Global Update
VOTE ! gO TO : HoteLsmag . com / how2016
Independent nomInees
James mcBride managing parTnEr niHiwaTu rESOrT , iSLand Of Sumba , indOnESia andrea scherz gEnEraL managEr gSTaad paLacE , gSTaad , SwiTzErLand
McBride has led some of the best hotels in the world during his 25-year career , and turned entrepreneur in 2012 when long-time friend Chris Burch approached him to partner with him in the acquisition of Nihiwatu on the island of Sumba . The subsequent investment and redevelopment has positioned the property as one known for its philanthropy and adventure focus , The success of this has spawned the birth of Nihi Resorts and the development of Nihioka , a sister resort on Sumba with a vision to develop an Island in Komodo connecting all with a classical Indonesian phinisi .
McBride started his journey working globally for 14 years at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co . In 2002 , he became general manager of The Grosvenour House in London and in 2003 as managing director of The Carlyle in New York City . His six years with Rosewood Hotels included the regional directorship of all of Rosewoods Caribbean Resorts . Before acquiring Nihiwatu , McBride was global president for Malaysia ’ s YLT Hotel Group .
Scherz is the third generation owner and general manager of the 103-year old Gstaad Palace , a landmark amongst the Swiss luxury resorts .
During and after his studies at the École hôtelière de Lausanne , Scherz worked at a variety of hotels , including the Halekulani Hawaii , Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne , Savoy London and Intercontinental Geneva . He also holds a postgraduate degree in Hotel Management of the Swiss Hotel Association .
Joining the family ’ s business in 1996 as front office manager , Scherz took on the role of general manager in 2001 and has maintained an internationally renowned culture while being at the helm of up to 300 employees . To date , Scherz has overseen 80 million Swiss francs in renovations , including the vast extension of the Palace Spa as well as continuous refurbishments throughout the hotel .
In addition to his role at the Gstaad Palace , Scherz currently serves on the board of The Leading Hotels of the World , Swiss Deluxe Hotels as well as the Saanen airport .
14 HOTELS April 2016 www . hotelsmag . com