The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - April 2026

The Newsletter of The Boutique Search Firm, a worldwide retained recruiting firm specializing in hospitality management.

Market update​​​

• The economy added 178,000 employees in the month of March including 44,000 in hospitality
  • Food services gained 22,000 and hotels gained 8,000 employees while the rest was made up of sports venues and performing arts.
• We are seeing many companies utilize this time of year to upgrade their talent and strengthen their teams.
• The Boutique Search Firm earned recognition from Business Insider as one of the best recruiting firms in the nation
  • America's Top Recruiting Firms - Business Insider
• The Boutique Search Firm earned recognition on Forbes’ 2025 list of Best Executive Search Firms, highlighting its excellence in talent acquisition and client service.
  • Forbes 2025 America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms List​

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Amanda Smith has been appointed Vice President at the luxury event venue Herrington on the Bay where she will oversee operations at the venue.  A former Cornell graduate, she previously worked at Manhattan Manor.
• Jessica Hall has been appointed as General Manager at Cotton Court Hotel. She will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, including financial performance, team development, and guest experience initiatives.
• Colee Reed has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Cotton Court Hotel. Her leadership will further strengthen Cotton Court’s position as a premier destination in Lubbock, Texas supporting Valencia Hotel Collection’s mission.
• Sarah Turner has been promoted to Operations Director at Valor Hospitality. She will work closely with the wider operations and central teams, embedding herself across the portfolio and continuing Valor’s focus on people, performance and culture.
• Steven Gard has been appointed Director of Operations of Pacific College.  He brings experience from both Marriott and Kimpton to the Manhattan campus of higher education.  
• Paloma Martinez has been appointed as Vice President of Operations, Americas at Virgin Hotels. She brings over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, having led operations across 13 countries.
• Karen Roche Paulon has been appointed as Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Remington Hospitality. She will oversee all sales and marketing operations, in addition to leading revenue strategies, generating new business and fostering cross-collaboration across teams.
• Valerie Bolton has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Human Resources at MXR Hospitality. She will lead complex multi-disciplinary projects, while designing and implementing strategic and tactical Human Resources competencies.
• Dawne Brado has been appointed as Vice President, Development at MXR Hospitality. She will support construction funding management and processing across the MXR portfolio. 
• Juan Carlos Calderon has been appointed as Complex General Manager at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. He brings a strong background in sales and marketing, revenue management, operations and owners relations to the role.
• J. Green has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Independent Hotel Sales at Pyramid Global Hospitality. He will lead the sales strategy and execution for Pyramid’s diverse portfolio of independent resorts and hotels, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels.
• Jared Saft has been appointed as Chief Operating Office (COO) at Westgate Resorts. He will be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations in addition to guiding the strategic direction and management of Westgate Resorts.
• Andrew Lombard has been appointed as General Manager at Claremont Resort & Club. He will lead day-to-day operations and oversee the member and guest experience across The Club’s expansive wellness, recreation and social offerings.
• Nathan Decker has been appointed as Director of Group Sales at Outrigger Hospitality Group. He will focus on developing and pursuing new sales prospects while building strong client relationships in collaboration with OUTRIGGER’s properties
• Dave Karam has been promoted to Director of Club & Golf Operations at Silverado Resort. He will oversee all aspects of the Club at Silverado - including Golf, Membership, and Agronomy - in addition to serving on the resort’s Executive Committee.
• Marek Abraham has been appointed as Director of Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. He oversees notable improvements in Guest Experience Scores, supported strategic talent development initiatives, and contributed record-setting upsell revenue.
• Graham Williamson has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. He brings more than 20 years of international experience shaped by operational excellence, thoughtful innovation, and a people-first approach to hospitality.
• Jeff Lobb has been appointed as SVP, General Counsel & Secretary at Choice Hotels International, Inc. He will oversee the company's global legal and public policy strategy and operations and serve as a key member of Choice Hotels' Executive Leadership Team.
• Ross Kilkenny has been appointed as Culinary Director at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection. He has 22 years of experience across the West Coast, he brings refined expertise to his new role leading the resort’s established culinary scene.
