Nombramientos

📈 Jesús Menéndez López, febrero 2026, España: Jesús Menéndez López ha sido nombrado presidente de la Asociación Española de Directores de Hotel (AEDH), reemplazando a Manuel Vegas Lara. Su enfoque incluye el desarrollo del talento, digitalización y sostenibilidad en gestión turística. La AEDH planea programas formativos y alianzas estratégicas en turismo.

🏨 Jesús Menéndez López was elected national president of the Asociación Española de Directores de Hotel on February 17, 2026, during HIP 2026 at IFEMA Madrid, succeeding Manuel Vegas Lara. Menéndez aims to reinforce AEDH's value through innovation and economic training, leveraging his experience from over 86 hotel openings. His program includes monthly reports, legal support, and webinars, with a focus on close communication with members to enhance institutional presence and sector alliances.

📈 Riu's 2025 gross revenue reached a record €4.188 billion, a 2.9% increase from 2024, despite aiming for a 5% rise. The dollar's strength against the euro and Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, which forced the closure of seven hotels, impacted growth. CEO Luis Riu anticipates similar trends in 2026. Riu Hotels now owns 100 hotels, with 90% fully owned. This marks Luis Riu's first full year as CEO without Carmen Riu.

🏨 José María Dalmau, appointed as head of Expansion, and Manuel Riego, leading Sales and Marketing, are key players in Meliá Hotels' strategic directorate restructuring, effective since 2023. This transition follows María Zarraluqui's exit after 25 years of heading growth strategy across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Dalmau, with Meliá since 1992, will focus on the Strategic Plan 2025–2027, while Riego, with 22 years at Meliá, will manage commercial and marketing operations.

📈 Meliá Hotels International appoints José María Dalmau as VP of Business Development and Manuel Riego as VP of Sales and Marketing to enhance growth strategies. Dalmau, replacing María Zarraluqui after her 25-year tenure, will focus on global expansion and support the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Riego, with 22 years at Meliá, will lead global sales and marketing. These appointments highlight Meliá’s commitment to internal promotion and strategic continuity.

🏨 Hodelpa Hospitality has appointed Juan Carlos Fernández Friera as the new Commercial and Distribution Director. With over 25 years in international tourism, including 7 years at H10 Hotels, Fernández Friera aims to enhance sales, marketing, and distribution strategies. His previous roles include Vice President of Sales and Marketing at H10 Hotels for the Caribbean and CEO for the Dominican Republic and Mexico at Meeting Point International. Hodelpa aims for international standards and excellence with his leadership.

💸 HBX Group International plans to return up to €100 million to shareholders through a share buyback and regular dividends. Bank of America will execute this between fiscal years 2026 and 2027, pending approval at the annual general meeting on February 12. CEO Nicolas Huss cited their strong financial profile and cash flow flexibility as reasons for this move, highlighting confidence in the group's strategy and robust business prospects.

📈 Grupo Piñero, allied with Hyatt, appointed Francisco Albertí to lead its hotel expansion. Albertí, based in Palma, is known for his experience with Meliá, Riu, Iberostar, and Hotusa, and work with BP, KPMG, and Aproperties. The news was initially reported by 'Desarrollo'. Other recent industry highlights include Messi with Meliá, and Riu in London negotiations. For full details, visit [Desarrollo Hotelero](https://desarrollohotelero.com/?p=54996).

🚀 Mateo Ramón becomes CEO of Soltour, part of Grupo Piñero, succeeding Tomeu Bennasar in September 2023. Ramón, with over 35 years at the company, transitions from Chief Technology & Transformation. His leadership aims to enhance agility and digitalization, crucial for competitiveness in a dynamic tourism sector. Encarna Piñero, CEO Global of Grupo Piñero, led the reconfiguration, investing in strategic transformation to optimize resources and strengthen market confidence.

📚 Mateo Ramón becomes the new CEO of Soltour, replacing Tomeu Bennasar, who left for Ávoris. Appointed by Grupo Piñero, Ramón, previously Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, aims to enhance digitalization and resource optimization. Encarna Piñero led a strategic reconfiguration in September. Ramón played a key role in the transformation since Bennasar's departure. This change aligns with the company's adaptation to current tourism sector conditions.