The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - December 2025

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

Market update​​​

• 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​​

• Lanikai Lindsey has been appointed as Resort Manager at Sensei Lanai. He has held leadership roles in Rooms, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage across multiple properties including Dallas, St. Louis and Las Vegas. 
• Christian Chen has been appointed as Vice President of Feasibility at Stonebridge Companies. He held senior roles at Aimbridge Hospitality, where he managed a multi-person group overseeing the company's feasibility and underwriting needs, and at CBRE Hotels. 
• Chris Hall has been appointed as Chief Revenue Officer at HIA Software. He has played a leading role in the company's momentum ever since. A seasoned hospitality leader, Hall's 35+ years’ experience spans hospitality SaaS sales as well as hotel operations. 
• Michele Esposito has been appointed Sales Director of Hospitality at PLI Card Marketing Solutions.  Previously she served as Regional Sales Manager for INOX.
  
• Aaron Bennett has been appointed Executive Chef of The Hungry Toad in Boulder.  Previously he was the Executive Chef of Gaylord Rockies Hotel and Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar.
• Robert Farley has been appointed Kitchen Manager with Acorn Food Services after positions of increasing responsibility with Sodexo.
  
• Debra Shinn has been elected as President of the Sedona Lodging Council.  Previously she was operating as the Principal of Shinn Consulting.
  