• Matt Kerver has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at EOS Hospitality. He will oversee all food and beverage strategy and operations across EOS Hospitality’s portfolio.
• Mark Bingle has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. He brings nearly three decades of Four Seasons experience to the iconic oceanfront retreat.
• Michael Lamb has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Operations at Main Street Hospitality Group. He will provide leadership to optimize the company’s expanding food and beverage operations, support upcoming property openings.
• Kirk Pederson has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) at PM Hotel Group. He will oversee hotel operations and commercial strategy across the company’s portfolio.
• Joseph Min has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel. He oversees all food and beverage operations at the 153-room hotel, including its MICHELIN-recommended 4 Saints restaurant, Juniper Table, High Bar, and Window Bar.
• Brandon Bollenbacher has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Quail. He brings more than 15 years of global luxury hospitality experience to the property’s dining outlets, banquets, and special events programming. 
• Ellen Davis has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President at U.S. Travel Association (USTA). She will lead the organization’s operational strategy, growth and performance, while continuing to oversee the association’s membership,
• Niklas Andréen has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Airline Tech at Sabre Corporation. He will lead global airline sales, account management, commercial strategy, business development and customer support.
• Kevin Kelly has been appointed as Managing Director at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale. His appointment aligns with a broader shift in the high-end travel market toward experiential stewardship and holistic wellness.
• Danielle Dorland has been promoted to Regional Senior Vice President of Operations at InnVentures. She has consistently delivered strong operational and financial results while fostering team engagement and accountability across her portfolio.
• Jessica Nalley has been appointed as Regional Senior Vice Presidents of Operations at InnVentures. She will oversee a defined portfolio of hotels while providing strategic leadership and operational support across regions.
• Konstantine Drosos has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Anaheim. He will focus on activating the reimagined spaces, including redesigned guest rooms and suites, refreshed meeting and event spaces, and new dining concepts.
• Ted Knighton has been appointed as Managing Director at Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt. He brings an innate understanding of the Thompson brand, and proven track-record of securing his hotel’s place on the national stage.
• Olivia Johnson has been appointed as General Manager at Thompson Houston, by Hyatt. She will oversee all hotel operations, with a focus on elevating guest experiences, supporting the hotel’s continued growth, and strengthening its position.
• Jon Itoga has been appointed as General Manager at Hale Hōkūala Kaua'i, Curio Collection by Hilton. He will lead the preopening team and oversee operations for Curio Collection by Hilton’s first hotel in the state.
• Gus Fuldner has been appointed as Global Head of Operations at Airbnb, Inc. His mandate is to take on Airbnb’s hardest challenges and help make this one of the best-run companies in tech.
• Paul Nisbett has been appointed as Global Chief Financial Officer at Valor Hospitality Partners. He will oversee Valor’s worldwide financial strategy, supporting the company’s ambitious growth plans, including targeted expansion in America and Europe.
• Ani Gujrathi has been appointed as Chief Technology & Product Officer at Otelier. He will lead Otelier’s unified technology and product organization, overseeing engineering, product management, data, UX, and cloud operations.
• Leigh Anne Staden has been appointed as General Manager at The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. She will focus on strengthening the hotel’s identity as a residential style retreat in the heart of the city.
• Thomas Mazloum has been named Parks Chief at The Walt Disney Company. He will have to keep an eye on "international visitation headwinds" at its U.S.-based parks, which the company has said will likely factor into its earnings for the fiscal second quarter.
• Spencer Priest has been appointed as Consulting General Manager at Mountain Lake Lodge. He brings more than 25 years of hospitality and tourism leadership experience to Mountain Lake Lodge.
• Lyndsi Hale has been promoted to Assistant Hotel Manager at Mountain Lake Lodge. She will bridge operations and growth, champion the lodge’s teams, and help ensure guests continue to enjoy the authentic, heart-filled experiences that define the Mountain Lake Lodge difference.
• Chelsea Edwards has been promoted to Director of Food & Beverage at Mountain Lake Lodge. She leads the Food & Beverage team alongside Matt Gilmer and Chef Brady Stevens, with a focus on enhancing guest satisfaction.
