The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - August 2025

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

Market update​​​

• Leisure and hospitality added 5,000 jobs last month with most of the additions coming in hotels and accommodations
• Accommodation employment continued to trend up over the month (+5,000) while most other areas were flat
• 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​​

• Sidneia Semedo has been appointed as General Manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton. She brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience and a strong operational background to her new role.
• Lacey Childress has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn. She will continue to build on these strengths in her new position, overseeing administrative functions, resolving guest issues, and maintaining organized, efficient operations. 
• Phyllis Case has been appointed as General Manager at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. She brings a seasoned and heartfelt approach to her new role at the helm of one of Virginia's premier wine and culinary destinations.
• Marc Jacheet named Group President, Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME) at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. His transition follows a highly collaborative and thoughtfully planned period of knowledge-sharing with his predecessor.
• Javier Águila has been appointed as President, Inclusive Collection at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He will now focus exclusively on leading all aspects of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection portfolio on a global basis.
• Mark Scheck named Executive Chef at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. He is responsible for the menus for the hotel's Dorrego's Restaurant and Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar, as well as catering for meetings, banquets and special events, and in-room dining service.
• Adam Snow has been appointed as EVP Chief Strategy Officer at Stonebridge Companies. He will spearhead strategic development, encompassing brand alignment, corporate growth, and property-level strategy.
• Jason Reader has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Davidson Hospitality Group. He is responsible for driving best-in-class operational performance and profitability for the leading management company's growing portfolio.
• Pete Sams has been appointed as President at Highgate Hotels, L.P. He will focus on optimizing business performance to achieve outstanding financial results for owners, deliver memorable guest experiences, and expand opportunities for associates.
• Carole Palmieri has been appointed as Commercial Director at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. She brings a wealth of expertise in both global sales and on-property commercial strategy.
• Charles Cho has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Indigo. He brings a people-first leadership philosophy and an energizing vision for the hotel as a destination for locals and travelers alike.
• Doug McLain has been appointed as Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Sales at Windrose on Hudson in Ossining. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the newly reimagined property, which is now open to the public for the first time in its nearly 70-year history.
• Eric Hagman has been appointed as General Manager at Snowpine Lodge. He will oversee day-to-day operations of the boutique, 60-room hotel, including its multiple dining outlets and full-service Stillwell Spa.
• Nicklaus Oda has been promoted to Director of Housekeeping at InterContinental Mark Hopkins. His leadership quickly made an impact: fostering team trust, boosting performance, and maintaining cleanliness scores above 90%.
• Nate Hardesty has been appointed as General Manager at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. He will oversee the operations and strategic direction of this landmark property, alongside The Residences at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley.
• Mark O’Brien named General Manager at Arlo Williamsburg. He brings more than two decades of hospitality experience to the Brooklyn property, bringing extensive industry knowledge and a fresh, dynamic approach.
• Gus Laliotis has been appointed as Vice President of Food & Beverage at Pacifica Hotels. He brings decades of expertise, operational excellence and a signature warmth rooted in his Greek heritage.
• Larry Bryant named Director of Sales & Marketing at La Peer Hotel. He will lead all sales and marketing initiatives, with a focus on driving revenue, fostering sales goals and building strategic partnerships.
• Albert Smith has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He now leads enterprise-wide operations for Hotel Equities, with responsibility for optimizing performance.
• Rob Robinson named President at Springboard Hospitality Honolulu. He will now oversee all aspects of the Springboard Hospitality platform and portfolio, with a focus on driving financial performance and executing long-term growth strategies.
• Renson Madarang has been appointed as Cultural Manager at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. He will lead and oversee the Resort's in-depth cultural operations and programming, assisting guests in understanding Hawaiian traditions.