• Luis Garcia has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort. He brings a proven record of operational excellence and creative innovation. 
• Kurt Albert has been appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He has served as Treasurer and Head of Financial Partnerships & Planning since May 2024. 
• Edwin Scholly has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort. His menus reflect the refined mountain spirit and alpine camaraderie of Vail, blending European tradition with modern local Colorado flavors. 
• Jared Baile has been appointed as General Manager at Kimpton Hotel Monaco. He served as Director of Asset Management for BC Lynd Hospitality, Inc., where he oversaw operational and financial performance across multiple Marriott-branded select service hotels. 
• Gregory Grohowski has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency. He will oversee and implement new ways for guests to enjoy dining at the hotel. 
• Kalyana Krishnamoorthy has been appointed as General Manager at The Elmore Hotel, Tribute Portfolio. He brings more than 25 years of experience with renowned hospitality brands around the world to Southlake, Texas' first boutique property. 
• Kristen Richter has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer at Peregrine Hospitality. Her career also includes senior roles as Head of Global Sales at Sonder, Chief Commercial Officer for the Americas at Radisson Hotel Group. 
• Jay Haratsis has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Houston Westchase. He is a long-time ALH team member, has a track record of success in leading teams through five previous hotel redesigns. 
• Godstime Ebeagbor has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hilton Houston Westchas. He pursued formal culinary studies in Italy and honed his skills across Europe. 
• Meghan Renderos has been appointed as Director of Sales at Hilton Houston Westchase. She brings proven experience in revitalizing hotel performance and building strong, service-driven cultures. 
• Rick Hayduk has been appointed as General Manager at The Lantern Columbia. His most notable achievement in this area was serving as opening general manager of the Shepherd Hotel Clemson. 
• Mitchell Cooper has been appointed as Executive Chef at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. He honed his craft in vibrant destinations such as St. Thomas; Baltimore; New York City; Boston; and Charleston, South Carolina. 
• John Trovato has been appointed as General Manager at The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. He will oversee all operations across the 1,000-room resort, which includes multiple dining venues, expansive meeting and event spaces. 
• Lana Labrecque has been appointed as Director of Spa at Acqualina Resort & Residences. She has career spans leadership roles in luxury hospitality and spa destinations. 
• Lanell Duffourc has been appointed as General Manager at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Her journey in hospitality began behind the bar at a Holiday Inn, where she first discovered her love for the fast-paced, people-centered nature of the industry. 
• David Morneau has been appointed as Area General Manager at Paso Robles Inn, Avila Lighthouse Suites and Vespera Resort. He brings a proven record of operational innovation, mentorship and service excellence to his new role. 
• Luis Mendoza has been appointed as General Manager at Vespera Resort. He previously served as General Manager at Avila Lighthouse Suites, also part of Peregrine Hospitality's Central Coast Collection. 
• Liz Flurry has been appointed as Vice President of Growth Marketing at Hotel Equities Group. She brings extensive experience in marketing, social media, and brand development, including seven years with Marriott. 
• Peter Tziahanas has been promoted to President, Full Service Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He held several multi-unit leadership positions with prominent management groups, including Pivot Hotels at Davidson Hospitality Group. 
• David Rosenberg has been promoted to President, Focused Service Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. has been named President, Focused Service Division. 
• Becky Vealey has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales, Full Service & Lifestyle Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. She is also active in HE's mentorship initiatives helping grow the next generation of leaders in the industry. 
• Carol Lobaito has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales, Focused Service Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. She excels at collaborating with property teams, ownership groups, and franchise partners. 
• Eve Tronson has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing, Lifestyle Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. She brings expertise in brand storytelling, performance marketing, e-commerce, and guest lifecycle strategy. 
• Brandon Standerfer has been appointed as Vice President of Distribution, Lifestyle Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He has worked across all hotel segments, from economy to boutique lifestyle luxury. 
• Jennifer Cannistraci has been promoted to Vice President of Sales, Lifestyle Division at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. She combines creativity with data-driven strategy to deliver measurable results and elevate brand presence. 
• Rebecca Plaut has been appointed as Director of National Accounts at Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has built a career centered on a passion for people, cultivating relationships, and overall service excellence. 
• Ernesto Montaño has been appointed as Area Director of Sales at La Fonda on the Plaza. He will lead La Fonda and Piñon Court's strategies and team performance to drive occupancy, event bookings and total revenue growth. 
• Alexander Schnoeller has been appointed as General Manager at The Lake House on Canandaigua. He successfully guided complex stakeholder relationships and elevated the guest experience while driving strong revenue and membership growth. 
• Jose Saavedra has been appointed as Executive Chef at Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport. He will lead the property's culinary and beverage program, elevating the guest experience at the hotel's signature restaurant, Grill 305. 
• Xavier Camacho has been appointed as Executive Chef at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. He discovered his passion for food at an early age while traveling with his family and sampling global cuisines. 
• Paul Chadwick has been appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. He held various culinary roles at Marriott International over a 13-year span where he honed his technique and gained leadership. 
• Stan Lee has been appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. His culinary journey spans both domestic and international experiences, ranging from fast casual to fine dining. 
• Phu Nguy has been promoted to Executive Sous Chef at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. He serves as executive sous chef of banquets where he oversees day-to-day kitchen operations, leads and trains culinary staff, maintains culinary standards. 
• Brian Huchingson has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Riverwalk. He brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience spanning sales, revenue management and commercial strategy. 
• Zach Chandler named Senior Vice President of Strategy, Government Lending at Peachtree Group. He will lead strategic initiatives and business development for Peachtree's expanding government lending platform. 
• Stacy Galligan has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Peregrine Hospitality. She will oversee finance, accounting, and capital planning for Peregrine Hospitality, supporting the company's long-term growth and financial performance. 
• William (Bill) Bunce has been appointed as General Manager at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection. His extensive career with Marriott International includes leadership positions across several of the brand's luxury properties. 
• Jennifer Van Every has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel MOHI by Appellation. Shewill oversee all sales, marketing and event strategy for the highly anticipated property—the first full-service boutique hotel in Morgan Hill. 
• Cole Sheridan has been appointed as General Manager at The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection. He is passionate about creating transformative travel experiences. 
• Alfonce McKinney has been appointed as General Manager at Moxy Atlanta Midtown. He has opened multiple hotels, led service-driven teams, and earned accolades including General Manager of the Year. 
• Tinesha Franklin has been appointed as Director of Sales at Moxy Atlanta Downtown. She enjoys exploring nature, acting and writing for local stage productions and films, and mentoring youth through local nonprofit organizations. 
• Kris Phillips has been appointed as Director of Sales, Marketing and Events at Hyatt Centric Park City. He has worked with the Hyatt brand since 2008, holding significant leadership positions on properties. 
• Alexandra A. Jung has been appointed as Board of Directors at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. She was Partner & Head of European Investments at Oak Hill Advisors in London and New York. 
• Randy Diamond named Regional Vice President, Pivot at Davidson Hospitality Group. He oversaw more than 900 team members and launched three new independent brands from conception through proforma, branding, renovation, and post-opening execution. 
• Matthew Bright has been appointed as Senior Vice President – Head of Information Technology at Davidson Hospitality Group. He was the IT Infrastructure Manager at Cottonwood Financial, responsible for all system and database administration servicing the needs. 
• Jim Caul has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. He served as the Director of Marketing at Loews Hollywood, leading the property and his teams to long term success. 
• Hans Ritten has been appointed as General Manager at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. He has also served as General Manager for several prominent properties, including Loews Chicago Hotel O'Hare, Omni Hotel Chicago, and The Silversmith Hotel. 
• Sarah Jones has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Strategy & Customer Excellence at Enseo. She has held leadership roles in business, development, operations, and client success. 
• Jenny Russell has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Le Méridien Indianapolis. She brings deep expertise in group and corporate market development, key account acquisition, and portfolio-wide revenue strategy. 
• Sergio Jimenez has been appointed as Executive Chef at L’Auberge Del Mar. His arrival ushers in a new era for L'Auberge Del Mar's culinary identity as the resort continues to shape the standard for modern California dining. 
• JP Roberts has been appointed as General Manager at The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton. He holds a degree in hospitality, recreation and resort management from the University of West Florida. 
• Scott Bogucki has been appointed as Vice President of Revenue Management at PM Hotel Group. He will oversee revenue strategy and performance across Modus by PM Hotel Group's growing collection of lifestyle and independent properties. 
• Paul Peddle has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Marriott Marquis Houston. He has also led property-wide initiatives in menu optimization, beverage programs, and event activations, improving forecasting, labor planning, and overall profitability. 
• Hector Espinosa has been appointed as Resort Executive Chef at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. His extensive background includes leadership positions at prestigious properties. 
• Baris Agacbuken has been appointed as General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. He held various hotel leadership roles with Marriott International, Two Roads Hospitality and served in meeting and events and conferences services. 
• Celeste Burgoyne has been appointed as Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer at Vail Resorts. She joined lululemon in 2006 and held numerous leadership roles over nearly two decades. 
• Bhavna Bhatia has been appointed as Partner - Executive Search at HVS Middle East & Africa. Bhavna She is known for assessing executive readiness, interpreting culture with precision and aligning senior appointments with long-term commercial priorities.  
• Hector Sanchez named as President at Ashford Inc. He will focus on driving coordination, alignment, performance and efficiency across the organization. 
• Michael Pace has been appointed as General Manager at Archer Hotel. He leads with warmth, precision and a relentless commitment to excellence. 
• Jeff Graham has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Sun Rose Hotel. He has held senior leadership positions with globally recognized brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts. 
• Eric Batis has been promoted to Chief Operating Office (COO) at Ashford Inc. He brings more than 15 years of real estate, valuation and investment experience. He joined Ashford in 2013.