• Jeremiah McKendree has been promoted to Director of Retail, Recreation & Spa at Mountain Lake Lodge. His creativity and dedication continue to support guest engagement while driving growth across retail, recreation, and spa offerings.
• Jamie Dumas has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. He will oversee all food and beverage operations across the property, including restaurant and bar programming, in-room dining, banquets and events, and overall service standards.
• Paul Bennie has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Revenue, at Reeco. He will oversee global revenue strategy, including sales, partnerships, and customer growth, as Reeco continues to scale across the hospitality ecosystem.
• Katie Adgent has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at Reeco. She will lead global marketing strategy and brand development as the company expands its presence among enterprise hospitality organizations.
• Zander Srodes has been appointed as Head of Enterprise Sales at Reeco. He will focus on expanding adoption among ownership groups, management companies, and multi-property operators.
• Andrew Hougton has joined Davidson Hospitality Group as Senior Vice President, Luxury Operations. He has held various executive and leadership roles, including General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, the flagship of the luxury portfolio in China.
• Scott Harrell has been appointed as Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development at Davidson Hospitality Group. He brings more than 15 years of hospitality real estate and investment experience spanning principal acquisitions, advisory, and portfolio strategy.
• Georges Safi has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. He has more than two decades of global luxury hospitality experience across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Julia Spieler has been appointed as Complex Director of Marketing at W Philadelphia and Element Philadelphia Downtown. She will develop tailored strategies for each property while capitalizing on the brand recognition and extensive networks of both W Hotels and Element.
• Eloise Morrow has been appointed as Director of Projects at Jamaica Inn. She will oversee day-to-day operations while spearheading a series of digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest experience and modernising the hotel's systems.
• Nicholas Kuhns has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Waikoloa Village. He will oversee all facets of the resort’s operations, including commercial strategy, guest experience, food and beverage, and team member engagement.
• Azure Tackert has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing at Azul Hospitality Group. She has led portfolio-wide marketing strategy and performance across the company’s rapidly expanding, multi-brand platform.
• Georges Safi has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto. He has more than two decades of global luxury hospitality experience across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Pierre Morillon has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. He brings a wealth of international experience and a deep commitment to the Four Seasons service philosophy.
• Stephen Nickerson has been appointed as Vice President, Operations – The Americas at Outrigger Hospitality Group. He will oversee hotel operations across the Americas, ensuring consistent service excellence and strong financial performance.
• Chris Jennings has been appointed as General Manager at Albert Hotel. He looks forward to bringing his passion for exceptional guest experiences and team leadership to Albert Hotel.
• Mike Reeber has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Albert Hotel. He brings more than a decade of hospitality leadership and a well-rounded background spanning sales, marketing, revenue management, and entrepreneurship.
• Christoph Moje has been appointed as General Manager at Sensei Porcupine Creek. With two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, he is set to bring a new level of excellence to the esteemed property.
• Stan Iliev has been appointed as Dual General Manager at Le Méridien Denver Downtown. He will oversee all hotel operations, including strategic oversight of five onsite food and beverage outlets, drive financial performance and cultivate high-performing leadership teams. 
• Eucepe Puntriano has been appointed as Executive Chef at Live Oak, Charleston Historic District, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. He will oversee all culinary operations for the property, including Terra, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and Bloo Pool & Provisions. 
• Anthony Bar has been appointed as Executive Chef at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He will lead all culinary operations across the resorts’ dining programs, including the signature Wine Spectator award-winning The Vineyard Rose Restaurant.
• Michael Cairns has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He brings more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across luxury resorts, private clubs and destination dining venues.
• Drew Gallegos has been appointed as Director of F&B at NOUN Hotel. He brings over three decades of hospitality leadership experience with a track record of operational excellence and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.
• Kristen Millar has been promoted to Chief Brand Officer at Sydell Group. She will help maintain a consistent presence across NoMad’s international portfolio, spanning interior design, digital channels, and curated art programs.
• Firas Ghorab has been appointed as General Manager at The Bellevue Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. He will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations and lead a dedicated team of hospitality professionals.
