The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - February 2022

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

Market update

• Employment in leisure and hospitality continued to trend up, expanded by 151,000 in January, reflecting job gains in food services and drinking places (+108,000) and in the accommodation industry (+23,000). 

• Since February 2020, employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 1.8 million, or 10.3 percent.

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­NORTH AMERICA:
 

• Jon Martin has been named CEO of AMB West.  AMB West is a collection of ranches that include Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Dome Mountain, and Paradise Valley Ranch.  He was formerly at the Ranch at Rock Creek and Pelican Hill.

 

• Brianne Downey has been named Controller of AMB West.  AMB West is a collection of ranches that include Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Dome Mountain, and Paradise Valley Ranch.  She was formerly with the Ranch at Rock Creek.

 

• Guillermo Soto has been appointed as Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto. He oversees pastry in Quattro Restaurant, in-room dining, and at events in more than 10,000 square feet of space.

 

• Javier Cuesta has been appointed as Executive Chef at Barnsley Resort. In this leadership role, he is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for the restaurants and supervising an extensive banquet operation.

 

• The Statler has recently appointed Adam Gollub as its General Manager. He has more than 13 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and real estate industries.

 

• Commonwealth Hotels announces that Karen Ouellette has been promoted to the Director of Sales and Marketing of the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port. She is excited to bring sales and support and her expertise of the Portland Market.

 

• Travis Lunn has been appointed as President & Chief Operating Officer at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He brings more than 20 years of gaming and hospitality experience to Borgata.

 

• Pendry Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the appointment of Pascal Forotti as General Manager of Pendry Washington D.C. He has more than 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality and will oversee all aspects of hotel operations.

 

• JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort appoints Chef Adam Haverland as its Executive Chef. He will be leading the culinary program for multiple restaurants located throughout the resort.

 

• Beverly Magee takes up the role as Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. She is an experienced hotelier who transitioned from operations to sales in the late-1980s and was promoted in 1998 to Director of Sales.

 

• Martin Cody has been appointed as Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. No stranger to adventure, he is ready to take advantage of his new base and immerse himself in everything that South Africa has to offer.

 

• MGM National Harbour announced the appointment of Melonie Johnson as President & Chief Operating Officer.  She will oversee the property's day-to-day operations, provide strategic direction, and focus on employee engagement and community relations. 

 

• Commonwealth Hotels announced that Elizabeth Balcom has been appointed as the General Manager of The Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport. She brings over 7 years of hospitality experience to her new role, having previously served as the director of rooms at the Marriott Cincinnati RiverCenter.

 

• Alila Napa Valley is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Stevens as the General Manager of Acacia House. He promises to continue its legacy of high-class service and gourmet cuisine which epicurean guests have come to love.

 

• Consuelo Vega has been appointed as Executive Chef at Amara Resort and Spa. She is a seasoned culinary professional with more than a decade of experience operating at numerous renowned dining destinations across the country.

 

• David Lanterman is promoted as Chief Operating Officer at White Lodging in Merrillville. His focus will be on driving consistent and focused execution across the portfolio.

 

• Steve Ransone will serve as Vice President of Organizational Capability at White Lodging. In this role, he is responsible for recruiting, training, development, and other direct efforts designed to grow associates' personal and professional skills.

 

• Whitney Flores has been appointed as Vice President of Rooms Operations at White Lodging. She is responsible for execution and process improvement across all front office and housekeeping operations, including all new hotel openings. 

 

• White Lodging has promoted Jean-Luc Barone as Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for all management operations, including new hotel openings, concept creation and execution, and the award-winning Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection.

 

• Mahmood (Mike) Merchant has been appointed as Board Director at BWH Hotel Group. He brings more than 30 years of industry experience and has previously served as a governor with Best Western Hotels & Resorts - a key leadership role within the brand.

 

• Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced that it has appointed Viral (Victor) Patel to its Board of Directors. He brings over two decades of hospitality experience and has been a member of Best Western Hotels & Resorts for more than 20 years.

 

• The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Winfred Van Workum as Market General Manager. He is a seasoned hotelier with a career honed at luxury hotels around the world.