Europe​

• André Buldini has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Six Senses Milan & Six Senses Rome. He now takes on the new role of leading two of the brand's most significant European projects. 
• Benjamin Ferra y Castell has been promoted to Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel London. He has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant's identity and reputation. 
• Colm Daly has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Leonardo Hotel Derby. He has built a varied and successful career, progressing through roles such as Assistant Conference and Banqueting Manager. 
• Marina Novelli has been appointed as Chair at World Committee on Tourism Ethics. She will also oversee the implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and provide guidance on ethical issues in tourism. 
• Andy Goss has been appointed as Group Head of F&B at Clermont Hotel Group. He will lead CHG's F&B strategy across their 14 hotels including a number of in-house outlets such as The Soak, Vicinity, Aviator Sports Bar and Restaurant and VU. 
• William Hunter has been appointed as General Manager at The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton. He has played a pivotal role in shaping operations at some of Hilton's most distinctive city properties. 
• Maxime Brun has been appointed as General Manager at Les Bateaux Belmond. He served as Director for France at Pink Lady Europe, a non-profit association dedicated to quality, consistency, and sustainable values among apple producers.

Asia

• Ranit Nag has been appointed as General Manager at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kolkata Airport. He will be responsible for the entire hotel's strategic growth and innovation, leadership and vision. 
• Gaurav Sharma named Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director Hotel Capital Markets, Asia at JLL. He will lead the company's hospitality practice across the Indian market, leveraging his extensive experience to capitalize on emerging opportunities. 
• Sean Derrick Walles has been appointed as Executive Chef at Amilla Maldives. He will ensure the highest standards of quality and creativity across Amilla's eclectic culinary experiences and seven dining venues - each offering thoughtfully crafted dietary lifestyle menus. 
• Veeranat Limprasutr has been appointed as General Manager at Mont Azure Phuket Resort – MGallery Collection. He has cultivated extensive experience in diverse luxury property operations, including golf courses, country clubs, and luxury mixed-use developments. 
• Ashutosh Jayee has been appointed as General Manager at Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur. His focus will be on maintaining Ramada Plaza's high service standards. 
• Khun Puthapong Purushahansa (Moo Yen) has been appointed as Area General Manager – Eastern Seaboard at Absolute Hotel Services (AHS). His new responsibilities include ensuring operational consistency, maintaining brand standards. 
• Khun Pattanan Kankanasri (Khae) has been appointed as Area Financial Controller – Eastern Seaboard at Absolute Hotel Services (AHS). She will lead financial operations for the region, ensuring fiscal discipline, transparency, and efficiency across the growing portfolio. 
• Sreejith Kottla has been appointed as General Manager at Ramada by Wyndham, Alleppey. He will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction. 
• Saurav Gupta has been appointed as General Manager at Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden. He will be responsible for hotel's strategic growth and innovation, leadership and vision, revenue and sales. 
• Anirudhya Basu has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency, Chennai. He will be responsible for enhancing the hotel's dining identity, driving innovative gastronomic concepts. 
• Christoph Dueker has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort. His leadership style combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place. 
• Alan Chin has been appointed as Managing Director for Greater China and Mongolia at Kempinski Hotels. He joined Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in 2010 and, over 15 years with the group, held several leadership roles. 
• Rachael Findlay has been appointed as Director of Sales - Corporate, Conference & Incentives at Millennium Hotels and Resorts. She supported the launch of Drifter hotel-hostels, establishing the new brand in the market. 
• Angelique van der Merwe has been appointed as Head of Marketing and Brand at Millennium Hotels and Resorts. She has successfully reintroduced well-known brands to the market, building recognition and loyalty while ensuring commercial success. 
• Celine Du has been appointed as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Pan Pacific Hotels Group. She brings deep expertise in driving revenue growth, strengthening brand equity, and building high-performing teams. 
• Georgios Vasilopoulos has been appointed as Executive Chef at Here Maldives. He will curate the resort's restaurant and bar concepts - anchored by Safar, meaning "journey" in Dhivehi, where global techniques meet the flavors of the Indian Ocean. 
• Ajit Singh Dhankhar has been appointed as General Manager at Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali. He served as general manager for Parallel, Member of Radisson Individuals, a luxury boutique business hotel. 
• Silvio Rosenberger named as Market Vice President for Maldives at Marriott International Inc. He brings a distinguished career shaped by more than three decades with Marriott International, including over 20 years across Asia. 
• Shweta Khandelwal has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Ramada Encore by Wyndham. She will be responsible for Transforming our workplace into a vibrant hub, crafting an inspiring vision for tomorrow, rallying resources for unmatched success. 
• Damien Marchenay has been appointed as General Manager at Mondrian Singapore Duxton. His hospitality journey began in the restaurants and nightclubs, and shaping his instinct for atmosphere, community, and creativity. 
• Genna Panagopoulos has been appointed as Vice President of Development for North America at Minor Hotels. She will lead initiatives to secure new franchise and management agreements under Minor Hotels' diverse brand portfolio. 
• Heath Gordon has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. He made the move to luxury hospitality, honing his skills at a five-star resort on Hamilton Island before joining a modern Australian restaurant in South Wales. 
• Timothy Churchmack has been appointed as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Bali. He excelled across all areas of hotel operations, rising to the role of Hotel Manager. 
• Manish Yadav has been appointed as General Manager at voco Amritsar by IHG. He is also a two-time National Best General Manager Award winner, recognised by BW Hotelier and HVS.

