The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - January 2023

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

Market update​​

• Employment in leisure and hospitality rose by 67,000. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places (+26,000); amusements, gambling, and recreation (+25,000) and accommodation (+10,000).
• Leisure and hospitality added an average of 79,000 jobs per month in 2022, substantially less than the average gain of 196,000 jobs per month in 2021.
• Employment in the industry remains below its pre-pandemic February 2020 level by 932,000, or 5.5 percent.

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​

• Jamie Cross has been appointed as the HR Manager for Silvies Valley Ranch. She brings over 20 years of experience in all phases of human resources.
• Peter Humig has been appointed as Executive Vice President of Picerne Residential. He spent the previous 24 years at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
• Matthew Weeks has been appointed as Resort Manager of the Hideout Golf Club & Resort.  He returns to Texas after several management positions in southern California with Laguna Riviera and Balboa Bay Resort.
• Bre Smith appointed as Director of Operations at The Georgian, Santa Monica. She has more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and management.
• The Georgian announces Amber Arbucci as Culture and Guest Relations. Her expertise in the arts and philanthropic endeavors will be put to excellent use in cultivating The Georgian's community and guest relationships.
• Fairmont Copley pleased to announce Tabish Siddiquie as General Manager. He will direct the operation of Fairmont Copley Plaza, a landmark hotel located in Boston's Back Bay featuring 383 luxurious guest rooms and suites.
• Marcos Seville appointed as Executive Chef at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. He will oversee all operational duties at the resort's dining venues located in the heart of San Diego Harbor, including Harbor's Edge, Shoreline Cantina, Marina Market.
• Thom Caska named as General Manager at Hilton New York Times Square. He has graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pace University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
• Brianna Birtle appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Smyth Tribeca in New York. She will oversee the hotel's sales and marketing efforts and will work to drive new business opportunities and revenue growth.
• Chris Green appointed as President at Remington Hotels. He will continue Remington's legacy as a high-touch, high-results, and high-trust management partner.
• The ART Hotel appointed Amy Sirmons as Director of Sales & Marketing. She brings her admiration of the hospitality industry to her new role at The ART where she will lead the sales and marketing teams.
• The Tsuut'ina Nation is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyrone Waite as the Resort Chief Executive Officer for the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino. He has over twenty years of Gaming expertise and will play an integral role in the Resort’s next phase of growth.
• C.J. Chapman named General Counsel at Stonebridge Companies. He will not only provide in-house legal advice for Stonebridge but also oversee the firm's risk management group.
• James Montgomery named General Manager at AC Hotel Dallas by the Galleria and Residence Inn Dallas. He is responsible for managing the hotels' operations on a day-to-day basis to assure optimum performance and continual improvement.
• Angelina Covington appointed as General Manager at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in South Walton. She will focus on improving the overall guest experience, managing revenues, and overseeing the hotel's daily operations.
• Dan Smith has promoted EVP of Owner Success at First Hospitality. He will oversee First Hospitality's overall business development activities for all third-party management business and continue to lead owner relations.
• Michael Tyler appointed as Vice President, Capital Planning & Facilities at Atrium Hospitality. He will manage the development of Atrium’s capital investment needs and lead and develop the company’s internal and external project management resources.
• Atrium Hospitality named Chris O’Donnell as Chief Operating Officer. He will be responsible for oversight of all operational performance throughout the award-winning Atrium-managed national hotel portfolio across 28 states.
• Atrium Hospitality is pleased to announce Anneliesse Cooper as Chief Human Resources Officer. She will focus on Atrium Hospitality's core values and company culture as she partners with our leadership team to drive talent strategies.
• Jatin Saraiya appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Fishers. He brings over 19 years of hospitality experience to his new role as director of sales and marketing.
• Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences named Simon Rodrigues as Director of Sales & Marketing. He will work alongside General Manager Oliver Dudler and oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for Raffles Boston.
• Linda Menshon has been promoted Director of Sales & Marketing at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and The Inn on Fifth in Naples. She will oversee revenue management, group, corporate, and transient sales, and all marketing initiatives for LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.