• Oksana Kovalenko has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at MMGY Global.  She will lead the company's global people strategy for more than 600 employees worldwide.
• Jay Markham has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. He will also serve as a key member of Great Wolf's executive leadership team, driving the company's business transformation and growth initiatives.
• Doak Walker named General Manager at Marriott San Antonio Airport. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, staff development, financial performance and continued growth.
• Jen Mason named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Marriott International, Inc. She is also responsible for the company's risk management function including insurance, claims, business continuity and global safety and security.
• Shawn Hill named Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Marriott International, Inc. He worked at Marriott's headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland in Accounting, Finance, and Asset Management before moving to Hong Kong.
• Brittany Thompson has been appointed as West Coast Leisure Sales Manager at Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. She will work with key travel agency partners, overseeing territories.
• Zaw Oo has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton. He brings proven leadership skills and a wealth of knowledge to the role.
• Kirk Marlowe has been appointed as Head of Security at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. His expertise includes criminal investigation, homeland security and law enforcement.
• Cheryl Brown has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. She will oversee all facets of marketing, including advertising, events and promotions, entertainment, and database strategy.
• Patricia (Trish) Tuck has been appointed as Vice President of Human Resources at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. She brings an enthusiastic and consultative approach that will help to build a strong workforce and collaborative culture.
• Noah Hoppe named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at White Lodging. He is responsible for all Finance, Cash Management and Treasury responsibilities supporting White Lodging's and the White Family's owned assets.
• Jason Takaki has been appointed as General Manager at Napili Shores Maui by OUTRIGGER. He will be responsible for overseeing AOAO and property rental operations, ensuring the property and its public areas are well-maintained.
• Jared Garner has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at White Lodging. He is the immediate-past General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Concord Hospitality and was Vice President, Legal, for Radisson Hotel Group.
• Heidi Calhoun has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The LINE DC in D.C. She brings a wealth of knowledge of both the DC market and the LINE brand to this new role.
• Lisa Carlson named Senior Vice President of Operations at Remington Hospitality. She will partner with the operations leadership team to enhance third-party owner relations and elevate property performance.
• Neil Jacobs has been appointed as Senior Strategic Advisor at Capella Hotel Group. He will bring his extensive hospitality experience to offer strategic insights for the brand's direction.
• Jordan Heissenberger has been appointed as Executive Chef at Ruschmeyers. He brings a bold, ingredient-driven approach shaped by international training and leadership roles at some of New York's most respected restaurants.
• Amanda Chades named Opening General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral. She served as General Manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Coral, maintaining an associate turnover rate of less than 10 percent.
• Brittany Drenth has been appointed as General Manager at The Belgrove Resort & Spa West Palm Beach. She has demonstrated commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and team development.
• Karen Dailey has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at The St. Regis Bal Harbour. She will lead the resort's sales and marketing strategy with a focus on driving growth, strengthening guest loyalty, and elevating brand awareness.
• Logan Parris has been appointed as General Manager at Costanoa. She recently led a 40-acre eco-retreat in Florida and contributed to repositioning a nationally recognized boutique property in Utah.
• Ryan Planski has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Chatwal, New York. He will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing at The Chatwal, New York, focusing on driving revenues for the hotel, collaborating on marketing partnerships.
• Vinson Huynh has been appointed as Area Creative Director at InterContinental Boston. He brings over a decade of creative expertise across visual design, photography, digital content, and omnichannel strategy.
• Colin Mills has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. He is set to elevate the resort's renowned guest experience and operational excellence.
• Angel Gonzalez has been promoted as General Manager at Oceanpoint Ranch. He previously served as General Manager at Fireside Inn and held the same role at Pelican Inn & Suites, where he advanced through key positions starting in 2016.
