Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School

Valentina Clergue, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School, where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Guest Experiences, and Digital Marketing Strategies. Her research focuses on well-being in services for both guests and employees, the way AI and autonomous products are changing consumer experiences as well as on sustainable consumption. 

Co-founder and CEO of ID Geneve Watches

Nicolas Freudiger, co-founder and CEO of ID Genève Watches. After graduating from the Lausanne Hotel School in 2015 and a short corporate career, Nicolas decided to pursue his dream and create a new identity in the world of watchmaking, entirely based on sustainable development and the integration of circular materials that have a lower carbon footprint than the industry average and challenging the status quo.

Assistant Professor & Director of the Institute of Customer Experience Management at EHL Hospitality Business School Lausanne

Dr. Matthias Fuchs is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Lausanne and Director of the Institute for Customer Experience Management. His research focuses on digital customer behavior and customization, published in top-tier journals. Previously, he worked in brand and marketing management at Procter & Gamble and Coty Inc. He collaborates with luxury brands and shares insights in major media. At EHL, he teaches marketing, brand management, and customer experience.  

Associate Professor of Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School 

Dr Girardin is a distinguished academic specializing in consumer reactions to luxury and product positioning strategies. His research has been recognised by academic and industry leaders alike and have been published in esteemed journals like the Journal of Consumer Psychology and the Journal of Retailing and Customer Services among many others. With extensive teaching experience across Bachelor, Master and Executive levels, he is shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders through his expertise in Hospitality Luxury Brand Management and Hospitality Marketing. 

Chief Shipboard Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 

Jens Gorka is the Chief Shipboard Operations Officer at the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, overseeing guest experience, hospitality operations and strategic innovations at sea. Jens has extensive experience across luxury cruise operations and has played a significant role in curating elevated guest experiences and operational excellence. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, he drives initiatives that blend cutting-edge technology with world-class service. 

Associate Dean Degree Programs, Graduate School, EHL

Nicole Hinrichs is Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship and Associate Dean of Degree Programs at EHL, as well as affiliated faculty at Imperial College London. She holds a PhD in behavioral economics from the University of St. Gallen and has prior experience in strategy consulting and banking. Her research focuses on how social and cognitive psychology shape strategic decision-making and entrepreneurial behavior. Nicole also advises global companies on innovation and strategy, with her work published in leading international journals.  

Full Professor in Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School 

Alessandro Inversini is a Full Professor of Marketing at EHL – Hospitality Business School, specializing in Digital Communication and Digital Transformation. His research explores Regenerative Economies, contributing to various funded projects. Collaborating with global pioneers, he plays a key role in advancing regeneration within travel, tourism, and hospitality.

Founding partner at CitizenM Hotels

Michael Levie, after earning his MBA in hospitality management from ESSEC (IMHI Cornell/ESSEC), built his career working with global hotel chains such as Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and NH Hoteles. As Vice President of Operations, he oversaw extensive hotel portfolios. He also led the European office for SynXis. Currently, he is a founding partner of citizenM hotels, where he is responsible for operations. 

CEO of Keller Trading SA and KTHome SA

As CEO of Keller Trading SA and KTHome SA, Babette specializes in innovative, sustainable, and high-end textiles for the luxury and medical sectors. With over 30 years of experience, she has collaborated with leading watch and jewelry houses, providing tailored technical fiber solutions. Through KTHome SA and the BabetteSwitzerland, she has developed revolutionary and eco-friendly hygiene and makeup removal products. Committed to excellence and sustainability, Babette strives to create responsible solutions that respect both people and the planet.

Co-CEO at KITRO

Naomi’s experience in the food and beverage industry, particularly working in kitchens, revealed the staggering amount of edible food wasted daily, sparking her passion to combat food waste. Driven by its environmental impact, she’s committed to maximizing KITRO’s potential to create real change. The idea for KITRO emerged alongside co-founder Anastasia Hofmann during their time at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, where they gained firsthand knowledge of the industry. Since launching KITRO in 2017, Naomi has been dedicated to restoring the true value of food in the hospitality sector.  

Full Professor of Marketing at the University of Lausanne (HEC)

Prof Dr Morhart is a leading expert in luxury behavior and branding. She is the editor of the Research Handbook of Luxury Branding published by Edgar Elgar. As the founder of the Swiss Center for Luxury Research and co-founder of OriginALLuxury, she drives thought leadership and innovation in the luxury industry. Her research, published in renowned journals including the Journal of Marketing and the Journal of Consumer Psychology, explores symbolism and personal meaning in branding, shaping the future of luxury marketing.