• Tamara Gilbert has been appointed as Corporate Director of Leisure Sales at Parable Hospitality. She will lead leisure sales strategy across Parable’s portfolio, mentoring property sales teams, and expanding high-value transient demand.
• Rafael Serrato has been appointed as Regional Director of Revenue Management at Parable Hospitality. He will oversee revenue strategy across Parable’s properties, ensuring data-driven decision-making and alignment between pricing, and demand forecasting.
• Alia Swaid has been appointed as Director of Distribution at Parable Hospitality. She brings more than 15 years of experience in hotel distribution, systems integration, and third-party channel management to her role as director of distribution.
• Fernando Estala has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Indianapolis. He brings nearly three decades of hospitality leadership experience to the role.
• Igor Bornosus has been appointed as Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. He brings more than 14 years of luxury hospitality experience to the role.
• Alejandro Santander Habif has been appointed as General Manager at Mailena by Danzante Bay. He will oversee the management and operations of the destination’s first wellness resort and adults-only property located along the Baja California coast.
• Cody Felice has been appointed as Managing Director at The Elene. He will oversee all aspects of daily operations, focusing on delivering elevated guest experiences, innovative programming, and an authentic connection to the Napa Valley community.
• Richard Wiggins has been appointed as Executive Chef at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. He will oversee the resort’s entire culinary vision, focusing on refined, ingredient-driven cuisine that delivers both sophistication and approachability.
• Daniel Weber has been appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. He brings a passion for craftsmanship and a deeply rooted culinary journey shaped by discipline, mentorship, and diverse kitchen experiences.
• Said Nuri has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. He brings extensive experience leading large-scale luxury resort operations with a focus on performance, efficiency, and elevated guest service.
• David Kuperberg has been appointed as Senior Vice President Development at UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle (UMHL). He will lead the company’s development strategy and support expansion efforts across North America.
• Jeremy Huvard has been named Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Donohoe Hospitality. He will be responsible for leading portfolio-wide sales, revenue and marketing strategies that drive topline performance and market share growth.
• Malcolm Mitchell has been named Vice President of Restaurants & Bars at Donohoe Hospitality. He curated forward-leaning concepts for hotels in the development pipeline, while strengthening relationships and partnerships within the local community.
• Fran Owen has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Sales at PM Hotel Group. She will oversee commercial sales initiatives across PM Hotel Group’s branded full-service and select-service portfolio.
• Natasha Casillo has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Nashville. She will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, with a focus on guest experience, team culture, and continued positioning of the hotel as a leading luxury destination in the Southeast.
• Erni Taslim has been promoted to Design Principal at SixteenFifty Creative Intelligence. She will oversee design strategy across new developments, ensuring the firm’s work remains culturally relevant, operationally intelligent, and unmistakably distinct.
• Kristen Hammac has been appointed as General Manager at Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. She brings a wealth of expertise across operations, sales, and multi-market leadership to one of the Windy City’s most iconic riverfront properties.
• Travis Murray has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Operations at MXR Hospitality. He will provide strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership for the company’s hotel portfolio, including in the areas of brand and owner relationships.
• Jarrett Andrés Hardy has joined HKS as Designer. His background in design, making, and architecture informs an approach where material and idea evolve together, shaping form through curiosity and experimentation.
• Geoff Young has been appointed as Managing Director at Noelle. He will oversee all hotel operations, with a focus on further strengthening Noelle’s reputation as one of the city’s most distinctive lifestyle hotels.
• Adam Wiesberg has been promoted to Vice President & General Manager at El Cortez Hotel and Casino. He has held multiple leadership roles, including Table Games Shift Manager, Marketing Director and Assistant General Manager.
• Patrick Lazarus has been promoted to Vice President & Director of Casino Operations at El Cortez Hotel and Casino. He will lead day-to-day casino floor management across slots and table games.
• Nords Malilay has been appointed as Vice President, Player Development and Casino Marketing at El Cortez Hotel and Casino. He will continue enhancing player engagement through a blend of modern strategy and personalized service.
• Bart Mahoney has joined El Cortez Hotel and Casino as Vice President of Hospitality. He will oversee all food and beverage operations, with a focus on anticipated updates to the property’s main restaurant, Siegel’s 1941.
