Business Traveler Global Awards: Meet the Judges

This year, our Business Traveler Global Awards will be shaped by a panel of leading experts across the travel, media, design, and hospitality industries. With decades of combined experience and a sharp eye for excellence, our judges bring insight, integrity, and international perspective to the table.

The winners will be announced in November.

Introducing our 2025 Judging Panel 

Jenny Southan
Founder and CEO, Globetrender

Jenny Southan is the founder, editor, and CEO of Globetrender, the UK’s leading travel trend forecasting agency and online magazine. Before she set up her business, she spent ten years as features editor of Business Traveller in the UK. A respected futurist, public speaker,r and podcast host, she’s also a regular contributor to Conde Nast Traveller and The Telegraph, decoding the future of travel for industry and consumer audiences alike.

Rhys Jones
Aviation Editor, Head for Points

Rhys Jones is Aviation Editor at frequent flyer site Head for Points and a respected contributor to The Sunday Times. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading aviation writers, he’s flown most major carriers in business and first class, as well as reviewing hotels around the world. In 2021, he was named ‘Best Newcomer to Business Travel Journalism’ at the Business Travel Journalism Awards.

Michael Keating
CEO, Ink Global

Michael Keating is the CEO of Ink, a global travel media company connecting brands with travellers across print, digital, video and inflight experiences. Ink works with leading travel companies including Singapore Airlines, booking.com, Malaysia Airlines, easyJet, Eurowings, Virgin Atlantic, Ethiopian, MSC Cruises, and Minor Hotels. With a strong focus on content innovation and platform integration, Michael leads the business with a bold, international vision for the future of travel storytelling.

Jessica Nabongo
Author, Explorer, and Cultural Ambassador

Jessica Nabongo is a record-setting traveller and celebrated storyteller, best known as the first Black woman to visit every country in the world. A bestselling author, public speaker, and global advocate for inclusive travel, she uses her platform to share untold stories and champion cultural connections. Her debut book, The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World, was published by National Geographic, with her second book due in 2026.

Tamsin Cocks
Editor, Business Traveller

Tamsin Cocks oversees editorial content across Business Traveller, bringing clarity, depth, and authority to every issue. With years of experience reporting on aviation, hospitality, and the future of business travel, she ensures the magazine remains essential reading for frequent flyers and corporate decision-makers alike. Tamsin previously spent ten years working in Hong Kong, where she edited publications including Business Traveller Asia-Pacific and Cathay Pacific’s inflight magazine, Discovery.

Marc C. O’Flaherty
Design & Travel Writer and Photographer

Mark C. O’Flaherty writes and takes photographs for publications including the Financial Times, Sunday Times Style, and the New York Times. He also pens a monthly hotel column for the Daily Telegraph, focused on new luxury openings. Formerly a DJ for MTV and a producer at London Fashion Week, Mark’s latest book, Narrative Thread: Conversations on Fashion Collections, was met with international acclaim, with his next release due in 2026 from publisher Thames & Hudson.

Jonny Clark
Managing Director, Ink Studio

Jonny Clark is a design-focused brand strategist and founder of TheDesignAir, a leading voice in aviation and travel experience. As Managing Director of Ink Studio, he works with some of the world’s most iconic travel brands to help shape their creative identity, from airline cabins to lounge design and beyond.

Katharina Hesedenz
Writer and Former Editor, Vogue Germany

Based in Munich, Katharina Hesedenz has spent over two decades at the forefront of luxury lifestyle journalism. A founding voice of the German editions of Miss Vogue, Elle, and InStyle, she led the Design & Travel section of Vogue Germany for over 20 years. Now, she brings that seasoned lens to Business Traveller, reviewing hotels, spas, and restaurants with our readers in mind.

Alex Preston
Freelance Travel Journalist

Alex Preston is a freelance journalist who has spent the past decade immersed in aviation. With a focus on the passenger experience, he regularly contributes to publications around the globe and is often called upon to moderate at leading industry events. Away from writing about the comforts of the cabin or airline lounge, Alex can be found seeking out thrills on his gravel bike.

Eric Newill
Editor in Chief, Business Traveler US

Eric Newill leads editorial direction for Business Traveler US, balancing travel trends, industry insights, and destination coverage with editorial authority. With a deep understanding of the North American corporate travel market, Eric ensures every issue speaks to the modern traveller’s needs and aspirations while also securing cover stories with well-known figures, including Richard Branson, Novak Djokovic, and Jennifer Hudson. Eric also regularly appears on The Business Traveler Show, keeping readers up to date on the latest news and trends.

Kee Foong
Travel, Food, and Lifestyle Writer

Kee Foong has explored all seven continents and continues to chase the horizon. His bylines appear in Travel+Leisure Asia, Wallpaper, SCMP, DestinAsian, and Signature Luxury Travel. He also serves as an Academy Chair for the World’s 50 Best Hotels awards, bringing both curiosity and credibility to the judging panel.

Tom Otley
Sustainability Consultant and Director

Tom Otley is a sustainability consultant and Director at Oury Clark, a multidisciplinary professional services firm based in London. Tom is a barrister with a Master’s in Energy and Environmental Law and has had a 25-year career in travel, specialising in environmental reporting. Readers will recognise Tom as the former editorial director of Business Traveller, where he spent 20 years editing and writing for the magazine.

Hannah Brandler
Deputy Editor, Business Traveller

Hannah Brandler is Deputy Editor at Business Traveller, reporting on everything from new airline launches and exclusive interviews with C-suite executives to hotel design trends. Her sharp editorial judgment and global perspective help keep the publication fresh, relevant, and trusted by discerning travellers around the world. Hannah has been awarded ‘Features Journalist of the Year’ within the Destination, Accommodation and Meetings & Events categories at the Business Travel Journalism Awards.

Gilbert Ott
Director of Partnerships, point.me

Gilbert Ott is a travel and rewards expert and a founding member of point.me, the award-winning platform for loyalty travel. He’s also the creator of GodSaveThePoints.com, a pioneering site in the travel space, and a frequent commentator on global media. Gilbert is known for making loyalty strategy simple and for chasing the world’s best meals between flights.

Dan Gardner
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Code and Theory

Dan Gardner is the co-founder of Code and Theory, a global digital-first agency known for its powerful blend of creative and engineering expertise. With clients including Microsoft, Google and JPMorganChase, Dan’s work spans media, tech and design innovation. As a strategist and thought leader, he brings a unique lens on the evolving digital travel experience.

Eden Herbstman
Managing Editor, Business Traveler US

Eden Herbstman brings her background in journalism, branding and lifestyle writing to her role as Managing Editor of Business Traveler US. Her editorial vision helps shape the voice of the magazine and broaden its appeal across a new generation of business travellers. Eden interviews high-profile personalities for the magazine – from will.i.am and Maggie Q to Chelsea Handler – and keeps her finger on the pulse of hotel, lifestyle and wellness trends.

Jennifer Kester
VP/Executive Editor at Forbes Travel Guide

As Vice President and Executive Editor at Forbes Travel Guide, Jennifer Kester has personally reviewed over 250 luxury hotels around the globe. From Tokyo to Tasmania, she brings sharp editorial judgement and a deep understanding of high-end hospitality to the panel, covering everything from design and dining to culture and destination trends.

Enrique Perrella
Aviation Director, Business Traveler US

A passionate aviation expert and editor, Enrique Perrella brings years of industry knowledge and a deep love of aircraft and airline product design to his role. He leads Business Traveler’s aviation coverage, ensuring it stays authoritative, accurate, and ahead of the curve – from reviews of new cabin products to interviews with CEOs in the aviation industry. He has previously contributed to the likes of CNN, The Washington Post and France 24.

Vivienne Tang
Founder, Destination Deluxe

Vivienne Tang is the founder of the wellness and travel publication, Destination Deluxe. She champions conscious living and transformational experiences, blending purpose, performance, and wellbeing. With over 25 years in lifestyle media, Vivienne brings deep industry insight and a clear vision for the evolving luxury and wellness travel landscape.