As one of the most lauded actors of his generation, Robert De Niro has gathered a substantial trophy cabinet –including two Oscars and a clutch of other honours — so vast it warrants its own dedicated Wikipedia page.

While I don’t know much about De Niro’s life outside of the movies, one thing is for sure, based on his trophy list alone, the guy has been to a shed load of events and knows his way round gala luncheons, opening ceremonies and film festivals, in his capacity as an actor, producer and businessman — known for meticulous preparation and attention to detail.

Which means when the hospitality company he co-founded, along with chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper, hires its first-ever MICE global account director, it is a signing of note and intention from a company just five years old on a mission for worldwide expansion.

On track for its target of 20 hotels by the end of 2020, including properties in Barcelona, Chicago and Los Cabos in 2018, Nobu Hotels has chosen Eric Edmunds to set the standard for the new role.

MICE man

Edmunds, a MICE specialist for more than ten years, has been specifically designated to coordinate and generate group business for Nobu Hotel Barcelona, due to open in Summer 2019, as well as London, Malibu Ryokan and Palo Alto. He will work alongside the property sales teams and their respective representation companies, Leading Hotels of the World and Design Hotels.

Edmunds said: “I am delighted to join Nobu Hotels at such an exciting time, as global expansion continues. I’m very much looking forward to overseeing the synergy of exceptional service, innovative cuisine and contemporary creativity into MICE initiatives, whether it be a small private dinner or corporate conference.”

The first Nobu Hotel opened five years ago, in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, and has since expanded to include: NobuHotel City of Dreams Manila, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Nobu Hotel Marbella and Nobu Hotel Palo Alto.