• Grace Petralia has been promoted as Area Director of Sales at Pacifica Hotels. She now oversees La Jolla Cove Hotel and Wayfarer San Diego, two of the region's most sought-after coastal properties.
• Nicole Rodriguez has been promoted as General Manager at Riviera Beach House. She developed her expertise in guest services and team development through front office management positions at The Cliffs Resort and Courtyard by Marriott.
• Leslie Weil has been appointed General Manager at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort. She will oversee the extensive multi-million-dollar renovation that touches every area of the resort.
• Ellen McGinnis named Director of Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Her passion for this industry stemmed from early roles in luxury spa operations, later evolving into a career defined by creating transformative guest experiences.
• Peter Houston has been appointed as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. He brings a deep passion for the mountains, a spirit of adventure, and a commitment to authentic guest connection.
• Leslie Weil has been appointed as General Manager at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort. She will oversee the extensive multi-million-dollar renovation that touches every area of the resort.
• Anthony Torres named Vice President of Food and Beverage at Pyramid Global Hospitality. He will drive the vision of Pyramid's food and beverage program that provides industry-leading expertise and resources to owners.
• Erin Reisner named Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Anatole. He brings nearly 16 years of hospitality and food & beverage experience to her new role, having most recently served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Anatole.
• Nick Gregory has been appointed as EVP of Operations at Pivot Hotels. Most recently serving as SVP, strategic operations for the company, He is responsible for maximizing profitability for Pivot.
• Paul Eckert has been promoted as EVP of Operations and Business Intelligence at Davidson Hospitality Group. He has been a consistent top operational performer and has made an invaluable impact.
• Jason Kreul named Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Remington Hospitality. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, engineering, food & beverage, and commercial strategy for both third-party managed and assets under management.
• Brian Sullivan named Director of Operations at Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection. His portfolio includes top-performing properties such as the acclaimed Sage Lodge in Montana, one of only sixteen hotels in the U.S. to earn a Michelin Three Key rating.
• Charles Andres has been appointed as Executive Chef at Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott Maui. He returns to Wailea Beach Resort as executive chef, bringing more than two decades of culinary leadership.
• Logan Fish has been appointed as Senior Director of Business Development at First Hospitality. He will support in efforts to secure third-party management agreements and maintain a robust pipeline of new business.
• André Brose has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach. He brings a deep understanding of operations, leadership, and exceptional guest service.
• Joseph Thomas has been appointed as Culinary Director at Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection. He has deep expertise in culinary concept development, seasonal menu innovation, and team mentorship.
• Heather Hedrick has been appointed as Group Sales and Event Manager at Grand Hyatt Atlanta. She will focus on selling smaller room blocks and coordinating corporate meetings.
• Amy Logan has been appointed as Vice President, Global Network Products at Virtuoso. She joined Virtuoso in May, bringing over two decades of expertise in luxury travel and digital innovation.
• Helen McCabe-Young named Senior Vice President, Global Products at Virtuoso. She has a keen understanding of Virtuoso's worldwide network and the evolution of its product division, having served as Virtuoso's Senior Vice President, Global Marketing.
• Lucy Lieberman has been appointed as Vice President, Global Digital Experience at Virtuoso. She joined the Virtuoso team in June, is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of expertise in marketing, product development and operations.
• Aldina Rexha has been appointed as General Manager at Staypineapple. She will oversee daily operations at the New York location, bringing her passion for hospitality and deep knowledge of the local market to the forefront.
• Don Lenahan named General Manager at Marriott St. Louis Grand. His business philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement, seamless alignment, talent development, and empowerment.
• Bosther Kusich has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Dallas Arts District. He brings 29 years of global experience with Marriott International's luxury brands.
• Rich Cortese has been appointed as Special Advisor at Stonebridge Companies. He brings over three decades of hands-on experience in Caribbean development, operations, and asset management to the firm's growing presence in the region.
• Stefan Ritter named Dual Director of Operations at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street. He will lead and manage the day-to-day operational strategy and execution at the sister properties.

