The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) has announced the appointment of four industry experts to key positions, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainability within the global hospitality sector.
The new appointees are Isabel Novoa as Head of Global Accelerator Programme, Caty Batten as Net Positive Innovation Lead, Nelson Garcia-Narvaez as Director of Finance and Operations, and Bolaji Omotade as Head of Finance & Administration.
Strengthening leadership for sustainable tourism
Isabel Novoa, with an MBA and a Master’s in Business Innovation, brings extensive experience from South America’s private tourism sector.
Her previous roles include President of the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO) and Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Manager at Chilean tour operator Grupo Novojet.
In her new position, Novoa will lead initiatives focused on inclusion, employability, and sustainable innovation in hospitality.
She expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the Alliance’s results-driven approach, aiming to future-proof the industry and highlight hospitality’s role as a leader of positive change.
Driving net positive innovation
Caty Batten, appointed as Net Positive Innovation Lead, has two decades of experience in sustainability and international development.
Notably, she launched the Oxfam brand in Switzerland and co-founded Intaconnected, a strategic advisory firm designing pathways to Net Positive impact.
Batten will host the Alliance’s Solution Labs throughout 2025, fostering collaboration to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges.
She believes the hospitality sector can lead by demonstrating significant positive impacts globally.
Enhancing financial stewardship
With over 30 years in managerial roles, Nelson Garcia-Narvaez, a certified public accountant and fellow of the Certified Public Accountants Association (CPAA) in the UK, steps in as Director of Finance and Operations.
He aims to promote Net Positive Hospitality through strategic financial planning and risk management, aligning with his passion for financial sustainability and long-term impact.
Garcia-Narvaez looks forward to building a solid financial foundation to enhance the Alliance’s services and maximize its positive influence in the sector.
Bolaji Omotade, an FCCA-qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial management, governance, and operational efficiency, particularly in the not-for-profit sector, joins as Head of Finance & Administration.
Her expertise in investment oversight and regulatory compliance will support the Alliance’s mission, as she integrates financial stewardship with sustainable business practices to drive long-term financial sustainability within the organization.
A step towards net positive hospitality
The Alliance’s CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, highlighted that these appointments mark a significant milestone, strengthening and accelerating the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.
He expressed excitement about the impact the enhanced team is poised to make in the coming months through global projects, aiming to drive meaningful change and inspire the industry to take bold, tangible action.
The addition of these four experts signifies the Alliance’s dedication to championing initiatives that facilitate meaningful change, inspiring the broader industry to adopt sustainable practices and work towards a Net Positive future.