 

• Commonwealth Hotels announced that Cheyenne Albert has been appointed the General Manager of the Home2 Suites by Hilton El Reno. She brings over 6 years of hospitality experience to her new role.

• The Josie Hotel is excited to announce David Curell as the new General Manager at Rossland's boutique ski-in, ski-out hotel. He brings a dynamic, team-focused, and results-oriented leadership style.

 

• Capella Hotel Group is delighted to announce a new era in leadership, with the promotion of Mr. Cristiano Rinaldi as the newly appointed President. Throughout his career, he has opened more than 35 luxury hotels across the globe.

 

• Martha J. Sheridan is appointed Co-Chair at Meetings Mean Business. She is a 25-year veteran of the travel and tourism industry.

 

• Brent Hardy is named as President at The Hardy Group in Atlanta. He is an energetic entrepreneur and accomplished business leader, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to HARDY's projects.

 

• Virgin Hotels is pleased to announce Bryan Davern as its new Vice President of Operations. He will spearhead operations for the brand in Europe as it gears up to open its first hotels outside of the US. 

 

• Devin Walline has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hotel Drover. In his new role, he will oversee all culinary operations for Hotel Drover.

 

• Hotel Drover has appointed Jamel Taggart as Director of Hotel Food and Beverage Operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and is perfectly equipped to keep the culinary excellence high at Hotel Drover. 

 

• Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Decker to the role of Director of National Accounts. He will direct west coast group sales initiatives for the resort.

 

• Catherine Phillips is appointed as Retreat Director at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. She has managed luxury operations for large-scale hotel groups.

 

• Annika Jackson has been appointed as General Manager at Sensei Porcupine Creek. She brings both domestic and international luxury hospitality experience.

 

• Michael Conte joins the highly anticipated Sensei Porcupine Creek as Retreat Director where he will manage a team of highly specialized Sensei Guides and wellness practitioners.

 

• Commonwealth Hotels announced that Alicia Barefield has been appointed the General Manager of the Hampton Inn Panama City Beach. She brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to her new role.

 

• MGM Resorts International has announced the appointment of Brandon Dardeau as President & Chief Operating Officer of Southeast Operations. He is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality and gaming industry.

 

• Hotel Equities Group, LLC is pleased to announce Jenn Thompson as its Vice President of Operations.  She is a decorated industry professional, beginning her career at age 19 as the youngest GM in the Western Americas.

 

• Matthew Arrants is named as President at Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA). He is a 30-plus year hospitality veteran.

 

• Nick Bosworth has been appointed as Director of Marketing, Brand and Loyalty at Choice Hotels EMEA. He is responsible for leading a pan-European marketing team with a primary focus on driving performance through direct booking channels.

 

• The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Pryor as General Manager. She is a driven hospitality leader who thrives on creating unique guest experiences and delivering successful financial results.

 

• The Gabriel Miami, Curio Collection by Hilton is happy to announce the appointment of Duncan Clements to General Manager. In this role, he is responsible for driving overall operations and guest satisfaction for the downtown lifestyle.

 

• Innisbrook Resort has appointed William Ryan as Executive Chef. He will oversee the resort's restaurants and bars.

 

• MGM Resorts International has announced the appointment of Travis Lunn as President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. He will oversee the resort’s daily operations and provide strategic leadership and direction.

 

• London House Chicago, an Oxford Capital Group property, welcomes Homero Villarreal as Director of Food & Beverage. Villarreal ensures the quality of food, beverages, and services throughout the hotel.

 

• Rene Garcia is appointed as Director of Outlets at London House Chicago. She is responsible for coordinating, supervising, and directing all aspects of the operations of London House’s food and beverage outlets.

 

• Chris Cosenza has been promoted as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at JC Hospitality LLC. In this new role, he will work alongside COO, in developing strategic opportunities.

 

• Emily Scheiderer is appointed as Director of Education, Sales and Services at Destinations International. Her role will include assisting with the development of a comprehensive sales education and training strategy for the association.

 

• Springhill Suites Paso Robles Atascadero, announces the recent appointment of Executive Chef Nathan Clapp to oversee all food and beverage offerings on property, including the popular on-site restaurant, Union & Vine.

 

• Raj Radke is appointed as Managing Director at Daxton Hotel. He takes the helm bringing 20 plus years of global luxury hospitality experience and will work closely with the ownership and the Daxton team to further elevate the guest experience.

 

• Proper Hospitality today announces the appointment of chef Ned Elliott as Executive Culinary Director. He will be responsible for spearheading the overarching Food & Beverage program for all the hotel brands.

 

• Leticia Proctor has been promoted to Executive Vice President - Sales, Marketing & Revenue management at Donohoe Hospitality. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, direct sales, catering, revenue management and e-distribution for the company and its hotel portfolio.

 

• PROVision Partners, announces the appointment of Patrick van der Wardt to the role of Senior Managing Director EMEA. He is a seasoned travel and hospitality IT executive with a highly successful 30-year track record of innovation and leadership.

 

• Main Street Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Williams as Vice President of Brand & Creative, he is responsible for enterprise-wide brand architecture and positioning, development, marketing, and communication initiatives.

 

• Aimbridge Hospitality announced that executive Will Loughran has been promoted to President of Evolution Hospitality. With over 25 years of global team leadership, he brings diverse experience in corporate leadership to lifestyle and luxury hotels.

 

• Jennifer Ruiz has been promoted as General Manager at The Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport. She brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to her new role.

 

• International Society of Hospitality Consultant (ISHC) has named Andrea Belfanti as Chief Executive Officer. She has been instrumental in delivering professional development and networking opportunities for its members and the industry.

 

• Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach has named Jaclyn Dawson as its new Director of Sales. In her new role, she will take charge of developing, overseeing, and coordinating all sales initiatives.

 

• Shari Fujita is appointed as Vice President of Finance at Outrigger Hospitality Group. She has 23 years of experience with Outrigger.

 

• Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is proud to announce the appointment of Ananda Bareño as Executive Chef. She will assume the role of chef consultant and will continue to be the creative visionary behind the bespoke culinary experiences.

 

• Richard Szilagyi has been appointed as Resident Manager at The Vinoy Renaissance. He will oversee operations at the historic Florida resort, including the lobby, rooms, and housekeeping. 

 

• Hokuala announced Carrie Bligh as its new Operations Director.  She brings decades of experience in the luxury hospitality and real estate industries.

 

• Tomas Chavarria is appointed as Executive Chef at The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection. He boasts an impressive culinary career since starting out at age 16, spanning large culinary operations in the U.S., Mexico, Philippines, and Central America.

 

• Royston Brady has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Aventura Miami. He brings with him 20 years of international industry experience.

 

• Virgin Hotels is pleased to welcome J. Gregor ("Greg") Doman as Chief Development Officer. He will be responsible for setting and implementing Virgin Hotels' global growth strategy.

 

• Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Cheryl Williams as Chief Revenue Officer. She will lead the brand's commercial efforts, working with department leaders to drive revenue to its expanding global portfolio.

 

• Signia by Hilton Atlanta announced Teri Agosta has been appointed General Manager. She will overlook the Mercedes Benz-Stadium sports and entertainment complex and will be connected to the Congress Center.

 

• HP Hotels announced that it has promoted Kevin Atkisson to the position of Regional Director of Operations. He has been a member of the HP Hotels team since 2005.

 

• Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection today announces the appointment of Pablo Peñalosa as Executive Chef. He has more than a dozen years of culinary and Michelin star restaurant experience.

 

• Gretchen Hall has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Destinations International. She will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation, communication and retention of global business and membership initiatives. 

 

• Salamander Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Mars as General Manager of its Forbes Five Star property, Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. He is an experienced leader within luxury hospitality industry.

 

• Norman Leslie named Chair of the 2022 Global Board of Directors at IHG Owners Association. Leslie holds a degree in Commerce from the University of Manitoba in Canada.

 

• Christine Langseth has been appointed as VP of people at Menin Hospitality. She will be representing three established brands in Miami and will oversee the development and implementation of human resources strategies, systems, and policies.

 

• Shannon Williams is appointed as Executive Chef at Holston House. The 16-year industry veteran joins the team with as focus on incorporating her speciality southern cuisine infused with modern touches.

• Delphine Millot joined The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) as Senior Vice President of Sustainability. She will work with the founding partners of GBTA's newly created sustainability program.

 

• Benjamin Howell has been appointed as Divisional Vice President of Operations at Remington Hotel Corp. He will be responsible for overseeing the operations of 12 - 15 full and select service properties in the Midwest Region.

 

• Four Seasons Resort Hualalai announces the promotion of Charlie Parker to Regional Vice President and General Manager. A skilled leader who spans 26 years, Parker brings a breadth of luxury hospitality experience and knowledge to his new role.

 

• Peter Henderson has been hired as Senior Communications Manager at Sonder. He will be based in London and will be spearheading the company's external and internal communications activities in EMEA.

 

• Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs has appointed Brick Loomis as Director of Restaurant, Bars & Events. He is responsible for leading the operational strategy, development, and management of the award-winning hotel's culinary, beverage and events programming.

 

• Mike Kass appointed as General manager of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in sales and hotel operations to the new role.

 

• Erynn Torrenga has been appointed as Vice President of Sales at Nuvola. With more than 20 years of experience, she will lead the company's sales team to develop and strengthen current relationships with hotel brands, groups, and independent properties.

 

• Richard Scinta named USA President at Skal International. He is looking forward to a successful year in 2022 after his friends and colleagues in the travel industry.

 

• Mission Pacific Hotel, A Joie de Vivre Hotel and The Seabird Resort has appointed Ben Fairchild as Area Director of Sales & Marketing. He is responsible for overseeing business generation and group sales, as well as setting the direction and strategy for marketing.

 

• Alison Norwood is appointed as Marketing Manager at Mission Pacific Hotel, A Joie de Vivre Hotel and The Seabird Resort. She is charged with supporting marketing efforts for both properties including all dining outlets. 

 

• Mina Dipalma is the new General Manager of Mission Pacific Hotel, A Joie de Vivre Hotel and The Seabird Resort. She is a certified sommelier with a vast background in hospitality management.

 

• Courtney Conching has been named Director of Sales and Area Director of Group Sales for Highgate Hawaii. In her new role, she will lead sales efforts and implement strategies to maximize revenue and overall profit.

 

• Shauna Nakamura has been appointed Area Director of Leisure and Transient Sales for Highgate Hawaii. She will be responsible for wholesale, retail, travel advisor and group sales for all seven Highgate Hawaii properties.

 
 
South America:

• Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is pleased to announce the appointment of Pedro Soares as its Food & Beverage Manager. In his new role, he will lead the food and beverage team at the resort and oversee its five onsite eateries.

 

• Single Digits announces Carlos Lugo has joined as Vice President and General Manager of Hospitality. As an IT Executive with over 20 years' experience, he has led enterprise-level digital transformations with proven success in global infrastructure planning.

• Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Mariano Formariz as the General Manager and Area Director for Peru. He is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry.

 

• The JW Marriott Guanacaste is pleased to announce Juan Antonio Sánchez Paredes as its new General Manager, who has more than 28 years of experience leading hotels in Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America.

 

• Leonardo Daniel Trujillo Gomez is appointed as Executive Chef at Royal Uno, All Inclusive Resort & Spa. He has more than 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry-leading international luxury all-inclusive resort brands.

 

• Royal Uno, All Inclusive Resort & Spa has appointed Eduardo Garcia Ramirez as Food & Beverage Manager. He brings over 15 years of experience working in restaurant management, tourism, and sales. 

 

• California’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa appoints Christian Ojeda as Executive Chef. He was selected following an intensive nationwide search for the 73-room lodge’s top toque. 

 

• Thompson Zihuatanejo has appointed Manuel Villalobos as General manager. With over 20 years of industry experience, he will lead the Management team.

 

• Susan Williams is appointed as Director of Sales, Events and Marketing at Thompson Zihuatanejo. She will oversee a variety of aspects including sales and brand strategy.

• Javier Garcia Cerrillo named as Executive chef at Thompson Zihuatanejo. He takes on this new role with pride and a desire to shake up the minds and palates of his guests.

 
 
Middle East:
 

• Radisson Blu Resort Maldives welcomes Nanda Kumar Konduru as the Director of Rooms. He will be overseeing the entire rooms division and its operation. 

 

• Studio M Arabian Plaza Hotel & Hotel Apartments has announced the appointment of Asif Ansari as the Director of Sales and Marketing. He will play a key role in developing sales and marketing strategies to drive growth and commercial productivity for the urban hotel.

 

• Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort has announced the appointment of Markus Iseli as the new General Manager. He boasts more than three decades of high-level hospitality expertise.

 

• Tareq Derbas has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Hotel & Residences. He brings with him more than 27 years of luxury hotel management experience, and a personal philosophy.

 

• The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Hotel & Residences has appointed Behiye Salk as Director of Residences. She has a proven track record of exceptional teamwork.

 

• Antoine Hobeika is appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Hotel & Residences. His adept move into sales and marketing first took place during his tenure at Disneyland Resort Paris.

 

• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has appointed Ida Ayu Nyoman Widiaptini as its new Director of Spa. She brings in more than twenty years of luxury spa experience to the role.

 

• St. Regis Dubai The Palm has welcomed Antoine Nassrallah as Director of Sales and Distribution. Over the past 10 years, he has made a home in the UAE, beginning his career as a graduate management trainee in the sales and marketing department.

 

• The Grand Hyatt Amman in Jordan has brought in Zaid Talhami as Director of Sales and Marketing. He has 23 years of hotel experience, much of which has been spent within the Jordanian capital.

 

• Yas Plaza Hotels has brought Oscar Cardenas Diaz as a new Cluster Executive Chef to head up culinary operations for two of its hotels. He will now spearhead the restaurants at Crowne Plaza Yas Island and Staybridge Suites Yas Island.

  

• Conrad Dubai has brought in Kyra Bommeljé as Director of Food and Beverage. She will head up concept development, planning and execution across her restaurants.

 

• Hili Rayhaan by Rotana is pleased to announce the appointment of Shahzad Ahmad as Chief Engineer. He will oversee all aspects of Engineering, ensuring sustainable practices and to support his department in the operation and increasing efficiency throughout the hotel.

 

• Fabio Marigliano is appointed as General Manager at The Chedi Al Bait. His expertise in the GCC region puts him in good stead to bring the charms of Sharjah to life and curate even more memorable guest experiences. 

 

• The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort has appointed Morton Johnston as Pre-Opening General Manager. His extensive luxury experience includes key leadership positions at Regent Hotels & Resorts in Taipei and The Leela Palaces & Resorts in India.

 

• Harold John Abonitalla is appointed as Head Concierge at Conrad Dubai. Over his expansive career in the hospitality industry, he has been honoured for his multiple achievements and excellent standards. 

 

• Adnan Ali Khan has been promoted to General Manager of Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Barsha Heights.  His responsibilities include the smooth running of the operation, working closely with the HODs, up keeping Ramada brand's culture, ensuring guest satisfaction, and improvising profitability.

 

• Yas Island Rotana has announced the appointment of Mokhtar Mohamed Ekholy as Cluster Executive Chef. He will lead kitchens at Choices, Blue Grill, Rangoli, Aquarius and Y Bar in Yas Island Rotana and oversee future development of menus, events and offers.

 

• Alan Snyman is the new Executive Chef for Rotana Hotels at the Capital Centre Complex. He will leverage almost three decades of culinary experience at Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Centro Capital Centre, and Capital Centre Arjaan.

 

• Marriott Al Jaddaf has appointed Anwer Abbas as Food & Beverage Manager. He has climbed the ladder in Marriot for years, now helping to lead food and beverage.

 

• Karin van den Berg has been appointed by Hilton as Senior Director of Operations. She will oversee operations at 17 hotels across the emirates. 

 

• Siyam World has appointed Chef Adam Clive Lockwood as its new Director of Culinary. He will oversee the overall food and beverage department and craft innovative menus. 

 

• Universal Resorts Management (URM) has appointed Visha Mahir as Chief Operating Officer. She brings in over twenty years of experience.
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• Sanjay Maniku is appointed as Chief Operating Officer in Universal Resorts Management. He has served as executive director for Development and Joint Ventures at Universal Enterprises since 2004.

 

• Kanuhura Maldives has appointed Bryce Seator as General Manager. He brings in over seventeen years of experience in senior management roles in international luxury hotels and resorts.

 

• Luigi Vespero has been promoted as Director of F&B and Culinary at Waldorf Astoria Dubai DIFC. Previously he was the hotel's executive chef, notably bringing Bull & Bear to the forefront of Dubai gastronomy during that time.

 

• Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah announced the appointment of Gerrit Schmitt as its new General Manager. His time at Marriott dates to 2004.

 

• Pedro Samper has joined Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach as Executive Chef. His wealth of knowledge and skill stems from 20 years of experience, working in Michelin star kitchens alongside some of the world's most decorated chefs. 

 

• Petr Dubsky has been appointed as General Manager at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel. In just over a decade, he has held management and leadership roles across Ireland, Georgia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

 

• Scott Catling has been appointed as Director of Sales at Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills. He will have a keen focus on the hotel's corporate and group business, expected to leverage the hotel's access to Expo 2020 Dubai.

 

• Rajdeep Roy is appointed as Director of Revenue Management at Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills. He will be working to ensure profitability at the hotel, keeping in mind the hotel's owners and shareholders. 

 

• Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som has appointed Sandie Johannessen as Director of Health & Wellness. She brings two decades of expertise in natural wellness to Zulal which aligns seamlessly with the specialties of TAIM.

 

• Ajman Hotel by Blazon Hotels has a new Executive Chef. Nicolai Schleifer steps into the emirate with 20 years of experience, having worked across the globe.

 
 
 
Europe:
 

• Hotel Eden announces the appointment of Mirko Cattini as General Manager. He will be taking over from Luca Virgilio, who is moving to London in January 2022 as General Manager of The Dorchester.

 

• Destinations International announced that Jane Cunningham has joined the association as the Director of European Engagement. She has extensive global experience across the meetings and events industry.

 

• Oetkar Collection is pleased to share that Fabio Datteroni has been appointed General Manager of Hotel La Palma. His career in hospitality has spanned over 30 years.

 

•  Hans Heijligers is appointed as General Manager at Intercontinental Geneve and Crowne Plaza Geneva. He will also ensure the management of the newly renovated 4-star Crowne Plaza Geneva.

 

• Raffles Hotels & Resorts and partners are delighted to announce the appointment of Jill O'Hare as Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles London at The OWO. She brings with her over 25 years' international luxury brand experience.

 

• The Dorchester hotel in London has appointed Vincent McGrath as Hotel Manager.  He will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel and support The Dorchester's extensive renovation which is scheduled to commence in February 2022.

 

• Accor has appointed Philip Mahoney as Vice President of Food and Beverage. His main responsibility is to make food and drink the heart and soul of Accor's hotels.

 

• Aparthotels Adagio is pleased to announce the appointment of its new CEO, Xavier Desaulles. He will take over the management of the innovative brand and will be responsible for realising its ambitious development and modernisation goals.

 

• The Kensington hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of François-Xavier Schoeffer as the General Manager. He brings expansive experience working with world-renowned hotels.

 

• Dries Deforche is appointed as Vice President, Legal at Rosewood Hotel Group. He joins Rosewood after serving as Vice President, Asset Management (EMEA) at Marriott International. 

 

• Lore Group has promoted David Taylor to Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is announced as the group prepare to open One Hundred Shoreditch, the company’s sixth hotel and second in London.

 

• Gonzalo Rodriguez Fernandez-Diez has been appointed as General Manager at Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella & Nobu Hotel Marbella. He brings with him an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry and a proven track record in operations, pre-openings, quality of service and achieving top-line results.