Europe​

• Eduardo Bosch has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Louvre Hotels Group. He will supervise and monitor the delivery and future progress of the 5-year plan by seeking alignment with the different key stakeholders.
• Chris Cowls has been appointed as Chairman at HOSPA. He has been a key member of the board since 2020 and is stepping into the role at a pivotal time for the industry.
• Jens Gmiat has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ruby Hotels GmbH. He will be responsible for all operational, commercial and HR/People & Culture domains.
• Angela Focareta named General Manager at Hotel Calimala Florence and Hotel Milu Florence. She brings over 17 years of hospitality experience to her new role, with a proven track record in leadership, human resources, and general management.
• Julien Houdebine has been appointed as Global Chief Sales & Revenue Management Officer at Accor. He succeeds Sophie Hulgard, who departed as part of what the company described as a "regular evolution" of Accor's operating model.
• Edward Leenders named General Manager at The Woodward Auberge. He brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality to The Woodward, Auberge Resorts Collection.
• Ben Trodd has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Four Seasons Yachts. He brings a combination of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of the Four Seasons brand.
• Saba Ewunie named Director of Finance at Great Scotland Yard Hotel. She joins the property at a pivotal time as it continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for global travellers seeking unique luxury experiences.
• Sebastian Merry has been appointed as Head Chef at Harbour Hotel Bristol. He will take the helm at Harbour Kitchen, the hotel's signature restaurant located in the heart of Bristol's historic Corn Street.
• Stéphane Maquaire has been appointed as Chairman at Club Med. He began his career with Arthur Andersen before working for major retailers such as Unibail-Rodamco, Monoprix and Manor.
• Raki Phillips has been appointed as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) at Accor Middle East, Africa & Türkiye. He will oversee hotel operations performance across a network of over 250 hotels in 27 countries.
• Juan Manuel Dieguez has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. He brings with him a wealth of expertise, having acquired over ten years of experience in properties across both the UK and South America.
• Stéphane Maquaire has been appointed as President and CEO at Club Med. He will lead Club Med Holding from Paris and ensure the preservation of the French identity and values at the heart of the brand.
• Michal Reschke has been appointed as Director of Development DACH at Marriott DACH. She brings over 13 years of experience in hotel development, project feasibility, and strategic consulting.
• Nathalie Feyte named Chief Marketing, Sales & Revenue Officer at B&B Hotels. She began her career with Air France/KLM, where she held positions of responsibility in various areas.

Asia

• Amanda Cottome has been appointed as Director of Operations - Pacific at La Vie Hotels and Resorts. She brings more than 23 years of senior leadership experience in hospitality operations, service excellence, and team development.
• Yoshihito Kaseda has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto. He gained international experience at Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa (Philippines) and held management roles at Conrad Tokyo.
• Manabu Kusui named Cluster General Manager at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto and Hotel The Mitsui Hakone. He will oversee the launch of the Hakone property and continue to serve as the Cluster General Manager for HOTEL THE MITSUI.
• Gerrit Chng-Lüchau has been appointed as Commercial Director at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. He brings over two decades of experience driving commercial growth for prestigious properties across Europe and Asia.
• Darryl Walker has been appointed as Commercial Director EMEA at Frasers Hospitality PTE Ltd. He will oversee all commercial departments across the EMEA region at Frasers Hospitality, working closely with the head office and leadership teams.
• Arnav Chattopadhyay has been appointed as Front Office Manager at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield. He will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's front office operations, including guest services, bell desk, and concierge functions.
• Nick Downing has been appointed as General Manager at The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. He brings more than three decades of luxury hospitality experience from across Southeast Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean.
• Vallabhi Vaidya has been promoted as Director of Human Resources at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. She will lead talent strategy and HR operations across all verticals of the hotel, ensuring that the JW experience is as exceptional for associates.
• Shafiq Shafie has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious APEC Revenue Management Special Achievement Award.
• Cristiano Rinaldi named Chief of Lodging Product & Services Officer for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) at Marriott International Singapore. He brings to this role over two decades of experience with Marriott.
• Sachin Mylavarapu has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. He brings a wealth of operational expertise and global perspective.
• Emilie Couton has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Accor Plus in Singapore. She has spent more than two decades based in Thailand and Singapore, working in markets throughout the region.
• Jan Lorenzen has been appointed as Executive Assistant Manager at Angsana Velavaru. He brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in leading Food & Beverage across Europe & Asia.
• Rachael Nicholson has been appointed as Director, Commercial - New Zealand and Fiji at Accor Pacific. She brings over 20 years of international experience across the hotel, airline, and cruise industries.
• Paul Sun has been appointed as General Manager at Annapurna Mountain Resort, The Centara Collection. He will play a pivotal role in shaping operations, building team culture, and creating meaningful guest experiences in their respective market.
• Andy Noh has been appointed as General Manager at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. He will play a pivotal role in shaping operations, building team culture, and creating meaningful guest experiences in their respective market.
• Edward Lee has been appointed Chef Ambassador at Capella Residences Seoul. He blends Southern flavours with Korean spices, drawing inspiration from his heritage and training in New York kitchens.
• Mohammad Muneer named Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar. He has also been entrusted with responsibilities as Area Champion - Sales and Marketing.
• Katharina Dein has been promoted as Vice President Commercial at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). She will broaden her scope of responsibilities, placing emphasis on optimising the performance of newly integrated properties.
• Andrea Krenn has been appointed as Senior Vice President Communications at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). She will continue to lead GHA's global communications strategy to further elevate the alliance's visibility and reputation.
• Jelena Kezika named Vice President Strategy at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). She will continue to shape GHA's future, planning, developing and implementing new strategies.
• Chaitanya Sharm named Director of Operations at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. He brings with him a rich blend of operational leadership and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Backiaraj S has been appointed as Senior Information Systems Manager at Hyatt Regency. He will continue to oversee IT strategy, drive innovation in property-level systems, and mentor the next generation of IT professionals.
• Sushant Sharma named Executive Assistant Manager at Dorsett Melbourne. He plays a key role across the hotel, helping shape unforgettable guest experiences and elevating performance as the hotel continues to grow its profile in Melbourne.
• Ridhima Nagpal has been appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager at Hyatt Regency. Her appointment is a testament to Hyatt's focus on strengthening leadership.
• Pankaj Behl has been appointed as Director of Rooms at Hyatt Regency. He also spearheaded guestroom refurbishments, implemented sustainability-driven bathroom amenities.
• Guenter H. Gebhard has been appointed as Managing Director APAC at Aman Group Bangkok. He is responsible for strategic and operational leadership across the group's regional portfolio, including oversight of multiple properties and new developments.
• Karen Jackson has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza Geelong. She has held senior Sales & Marketing roles with globally recognised hotel brands including Marriott, Starwood, Accor, and now IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• Jacky Kok named General Manager at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre. His leadership style is grounded in people-first values and operational excellence, which positions him to drive the hotel's continued growth.
• Laura Christian has been appointed as Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications at Banyan Tree Dubai and Banyan Tree AlUla. She will oversee all marketing, brand, and communications activity.
• Varun Suden has been appointed as Director of Operations at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, driving performance excellence and enhancing guest experiences across every touchpoint.
• Nick Heath has been appointed as General Manager at The St. Regis. He will oversee the ongoing transformation of The St. Regis Singapore, where timeless traditions are celebrated through modern refinements.
• Feria Kazemi has been appointed as Communications Director at The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (Peninsula). She will be responsible for global campaigns aimed at raising awareness of The Peninsula brand.

­­
Central & South America​

• Javier Polanco has been appointed as Corporate Director of Sales at Sandos Hotels & Resorts. He will leverage to further the company's mission of providing exceptional guest experiences rooted in sustainability, authenticity and customer value.
• Manuel Velarde has been appointed as Vice President LATAM at HotelREZ®. His extensive background and industry expertise will be instrumental in driving HotelREZ' s growth strategy in the LATAM region.
• Rudy Morales named Director of Food & Beverage at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa. He will oversee all food and beverage programming at the resort, including its celebrated culinary concepts, in-room dining, and event catering operations. 

