Alliance appoints four industry experts to drive net positive mission

by: Felicity Cousins | March 19, 2025

UK: The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has added four industry experts to help with its net positive mission and strengthen its team.

Isabel Novoa, Caty Batten, Nelson Garcia-Narvaez, and Bolaji Omotade will all help drive a series of projects aimed at achieving the Alliance’s mission, a Net Positive future for hospitality.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “This month marks a significant milestone for the Alliance as our expert team strengthens and accelerates our Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.

“I am thrilled about the impact we are poised to make in the coming months through our global projects—driving meaningful change and inspiring the industry to take bold, tangible action.”

Isabel Novoa, head of global accelerator programme, has an MBA, a Master’s in Business Innovation, and a certification in Sustainable Business. She has experience across the private tourism sector in South America and previously served as president of the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO) and as sustainability and corporate affairs manager at Grupo Novojet, a Chilean tour operator known for its commitment to socially responsible tourism. 

Novoa will spearhead initiatives that promote inclusion, employability, and sustainable innovation in the hospitality sector. 

Caty Batten, net positive innovation lead, has 20 years of experience in sustainability and international development, launching impactful initiatives, such as the Oxfam brand in Switzerland. She is also co-founder of Intaconnected, a strategic advisory that designs pathways to Net Positive impact. 

Batten will host the Alliance’s Solution Labs throughout 2025, facilitating collaboration to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Nelson Garcia-Narvaez – director of finance and operations – has more than 30 years of managerial experience. A certified public accountant and fellow of the Certified Public Accountants Association (CPAA) in the UK, Garcia-Narvaez will promote Net Positive Hospitality through strategic financial planning and risk management.

Bolaji Omotade – head of finance & administration – an FCCA-qualified accountant, joins the Alliance with extensive experience in financial management, governance, and operational efficiency, particularly in the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise in investments oversight and regulatory compliance will be instrumental in supporting the Alliance’s mission. 

Image: Pictured L-R- Nelson Garcia-Narvaez, director of finance and operation, Bolaji Omotade, head of finance & administration, Caty Batten, net positive innovation lead and Isabel Novoa, head of global accelerator programme.