• Julienne Smith has been appointed as Head of Americas Growth at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She will advance Hyatt’s brand growth across its Luxury, Lifestyle, Classics and Essentials brands, deepen relationships with owners and developers.
• Lenny Cumberbatch has been appointed as Vice President and General Manager at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas. He will be responsible for all hotel operations at the resort’s luxury property, The Reef, and will oversee Food & Beverage operations at The Cove and The Reef.
• Joseph Wagner has been promoted to Senior Vice President & General Manager at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. He is responsible for strategic leadership, financial performance, and daily operation of key areas.
• George Vlachopoulos has been appointed as General Manager at InterContinental Grenada - La Sagesse. He manages all aspects of operations, guiding a team of 150 hosts and overseeing dining, wellness, and guest programming.
• Jeannine Graham has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hard Rock Hotel New York. She will oversee the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, driving revenue growth, strengthening brand positioning.
• Patrick Fisher has been appointed as President at Hotel ZaZa. He will oversee hotel operations, brand strategy and future growth initiatives as the brand enters its next phase following a 2024 acquisition by Rockbridge Holdings.
• Tetsuji “Tets” Yamazaki has been named General Manager at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. He brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience to his new role.
• Stacy Mach joined Ithaka Hospitality Partners as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. She will play a pivotal role in shaping Ithaka’s next chapter across an expanding portfolio of hotels and food halls.
• Jon Itoga has been appointed as general manager at Hilton. He will lead the preopening team and oversee operations for Curio Collection by Hilton’s first hotel in the state. 

Europe​

• Alejandro Lopez has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. He brings nearly 18 years of Four Seasons experience across London, Paris, Lisbon and Madrid.
• Henri Michel has been appointed as General Manager at Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel. He will work closely with the hotel’s leadership team to further enhance service excellence, strengthen brand positioning, and introduce elevated programming.
• Alan Taudon has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel. He will bring this level of quality to all culinary experiences within the Palace, ensuring coherence, creativity, and excellence at every moment.
• Rob McIntyre has been appointed as Vice President Operations – New Zealand & Fiji at Accor. He will play a key role in continuing Accor’s active work with Tourism New Zealand and regional tourism organisations to support the recovery of New Zealand’s tourism industry.
• Heinz Beck has been appointed as Culinary Director at Orient Express Venezia. His cuisine reflects the principles that define his internationally celebrated approach: technical precision, clarity of flavor, and a constant pursuit of balance and lightness.
• Neetu Mistry has been appointed as Managing Director, UK & Ireland (UK&I) at IHG Hotels & Resorts. She will oversee more than 400 open and pipeline hotels, lead the continued growth and performance of the UK&I and strengthen partnerships.
• Laurent Choain has been appointed as Global Chief People & Culture Officer at Accor.  He will be pivotal in shaping Accor's talent agenda, focusing on evolving the Group's unique culture, attracting top-tier professionals, and fostering continuous growth.
• Michael Hoe Knudsen has been appointed as Managing Director for Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean (MLAC) at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He brings three decades of global hospitality experience across the Americas, Europe and Greater China.
• Katrine Graugaard has been appointed as Global Head of Corporate Communications at RX. She will lead the company’s global communications strategy, strengthen its internal and external narrative, and support the Executive Leadership Team.
• Bob Menz has been appointed as Senior Product Manager at IRIS Software Systems. He will be responsible for driving product initiatives and delivering impactful solutions through agile methodologies, market planning, and in-depth market research.
• Jorge Manzur has been appointed as General Manager at Don Carlos Marbella. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience across globally recognized luxury brands, including Le Méridien, InterContinental Hotels Group, Westin Hotels & Resorts.
• Aravinda Gollapudi has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer at Access Hospitality. She will lead the organisation’s global technology vision with a focus on embedding agentic AI across its platform to deliver smarter, more connected operations for hospitality businesses.
• Patrick Pollak has been appointed as Regional Vice-President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. He brings extensive international experience in luxury hospitality after leading several iconic Four Seasons properties in North America, Asia and Mexico.
• Adam Bentalha has been appointed as Group Executive Chef at EVOK Hotels Collection. He now oversees all kitchens across Evok Collection’s properties in France, Spain and Italy, as well as forthcoming openings.
• Kerry Wilson has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Abode Worldwide. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in agency leadership, business transformation, client service and talent development.

Asia

• Tanvi Palshikar has been appointed as Pastry Chef at JW Marriott Goa. She leads a dynamic pastry team, bringing her signature blend of creativity, precision and warmth to the resort’s culinary program.
• Flavius Chettiar has been appointed as Director of Operations at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield. He will oversee hotel operations, ensuring seamless coordination across departments and strengthening service excellence benchmarks.
• Amit Sripathi has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He possesses significant operational and finance experience across the lodging industry, including driving the Company's growth and capital allocation strategy.
• David Wilner has been appointed as Chief Development Officer – North America at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He will lead the Company's North American franchise sales and architecture design & construction teams.
• Josefine Norrman has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. She will oversee the sales and marketing strategy for both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, known for its barefoot eco-luxury sanctuary experience
• Michele Grosso has been appointed as Regional Vice President, Operations, U.S. at Langham Hospitality Group (LHG). He brings more than 28 years of luxury hotel experience to the position.
• Roland Fasel has been appointed as President at Capella Hotel Group. He will maintain operational excellence and brand integrity across both Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts.
• Jad Germanos has been appointed as General Manager at Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC by IHG. He brings a strong track record in hotel operations, food & beverage performance, asset value enhancement, and owner relations within leading global hotel brands.
• Annam Lubana has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel. She is focused on building a strong service culture ahead of launch, developing future leaders, and creating guest experiences that feel effortless yet intentional.
• Kai Jansen has been appointed as General Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Macau. He successfully led a team of 350 colleagues through the challenges of the pandemic while maintaining strong team engagement and operational excellence.
• Tom Thrussell has been appointed as Chief Marketing Officer at The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts. He will lead the group’s marketing, brand and communications strategies, drawing on his extensive knowledge to help drive growth, elevate its digital positioning.
• Andrew Finn has been appointed as General Manager at Palmer House a Hilton Hotel. He is responsible for leading all hotel operations and cultivating a high-performing team to meet all financial, service and guest satisfaction goals.
• Todd Roydhouse has been appointed as Hotel Manager at InterContinental the Red Sea Resort by IHG. He will lead the resort’s day to day operations with a focus on performance, service excellence, team empowerment and strong commercial results.
• Fouad Hamade has been appointed as General Manager at Portemilio Hotel & Resort. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, focusing on enhancing service standards, strengthening community partnerships, and driving innovative guest experiences.
• Memo Hernandez has been appointed as Executive Chef at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. He will lead the culinary teams at Cafe d’Angkor, the signature all-day brasserie serving Asian and international dishes.
• Marco Fregnan has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. He is set to lead the premier Kyoto steakhouse into a new chapter of refinement, with a renewed focus on expertly grilled cuisine highlighting the best of Japanese ingredients.
• Mayank Mittal has been appointed as General Manager at Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions. He will focus on strengthening operational excellence, enhancing guest experiences and reinforcing the signature warmth and hospitality associated with IHCL.
• Nartsupak Thaweewong has been appointed as General Manager at NH Hua Hin. She will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, and strengthening team performance.
• Prasad Metrani has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage at Fairmont Mumbai. His leadership alignment reflects a forward-looking approach — positioning culinary direction as a central driver of guest experience, and brand differentiation.
• Mihir Kane has been appointed as Director of Culinary at Fairmont Mumbai. He will oversee all culinary functions across both properties — with a focus on strengthening consistency while evolving dining experiences in line with changing guest expectations.
• Deepak Shetty has been appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Fairmont Mumbai. He brings a strong operational perspective to the culinary experience at Roswyn, a luxury lifestyle hotel under Ennismore’s Morgans Originals portfolio, set to mark the brand’s debut in India.
• Thaddaeus Weiss has been appointed as General Manager at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. He brings more than 17 years of experience with Kempinski Hotels, having joined the group in 2008.