• Steve Lindburg appointed as General Manager at The Laylow, Autograph Collection in Honolulu. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, guest satisfaction, implement enhancements of hotel offerings and achieve property-wide goals.
• Candice A. Cancino has been appointed as Virgin Hotels New York’s General Manager. He will oversee operations and strategies for the 460-room New York City hotel in NoMad and will manage all aspects of the hotel opening including all recruitment. 
• HVS Executive Search announces the promotion of Bill Conn to Executive Vice President, Managing Director. He views his role as that of a strategic partner helping his clients solve problems and achieve their business goals.
• Melissa Brown has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Virgin Hotels New York City. Her expertise has a proven track record with repositioning, openings, business development and hotel acquisition for Luxe and World Hotels.
• Maria Murillo named Director of People at Virgin Hotels New York City. She joins Virgin Hotels New York after decades-long experience as Director of Human Resources at The St. Regis New York, The Knickerbocker Times Square, and, most recently, Room Mate Hotels.
• Dennis O’Connor appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Virgin Hotels New York City. He is responsible for overseeing all facets of the food & beverage development and programming at Virgin Hotels New York City.
• Tom Scudero named Director of Engineering at Virgin Hotels New York City. He will be tasked with setting operational standards and procedures, while simultaneously liaising with key stakeholders of the hotel to ensure proper execution of plans and project quality.
• William Friedrichs has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at W Nashville. He is responsible for leading all food and beverage operations and activations for W Nashville.
• Wild Onion Bistro & Bar at Hotel Citrine is pleased to announce Julie Cablay as Executive Chef. She is responsible for the culinary operations for Hotel Citrine and the adjacent AC Palo Alto.
• James Dannecker has been appointed General Manager at Detroit Foundation Hotel. He hopes to use his expertise to bring the community together and create the foremost hospitality experience in Detroit.
• Jaimie Skriba appointed as Director of Lifestyle at Detroit Foundation Hotel. She plans to further integrate the Motor City community into the Detroit Foundation Hotel's events and programming, uplifting those who make up the expansive culture.
• Laia Whitfield has been appointed as Director of Sales at Detroit Foundation Hotel. She will spearhead sales and marketing initiatives that will showcase all that makes Detroit Foundation Hotel a hub for the community.
• The Adolphus announces Danny Estevez as Area Managing Director. He will act as a liaison between the hotel and the Dallas community and strategize on the next evolution and vision for the iconic and historic hotel.
• Sam Ioannidis has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Montreal. He oversees its entire operations as it underwent extensive renovations and property-wide expansions.
• Carolyn Rebeck Allen has been appointed Vice President of Leisure Sales at Salamander Hotels & Resorts. She is responsible for developing strategic plans to positively impact leisure business and cultivate relationships across various leisure markets.
• Carly Cox named Area Director of Leisure Sales at Aurora Anguilla and Half Moon, Jamaica in Ponte Vedra Beach. She oversees leisure sales efforts for Dorado Beach and Zadun during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Olivia Gawronski appointed as Travel Industry Sales Manager at Hotel Bennett in Charleston. She will be Leisure Sales Coordinator working directly with the nation's top travel agencies on a daily basis.
• Margaret Thwaites has been appointed as Area Director of Leisure Sales at Salamander Resort & Spa and Salamander Washington DC. She oversees travel industry efforts for Salamander's flagship property and its newest addition.
• Michael Newman named as Area Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Place Chelsea in New York.  He will oversee all sales and marketing of the property in an effort to continue building revenue.
• Hilton Willoughby has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Place Chelsea. He will oversee all facets of food and beverage operations at Hyatt Place New York Chelsea's dining venues, including The Breakfast Bar, The Placery lobby bar, The Market.
• Martin Sinclair appointed as Corporate Director of Operations at Virgin Hotels. He will be responsible for ensuring an enhanced guest experience that provides elevated hospitality services across the entire Virgin Hotels portfolio.
• Grand Hyatt Vail is pleased to announce the appointment of Miki Hirakawa as spa director. She will oversee all aspects of the spa including ensuring guest satisfaction for the highest quality spa experience, carefully curating the selection of beauty and wellness treatments.
• Matthew Conn has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Grand View Lodge Spa and Golf Resort in Nisswa. He oversees operations for the resort, golf course, banquet, and conference services departments.
• Clayton Parrett appointed as Executive Chef at HEW Parlor & Chophouse at Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection in Dunedin. He will also oversee food and beverage operations for meetings, corporate events, local catering functions and special occasions.
