FCM Consulting has named Florian Mueller as its new aviation practice lead as part of a strategic expansion of the business’s capabilities across key industry verticals. As the customer and industry facing voice of the aviation pillar within FCM Consulting, New York-based Mueller will be responsible for devising strategies to help clients reshape and improve their programs in response to the complexity of air travel in post-pandemic times. He previously worked for Lufthansa Airlines Group, where he held various positions, including general manager of the Americas for Austrian Airlines. Before joining FCM in 2019, he led US corporate sales for Emirates. Mueller is a member of GBTA’s Global Aviation Committee.


Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has appointed Alejandro Reynal as president and CEO. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience in global travel and hospitality, business services and telecommunications, he most recently served as president and CEO of Apple Leisure Group, a luxury resort management and leisure travel group, owned by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. From 2011 to 2019, Reynal was CEO of Atento, a global customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services company. Earlier in his career, he held strategic management positions at Telefonica and The Coca-Cola Company.


Etihad Airways has appointed Simon Newton-Smith as vice president of the Americas. He brings over 20 years of experience in international sales and commercial strategy working with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, South African Airways and others.


DDR Hospitality has named Chris Flint as culinary director. In his new role, Chef Flint will oversee the culinary operation of Château du Sureau, a Relais & Châteaux resort at the gateway to Yosemite National Park, and its fine-dining Elderberry House restaurant. He will also lead the food and beverage operation at First & Oak restaurant at the Mirabelle Inn in Solvang, California, and The Mulholland, a forthcoming restaurant set to open in Calabasas, California, in 2023. Before joining DDR Hospitality, Flint was the executive chef at Maude in Beverly Hills. He also spent 10 years with Make It Nice Hospitality, where among other positions he was chef de cuisine at the company’s flagship restaurant, Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York; and oversaw the company’s expansion at the NoMad Los Angeles and NoMad Las Vegas.