• Mohammed Wazir has been appointed as General Manager at Corinthia Gewan Island Qatar. He will lead the pre-opening phase and full operational launch of Corinthia Gewan Island Qatar, overseeing all aspects of strategy, operations and brand delivery.
• Frédéric Marti has been appointed as Resort Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. He will oversee all aspects of resort operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and continued alignment with The Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned standards of luxury.
• João Miguel Pais has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. He will lead all food and beverage operations, further refine the resort’s culinary identity, and create memorable dining experiences that reflect both global sophistication and the spirit of island life.
• Jean-Louis Angulo has been appointed as Head Chef at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. He will be ably assisted by a team of talented Vietnamese and international chefs.
• Elton Hurtis has been appointed as General Manager at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. He will focus on advancing Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield’s position as a preferred address in the city.
• Krisztina Vaszjunyina has been promoted to Resort Manager at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. She will oversee the resort’s daily operations, working closely with the leadership team to further elevate service standards while continuing to create memorable experiences for guests.
• Paul-Edouard Gillard has been appointed as F&B Director at Meliá Pattaya. He has more than a decade’s experience in food and beverage leadership roles across Asia, Europe and the Middle East has been appointed Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s director of food and beverage.
• Leong Tek Chuin has been appointed as Cim Sum chef at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. He brings with him a well-rounded background in Chinese fine-dining and a deep passion for authentic Cantonese cuisine.
• Luo Ming Hui has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. He worked closely with the Head Chef to maintain efficient and smooth kitchen operations and successfully maintained food costs below 25%.
• Teh Cheng Keong has been appointed as Restaurant Manager at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. He brings strong operational leadership, financial acumen and a deep understanding of guest relations.
• Margit Tedjasasmita has been appointed as Commercial Director at Four Seasons Jakarta. She will oversee sales, marketing, public relations, and revenue functions for the city-centre oasis in Jakarta’s Capital Place, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Hotel’s next phase of growth.
• Julien Naouri has been appointed as Head of Investment Sales, Asia at JLL Singapore. He will lead the firm's hotel investment sales strategy and operations across the Asia region, reporting to Nihat Ercan, CEO, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific.

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South America​

• Mariano Cannello has been named General Manager at Hilton Buenos Aires. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, including sales and marketing, hotel administration and guest services.​​

Africa​​

• Juan Paolo Alfonso has been appointed as General Manager at Miraval The Red Sea. His remit spans full operational oversight, guiding the opening and long-term vision of the resort while building high-performing teams and supporting local talent development.
• Muhammad Al Nasser has been appointed as Resort Manager at Miraval The Red Sea. He is responsible for overseeing full operational readiness and pre-opening execution, including staffing, policies and procedures, and alignment with Hyatt’s global standards.
• Hanna Kulyba has been appointed as Director of Wellness at Miraval The Red Sea. Her leadership integrates mindfulness, movement, nutrition, and creative expression into programmes designed to support meaningful personal transformation.
• Peeyush Pandey has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Miraval The Red Sea. His focus on quality, consistency, and cultural sensitivity will be central to delivering a culinary offering rooted in nourishment, creativity, and a strong connection to place.
• Saiful Rahman has been appointed as Cluster Commercial Director at Miraval The Red Sea. He will translate market insight into actionable initiatives, build strong partnerships, and establish the resort as a benchmark for wellness and luxury in Saudi Arabia.
• Gabriel Juneau has been appointed as General Manager at Constance Le Chaland. He will progressively bring to life its distinctive ConstanceDNA – an Art de Vivre defined by warm, natural luxury, genuine service, attention to detail and a strong sense of place.
• Dr Katrina (Kat) Himpson has been appointed as Marine Conservation Specialist at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. She brings a unique blend of veterinary expertise, conservation science, and a deep passion for protecting the ocean.
• Kervyn Rayeroux has been appointed as General Manager at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. He has 32 years of experience within Beachcomber, has held a wide range of roles.
• Guillaume Noyan has been appointed as General Manager at Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa. He has progressed from Management Trainee to Hotel Manager, holding roles including Assistant F&B Manager, F&B Services Manager and Executive Assistant Manager.