• Fairmont Dallas welcomes David Sher as General Manager. He brings an impressive background and great deal of experience back to the hotel, including completion of Accor's International Management Hospitality program in 2019.
• Antonio Bugarin has been appointed as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. He oversees all operations at the 170-room luxury property including the three dining outlets Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, The Rooftop by JG, and the Lobby Lounge.
• Yulissa Acosta named Chef de Cuisine at Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. She will oversee menu creation and continued culinary development at Hearth '61.
• Jason Reader has been promoted as Executive Vice President of Operations at Remington Hotels. He will oversee all company operations and implement systems that support Remington's overall goals for development and growth.
• Sally Bartas appointed as Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Choice Hotels International, Inc. She will report directly to the company's chief human resources officer and work closely with leaders across the enterprise to strategically expand Choice's talent programs.
• John Kukreja has been appointed as General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center. He has more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and management.
• Kate Bleakley appointed as Vice President of Operations, WaterWalk Division at Island Hospitality Management LLC. WaterWalk is a unique lodging option that combines the conveniences of a hotel with apartment-style living.
• Aman is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Lordonnois as Managing Director. He will oversee the running of the hotel, as well as the operation of the Aman Residences and Aman Club.
• JP Hurtado joined Holiday Inn Club Vacations as Chief Information Officer. He will be responsible for leading, steering and accelerating the company's technology strategy and digital transformation.
• Danny Lafayette appointed as Board Chairman at BWH Hotel Group. He brings decades of hospitality experience and over 40 years of Best Western ownership to his role as Chairman.
• Kelly Brown has been appointed as General Manager at The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville. She has 16 years of experience in hospitality and management.
• Ana Citzman joined Pacifica Hotels as Regional Director of Sales. She has more than 15 years of experience in the Luxury Aviation and Hospitality Industry.
• Katie Pavkov appointed as Corporate Food and Beverage Manager at Pacifica Hotels. She has also held positions as General Manager at Solstice in Irvine.
• Tyler Parham has been promoted Executive Chef at Union & Vine located inside SpringHill Suites by Marriott Paso Robles Atascadero. He was most recently a Banquet Server at the property and is excited to bring a new spin on the Atascadero-based restaurant.
• Sara Scott has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the hospitality industry.
• Nathan Sporbert named General Manager at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City. He brings eight years of diverse industry experience with him.
• Shane Husband joins Groups360 as vice president of technology. He brings over 20 years of specialized experience in delivering technology solutions and has held strategic leadership positions in complex enterprises, including Bayview Asset Management and Asurion.
• Adrienne Weil has been promoted as Senior Vice President, Member Engagement & Services at American Hotel & Lodging Association. She will lead AHLA's membership team and spearhead efforts to optimize AHLA's committees and networks.
• Kiersten Pearce has been as promoted Senior Vice President, Executive & Strategic Initiatives at American Hotel & Lodging Association. She will shape and develop key industry initiatives and execution on AHLA's strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association promotes Kara Filer as Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Business Development. She will optimize and expand sponsorship and event revenues from AHLA Allied member companies.
• Proper Hospitality announces the appointment of Chef Manuel Portillo as Executive Chef at Hotel June's flagship property in West LA. He will oversee the Hotel's signature poolside restaurant Caravan Swim Club, a two-level outdoor restaurant and bar.
• Fairmont Orchid is pleased to announce the appointment of Isabel Chung as the resort's Executive Chef. She will oversee all creative and strategic initiatives of the property's culinary operations, including the fine dining, AAA Four Diamond restaurant.
• Peachtree Group ("Peachtree") has appointed Michael Bernath as Senior Vice President Of Acquisitions. He will report to Brian Waldman, Peachtree's chief investment officer, and oversee the company's national hospitality acquisition program.
• Peachtree Group named Rachel Huang as vice president of hotel analytics & support. She will lead PHM's business intelligence strategy in providing data-backed decision support across multiple functions in her new role.
• Dayna Blank has been promoted Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Playa Hotels & Resorts. She is officially elevated to Playa's executive leadership team and will report directly to Bruce Wardinski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
• McClinton Heil has been appointed General Manager at HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek in Denver. He will take over leadership of this dynamic and high-performing team, reinforcing the brand, maximizing financial performance, and team member coaching.

