The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - February 2025

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

Market update​​​

• Employment in leisure and hospitality changed little in January (-3,000).
• Leisure and hospitality were flat overall with the food services sector losing 17,500 people from the prior month

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Michael Nahat named as Director of Food & Beverage at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa. He has been with Omni Hotels & Resorts for more than six years.
• Gregg Harper has been appointed as General Manager at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples. Before joining Noble House, he served as Area General Manager/Managing Director at CoralTree Hospitality.
• John Beriker has been appointed as Executive Chef at BALEEN Naples at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. He brings over 30 years of international culinary expertise.
• Kent Bearden has been promoted to Director of Food & Beverage at Hôtel Swexan in Dallas. An active leader beyond the kitchen, he serves on the boards of the Charley Hoffman Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis in Las Vegas.
• Josh Rubinger has been appointed as SVP of National Accounts at Peachtree Group. His role will focus on business development, overseeing relationships with broker-dealers and registered investment advisors.
• Keisha Smith has been appointed as EVP and Chief People and Culture Officer at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. She joins the Executive Leadership Team and reports directly to Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal.
• Stewart Arevalo has been appointed as Director of Operations at Hilton Irvine. He is set to lead with vision, passion, and a guest-first approach, further enhancing the hotel's reputation for excellence.
• Andrew Casperson has been promoted to President at Coury Hospitality. As President, He will be instrumental in shaping the future of Coury Hospitality, driving its strategic growth and reinforcing its reputation as a trailblazer in hospitality management.
• Randy Diamond has been appointed as Vice President at Highgate in Honolulu. He has been an invaluable member of the Highgate team for the past six years, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a passion for leadership.
• Angela Nolan has been appointed as Vice President at Highgate in Honolulu. Most recently, she led as Market General Manager for Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
• Kay Washington has been appointed as General Manager at AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. In her role, she will oversee all facets of the 226-room hotel located in Chicago's River North area.
• Sarah Christie Rydell has been appointed as Resort Manager at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. She has held a variety of leadership positions including roles with Marriott in the Pacific Northwest and California markets.
• Peter Szekely has been appointed as Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. He brings over a decade of experience in luxury food and beverage operations.
• Chad Severance has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Development & Design at Westgate Resorts. He brings over 25 years of experience in construction and development, with a background working at Disney, Universal Creative and Elite International.
• Mitch Less has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Westgate Resorts. He brings over 35 years of industry experience, having served as a Partner at Grant Thornton, where he specialized in the hospitality and real estate sectors.
• John Willman has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Westgate Resorts. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
• Jared Saft has been promoted to Chief Business & Strategy Officer at Westgate Resorts. He will continue to lead marketing, hotel sales, product development and owner services, while also overseeing the company's long-term growth strategy. 
• Alex Velazquez has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing & Creative Services at Westgate Resorts. His new role will focus on further integrating Westgate's marketing and consumer engagement strategies.
• Liana Waechter has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at L7 CHICAGO by LOTTE in Chicago. As the Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing for Rebel Hospitality, LLC, she drove sales and marketing initiatives across the company's entire portfolio of properties. 
• Loribeth Nunez has been appointed as Community Curator at Smyth Tribeca in New York. A New Jersey-raised visionary with a passion for arts, food, and fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role.
• Sean Murphy has been appointed as General Manager at The Bower Coronado in San Diego. Most recently, he led operations as Director of Rooms at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection.
• Nicholas Durslag has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Bower Coronado in San Diego. He steps into this role with an impressive international background spanning Spain, Mexico, Thailand, Switzerland, and the United States.
• Jeff Catubig has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. He has built a distinguished career, including key roles with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Hotels & Resorts.
• Clint DeLee has been appointed as Vice President of Operations at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He will leverage his extensive leadership experience to drive operational excellence delivering best-in-class service and results for stakeholders.
• Karen Mendez has been promoted to Vice President of Operations at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. Her leadership and strategic vision will be instrumental in ensuring operational success and delivering exceptional guest experiences for this exciting new brand.
• Lindsay Meadows has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Accounting & Procurement at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. She will oversee accounting and procurement operations, ensuring financial health and operational efficiency as the company continues to expand.
• Brad Read has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He will continue to lead innovative financial strategies that position HE for long-term and sustainable success.
• Michaelanne Colarelli named as Procurement Manager at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. Her natural ability to build meaningful relationships and optimize processes will drive value for HE's properties and stakeholders in her new role.
• Angela Phillips has been promoted to Regional Director of Sales at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving sales performance and fostering long-term success for the organization.
• Luigi Iannuario has been appointed as Executive Chef at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection in Miami Beach. Cooking has been a lifelong passion for the chef, who was raised in Milan.
• Miguel Faget has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection in Miami Beach. He will also partner with Chef Iannuario on the re-conception of Donna Mare, the hotel's signature Italian concept.
• Stephanie Lepori has been appointed as Member of the Board of Directors at DiamondRock Hospitality Company. She also oversees all functions of human resources, including labor relations, benefits, and compensation.
• Peter Clarke joins Carnival Cruise Line as Chief Operations Officer. He brings his 30 years of experience to the high seas.
