Alfonso Giannuzzi dies aged 58

Hotelier Alfonso Giannuzzi died last Tuesday (16 August) after a short illness, at the age of 58.

He had worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years and was about to take on the challenge of heading the Pragelato Village Resort and Spa project in Piedmont, Italy, the site of next year's Winter Olympic Games.

Giannuzzi worked for Forte Hotels from 1974 to 2001. His various roles included a stint as a chairman of Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts worldwide, and culminated with his appointment as managing director of global strategy and planning.

Dennis Hearn, a former chief executive of Forte Hotels, said: "Alfonso had a unique ability to recognise and develop talent in hotel managers, and was an inspiration to many. He will be sorely missed."

Since 2001, Giannuzzi had been chief executive of Compass Group in Italy and chairman of Baglioni Hotels in Milan. He was also on the international advisory board of the Ecole Htelire de Lausanne.

He leaves a wife, Rita, and two daughters, Angela and Francesca. His funeral was held on 20 August in Aiello, Calabria, southern Italy.