­­
Europe​

• Oliver Monceau appointed as General Manager at Club Med Singapore and Malaysia. His priorities will be to guide the team through the next phase of strategic brand growth within the region, drive a purposeful brand building through exceptional travel destinations.
• Kai Winkler named as General Manager at Fairmont St Andrews. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operational functions at the luxury hotel, including providing strategic guidance to achieve Fairmont's vision and implementing organizational processes.
• Michael Glover has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He will take up his new position and become an Executive Director of IHG's Board and a member of IHG's Executive Committee with effect from 20 March 2023.
• Paul Hart has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh. He will lead The Balmoral culinary team, bringing dedication and passion to the hotel's offering with a vision to develop imaginative and thoughtful approaches.
• Anjeanette Manuel has been as promoted Country Public Relations Manager at Rixos, GCC. She oversees Rixos Hotels' PR & Communications Strategy, initiate regional and wider activations and campaigns, organise international press visits.

­­

Asia​

• Jasjit Assi appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. He brings a wealth of international experience as the General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
• Millennium Hilton Bangkok appoints Tim Tate as General Manager. He works with one-of-a-kind dining, bar and relaxation venues hosted within the 32-storey landmark hotel.
• Sven Wunram named as Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. He is responsible for overseeing its signature dining outlets - Colony, the one MICHELIN star Summer Pavilion, and Republic.
• Gregory Astima appointed as Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. He oversees rooms operations, housekeeping, guest services, the Club Lounge, and the fitness centre and spa.
• JLL announces Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan as Senior Vice President of Advisory & Asset Management.  He will be responsible for advising both domestic and international clients through development advisory, feasibility assessment, investment strategies.
• Tejas Amin appointed as Hotel Manager at Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park. He has almost a decade of experience working for some of India's most luxurious hotels including stints with Taj Hotels, Leela Palaces and Movenpick.
• Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport is pleased to announce Daniel Pearce as Hotel Manager. He brings more than 17 years hospitality experience to the role following positions at a number of Sydney properties including Little National Hotel.
• Nitin Maithani appointed as Bar Manager and master mixologist at The Wilmot Bar, Kimpton Margot Sydney. He brings more than a decade of hospitality management experience to the role having managed some of Sydney's hottest bars as well as international stints.
• Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC named Waris Qureshi as Master Chef. He will now be helmed by Chef Qureshi, who specializes in Awadhi, Hyderabadi, and Kashmiri cuisines.
• JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Rahul Prashar as the Director of Rooms. He will be responsible for room division operations and will be helming to scale up property's offerings for guests by creating a superior experience.
• QT Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the appointment of Steven James as General Manager. He brings over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry and joins QT Perth from the group's port city hotel, Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
• The Westin Rishikesh Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Amardeep Singh as General Manager. He will be responsible for spearheading the resort launch, managing finance performance, guest engagement & relationships.
• Marco Riva has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. He will oversee everything in food and beverage, including the service and kitchens of the Hotel.
• Rutjiret Ananphong named as General Manager at Centara Ubon. She will continue overseeing and directing all aspects of operations when the hotel officially opens next year.
• Arnab Nath has been promoted as Talent & Culture Manager at Novotel Guwahati GS Road Hotel. He has total 11 years of experience.
• Ashok Tripathy has been appointed as Chief Engineer at Novotel Guwahati GS Road Hotel. Having total 17 years of experience and maximum tenure with different properties of Radisson, he is looking forward to work & growing in Accor.
• Justin Strachan named Senior Advisor of Strategic Growth at Absolute Hotel Services. He will focus on growth opportunities for all AHS Group services and new business opportunities, including hotels, resorts, serviced residences, design and consulting.
• Rohit Chhokar has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Rishikesh Resort & Spa. He will be instrumental in implementing strategies to enhance the brand reputation by driving innovative campaigns.
• Cape & Kantary Hotels has appointed Urs Aebi as General Manager of the Cape Fahn Hotel. He has spent almost the past 30 years working in Thailand for a number of different hotels.
• Matthew Helm has been appointed Executive Director of Culinary Operations at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. He brings 15 years of Integrated Resort pre-opening and operational experience.