• Adrian De Gortari has been appointed as Executive Vice President of Revenue at Remington Hospitality. In his role, he will focus on creating a highly agile and standardized revenue management platform, empowering the company's teams to optimize profitability and streamline processes.
• Kannan Sankaran joined HVS Consulting & Valuation as Managing Director. He is driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their investment goals and by the hospitality industry's global importance to both the economy and society.
• Dan Clark has been appointed as Vice President, Global Leisure Sales - Europe at Preferred Travel Group in London. With extensive experience in hospitality sales, he most recently served as Senior Director of Hospitality Sales for Calliope Collective.
• Ian Leggatt has been appointed as Director of Golf at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. He will oversee all operations at The Grand Golf Club, which includes San Diego's only Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
• Zachary Norris has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at Avocet Hospitality Group. He served as Director and Client Liaison at Bourne Group International, a design-build signage company serving the global cruise industry.
• Keyshon Desergant has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Admiral Hotel in Mobile. His dedication to creating everlasting guest experiences and passion for high-quality service align seamlessly with Avocet's commitment to exceptional hospitality. 
• Adrienne Jubb has been appointed as SVP of Business Development at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. Her in-depth understanding of the intricacies of West Coast markets will serve as an invaluable asset to hotel owners.
• Javier Águila has been appointed as President, Inclusive Collection at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Further announcements relating to a new Luxury group will be forthcoming later this year.
• Conner White named as Vice Chair and Chief Investment Officer at White Lodging. White Lodging has developed more than 210 new hotels since its founding in 1985.
• Sean Tresvant named as Member of the Board of Directors at Marriott International, Inc. He is expected to be included in the company's slate of nominees for election at its upcoming 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
• Scott Roby has been appointed as President at Pacifica Hotels. He started his career with two Hilton resorts in San Diego after graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.
• Patti Cameron has been promoted to Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Concord Hospitality. She is a seasoned talent acquisition executive with more than 20 years of experience.
• Ron Carter has been appointed as General Manager at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Springdale. In this role, he will be responsible for ensuring seamless daily operations, developing and leading the management team.
• Matt Zubrod has been appointed as Culinary Director at Viceroy Snowmass in Snowmass Village. He will bring his expertise and passion for exceptional cuisine to the renowned resort.
• Felice Kreitman has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at THesis Hotel Miami. She brings over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of success in leadership roles in the hospitality industry.
• Céline McArthur has been appointed as Public Relations and Communications Manager at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in Bretton Woods. She has built a distinguished career as a National and New England television news anchor and investigative journalist.
• Justin Farmer has been appointed as Chief Growth Officer at MMGY Global. He will leverage his industry expertise and service-driven mindset to propel revenue growth and reinforce the
  company’s position as a global leader.
• Randy Jones has been appointed as Chief Accounting Officer at Remington Hospitality. In his new capacity, he will ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of financial information.
• Fernando Santana has been appointed as Managing Director at Grand Hyatt Vail. Bringing over 30 years of experience, he has held several managerial positions at other Hyatt properties.
• Michael Scott has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Grand Hyatt Vail. He brings a proven track record of success from his 20-year tenure across U.S-based Hyatt properties.
• Toby March has been appointed as Executive Vice President – Americas at Rategain in Southlake. He brings three decades of leadership experience in the travel and hospitality technology sector.
• Philip Wade has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Kessler Collection. In his new role, he will draw upon his prior experience working in both private equity and public REITs to help guide strategic leadership decisions.
• Matthew Slippoy has been appointed as Managing Director at The Asbury Collection. He brings over 23 years of leadership experience in luxury, lifestyle, and boutique hotels.
• Veronica Moretti named as General Manager at Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley. She began her hospitality career at the Vail Marriott, where she learned firsthand many of the important roles it takes to run a resort.
• Christopher Cylke has been promoted to President at Octant Hotels in Lisbon. His expertise spans hotel operations, new development, acquisitions and strategic advisory for an array of properties, including hotels, resorts, mixed-use and more. 
• Lisa Luna has been appointed as Director of Marketing at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. She has had more than 50 manuscripts published and translated both domestically and in Asia.
• Jordan Hylton has been appointed as Senior Vice President at Peachtree Group. He will report to Witt and lead efforts to identify and secure multifamily acquisition opportunities.
• Bo Patel named as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Coury Hospitality. He is a seasoned hospitality and real estate executive with over two decades of experience driving value across diverse asset classes. 
• Ersela Muka-Ylli has been appointed as General Manager at The Dagny Boston. She has held several roles since arriving to the property in 2020, when it was formerly operated by Hilton. 
• Mike Deitemeyer joined Rockbridge as Executive Vice President. He will serve as president of Rockbridge's development division and oversee strategic affiliates.
• Caroline Krass has been appointed as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Hilton. She most recently served as the general counsel for the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Michael Vaughn has been appointed as Corporate Executive Chef at Pacifica Hotels. He has held multiple Corporate Executive Chef roles, led culinary teams and shaped innovative dining experiences.
• Emanuele Fissore has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean. He will oversee all aspects of the hotel's day-to-day operations and continue to elevate the overall guest experience.
• Bryan Younge has been appointed as Managing Partner, Practice Leader – Valuation Advisory Americas at Horwath HTL in Chicago. He will oversee the firm's advisory services across the Americas and work alongside John Fareed, Global Chairman of Horwath HTL.
• Nicholas Abruscato has been appointed as General Manager at The Industrialist Hotel in Pittsburgh. He spent 24 years with Hyatt Hotels, where he held the position of Regional Director of Food & Beverage.

Europe​

• Jos Vranken has been appointed as President of the Board of Directors at Hotelschool The Hague. For several years, he also served as NBTC's Director for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia, based in London.
• Philip Steiner has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cycas Hospitality BV. Prior to this appointment, he served as General Manager of the Bankside Hotel in London, a Marriott Autograph Collection property.
• Sophie Mestiri has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer at Adagio in Paris. She began her career at Bouygues Telecom, where she held various roles for 12 years.
• Patrick O’Sullivan has been appointed as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. He returns to Grosvenor House from The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco where he held the position as Executive Chef.
• Shumi Khan has been appointed as Chair of Revenue Optimization Advisory Board at HSMAI Region Europe. She says she aims to "change hearts and minds" about how revenue management should evolve, influencing industry leaders, educators, and professionals alike.
• Anna Moore has been appointed as Regional Director of U.K. and Ireland at Preferred Hotels & Resorts in London. In this role, she focuses on the retention and expansion of the brand's portfolio within the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Natalia Lehmann named as Senior Vice President, Operations at three&six. She joined three&six nearly two years ago as Director of Strategy.
• Joanne White has been appointed as General Manager at Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central. Her vision is to develop the already highly successful hotel, maximising the Holiday Inn brand's reputation, tools and resources.
• Gordon Drake has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Kempinski Hotels. In his role, he will oversee the company's financial operations, analysis and risk assessment. 
• Rasha Lababidi has been appointed as Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Kempinski Hotels. She will lead product innovation, design and guest experience across the brand's luxury global portfolio.
• Jan Ringertz has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Octant Hotels in Lisbon. He brings exceptional leadership experience in luxury hospitality, strategic vision, and a strong customer-focused approach.
• Hendrik Huebner has been appointed as General Manager at Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, in London. He brings a wealth of experience, customer insights, and an exceptional track record in the luxury hospitality industry.
• Ons Gherib has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Design & Construction at Belmond in Paris. He will be responsible for refining Belmond's design and construction processes, ensuring efficiency and excellence in project execution.
• Erin Fuller has been promoted to Global Head of Association Solutions at MCI Group in Geneva. She will develop thought leadership initiatives and strategies for association clients, focusing on strategic growth and success.
• Laurence Julliard has been appointed as Global Head of Client Solutions at mci group in London. She specialises in digital transformation, AI, and cybersecurity, aligning corporate client needs with solutions that drive ROI and business transformation.

Asia

• Arta Rozefelde has been appointed as Resort Manager at COMO Cocoa Island in South Male Atoll. She brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including leadership positions at exclusive private islands in the Philippines and the Seychelles, as well as cruise lines. 
• Scott Bear has been appointed as General Manager at Novotel Geelong. His commitment to delivering outstanding service aligns perfectly with Novotel Geelong's vision of excellence.
• Yasuhiro Toshida has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. His role extends beyond ensuring excellence in the kitchen to curating the ambience, the feel, of each outlet.
• Oliver Eller has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands in North Male Atoll. Throughout his career, he has held prominent leadership positions with some of the most well-known hospitality brands across the globe.
• Charis Yim has been appointed as General Manager at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West in Hong Kong. With over 30 years of extensive experience in international luxury hotel management, she brings a profound wealth of knowledge to her new position.
• Sagnik Ukil has been appointed as Director of Sales at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad. In his role, he will lead the sales team, drive business growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and build strategic partnerships.
• Jurgen Ammerstorfer has been appointed as General Manager at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel. In his new role, he will oversee the completion of the property's extensive renovations, which will introduce a full suite of Anantara experiences.
• Christian Pedersen has been appointed as Executive Chef at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort in Vommuli Island, Dhaalu Atoll. He is inspired by cultures and has traveled a large part of the world as a chef.
• Gonzalo Aguilar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas. He will focus on strengthening international integration of Minor's brand portfolio and accelerating hotel openings in key markets.
• Arup Panda has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. His expertise spans across operations management, menu development, vendor relations, and cost control.