 

• Deanna Oppenheimer is appointed as Non – Executive Director and Chair Designate at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Her extensive board and executive-level experience across high-profile consumer brands will bring valuable insights and perspectives to IHG.

 

• Francis Hotel Bath is pleased to announce the appointment of James McDevitt as General Manager. He led hotels to great success, developing teams, winning awards, and improving performance across the board.

 

• Shaun Bowles takes up the role of General Manager at Queens Hotel Cheltenham. He brings a wealth of hospitality experience with him as he joins the team.

 

• Andrey Kagokin has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow. He has experience in changing the restaurant's main menu, holding several successful brunches and create an exquisite menu.

 

• The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has appointed Glenn Mandziuk as their new CEO. He is an internationally recognised chief executive with over 25 years of leadership experience.

 

• Alexandra Pisani takes up the role as General Manager in Corinthia Palace hotel. She received an invaluable education in the quality-of-service that guests have come to expect from all Corinthia hotels.

 

• Belinda Hindmarsh has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of RoomIt and China at CWT and RoomIt by CWT. In this newly created role, Belinda will spearhead commercial development of RoomIt.

 

• Eugenio Pirri has been promoted as Chief Culture and Operations Executive at Dorchester Collection. He will continue to oversee the company's people, culture and belonging strategy.

 

• Marie Laure Fleury has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. French-born Marie began her career in food and beverage in China and spent a number of years working in different hotels across Asia.

 

• The Peninsula Paris is pleased to announce the appointment of Vincent Pimont as its new General Manager. He will bring to this position a wealth of experience, both within the legendary Peninsula property on Avenue Kléber, as well as in the luxury hotel industry in the Parisian square and far beyond.

 

• Massimiliano Perversi has been announced as the new General Manager at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. He will lead the team in all aspects of hotel operations.

  
Asia:
 

• The Westin Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Vikram Khatri as Director of Culinary who will shoulder responsibility and invest efforts to elevate every dining experience with unrivalled hospitality and devotion to freshness, hygiene, and technique.

 

• Amanpreet Matharu has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Four Seasons Hotel. He brings with him immense knowledge and a sharpened skill set which will help him lead the successful food & beverage operations at the property.

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• Rosewood Hotel Group announced the appointment of Taywin (Tex) Khampasri as Chief Information Officer. Taking his unique experience to Rosewood, he will design and implement scalable technology solutions that will deliver the very best customer service.

 

• Travelodge Hotel Hurstville is pleased to welcome Ansarina Flower as General Manager. She is not only a posterchild for brand Travelodge, but also for being a full-time working mum at TFE.

 

• Chad Brown is appointed as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at JC Hospitality LLC. In his new role, he continues the responsibilities and oversees brand growth and marketing penetration.

 

• JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rohit Tiwari as the new Director of Operations. He will play a key role in overlooking the operations of the iconic hotel across all functions.

 

• Raffles Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the appointment of Dennis de Groot as Acting General Manager of both Raffles Hotel Le Royal and hotel Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. He has more than 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry.

 

• Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Chippendale welcomes Liam Schutz as General Manager. He has completed a secondment with the Systems and Database team at Head Office, where he played a key role in the O365 implementation.

 

• Siyam World is pleased to announce Adam Lockwood as Director of Culinary. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the food and beverage development across the resort's 14 restaurants and bars.

 

• Todd Wynne Parry has been appointed as Managing Director at Horwath HTL. Horwath HTL is the world's only independent advisory brand focused one hundred percent on hospitality, tourism, and leisure development.

 

• Accor is pleased to announce Sarah Derry is appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer Accor Pacific. She is currently Senior Vice President Talent and Culture and joined Accor in 2017.

• Nigel Fisher is appointed as General manager at Banyan tree Krabi. He posses 37 years of experience in luxury hotel management across Asia and Australia.

 
 
Africa:
 

• WINK Aparthotels is proud to announce the appointment of Peter van Rensburg as the General Manager of the hospitality group. With far-reaching and diverse experience in hospitality, he is the perfect addition to the team.