­­South America​

• W Nashville hired William Friedrichs as the director of beverage. He is responsible for leading all food and beverage operations and activations for W Nashville.
• Remington Hotels is pleased to announce Chris Green as President. He has 25 years of successful hospitality operations experience and an impressive reputation for leading teams with honesty, integrity, and strategic prowess.
• André Aparício has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. He is responsible for the administration of all day-to-day hotel services and activities at the resort.
• Alejandra Vela named Guest Experience Manager at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. She oversees the overall satisfaction of Waldorf Astoria Cancun guests, and as guest experience manager, works closely with the team to deliver an outstanding and effortless experience.
• Omar Sanchez has been appointed as Cluster Spa Director at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. He responsible for all day-to-day operations and ensuring the spa is a welcoming and high-performance environment for guests.
• David Kianni joins as General Manager at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City. He oversees all aspects of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama and ensuring it becomes a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.
• TAFER Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Sasa Milojevic to Chief Operating Officer of The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas. He is excited to further his commitment to creating unforgettable vacation experiences across Mexico's beach.
• Stuart Roger has been appointed as Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. He brings over 20 years of culinary experience in the restaurant and luxury hospitality space to the resort.

Carribean​

• Billy Cueto appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. He will oversee all operations for the acclaimed property, which recently rolled out a new vision for the Resort that speaks to the modern Four Seasons traveler.
• Jeremy Jones named Corporate Director, Resort Operations – Jamaica at Sandals Resorts International in Montego Bay. He will assume responsibility for working with all resorts in Jamaica to maximize performance and profitability as well as team member satisfaction.

­­Middle East​

• Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas named Jérémie Lannoy as Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications. He will be responsible for driving the strategy of both properties, with the support of the team.
• Aaron Kaupp appointed as Regional Vice President Jumeirah Group and General Manager of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab at Jumeirah Group. He will oversee all aspects of the new lifestyle resort, which includes an avantgarde hotel, exclusive residences, a superyacht marina and a wealth of unique dining and lifestyle experiences.
• Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach named Michael Goetz as General Manager. He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations and develop strategic plans to further strengthen the hotel's positioning in the JBR market.
• Janine Gerlich has been appointed as General Manager at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. She had several leadership positions at various locations for luxury hotel brands in Miami, Vienna, Nairobi, Muscat, Bahrain and Phuket.
• Mona Metwally joined Rosewood Abu Dhabi as Director of Sales & Marketing. She plans to build on Redwood Abu Dhabi's market position as a leading luxury lifestyle hotel.
• Remus Palimaru has been appointed as Managing Director at Rosewood Abu Dhabi. He brings over two decades of hospitality experience across Europe, Asia and the Americas in some of the world's leading hotels.
• Olivier Ramos named as Director of Food & Beverage at Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection in Dubai. He joins the Marriott property with years of hotel experience, having worked his way up first as a chef into progressively more managerial posts across the world.
• Antionio Bitetto has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Splendido at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. He joins with more than 20 years of experience and is tasked with overseeing the culinary team of five chefs and enhancing the culinary experiences offered by the restaurant.
• Amal El Ansari joins as General Manager at Swissotel Al Ghurair in Dubai. She brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and commercials and provides a strategic vision for the hotel, connected to the Al Ghurair Centre shopping mall.
• Walid El Awardly named as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall in Kuwait City. He will look after all operations of Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall, brought in especially for his achievements while in Riyadh.
• Andaz Dubai the Palm pleased to announce Mauro Santarelli as Head Chef. He will continue to use fresh products from the Andaz container farm, highlighting pure and organic ingredients.
• Dhiraj Bagai has been appointed as General Manager at Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel in Dubai. He will be responsible for all hotel operations, from employee satisfaction and sales and revenue generation to exceeding guest expectations.
• Baji Moukhachen has been appointed as Head of Sales at Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel in Dubai. He will take up the position of head of sales for the Hospitality group.
• Aneesh Gera joined Caesars Palace Dubai as Entertainment and Nightlife Director. He oversees nightlife operations across the resort's restaurants, bars, lounges, and beach clubs.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has appointed Raymond Haddad as Restaurant Manager for Sel & Miel and Flamingos. He has more than a decade of experience in the hospitality world.
• Yas Plaza Hotels has appointed hospitality veteran Fredrik Reinisch as its new Managing Director. He brings over 20 years of experience with leisure properties in the UAE.
• Fadi Akeel has joined Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah as General Manager. He has more than 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry.