Our Esteemed Jury

Elvire Biegel is the Executive Director of MBO College Centrum (ROCvA) and a forward-thinking innovator in hospitality education. With a clear vision on the future of hospitality, sustainability, and talent development, she shapes educational programs that genuinely prepare students for the industry.

Under her leadership, initiatives such as House of Hospitality and the first higher-education culinary program in the Netherlands were developed—bringing together real-world practice, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Elvire is known for her commitment to inclusion, sustainable gastronomy, and lifelong learning, turning these themes into tangible experiences for students and partners.

Her ability to translate emerging trends into meaningful opportunities for young professionals makes her an invaluable addition to our jury, offering a sharp and future-driven perspective on the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.

Esther’s passion for hospitality, strategic mindset, and ability to lead with impact set her apart as 2025’s Future Hotel Leader. The jury recognized her as a visionary who not only excels in her role but also inspires those around her.

Marcel Peijnenburg (1965) is an International Leadership Trainer and Coach. He draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s thought: ‘People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ That’s why he dedicates everything he has to build successful and enjoyable relationships with his clients. Marcel commits to their objectives and culture, considering both personal and business goals and helping to align them.

With a wealth of experience gained over 25 years working for international corporate companies as well as smaller, informal organizations, combined with an entrepreneurial background from Peijnenburg Koek and a Michelin restaurant, Marcel navigates this path. His management experience includes roles within top hospitality organizations such as Walt Disney and Hilton.

Elsbeth van Eekeren has been working in various roles at Booking.com since 2017. Through frequent daily interactions with accommodation partners, Elsbeth knows precisely why they collaborate with Booking.com and the value Booking.com can add. In her current role, she is responsible for the Benelux region and maintains close relationships with various industry representatives, acting as a link between the company and the market.

Gienke Osinga is the director of the Academy of Hotel Management & Facility Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences. Gienke holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and a master’s degree in Change Management. 

After completing her hotel management studies in The Hague, she worked for KLM in commercial roles for an extended period before transitioning to the field of education. 

Her driving force is the opportunity to educate new hotel and facility managers with a fantastic team of colleagues. 

She takes pride in her alumni who have found themselves in prestigious positions “around the globe”.