­­Caribbean​

• Raymond Habibe has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. He will oversee resort operations and drive key performance metrics to ensure continued excellence.
• Patrick Graham named Managing Director at Rosewood Bermuda. His leadership will be instrumental in continuing to strengthen the resort's connection to the local community while guiding its next era of innovation under the Rosewood 3.0 vision.
• Monish Duggal has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. He looks forward to implementing an open-door policy to encourage employee engagement.
• Jeffrey Otieno Ahuya named Director of Engineering at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. He has a proven track record of optimizing maintenance systems, spearheading sustainability initiatives, and ensuring seamless operational excellence.
• Vivek Dalal named Food & Beverage Manager at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. His professional philosophy is grounded in living and creating experiences, not just delivering service, and an approach that emphasizes quality.
• Marcy Gachette has been appointed as Marketing Manager at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. Her extensive expertise spans traditional and digital marketing, along with strategic leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
• Petra Roach has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All Inclusive Resort. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as she transitions from the public to the private sector.
• Beatriz Jurs has been appointed as Director of National Accounts at Half Moon. She will oversee national accounts for the Southeast, Texas, Midwest, West Coast, and Latin America.
• Seana Amin has been appointed as Director of National Accounts at Half Moon. She brings a creative, client-first mindset to every program she touches, with a special talent for anticipating the needs of planners throughout the contracting process
• Julio Cesar Valdivia named Executive Chef at W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive. His ongoing contributions continue to reinforce the property's mission to redefine all-inclusive hospitality through innovation, bold design, and exceptional service.
• Daniel Hurtado has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. He brings a refined expertise in luxury resort operations, menu innovation, and team leadership to his new role in Nevis.

