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia. 'By recognising these rising stars, we aim to empower and support the next generation of hospitality leaders who are already leading with impact, creativity, and purpose in the hospitality space. As part of our commitment to championing gender diversity and empowering women in hospitality, the #FHSWomenPower Impact Leader Award is the first of its kind, recognising outstanding Saudi national women shaping the future of the industry', Worsley added. FHS Saudi Arabia is taking place at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh from 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of 'Where Vision Shapes Opportunity'. For more information, visit
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Sommet Education recognises emerging talent in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector in Partnership with Future Leader Award
Sommet Education, is a global leader in higher education for the hospitality and service industries providing world-class education through its prestigious institutions, including Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education. Earlier today, on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia (FHS) taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh this week, the winner of the 2025 FHS Future Leader Awards was year's Future Leader Award winner is Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder & COO of Hospitality talents, Vice President of Hospitality at Moqam Urban Development Co. Lama AlQawasmi stands as a remarkable example of young woman leadership in Saudi Arabia's hospitality Future Leader Award is an initiative from FHS organizer The Bench, powered by the Sommet Education Foundation, the non-for-profit organization of Sommet Education aiming at fostering inclusivity in the Hospitality Future Leader Award was open to individuals aged 18 to 35 who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact in the hospitality field. The jury included leaders from renowned hospitality and education institutions such as Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer of Les Roches, Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer of Sommet Education, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation; Luis Nicolas Barrios, Regional Manager of Innovation Education and Investment at UN Tourism, and Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench.'Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry is undergoing a dynamic shift, and we believe the Future Leader Award is an important step in recognizing the young leaders who are driving that change. Through this award, we are proud to support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by fostering talent and offering opportunities for growth and development to the next generation of hospitality leaders.' said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les has led strategic initiatives across multiple organizations—including founding a consultancy division, championing sustainability and innovation, and mentoring young professionals in the sector. She has already held influential roles at Moqam Urban Development, and the Elaf Group, where she's driven operational excellence and talent development. Lama's focus on collaboration, education, and social impact makes her not just a rising star—but a guiding light for the next generation of hospitality shared: 'Thank you so much I'm truly honoured to receive this award. This award isn't just about me, it's about the belief that talent exists everywhere and opportunities do as well. My mission is to fill this gap through hospitality, through education, and through purpose.''Lama AlQawasmi embodies the empowering, people-centric leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for hospitality that we strive to nurture at Sommet Education. She represents exactly the kind of leader the hospitality world needs – driven by purpose, committed to others, and unafraid to shape the future,' said Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer of Sommet Education, and Co-founder & Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation. As part of Lama's prize, she will get access to an exclusive scholarship opportunity within Sommet Education's portfolio of Master's, Executive Master's or part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain as well as access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities.
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
FHS Saudi Arabia Presents Winners of the 2025 FHS Awards
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Earlier today, on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh this week, the winners of the 2025 FHS Awards were announced. The recipient of the Future Leader Award is Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder and COO, Hospitality Talents. In partnership with Sommet Education, the Future Leader Award recognises young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Based on three key criteria – innovation, impact and leadership - Lama was chosen as the winner by a jury consisting of Louis Nicolas Barrios, Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment, UN Tourism; Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO, The Bench; Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer, Les Roches and Anouck Weiss, Sommet Education Chief Communication Officer, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Sommet Education Foundation. On the occasion, Anouck Weiss shared: Lama AlQawasmi embodies the empowering, people-centric leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for hospitality that we strive to nurture at Sommet Education. She represents exactly the kind of leader the hospitality world needs - driven by purpose, committed to others, and unafraid to shape the future. As part of Lama's prize, she will get access to an exclusive scholarship opportunity within Sommet Education's portfolio of Master's, Executive Master's or part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain, access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities. The winner of the Impact Leader Award by #FHSWomenPower is Narjes Fattalah, Revenue Manager, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel. The award celebrates Saudi-national women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, career growth, and industry impact. Narjes was chosen as the winner from a selection of candidates by a jury consisting of Dr. Abeer A. Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert; Nikolina Angelkova, Former Minister Tourism, Bulgaria and Sarah Gasim, Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA, JLL. Narjes Fallatah is one of the very few Saudi females in Revenue Management and she is dedicated to nurturing local talent, empowering women in hospitality, and driving commercial success through data-driven decisions. She has demonstrated a strong belief in and commitment to the industry, successfully paving the way for future careers. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia By recognising these rising stars, we aim to empower and support the next generation of hospitality leaders who are already leading with impact, creativity, and purpose in the hospitality space. As part of our commitment to championing gender diversity and empowering women in hospitality, the #FHSWomenPower Impact Leader Award is the first of its kind, recognising outstanding Saudi national women shaping the future of the industry , Worsley added. FHS Saudi Arabia is taking place at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh from 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of 'Where Vision Shapes Opportunity'. For more information, visit 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 About FHS Saudi Arabia Dates: 11-13 May 2025 Location: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sponsors: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh and Al Khozama Investment as Host Sponsors; Tourism Development Fund (TDF) as Enablement Partner; Taiba Investments as Founding Partner; Ministry of Tourism as Strategic Enabler; Al Rajhi Bank, Amsa Hospitality, Baraka for Real Estate Development & Investment Company, Elaf Group, NEOM, Red Sea Global, Rua Al Madinah, Saudi Icon, The Ascott, and as Strategic Partners; Accor, BWH Hotels, ClubMed, IHG, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group, Rotana, and Sommet Education as Headline Sponsors; Aleph Hospitality, ARC-IDC, Ark People Solutions, AtkinsRealis, Baker McKenzie, CBRE, Colliers, Compass Project Consulting, Deloitte, ELE|NA, Growth Partner, H World International, Horwath HTL, IHCL, Jabal Omar, JLL, JT+P, Knight Frank, Louvre Hotels Group, Minor Hotels, Quo, Story Hospitality, STR, The First Group Hospitality, United Hospitality Management, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Sponsors; Al Tanfeethi as Hospitality Partner; Rikaz as Experiential Developer; Aristara, Dusit International, Hospitality Chain Co, Hospitality Management Holding, Melia Hotels International, Neo Leap, Rove Hotels, Shaza Hotels, Sophos Hotels, Time Hotels, Trustangle, TV5Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners, and WhiteWater as Exhibitors; Aquivio, Intello AI, and The Natural Bottle as Startup Sponsors. Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sommet Education Business Solutions revamps talent development models
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2024 estimates that by 2028, 44% of core skills will need to change due to emerging technologies and market demands. A 2024 report from LinkedIn Learning found that 79% of professionals believe continuous learning is critical for career growth, up from 64% in 2020. A 2024 Sommet Education European survey reveals that ongoing education is crucial in hospitality, with 30% of young professionals valuing personal growth opportunities and 29% prioritizing professional development Around 300-400k of managements roles are expected to be created by 2030 in the hotel sector itself Dubai: Sommet Education, a highly recognized world leader in hospitality, luxury, and gastronomic education and training, is thrilled to announce the launch of its training solutions for businesses. Companies can now leverage a suite of bespoke trainings and leadership development solutions powered by the world's elite hospitality institutions—Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality and Invictus Education —to unlock the potential of their in-house talents. Sommet Education Business Solutions taps into the rich expertise of Sommet Education's renowned academic institutions, celebrated for shaping generations of hospitality leaders delivering memorable customer experiences through flawless service and highly refined skills. The package of support relies on unique hospitality skills, such as customer service, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are highly transferable and valuable and brings it across a wide range of industries, including retail, healthcare, and corporate environments. It also harnesses the expertise of the unique network of 300 educators, including PhD-holding professors, world-champion chefs as well as seasoned industry practitioners and entrepreneurs drawn from the very successful and influential alumni community. Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, shared: 'Leveraging our world-class educational institutions to enhance corporate talent development models is a strategic evolution. By integrating foundational with lifelong learning, we provide a holistic solution that empowers businesses and their teams to thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape.' Laurent Kleitman, CEO Mandarin Oriental, the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts and residence led the way by signing a global alliance with Sommet Education focusing on three core objectives: Enriching the school's student learning experience, creating opportunities for high-potential individuals from underserved communities and empowering colleague development with bespoke training initiatives that enhance both vocational and managerial skills. He stated: 'The next generation of talent is a vital force in shaping the future of luxury hospitality. They bring fresh perspectives, set new benchmarks and contribute to the continued evolution of Mandarin Oriental's legendary service. They add new depth to the story of our brand. Our collaboration with Sommet Education is dedicated to empowering future hospitality leaders through targeted education, immersive training and a close partnership with the schools under Sommet's Education umbrella.' Sommet Education Business Solutions works closely with businesses to deliver customized training experiences. The suite of services which comprises bespoke, ready-made and executive training solutions, can be delivered across the world, on over 20 campuses, on-client premises, online or a mix of all. Adrian Artimov, Enrolment Vice-President at Sommet Education is leading the unit: 'This professional development offer has been part of our DNA for some time and is not a new business venture. Rather, it is the result of a growing demand from companies focusing on human capital that we have now chosen to structure as a key pillar of our activity, leveraging the unparalleled expertise from our network of highly ranked academic institutions." Key talent development solutions include: Hospitality Leadership Fast-Track General Managers Hospitality Immersion Innovating food and beverage operations Mastering the Art of Luxury Customer Experience Sustainable Tourism and Destination Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship. From Idea to Business Model Sommet Education has supported organizations such as Accor and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism, delivering high-impact training programs that address diverse needs. Feedback highlights the quality and tangible outcomes of these initiatives. For instance, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism emphasized the strategic value of these training solutions in building capabilities for future industry growth. Daniela Cassini has been appointed as the Global Head of Business Solutions. She brings a wealth of experience in global training and development, having successfully led initiatives across multiple industries. Her leadership aims to strengthen Sommet Education's role as a trusted partner for talent development. 'Bridging talent gaps and implementing validated training solutions is a powerful strategy for businesses aiming towards sustainable growth, especially when it incorporates emotional intelligence and laser-focused skills development to ensure resilience, productivity and innovation within the organizational culture.' Florent Varanne, Head of Development, Business Solutions stated: "In today's fast-paced and evolving industries, investing in talent development isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity. Sommet Education Business Solutions combines our heritage of excellence in hospitality and luxury education with cutting-edge approaches to leadership and skill development, ensuring businesses stay ahead of the curve. Together, we can redefine professional growth and deliver exceptional results that resonate across industries."
Syyaha
05-02-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Umm Al-Qura University and Sommet Education Unite to Transform Tourism and Hospitality Training in Saudi Arabia
At the prestigious Global Labour Market Conference, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Umm Al-Qura University, the Ministry of Tourism's Project Management Office (PMO), and Sommet Education officially announce a strategic partnership to transform human capital development in Saudi Arabia's tourism and hospitality sectors. The partnership focuses on designing and delivering a wide range of cutting-edge training programs under Sommet Education's renowned brands Les Roches, Glion and École Ducasse. The joint efforts will facilitate over 50,000 trainings directly supporting Vision 2030, driving innovation, economic diversification, and the creation of 1 million new jobs in the tourism sector by programs will cover critical areas such as hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts and will be offered both online and in person to equip the Kingdom's workforce with world-class skills. This initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a global leader in the tourism and hospitality industries while driving economic diversification and sustainable development. With tourism identified as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's economic transformation, Saudi Arabia is targeting 100 million annual Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, shares his excitement about the collaboration: 'This partnership is a milestone for human capital development in Saudi Arabia. Together with Umm Al-Qura University and the Ministry of Tourism, we are committed to empowering a new generation of professionals with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives required to drive innovation and excellence in tourism and hospitality. Our shared goal is to make a meaningful contribution to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.'Representing Umm Al-Qura University, Dr. Muhammed Naif Zamil Al-Shareef, Dean of the Institute of Research, Consulting Services, and Studies, expresses his enthusiasm for the agreement:'This collaboration with Sommet Education brings world-class expertise and resources to Saudi Arabia, allowing us to provide innovative training and development programs tailored to the needs of our industries. By equipping our workforce with top-tier skills and knowledge, we are enabling our students and professionals to meet the demands of a dynamic global market.'Dr. Naif Alawi, Head of Special Projects Management at Umm Al-Qura University, also emphasizes the transformative potential of the partnership: 'This initiative aligns with our commitment to excellence and positions Saudi Arabia as a center of expertise in tourism and hospitality education, both regionally and globally.' The agreement is signed during the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, underscoring the significance of the partnership in advancing global labor market priorities