­­
South America​

• Ricardo Suárez has been appointed as General Manager at NIZUC Resort & Spa in Punta Nizuc. His extensive experience in operational and strategic management, talent development, resource optimization, and brand reputation enhancement has earned him recognition.
• Afonso Cunha has been appointed as General Manager at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. He has held positions at iconic properties such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East, the Ritz Hotel Lisbon.
• Victor Tufiño has been appointed as Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. He will pay homage to his diverse culinary journey that began during his childhood in Mexico.

­­Carribean​

• Eric Segreti has been appointed as General Manager at Atlantis Paradise Island The Cove. He brings over 15 years of hospitality experience, having held leadership positions at renowned properties in New York and Florida.
• Shanna Jaycock has been appointed as Wedding & Social Travel Sales Manager at Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau. She will be an invaluable asset to Rosewood Baha Mar's events team, elevating its offerings with exceptional skills and diverse experiences.

Middle East​

• Rajeev Gopalakrishnan has been appointed as Director of Operations at Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. He holds a Swiss Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality from the Institute Hôtelier César Ritz in Switzerland.
• Yves Bas has been appointed as Director of Culinary at Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. He holds a diploma in Hotel Administration from Hotelschool Hasselt in Belgium.
• Thomas B. Meier has been appointed as CEO at Jumeirah Group. He has been instrumental in guiding Jumeirah through several important milestones and will now lead the next stage of the Brand's sustainable growth under its Mission 2030 strategy.
• Arjun Kaggallu has been appointed as General Manager at Aloft Abu Dhabi. He has over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hospitality brands across India, Europe, and the United States. 
• Anoop Joseph has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar. His appointment is a strategic move to strengthen the resort's positioning in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.
• Cameron McNeillie has been appointed as General Manager at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa. He brings over 30 years of global hospitality experience, having managed award-winning luxury properties across the UK and Eastern Europe.
• Amy Linderts has been appointed as Director of Spa at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort. Her leadership will further the resort's commitment to delivering transformative wellness journeys tailored to the needs of its guests.
• Yomi Egbeleye has been appointed as Director of Rooms at St. Regis Abu Dhabi. He will bring his 14 years of luxury hospitality experience from the USA, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Nigeria, into the role.
• Patrick Antaki has been appointed as Vice President of Operations, Middle East at Valor Hospitality Partners in Dubai. His career journey began in the UK during the mid-1980s, where he held senior management roles with renowned global brands.
• Nelson Riffard has been appointed as Commercial Director at InterContinental Dubai Marina. In his new role as commercial director, he will oversee strategies to exceed revenue targets across rooms, conference & events, F&B, and leisure, while leading marketing initiatives, building partnerships, and ensuring strong market positioning.
• Bahar OZKAN has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai. She has over 22 years of experience in global hospitality and holds a strong commitment to the Taj Group's legacy.
• Stefan Radstrom has been promoted to Complex General Manager at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection in Dubai. Boasting over 30 years in the hospitality industry, he has travelled the world, gaining valuable insights into diverse cultures and hospitality trends.
• Andrew Steele has been appointed as Managing Director at Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha. His extensive experience and visionary leadership will further elevate these hotels, reinforcing their position as premier destinations for international travelers and integral parts of Doha's vibrant community.
• Firas Mneimneh has been appointed as General Manager at Radisson Collection Residences, Riyadh. He brings over 26 years of international experience in hospitality, having worked in Italy, Poland, the UAE, Jordan, Iraq Saudi Arabia. 
• Sébastien Mariette has been appointed as General Manager at Kempinski Harbour Heights Bahrain in Manama. The property will also feature a stunning rooftop pool; spa and wellness facilities; a fully equipped panoramic gym; and meeting and event facilities. 
• Dany Cherfane has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Holiday Inn Express Dubai - Internet City. He has over 21 years of experience in the hospitality sector. 

Africa​​

• Anis Zayana has been appointed as General Manager at The Residence Douz. He brings an impressive background in hotel management, having led several renowned properties across Tunisia and Algeria.