­­
South America​

• Sheraton New Orleans Hotel proudly announces the appointment of Ingrid Chaves as the property’s new General Manager. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience with Marriott International to her new role. 
• Miroushka Statia-Diaz named Complex Director of Finance at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. She has since progressed through a series of senior finance roles at various hotel properties, including Director of Finance at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. 
• Mattia Facheris has been appointed as Restaurant Chef at Palmerio at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas. His impressive career also includes a tenure as Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. 
• Reinaldo Sequera has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Los Cabos. He has excelled in elevating dining experiences, optimizing operations, and leading high-performing teams within ultra-luxury environments. 
• Alejandra Esquivel has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. She built her career within Marriott International, rising through the sales ranks at The St. Regis Mexico City. 
• Jimena Fernández has been appointed as Director of Marketing & Communications at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. She served as Director of Marketing at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, earning multiple company recognitions. 
• Mariana Frade de la Torre has been appointed as Director of Revenue Management at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. She brings more than 14 years of revenue strategy experience across both airline and hospitality sectors. 
• Baris Agacbuken has been appointed as general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City. He oversees all aspects of hotel operations, overseeing the property’s dining venues, amenities and more than 27,000 square feet of meetings and events space.

­­Caribbean​

• Donnette Hoilett named Director of Sales at ONE | GT. Her career also includes leadership roles at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where she was recognized with multiple awards for leadership and performance.
• Cashema Clarke has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at ONE | GT. He career includes leadership roles at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, Palm Heights Hotel, Dart, and Red Sail Sports, where she earned the Top Employer Award in 2014.
• Philippe Agnese has been appointed as Vice President of Culinary Operations at Atlantis Paradise Island. He brings over 40 years of hospitality experience from prestigious venues across Europe and Asia.

Middle East​​

• Fadi Batmani has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at Al Jaddaf Rotana Complex. He served as cluster human resources manager at Centro Capital, Sedra Arjaan, and Sedra Residences by Rotana in Doha.
• Matthieu Busschaert has been appointed as General Manager at Creekside Hotel Dubai by Accor. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at globally recognised brands such as Fairmont, Raffles and Sofitel.
• Ikhlass Raji has been appointed as Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at Barceló Hotel & Residences, Bahrain. She aims to play a pivotal role in driving the property's growth and market positioning in Bahrain.
• Marife Siriban has been appointed as Spa Manager at Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City. She is bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished hospitality career.
• Pooja Dholakia has been appointed as Learning and Development Manager at Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City. Her ability to design impactful training frameworks and foster a performance-driven culture will play a vital role in building future leaders within the hotel.
• Ugur Talayhan has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont The Palm. His previous roles include Vice President of Operations at Accor in Turkey and General Manager at Swissôtel The Bosphorus. 
• Vittorio Lepore has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. His charismatic presence and television appearances on BRTV Spring Festival Gala 2025 and CGTN Super Night 2025 in Beijing.
• Adam Harvey has been appointed as Commercial Director at Minor Hotels Qatar. He is widely recognised for his results-driven approach, strategic acumen and commitment to fostering strong partnerships.
• Ozgur Cireli has been appointed as General Manager at Rixos Bab Al Bahr. He has held numerous senior leadership positions across renowned global brands, including Hilton, Radisson Blu, Wyndham, Rotana, and Rixos.
• Ahmed Elnawawy has been appointed as Area General Manager at Rixos Hotels. He will be at the forefront of Rixos Hotels' strategic expansion in the Kingdom, marking a milestone for the brand's entry into the Saudi market. 
• Natalya Anoshkina has been appointed as Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). She brings extensive international experience in luxury hospitality, having held progressive leadership roles.
• Ali Shaikh named Cluster Operations Manager at Accor Dubai Deira and Dubai Gold District. He served as Director of Operations at Novotel Bur Dubai, where he oversaw day to day hotel operations and helped strengthen coordination between departments.