Partner, Visium

Passionate about the hospitality industry, Lucas Nottaris’s journey led him through various roles in hotels. Over time, his curiosity for innovation and problem solving drew him to the world of AI. As a partner at Visium, he helps buisinesses leverage AI as a tool to drive meaningful change , ensuring impactful innovation. Through Visium, he stays rooted towards sustainable growth. 

CEO of BehaviorSMART

Gergana is the CEO of BehaviorSMART, a B Corp-certified venture that uses behavioral science to ensure that most travelers opt for sustainable and regenerative choices. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Gergana spent ten years at the Adventure Travel Trade Association working with destinations and businesses to promote active outdoor and responsible travel. 

CEO & Founder of jack & annie's & The Jackfruit Company

For over ten years, Annie has worked relentlessly to popularize jackfruit as a ground-breaking meat alternative, pioneering the world’s leading jackfruit supply chain, R&D and brands. Annie founded the company while a college pre-med student; today, jack & annie’s is a top 5 brand in the Frozen Plant-Based Meat category in both Whole Foods and Sprouts, with a repeat rate higher than Beyond and Impossible’s, and the company’s foods are distributed in thousands of grocery stores and foodservice establishments across the US. The company’s farm-to-fork supply chain supports over 1,700 farming families, providing 10-40% of their income, and delivers jackfruit to the US with a 94% lower carbon footprint vs conventional beef. Annie has been recognized as Forbes 30 under 30, Top Women in Grocery, an Unreasonable Fellow, a Young Gun (by Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer), and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Mountain West).

CEO of Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley

Christina, CEO of Swiss Food and Nutrition Valley, is an innovator in the Swiss Food Ecosystem . Fueled by her passion for revolutionizing the future of food, her work centers. Recognized in 2024 as one of "The Magnificent 99+1 shaping Global FoodTech," Christina continues to drive innovation and collaboration to put Switzerland on the global FoodTech map 

President, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Rainer Stampfer oversees the core operations of the company’s hotels, resorts, and residences, along with the diverse experiences they offer, such as spa and wellness, meetings and events, and various dining options. Working closely with business leaders and partners, he also manages the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and plays a crucial role in developing the Four Seasons Yachts while upholding the company’s high service standards. 

CEO of Iceland Tourism Cluster 

Asta brings a wealth of experience in international trade, innovation, and development. With expertise in business planning, sustainability, and international project management, she has successfully organized and hosted seminars, workshops, and global conferences. Since 2016, she has been managing the Iceland Tourism Cluster, working closely with the entire tourism ecosystem to drive growth and innovation in the industry.

Founding Executive Director, Tech For Good Institute

Dr Ming Tan is founding Executive Director for the Tech for Good Institute, a non-profit founded by Grab to catalyse research and collaboration on social, economic, and policy trends accelerated by the digital economy.

She is concurrently a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore. Her interests lie at the intersection of technology, business and society, including sustainability and innovation.

Business executive, former President/CEO and Chairwoman Booking.com

Gillian Tans is a business executive and former CEO of Booking.com, where she led the company to substantial growth, making it the world's largest travel company. Recognized for her impact on the travel industry, she was named in Forbes' World’s Most Powerful Women in 2018. She is currently an investor and board member of multiple companies. 

Founder & CEO of Dar Ahlam & 700’000 heures Impact 

Founder of Dar Ahlam, Morocco – recognized as among the best hotels of the world since 2002, Thierry is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator. He started 700,000 heures as a pioneer pop up and offering unique experiences in countries such as Cambodia, Italy and Brazil. In 2023, he decided to change it to 700,000 heures Impact to accommodate regenerative hospitality into the concept. He has received numerous accolades for his unwavering commitment towards local communities from magazines like Condé Nast Traveller and Tatler Magazine. 

EAM to General Managers Office, Yun Ding Food & Beverage Co. Ltd

Anderson is a visionary entrepreneur in product innovation and wellness-focused beverages, with a strong background in F&B, global procurement, and operations planning at The Peninsula Hotels. As EAM and head of Product & Innovation at his beverage company, he has transformed his family’s traditional B2B juice business into a forward-thinking manufacturer. The company now specializes in functional drinks like juices, sparkling teas, and protein beverages tailored to wellness trends in the HoReCa industry. Their flagship brand, Passion 24, is expanding across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. 

Vice President of Jin Jiang International Group 

ZHOU Wei (Vivian) is the Vice President of Jin Jiang International Holdings Co., Ltd. Vivian joined Jin Jiang International Holdings in2012. She has been involved in major cross-border M&A and investment projects including the acquisition of Groupe du Louvre, Accor shares, Radisson Hotel Group. She is now in charge of Jin Jiang global hospitality business. Previously, she worked for the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal Government.