Middle East​

• Anita Drahos-Nambiar named Director of Marketing and Communications at Shangri-La. Her appointment reflects Shangri-La Dubai's continued focus on evolving guest experience, brand storytelling, and strategic growth in a competitive market.
• Sanja Dimitrijevic has been appointed as Director of Marketing and Communications at W Dubai – The Palm. She brings over ten years of regional experience to W Dubai - The Palm, where she now leads brand storytelling and guest engagement strategies.
• Julie Mantione has been appointed as Director of Revenue at W Dubai – The Palm. Her strong commercial acumen and strategic insights position her to drive revenue optimisation and market leadership for W Dubai - The Palm.
• Damon Wright named Director of Food & Beverage at W Dubai. He brings a collaborative leadership style and an innovation-led approach to W Dubai - The Palm's diverse dining and lounge portfolio.
• Fethi Yucel has been appointed as General Manager at W Muscat. He is known for driving innovation across luxury hotel operations, elevating service standards, and launching high-impact lifestyle concepts.
• Alexander McNally has been appointed as Bar and Restaurant Operations Manager at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. He brings extensive expertise in bar and restaurant management.
• Praveen Paul named Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Agilysys Dubai. He has more than 25 years of experience scaling businesses across MEA and the Asia Pacific region, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Winsar Group.
• Santo Scaduto has been appointed as Restaurant Manager of Casa Mia at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. He joins Casa Mia following his tenure managing Michelin-starred openings such as Chef Pino Cuttaia's Uovodiseppia in Milan.
• Elie Milky has been promoted as Chief Development Officer for Middle East, Cyprus, and Greece at Radisson Hotel Group Dubai. He has steered many of the Group's headline deals across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf.
• Philip Hardie has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverages at JA Ocean View Hotel. He aims to introduce fresh dining concepts, enhance efficiency, and deliver standout guest experiences across the property's culinary offerings.
• Melville Gracias has been appointed as Cluster Director of Sales at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai the Walk. He has held key sales and marketing roles across prestigious hotel brands in the UAE and beyond. 
• Shanadi Liyanage has been appointed as Cluster Director of Marketing at JA Ocean View Hotel and The Manor by JA. She brings over a decade of experience in luxury lifestyle marketing to her new role.
• Shaileen Jiwa has been appointed General Manager at Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. She is known for her dynamic leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to create unforgettable guest experiences.
• Shadi Suleman named Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. He brings over two decades of experience with Four Seasons across key locations in the Middle East, including Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
• Sylvia Matei has been promoted as Cluster General Manager at Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport and Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport. She has played a pivotal role in raising operational standards and enhancing guest satisfaction.
• Fadeel G. Wehbe named Managing Director at Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre. His focus on operational systems and service delivery is expected to support the strategic goals of Sofitel Riyadh as it prepares to open its flagship Saudi property.
• Sumit Gupta has been promoted as General Manager at Novotel & ibis Deira Creekside Dubai. His robust background in revenue strategy has been instrumental in driving profitable business mix transformations.
• Archana Kawatra named Commercial Director at Grand Millennium Dubai. She will lead the hotel's sales division and collaborate with the executive team to align revenue and marketing strategies with Grand Millennium's broader commercial goals.
• Quintus Swart has been appointed as Director of Operations at Nofa Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Resort. He emphasises the importance of structure, consistent standards and staff development to sustain high-quality service delivery.
• Petr Pisecky has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. He has also held leadership roles in China, Australia, the UAE, and his native Czech Republic.
• Kimberley Roberts named Director of Marketing & Communications at Hilton Doha The Pearl. She has held senior marketing and leadership roles with some of the world's most prestigious hotel group, including Hilton and Marriott International.
• Cristian Nannucci has been appointed as General Manager at Tivoli La Vie Muscat Hotel. He will lead the pre-opening and operational launch of the first Tivoli property in Oman.
• Martin Riehl has been appointed as Executive Chef at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. He will oversee all culinary operations at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, including Mate Abu Dhabi, Beach House, and The Café.
• Krijith Krishnankutty named Multi-Property Director of Operations at Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments. His expertise spans operations, pre-openings, and F&B strategy.
• Muhammad Al Nasser named Resort Manager at Miraval The Red Sea. His responsibilities include aligning the resort's operations with Miraval's wellness-driven model, overseeing sustainability initiatives and ensuring service delivery.
• Ghaith Dalati has been appointed as General Manager at Novotel Suites and ibis Mall Avenue Dubai. His leadership approach is characterised by a strong commitment to clarity, integrity, and people-centric values.
• Mahmoud Said has been promoted as Executive Assistant Manager at Mercure Muscat. His promotion is part of Accor's ongoing commitment to talent development and internal growth, reinforcing its focus on recognising individuals.
• Michael Robinson has been appointed as General Manager at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. He joins Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort following a successful tenure within the Minor Hotels portfolio.
• Edward Mair has been appointed as Executive Chef at Sofitel Dubai Downtown. His arrival signals a bold new era for Sofitel Dubai Downtown, one where tradition meets innovation, and every dish tells a story worth savoring.
• Dennis Sorensen has been appointed as Resort Manager at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. His new role is expected to involve overseeing Nujuma's day-to-day operations, team leadership and guest experience delivery.
• Mark Whitlock has been appointed as Group General Manager at Jannah Hotels and Resorts. His track record spans from on-the-ground operations to steering complex portfolios, consistently driving performance and aligning organizations for growth.
• Heinz F. Grub has been appointed as General Manager at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. His expertise spans four continents, encompassing impactful leadership roles for celebrated hotel companies such as Starwood, Kempinski, Fairmont, and Hilton.
• Rogelio de Castro has been appointed as Assistant Marketing Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. He brings more than eight years of hospitality experience, with a proven track record in communications, brand strategy and digital storytelling
• Ramkrishna Mahabirsingh has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Grand Millennium Hotel. He is known for his energetic and customer-focused approach, blending strategic thinking with a deep passion for guest satisfaction.